I'm not totally sure if it's the same one (I think it is) that I bought from John at the Traditional Appalachian Dulcimore Gathering at Berea, KY, 2022, but it has a lovely sound, and looks better in person than in the photos. The only difference is mine has maple tuning pegs.
This is my 4th traditional dulcimore that I've purchased from John, and I highly recommend his work!
Charlie:
Here's a link to an essay I wrote a few years back called I Just Got A Dulcimer, Now What? . It's an illustrated glossary of dulcimer terms (so we all speak the same jargon) plus answers to many beginner questions about the tuning, playing, care and feeding of your new dulcimer. Enjoy your dulcimer journey,,,
Ken Hulme's "I Just Got A Dulcimer, Now What?" Article - Strumelia | fotmd.com
@dusty-turtle, thanks for your thoughts on the strings and the fretboard. I assumed it was sound related but was guessing tone or sustain. Now I know, volume and response it is !
I'll go ahead and try a 26w and some heavier plains since I'll be building sets from a shop's singles bin.
Initially I'll tune them down a half step and see how it goes.
If I wind up experimenting with tunings with strings tuned above standard I'll just get a second instrument for that. Probably won't but either way I'll not risk damaging this May.
@susie, thanks ! I did get a great deal on it.
A .024 wound bass string for a dulcimer of that scale length will not be a problem. You could probably even go to .026, but most people (other than myself) wouldn't do that.
As a general rule, I think hollow fretboards are preferred. Since there is less wood against the soundboard, the sounboard is able to vibrate more freely, creating more volume. And although it may not be of interest to noter players, hollow fretboards are also more responsive to your fingers, so left-hand techniques such as hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides are easier to perform, or rather are easier to perform without a significant loss of volume.
That looks like a beautiful instrument. Congratulations!
Thank you. I emailed Tull.
That's a real beauty! A deal too good to pass up. Enjoy!
Thanks theresasc, I'm sure it will keep me content !
Tull Glazener sells tab for his arrangement of that tune as an instructional CD with tab . It's a really nice arrangement, too.
Wow! That is a beautiful instrument! I think it should give you a lot of pleasure to play - congratulations!
Congrats ! I just bought my first one today. It's cherry as well.
Yours looks very nice ! Enjoy !
Is anyone aware of DAD tabs? A book with tabs?
Thank you
Congrats ! I just bought my first one today. It's cherry as well.
Yours looks very nice ! Enjoy !
John and jost, thanks for the strings help and info. Also appreciate the book recommendations !
Thanks marg, it sure is a beautiful instrument.
Concerning the string gauge: Like John pointed out you should be fine. One caveat though: Depending on the strings gauge not every tuning will work because the strings will be too sloppy or break. In my opinion this is not a problem per se: New strings are cheap and you can only learn by experimenting. Just keep always some fresh strings and a string bender ready for quick replacement ;)
Jean Ritchies Dulcimer book is a good start for noter/drone play. Her book "Dulcimer people" (available used) is also a good one, it even includes instructions for chord play.
Neal Hellmans Dulcimer Chord book is also a great start for beginners since it also has a lot of explainations for odd tunings/modes even If (like me) you never play chords at all.
I like Mark Nelsons "Favorite Old-Time American Songs for Dulcimer" too, it's a mix of chord and noter/drone style.
Have fun with your dulcimer!
Usually going up or down a string gauge doesn't cause big problems on a dulcimer. An .024" will give a little more bass sound than a .022". It should be fine.
These loop end strings I can't use are .012, .012, .014, .022w
Is it ok to go with a .024w instead of the .022w ?
Also, would 80/20 or phosphor bronze be a good choice ? The shop has any type I'd want. Most any gauge singles.
I use heavy gauge strings on my acoustic guitars but I tune down a half step on those. (Easier on my voice and limited range)
Not sure about using heavier strings on a dulcimer tuned down 1/2 or a whole step. Anyone do it ?
Tia
Thanks jost, the seller had it priced right imo. Low enough I didn't try to haggle with him.
I just noticed the set of strings that came with it are loop in and I need ball end. None to be found in town but a local shop sells single strings so I'll go out there tomorrow and make my own set.
Tonight I'll peruse my copy of Jean Ritchie's The Dulcimer Book. I bought it probably 30 years ago and just remembered I had it.
Congratulations to your new dulcimer. Look like you found a real treasure and bargain
I just met the seller and bought it. I don't like to describe pre owned instruments as mint but this one is certainly flawless.
All the "case candy" is there. COA, picks, one with Mr May's name on it, all of it. Original sales receipt. Even saved a trip to a music shop. New set of strings are in the case. In tune too.
And it looks better than the ad photos !
Hi John, thanks for your thoughts on Mr May's work. Seems I can't go wrong with the one I'm considering.
You can't go wrong with a Warren May dulcimer unless it has been damaged. He makes a world-class product.
Good morning Ken, thanks for the info. The hollow fretboard isn't a concern. I just saw it mentioned on a UK seller's site.
The VSL (on dulcimers call it Vibrating String Length, not "scale") is easily measured from the inside edge of the nut to the inside edge of the bridge. The VSL is only an issue if you have really small hands -- 26-1/2" to 27" is fairly normal for VSL these days. Whether or not the fretboard is hollowed is a very minor factor. Neither thing you mention should be a deal-breakers in the purchase of one of Warren's dulcimers.
Ok thanks Ken, I'll give him a call in the morning. I have the dulcimer # so he can easily check.
I'd say those are good specs. You can always just try to call Warren and ask. His shop downtown is closed but he still makes a few at home. He's listed in the Berea phonebook I believe.
Hi, I'm new to dulcimers but have done a little research and it appears that the wide Hummingbird Hourdrop models may all have hollow fretboards and 26 1/2" scale. But no specs are listed on Mr May's site. Is it safe to assume it will have those specs ?
The one I'm considering is a 2006 in like new condition with a case. It's cherry as well.
Tia
Sounds like a good, inexpensive alternative.
A strap is what I use. Sure there is a tiny bit of getting used to it and 'fitting' the proper length, but it's soooo much easier than hauling around folding tables or footstools. I use loops and big buttons to make the strap adjustable depending on if I'm wearing heavy or light clothes.
I agree. An adjustable strap is pretty easy to get used to. I've even found as I have progressed, I've changed the positioning of the dulcimer by adjusting the strap (and my legs). So, the flexibility is an advantage. Experimenting with a strap is a cheap investment and might be a pleasant surprise for her.
Definitely going to look into that. Thanks
Thanks everyone! So far I am really thrilled with the new instrument, such clear, beautiful sounds. I am going to enjoy getting to know it better😀
A strap is what I use. Sure there is a tiny bit of getting used to it and 'fitting' the proper length, but it's soooo much easier than hauling around folding tables or footstools. I use loops and big buttons to make the strap adjustable depending on if I'm wearing heavy or light clothes.
Your Ron Gibson is a beauty-- have fun with it! Happy strumming!
Congrats on your new baby! The two Ron Gibson dulcimers that I've played were both really fine instruments.
And Mike Casey's book is probably the most comprehensive dulcimer technique manual around.
Enjoy!
Congratulations, very nice looking dulcimer. Hope it brings you years of music joy!
Congratulations on your new dulcimer. I am sure you will enjoy it and have fun playing it.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
