Forum Activity for @john-c-knopf

John C. Knopf
@john-c-knopf
04/04/22 08:42:11AM
439 posts

Introduce Yourself!


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Have fun, Alphie!  I finished a McSpadden kit last Saturday!  It's so much fun building, especially when all the hard work has been done by somebody else.  Good to have you with us.  We'll try to help you with whatever.

Alphie
@alphie
04/04/22 08:23:22AM
2 posts

Introduce Yourself!


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Hi, I’m newer to this website and very pleased with all the information available. I recently visited Branson and bought a kit from Cedar Creek Dulcimers. Took about a week to assemble it. I’m pleased with the unit and it’s fun learning. Hope to improve my knowledge/skills over time, but it’s really for personal pleasure. Thank you all for the information all of you share.

Alphie
@alphie
04/02/22 02:42:22PM
2 posts

How does your pet react to your Dulcimer playing?


OFF TOPIC discussions

Well, my Cat doesn’t care at all. My Lab lays next to me and wags her tail when I pet her in between songs. My Australian Shepherd leaves the room.

Alphie
@alphie
04/02/22 02:38:30PM
2 posts

Show Us Your Pets!


OFF TOPIC discussions

Our Aussie. I think he has perfect pitch since when I play he leaves the room.


6D0F3330-5AF3-4F70-8D4E-BEDAFE8ED330.jpeg 6D0F3330-5AF3-4F70-8D4E-BEDAFE8ED330.jpeg - 167KB
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield
04/02/22 09:39:21AM
1,277 posts

Simerman Dulcimers


Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions

A friend of mine had an accident with her Simerman dulcimer and asked if I could repair it for her. Here are before and after photos. I learned that having lots of small sound holes make a repair of this type very difficult.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."


DSCN0197.JPG DSCN0197.JPG - 370KB
Steven Stroot
@steven-stroot
04/02/22 01:51:19AM
34 posts

What's the scoop on "scoops"?


Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions

Corvus:  Thanks for the additional input.  The variety of picking and strumming styles is one of the things that make dulcimers fascinating.  I've played the banjo for about 12 years and the dulcimer requires a whole different skill set.  I'm looking forward to the challenge!

Noah Cline
@noah-cline
04/01/22 01:06:09PM
7 posts

Any banjo players out there?


Adventures with 'other' instruments...

Been playing banjo since 2008, the longest out of all my string endeavors lol. Been picking on dulcimers since 2015, learning on the first one I made. Here’s a duet video I made playing the tune “Hunt the Buffalo” on mountain banjo and dulcimer.


updated by @noah-cline: 04/01/22 01:06:51PM
Corvus
@corvus
04/01/22 08:57:37AM
18 posts

What's the scoop on "scoops"?


Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions

I find that playing over a dulcimer strum hollow is the perfect place for me to play. I use a thumb pick and finger picks, and the extra space between the strings and wood top allow me to use my playing technique without any compromises whatsoever.

Also, I much prefer the dulcimer tone I get from playing over the strum hollow. I play the dulcimer because of the bright dulcimer tone, and the strum hollow area produces that bright, cutting tone perfectly for me. If I wanted a mellow tone, I'd just play a guitar. To my ears, playing over the fretted areas sounds like a second rate guitar. But a guitar can NEVER get that beautiful, bright dulcimer sound you get from playing over the strum hollow.

Remember, it's all about personal preference, we all hear differently, people have different musical needs, there's no right or wrong and diversity rules.

Steven Stroot
@steven-stroot
03/31/22 05:47:17PM
34 posts

What's the scoop on "scoops"?


Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions

Wow, even more interesting dulcimer information to store in my memory banks!  Thanks again for the great instruction!

Strumelia
@strumelia
03/31/22 08:28:00AM
2,374 posts

What's the scoop on "scoops"?


Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions

Which is why some older dulcimer ancestors had their frets right along the edge of the instrument- because either they had no raised fretboard, or one that was less than 1/2" tall off the top of the instrument. Having the frets run along the edge of the body enabled using a noter when the frets were on or immediately above the soundboard itself. Imagine trying to use a noter on frets that are installed down the middle of the soundboard, directly into the instrument top rather than on a raised fretboard.
One of the very definitions of the mountain dulcimer specifies it having a "raised fretboard running down the center of the instrument". Many instruments that are earlier dulcimer ancestors have frets along one edge of the instrument- epinettes, hummels, langspils...

As to strum hollows and 'sweet spots', it's true that the mellowest sound of all will come from plucking/strumming a string near the halfway suspension point. Yet violinists, guitarists, banjoists, etc don't generally bow/strum/pick in the middle between nut and bridge. Some oldtime banjo players play "up the neck" to get a particular soft mellow effect, but bluegrass, tenor, classic, and Irish banjo players play near the bridge purposely because they like the crisp snappier sound. The strings are more rigid to play on right next to the bridge, with almost no flex. So most folks feel more comfortable plucking/strumming several inches away from the bridge, where the strings begin to have more give. On the other hand, bowing at the halfway point creates just too much string bouncing and flexing, thus a bow is usually kept pretty close to the bridge where the string tension is stiffer. Another physical issue is that the halfway point is where the seventh fret octave is, and people do a LOT of fretting in that area- you can't be both fretting and strumming or picking in the same area at once. (I'm assuming folks define the 'sweet spot' not as exactly the halfway point, but rather as somewhere between halfway and the bridge.)

Matt Berg
@matt-berg
03/31/22 07:28:35AM
104 posts

What's the scoop on "scoops"?


Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions

Thanks Ken, I was never sure why the fretboard was raised so high.  Clearing the soundboard with your knuckles makes sense.

Ken Hulme
@ken-hulme
03/31/22 07:00:57AM
2,157 posts

What's the scoop on "scoops"?


Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions

I agree Matt.  Physics tells us the most appropriate place to pluck a string is have way between the two ends, at the maxium amplitude.  Since one end of a dulcimers' fretted string is always changing, the "average center" of a vibrating string is somewhere around fret 12-14. Olde tyme traditional dulcimers that were both fretted and bowed invariably had the traditional taller fretboards --  on the order of 1" -- which is useful both for noter-knuckle clearance and easier bowing.  

Matt Berg
@matt-berg
03/31/22 06:29:25AM
104 posts

What's the scoop on "scoops"?


Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions

Yes, I realized when I posted my comment it would be controversial, but I stand by what I said.  The sweet spot on the dulcimer is not the strum hollow, but on the strings between the 12 and 14 fret and that is where most people play.  Similarly, if you watch how fingerpicking is taught (and I do watch how teachers play, not what they say), again, the sweet spot is over the 12-14 fret.  (Try building a dulcimer with the strum hollow between the 12 and 14 fret and see what people say!)  As far as using a bow,  look at the curve saddle/bridge on a violin and you will understand why the bow is not popular for the flat dulcimer.  A bowed dulcimer has a much bigger space between the finger board and the saddle and the saddle is curved.

Anyway, you know my opinion is worth what you paid for it.

Steven Stroot
@steven-stroot
03/30/22 11:13:07PM
34 posts

What's the scoop on "scoops"?


Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions

Thanks everyone for your kind and valued input.  You're responses have all increased my knowledge of "dulcimology"!

Canadian Dulcimer Boy
@canadian-dulcimer-boy
03/30/22 02:19:17PM
14 posts

Confusion over Rueben's Train


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Wow, thank you for the very thorough response. I'm thinking Reuben's Train has passed by a couple of times during this involved discussion, we better not miss the next passing. Chooo chooooo!


Cheers


Leo Kretzner:

Yes, 'public domain' means 'not (or no longer) under copyright.'  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_domain


So you can freely record it. As per the same link, it seems the PD designation can be complicated, eg not strictly determined by age. The closest thing to a simple rule is this: "Musical compositions fall under the same general rules as other works, and anything published before 1925 is considered public domain." 


So, how to possibly find the first publishing date??? 


