A most embarrassing question
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
old joke-
How can you tell if the stage at a bluegrass concert is level?
-the banjo player is drooling from both sides of their mouth.
Forum Activity for @strumelia
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
A Henry C Desler Just came in for restoration.
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
As far as I know, a dulcimer having feet doesn't specifically suggest WV. Galax dulcimers are traditionally tuned in unison all high ddd or equidistant dddd stringing. BTW we have a Group here on fotmd for Galax dulcimers- might be some fun threads in there to check out for fun.
Maybe the 1/2" action was an experiment to use it as a lap steel, with a slide? Obviously one cannot fret a 1/2" action. Maybe they clipped on a pickup. People do things weird things with dulcimers they find. Do you think the bridge and nut were replaced with high ones? Can't say much without pictures.
A Henry C Desler Just came in for restoration.
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
Builder's name doesn't ring any bells. Galax style dulcimers did/do not normally have feet.
A Henry C Desler Just came in for restoration.
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
This time I am taking before and after. I don't know what Desler was thinking when he built this. The body is solid and the wood is good but the action is litterly 1/2 inch + off the fret board. There was 6 feet of string on each tuner and they were all .024s. Noting the construction I think he thought he was making a baritone and larger heavier strings required higher action. Currently it is completely unplayable, but I will start on the restoration eventually, and it will sing again, actually for the first time. This thing could never be played in the state it is in. The style is a galax, WV foot style. Hopefully when finished it will be something. This should make a good baritone when finished.Short VSL, and narrow fret board, 3 string.
updated by @nathina: 12/18/20 10:35:45AM
A most embarrassing question
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Ken Hulme may have analyzed it correctly. I could be approaching a meditative state.
A most embarrassing question
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
"zen dulcimer". Ah. Grasshopper must learn seal lips when play music! When I do deep meditation and really relax, my lips, teeth, jaws, etc. I can have the same issue. Luckily I meditate that deeply when lying on my back, so the liquid goes in not out. Try playing dulcimer laying on your back -- strap the instrument to your music stand
Just received a John A Maxwell
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
Strumelia: Your Maxwell has a huge amount of charm and grace and should be a joy to play when strung up. I can tell you care about it. Maybe you can record a simple tune for us on it soon. :)
I care about all the instruments I restore. They sort of become "friends" . Taking something that was meant to sound lovely, and again allowing it to do so is a good feeling. The tuners I have fixed to hold perfectly. I have tested them with a .032 string and it has maintained tuning over several days. That is how I adjust wooden pegs. If they can hold a heavy tension then they can hold the correct string. There are also a few other tricks I use on wooden pegs to hold them tight.
Just received a John A Maxwell
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
Agreed, that bass string someone put on is way too heavy. And yes someone might have been trying it out as a baritone. Wrong dulcimer for a baritone experiment, IMHO. ;)
I have had some antique banjos and mandolins that absolutely had to be strung only with a slightly lighter gauge set than normal. Older instruments deserve a little love and tenderness I think. 
Just received a John A Maxwell
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
Dusty's right- there is no room for fine tuning beads or any kind of fine tuners behind that bridge. But if the wooden pegs are well fit to their holes, and a drop of Peg Drops applied and let to cure, then the pegs 'should' turn smoothly and hold well... as they are supposed to do.
Nathina:I have fixed the wooden pegs to hold well, but like all wooden pegs, minuscule movement changes the note drastically. For me it is not a problem, as the same happens with HDs but I am wondering if this would be a problem for someone else?
People who buy dulcimers find out pretty quickly if they like wooden peg tuners or not. Some people won't buy vintage dulcimers by a known maker if they've had their pegs replaced with geared tuners. Other people won't buy dulcimers unless they have geared tuners. Those people aren't usually that interested in an antique or collector dulcimer. Don't worry about it, because you can't please everyone.
In general, it's best to keep an antique dulcimer with its original wooden pegs if at all possible. There are thousands of geared tuner dulcimers all over the place to buy if one wants or needs geared tuners. And only a finite number of pre-1970s dulcimers in their original configuration.