Though fiddlers' versions of tunes can be challenging to learn from, a GREAT source of information about a tune's history is the Traditional Tunes Archive ( https://tunearch.org/wiki/TTA ), formerly known as Fiddler's Companion ( http://www.ibiblio.org/fiddlers/ ), which seems to still be functional.


Using this, it's still not clear when 'Rubin' was first published: http://www.ibiblio.org/fiddlers/REE_RH.htm#REUBAN('S_TRAIN)


However the entry says a 1927 recording, Train Forty-Five, was "derived from" Ruben's Train, implying R's Train is at least somewhat older. Note that this source call's it "Reuban's Train" or "Old Reuban."   (More "folk process" in action!)


In any case, if I recorded it, I'd just assume it's in the public domain and not lose a minute of sleep over it.


By the way, that reference calls it a one-part tune. (" Old‑Time, Song and Breakdown. USA, North Carolina. D Major/Mixolydian. One part." ) 


So perhaps that bluegrass version reflects this, while other versions evolved a distinct "second part," which I agree makes for a more varied and interesting sounding piece of music. 


Leo Kretzner
@leo-kretzner
03/30/22 02:05:26PM
36 posts

Confusion over Rueben's Train


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Yes, 'public domain' means 'not (or no longer) under copyright.'  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_domain

So you can freely record it. As per the same link, it seems the PD designation can be complicated, eg not strictly determined by age. The closest thing to a simple rule is this: "Musical compositions fall under the same general rules as other works, and anything published before 1925 is considered public domain." 

So, how to possibly find the first publishing date??? 

Though fiddlers' versions of tunes can be challenging to learn from, a GREAT source of information about a tune's history is the Traditional Tunes Archive ( https://tunearch.org/wiki/TTA ), formerly known as Fiddler's Companion ( http://www.ibiblio.org/fiddlers/ ), which seems to still be functional.

Using this, it's still not clear when 'Rubin' was first published: http://www.ibiblio.org/fiddlers/REE_RH.htm#REUBAN('S_TRAIN)

However the entry says a 1927 recording, Train Forty-Five, was "derived from" Ruben's Train, implying R's Train is at least somewhat older. Note that this source call's it "Reuban's Train" or "Old Reuban."   (More "folk process" in action!)

In any case, if I recorded it, I'd just assume it's in the public domain and not lose a minute of sleep over it.

By the way, that reference calls it a one-part tune. (" Old‑Time, Song and Breakdown. USA, North Carolina. D Major/Mixolydian. One part." ) 

So perhaps that bluegrass version reflects this, while other versions evolved a distinct "second part," which I agree makes for a more varied and interesting sounding piece of music. 

Canadian Dulcimer Boy
@canadian-dulcimer-boy
03/30/22 01:11:55PM
14 posts

Confusion over Rueben's Train


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

As to the Public Domain, just meaning I can record and release it without violating a copyright. So must be old enough, about 100 years or more.


Most of the dulcimer videos I've seen all sound close to what Jessica is doing. Some in a different key, a little faster maybe. Its what I prefer but I have plans on having backing drums, bass and maybe even try another string instrument for harmonizing. Stay tuned. happys


Here's another couple of examples. Again, with 2 distinct parts. A/B 





Leo Kretzner:

I concur that it's basically the same tune, and this is an example of how darn different the "same" tune can be in different styles. The bluegrass version is indeed "fancied up" to the point that the basic melody is somewhat obscured. These kind of differences (and in words, etc) are usually attributed to "the folk process." So be it!


Robin's description of comparing a few different versions is one I often go through, just to find one that I both like and has a clear melody to it. You can see if there's one that appeals to you even more than Jessica and friend's version - but if that feels like it confuses things even more, just skip the 'exploration' and go with the version you prefer!


As Dusty implied, I think 'Rubin' is virtually always in a minor key - either Dm / DAC tuning, or Em / DAD plus capo on 1. (I'd bet there are versions out there in Am as well, which would be DAD plus capo at 4.) 


In any case, as to your other question, if this tune isn't in the Public Domain then I'm not sure what would be!! Have at it!!


Leo Kretzner
@leo-kretzner
03/30/22 12:52:37PM
36 posts

Confusion over Rueben's Train


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I concur that it's basically the same tune, and this is an example of how darn different the "same" tune can be in different styles. The bluegrass version is indeed "fancied up" to the point that the basic melody is somewhat obscured. These kind of differences (and in words, etc) are usually attributed to "the folk process." So be it!

Robin's description of comparing a few different versions is one I often go through, just to find one that I both like and has a clear melody to it. You can see if there's one that appeals to you even more than Jessica and friend's version - but if that feels like it confuses things even more, just skip the 'exploration' and go with the version you prefer!

As Dusty implied, I think 'Rubin' is virtually always in a minor key - either Dm / DAC tuning, or Em / DAD plus capo on 1. (I'd bet there are versions out there in Am as well, which would be DAD plus capo at 4.) 

In any case, as to your other question, if this tune isn't in the Public Domain then I'm not sure what would be!! Have at it!!

Dusty Turtle
@dusty
03/30/22 10:58:21AM
1,827 posts

Confusion over Rueben's Train


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Well the bluegrass version is a lot faster, certainly, than @jessica-comeau's version, and fiddle players generally play a lot more notes than do dulcimer players, but those two versions sound like the same tune to me.  The underlying chord progression and basic melody seem the same.

I often find it hard to arrange tunes for the dulcimer based on fiddle versions of tunes.  They just play so many notes that the basic melody is often hidden in an overgrown forest of chromatic notes.

There are tons of dulcimer versions of this tune on YouTube.  I would watch about a dozen of them and then you'll get a feel for what parts of the song are essential and what parts are up to individual interpretation.

One thing is clear, though: you will want to tune to DAC or use a capo at 1 to get the minor tone of this one.

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
03/30/22 10:51:43AM
1,522 posts

Confusion over Rueben's Train


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

@canadian-dulcimer-boy Yes, you're right-- lots of difference in the two!  Perhaps it's because I have heard so many different versions of the Reuben's Train/900 Miles tune(s) I hear the two versions as close kin done in different styles & genres.  

Canadian Dulcimer Boy
@canadian-dulcimer-boy
03/30/22 10:42:14AM
14 posts

Confusion over Rueben's Train


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

For me, I hear that there's 2 distinct sections in the dulcimer pc. There's a dramatic chord change and distinct rhythm change letting you know you're in section 2.

In the other version, it's the same thing over and over. different verses and story telling. It's nice but it's not got that chord change hook the other pc has.

But since I'm new to this instrument and am really not well versed in bluegrass, America folk etc. it is an exploration for me for sure. ;-)

Cheers from Canada!!

Robin Thompson:

Perhaps it's in the ear of the listener whether they're the same tunes or not?  I hear them as two different takes (genres/styles) on the same basic tune (in the Reuben's Train/ 900 Miles family).  

When I am learning an old-time/traditional tune to play on mountain dulcimer, I, likely, will listen to fiddle and/or banjo versions then translate the tune to mountain dulcimer.  A big part of my music education is and has always been listening to different versions such as you've presented here, @canadian-dulcimer-boy, and figuring out where I hear the essence of the tune (absent ornamentation) and translating that to mountain dulcimer.  It's a fun process.  

Great thread, @canadian-dulcimer-boy !      

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
03/30/22 10:34:47AM
1,522 posts

Confusion over Rueben's Train


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Perhaps it's in the ear of the listener whether they're the same tunes or not?  I hear them as two different takes (genres/styles) on the same basic tune (in the Reuben's Train/ 900 Miles family).  

When I am learning an old-time/traditional tune to play on mountain dulcimer, I, likely, will listen to fiddle and/or banjo versions then translate the tune to mountain dulcimer.  A big part of my music education is and has always been listening to different versions such as you've presented here, @canadian-dulcimer-boy, and figuring out where I hear the essence of the tune (absent ornamentation) and translating that to mountain dulcimer.  It's a fun process.  

Great thread, @canadian-dulcimer-boy !      