You can take pride in preserving an old instrument in a way that is faithful to its maker. Remember the word 'restore' means just that- to restore something to the way it was. Your Maxwell has a huge amount of charm and grace and should be a joy to play when strung up. I can tell you care about it. Maybe you can record a simple tune for us on it soon. :)
Just received a John A Maxwell
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
I still have to work on the wooden box. I will show before and after shots. The box itself, is designed specifically for the dulcimer, and is padded with the Maxwell Tartan. It is made out of spruce ply, but should not be problem to fix the missing wood piece, and the dents. Probably will re-stain it as well.
Just received a John A Maxwell
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
Dusty Turtle:
There are six positions on the bridge and nut. It can be set up for 3 strings, 4 strings equidistant, or any mix. (5 holes drilled in the foot.)
Strumelia: The string spacing is interesting. What string arrangement are you going to use?
Indeed. It looks from the notches in the bridge that it is set up for 4 equidistant strings and a double melody. But those of us who want a three string set-up would have to make some adjustments.
I'll post the spacing when the string sets arrive. This instrument is designed to move the strings pretty much anywhere across the fret board. I have already tried it with the old strings.
updated by @nathina: 12/17/20 04:30:49PM
Just received a John A Maxwell
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
Strumelia:
I am going to set it up for the melody close, and then close for the middle, and equal distant for the bass. I think I remember that is how Maxwell normally set up his units.
The string spacing is interesting. What string arrangement are you going to use?
Just received a John A Maxwell
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
Strumelia: The string spacing is interesting. What string arrangement are you going to use?
Indeed. It looks from the notches in the bridge that it is set up for 4 equidistant strings and a double melody. But those of us who want a three string set-up would have to make some adjustments.
Just received a John A Maxwell
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
I fixed the tuning pegs. They are holding extremely well so there is no need for beads. The strings will be replaced to lighter gauge which is a trick I use to have pegs hold even better. Another thing, every time I have seen someone discuss peg "lube" they point to the insertion point, but there are two friction points on each tuner. The insertion and the exit. Both need to be prepped.
On this instrument for some reason they were using a 0.32 on the bass string. Perhaps attempting to make a baritone dulc, but although the pegs will now hold it, they were not meant to be under that much tension. There are a few other tricks I was taught.
updated by @nathina: 12/17/20 04:10:09PM
Just received a John A Maxwell
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
The string spacing is interesting. What string arrangement are you going to use?
Just received a John A Maxwell
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
Nice job, Nathina. That dulcimer is really shining.
Now that I see the placement of the bridge, though, I fear there is insufficient room for those fine tuning beads.
Just received a John A Maxwell
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
It's really looking good. Nice work.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
Just received a John A Maxwell
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
This is the fully restored fret board and soundboard of the The John A Maxwell. Waiting for appropriate string set. Now onto repairing the case. Tuning has been checked and frets are good. Kept the lucite nut and bridge which was a trademark of his. I'll do a before and after on parts of the case when finished.
A most embarrassing question
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
What is interesting to some of your comments is that playing DAAA is my Zen dulcimer; relaxing and soothing. I don’t feel intense concentration; the opposite; it’s like I let the Instrument play itself.
What makes Christmas music sound Christmassy ?
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
I think maybe it has a lot to do with memories of past Christmas’s. If you had lots of good ones while a child and also thru your growing up years, and your personality or general make-up leans toward being a generous person, then the sounds of this time of year might invoke a spirit of good feelings. Just a thought. I say this because I have some friends who really struggle at this time of year because of memories of bad, or traumatic things that have happened thru the years at Christmas time. It’s all they can do just to get thru it and music does nothing to alleviate those feelings. I also believe one’s faith has something to do with it. Again, just a thought.
updated by @kevin-r: 12/17/20 02:30:58PM
A most embarrassing question
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
This is my recommendation. Record yourself playing in DAA. Listen to it every time you eat really good food. You will slowly train yourself to drool equally out of both sides of your mouth. Get yourself a bib and the problem is solved!