Canadian Dulcimer Boy
@canadian-dulcimer-boy
03/30/22 09:51:03AM
14 posts

Confusion over Rueben's Train


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Ya, I'm kinda thinking that they are 2 totally different tunes. Any idea who wrote the one played by dulcimer and if the song is in the public domain? I may want to put out a recording at some point.

Ballad Gal:

I've only heard & play the first one you've posted. Sometimes it's called 900 Miles.

Ballad Gal
@ballad-gal
03/30/22 09:40:34AM
34 posts

Confusion over Rueben's Train


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I've only heard & play the first one you've posted. Sometimes it's called 900 Miles.

Strumelia
@strumelia
03/30/22 09:37:55AM
2,374 posts

What's the scoop on "scoops"?


Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions


How I find strum hollows essential in real life playing:

I used to play the mtn dulcimer in fingerpicking style long ago, with plastic fingerpicks because I have crappy fingernails. Playing on a dulcimer with a strum hollow was delightful and comfortable. Playing in that style with no strum hollow was an AWFUL experience for me because the tips of my fingerpicks were constantly bumping into the fingerboard accidentally, and made a racket with clicking sounds. Personally, I couldn't play in fingerpicking style without the strum hollow. Especially if doing 'pinches', which some traditional players did when playing with their thumb.
Strum hollows also facilitate playing with a bow- as you rock the bow a little to play either outermost string, as you have to do when there is not an arched bridge, you don't want to scrape the bow hair on the fretboard edge.. but that's less common than fingerpicking. Been there done that, and a strum hollow totally solves that issue.

I have similar issues with picks bumping into the fretboard on banjos with no strum hollow. That's why they are so common on banjos.


updated by @strumelia: 03/30/22 09:40:26AM
John C. Knopf
@john-c-knopf
03/30/22 08:43:13AM
439 posts

What's the scoop on "scoops"?


Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions

There are two traditions involved here: that of including a strum hollow, and that of NOT including a strum hollow.

Old Kentucky dulcimers have them (such as the J. E. Thomas design),  but old Virginia dulcimers do not.  There are many of these with significant scratching or even wood damage due to strumming over the end of the flat fretboard.

Wally Venable
@wally-venable
03/30/22 08:40:26AM
115 posts

Looking for a Small Dulcimer


Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions

Thanks for pointing out the CAPRITAURUS DULCIMER. At over $600, it is well above my friend's price range.

After my telling her about the available options she has decided to buy her own new small Apple Creek instrument. They are readily available for under $150 with case.

Canadian Dulcimer Boy
@canadian-dulcimer-boy
03/30/22 08:32:25AM
14 posts

Confusion over Rueben's Train


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions


I recently stumbled upon a video of dulcimer players playing a tune called Rueben's Train. I've since seen other videos but the ones with dulcimer players seem to follow the same tune and chord progression but then I'll see other group videos where it sound like a different tune altogether with lyrics. Are there two different Rueben's Train musical pieces?

Example #1 (dulcimer) and this is what I want to make my own arrangement of.

Example #2 - Sounds like another song altogether.


updated by @canadian-dulcimer-boy: 03/30/22 08:33:08AM
Ken Hulme
@ken-hulme
03/30/22 07:10:20AM
2,157 posts

What's the scoop on "scoops"?


Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions

As Matt says, the strum hollow is another weight redution technique that was often not used by traditional (pre-1960) builders. 

The "strum hollow" idea was sold to modern players as a way to not scratch the fretboard in the area where the pick is doing all the strumming.  However, the best place to strum is about half way between the fretted string(s) and the bridge, which on average is somewhere around fret 12-14, not down below the 16h fret and the bridge.  Also, a good player doesn't dig the pick far enough below the plane of the strings to do much, if any scratching.

Matt Berg
@matt-berg
03/30/22 06:27:24AM
104 posts

What's the scoop on "scoops"?


Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions

The purpose of the "strum hollow" or scooped area is really just to help make the entire instrument lighter.  You may hear a variety of other explanations.  The same is true with the scoops under the fret board.  The area they free up is much to small to add any vibration or sound, it is simply another way of making the instrument lighter,..., and it looks "cool".

Steven Stroot
@steven-stroot
03/30/22 01:04:01AM
34 posts

What's the scoop on "scoops"?


Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions


My previous question dealt with the arched or scalloped bottom surface of the fret board.  My thanks to those who responded.  My current inquiry is regarding the "scooped" area of the fret board where fret board material is removed between the last fret and the bridge, resulting in additional space between the strings and the fret board.  Is it to reduce mass and therefore increase the transmission of vibrations?  Thanks for any insight you can provide.

Also, thanks for the additional technical information concerning scalloped/arched fret boards.  The many variations in construction in pursuit of tone and volume is fascinating to me and I really appreciate you sharing your skill, experience and knowledge!


updated by @steven-stroot: 03/30/22 01:11:33AM
Noah Cline
@noah-cline
03/30/22 12:23:45AM
7 posts

Looking for a Small Dulcimer


Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions

I read this discussion the other week. I just came across this 23” scale Capritaurus on eBay and thought I might share. I have no affiliation with the seller. Might be a good candidate, though I really don’t have much experience with other dulcimer makes besides my own builds. https://www.ebay.com/itm/CAPRITAURUS-DULCIMER-23-VSL-MINT-/125190762801?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l6249&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0

Ken Hulme
@ken-hulme
03/29/22 10:43:07PM
2,157 posts

What's the scoop on "scoops"?


Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions


The correct term is arch.  Not scoop or scallop.   That's why you didn't find anything.  You can have an "arched" fretboard.   The purpose of arches is two-fold. 

First, they remove a great deal of the overall mass (weight) of the fretboard -- makes the whole thing lighter and more responsive while still maintaining the rigidity of the fretboard for proper fret spacing.   

Second, arching frees up some small additional part of the dulcimer top to allow it to vibrate more freely.  Vibration is of course what causes the sound. Dulcimers do not produce sound in quite the same way as guitars, mandolins, banjos, etc. 

Because of the massive brace (called the fretboard) down the length of the top, very little top vibration is even possible.  The majority of the sound comes from the vibration of the back and sides -- even though we most often bury the bottom in our sound absorbing laps.  This is why a Galax-style double back instrument gives so much more sound than a single back instrument -- the entire back is free to vibrate.

Are arches necessary?  No.  The majority of dulcimers are built with solid or channeled fretboards. 
 
Are arches useful?  Certainly. Any time an oscilloscope can measure an increase in sound production, it's a net gain.

Are arches æsthetically pleasing?  Heck yes!  I even built one dulcemore with the size and spacing of the arches matching the size and spacing of the frets.


updated by @ken-hulme: 03/29/22 10:45:35PM
John C. Knopf
@john-c-knopf
03/29/22 10:01:10PM
439 posts

What's the scoop on "scoops"?


Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions

"Scoops" (scallops) are not necessary to get good sound or volume from a dulcimer.  Some people just like them and think they improve the sound of the dulcimer. Scallops free up the soundboard because the fretboard only contacts the soundboard in a few small areas. Some builders will also channel-out the center of the fretboard as well, to create even smaller contact areas.

Do I scallop my dulcimer fretboards?  Nope-- never have.  But I DO channel them, almost every time. Some Tennessee music boxes have "false scallops" on the sides of their fretboards, but they're just notches for decoration -- they don't go all the way through the fretboard.

Ferrator
@ferrator
03/29/22 09:57:21PM
37 posts

Tab to note values, sort of...


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Thank you gentlemen. Skip is right, I know what the music sounds like. And the recording ability of my phone should be good enough. I am just archiving at this point in time.

Steven Stroot
@steven-stroot
03/29/22 07:06:14PM
34 posts

What's the scoop on "scoops"?


Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions

I'm the new guy with the steep learning curve.  I did a forum search for "fret board scoops" and found nothing.  So, my question... What is the purpose of the "scoop" in fret boards?  Are they necessary? 


updated by @steven-stroot: 03/29/22 07:08:00PM
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