But at least you have your stage name: Drooly Don Grundy. It has a ring to it, doesn't it? I would pay to see a band called Drooly Don Grundy and the Doughnut Holes, wouldn't you?
I heard a radio conversation with a physicist whose wife was a cellist. He said that when he is working hard, his right arm pit sweats more than his left arm pit. But when his wife is working hard, it is the other way around. The theory is that he was using the more analytic side of the brain, which controls the right side of the body, and his wife was using more the creative side of the brain, which controls the left side of the body. Maybe you are experiencing something similar.
Actually, I suspect Strumelia is correct. Because you are concentrating on what you're doing, you are not swallowing as often as you normally would. I have the bad habit of holding my breath for really tough parts of a tune, and then you can hear me exhale deeply right afterwards. I've had to delete a lot of recordings for that reason.
A most embarrassing question
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Probably a sign of intense concentration in the music. Lots of musicians do weird things with their mouths and their faces while playing, btw. I suspect that's why oldtime fiddlers like to sport beards so much. 
If you can remind yourself periodically to close your mouth it won't matter if you're drooling. 
hahahah! :)
updated by @strumelia: 12/17/20 02:04:23PM
A most embarrassing question
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Specifically when I play my dulcimers tuned DAAA: I will gather a bit of drool in the right side of my mouth.
It’s the only time it happens.
Is there a doctor in the house?
I’ve spent several years trying to get the nerve to ask this.
Thank you,
Don
What makes Christmas music sound Christmassy ?
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
I found this to be really interesting. What is it about Christmas music that gives us a "Christmas/holiday feeling"?
https://www.classicfm.com/discover-music/what-makes-christmas-music-so-christmassy/
Just received a John A Maxwell
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
nut to fret 26.5. It is coming back to fine shape. I am working on restoring it. Removing on dents and scratches, outlining sound holes, readjusting string.Currently working on the fret board removing any marks and polishing. It will be as new when I am finished. Maxwell #2645, 1974. I still have the wooden case to fix. The instrument is almost done. Just waiting for new shipment of strings.
updated by @nathina: 12/16/20 08:04:02PM
Just received a John A Maxwell
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
That's a nice looking dulcimer, and looks to be in fine shape. :)
What's the scale length?
updated by @strumelia: 12/16/20 07:56:05PM
Just received a John A Maxwell
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
Pictures of the back, not a scratch and really shines, and a finished sound hole with a minimal outline.
Just received a John A Maxwell
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
I wonder if I could make one out of modeling clay? Actually the pegs after reconditioning are holding well and the variation is within 10 cents.
Just received a John A Maxwell
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
That's a great description of both the design and function of these things, @ken-longfield.
@nathina, since you don't have a model to copy as Ken did, you might make a prototype out of some material that is easy to mold and re-mold. Then when you get the precise design of something that should work, make final versions out of ebony or some hard wood.
Just received a John A Maxwell
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
I replaced a "bead" on a Sunhearth dulcimer I purchased. The original probably broke and was replaced with a black Lego brick. I cut a new one out of some scrap ebony I had. It matches the other three originals quite well. It is not round like a bead, but is more trapezoidal in shape. There is small hole drilled through it longitudinally for the string to pass through. This bead slides between the saddle and tail to adjust the tension on the string to sharpen or flatten it.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
Just received a John A Maxwell
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
Dusty Turtle:
Thanks. From what I see, the beads are hand made and specific to the instrument. So it requires, a selection of basically square or flat beads from the bead store to select the right one. Nathina, a small number of luthiers used fine tuning beads on their dulcimers. One was Keith Young. Here is a discussion of someone replacing a missing one. You can see that they require no serious modification of the instrument yet make those friction tuners a lot easier to use. I think I remember a couple of other discussions here about fine tuners. If I can dig them up I'll edit this comment and add the links.
Just received a John A Maxwell
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
Nathina, a small number of luthiers used fine tuning beads on their dulcimers. One was Keith Young. Here is a discussion of someone replacing a missing one. You can see that they require no serious modification of the instrument at all yet make those friction tuners a lot easier to use. I think I remember a couple of other discussions here about fine tuners. If I can dig them up I'll edit this comment and add the links.
EDIT:
Here's another discussion about fine tuner beads .
And here's another in which I share a picture of an autoharp my uncle made with metal fine tuners for each string. It was a prototype and we joked that it looks like the autoharp has braces. On his new builds he puts a nice piece of wood on a swivel that covers the fine tuners.
updated by @dusty: 12/16/20 12:40:13PM
Just received a John A Maxwell
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
Strumelia:
Are these any beads? Didn't find anything on specific type, wt, style of bead?
Nathina:
I have seen the beads but I am not familiar with what they do. Where are they obtained, or are they just "beads"?
googling "dulcimer fine tuning beads" yields THIS .
Just received a John A Maxwell
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
Nathina:
I have seen the beads but I am not familiar with what they do. Where are they obtained, or are they just "beads"?
googling "dulcimer fine tuning beads" yields THIS .
Just received a John A Maxwell
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
Strumelia:
I agree, Ken.
I think you meant "Peg Drops" and behind the bridge, not the nut...right? ;)
Warning- biased opinion ahead!:
I'm a big advocate of keeping vintage/antique collector dulcimers in original configuration. There is not an unlimited supply of antique dulcimers, and some we think of as not terribly valuable today might be precious and rare 30 years from now. Whatever your personal preferences, it is true that any collectable dulcimer will be diminished in value if you remove its wooden pegs and replace with geared. Or add extra frets, etc. I usually just suggest that if one wants geared tuners (and most folks do..they are convenient!) one should just buy a more modern dulcimer that has them already rather than alter an antique.
I have seen the beads but I am not familiar with what they do. Where are they obtained, or are they just "beads"?
Just received a John A Maxwell
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
Just finishing off the head. Just need to polish. This is the peg paste I use.
Just received a John A Maxwell
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
There won't be unnecessary changes unless they have to be made to make the unit playable. Museum style restoration, fixes the finish, removes dents and scratches, may recolor or change the stain if necessary. He used lucite nuts and bridges which stay. It will be the same instrument, only will like it was just made (I hope). This will be for resale. I was thinking about making it into a baritone which seem popular at the present, but will leave it as it is, unless it won't sell. Although it it turns out as i hope, I might not want to part with it.
updated by @nathina: 12/16/20 11:35:42AM
Just received a John A Maxwell
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
IRENE:
That's what I am wondering. I have fixed the wooden pegs to hold well, but like all wooden pegs, minuscule movement changes the note drastically. For me it is not a problem, as the same happens with HDs but I am wondering if this would be a problem for someone else?
very cool Nathina. I know I love to see the "before and after" photos of all kinds of job but especially musical instruments. I got some PERFECTION PLANETARY PEGS for the next one I'm going to make. you might like to research that in this site and elsewhere. aloha, irene
Just received a John A Maxwell
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
Like the others here have said, I would enjoy seeing photos of before and after. I can't tell if your goal is to resell the dulcimer or keep it for your own playing. If your goal is to resell the instrument, it will no longer be an historically correct John Maxwell dulcimer and will not be attractive to any collectors, but as a refurbished instrument for modern playing styles it might be attractive to some players.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
Just received a John A Maxwell
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
I agree, Ken.
I think you meant "Peg Drops" and behind the bridge, not the nut...right? ;)
Warning- biased opinion ahead!:
I'm a big advocate of keeping vintage/antique collector dulcimers in original configuration. There is not an unlimited supply of antique dulcimers, and some we think of as not terribly valuable today might be precious and rare 30 years from now. Whatever your personal preferences, it is true that any collectable dulcimer will be diminished in value if you remove its wooden pegs and replace with geared. Or add extra frets, etc. I usually just suggest that if one wants geared tuners (and most folks do..they are convenient!) one should just buy a more modern dulcimer that has them already rather than alter an antique.