Forum Activity for @strumelia

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.

Healthy Living- healthy eating, exercise, weight loss, veggie gardening, etc.

OFF TOPIC discussions

Nina, I'm excited for you- you GO girl!  I look forward to a few pix later.
I'm convinced that sprouts that are truly fresh (grown at home) are a real powerhouse of healthy nutrients.
Remember to keep them dark while growing, until the last day when you set the jar next to a bright window- so fun to see them get so GREEN within a few hours of being exposed to light!

Just received a John A Maxwell

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

yeah, I also do so much agree with what Dusty and Ken said here.   It all depends on what you're going to use this dulcimer for.   Keeping things original is wonderful for the collectors out there, even if it be you.   Start preparing a wall or other fun ways to display your accumulating dulcimers.  Keeping the history of where you got them and what you did to restore them to their glory.   aloha, irene

Healthy Living- healthy eating, exercise, weight loss, veggie gardening, etc.

OFF TOPIC discussions

I ordered lids for my mason jars and a variety of seeds.  The lids came the day after I ordered them! The seeds came yesterday and I've started two jars--alfalfa and broccoli seeds.  I've watched plenty of YouTubes so we'll see how the seeds sprout.  I hope to post pictures once there is something to photograph. Nina

Just received a John A Maxwell

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

I agree with what Dusty said...  unless you're going to make it yours, rather than 'flip' it, I would leave the tuning pegs alone and add simple fine tuner beads behind the nut if you can.  If you don't have it, a couple drops of "Peg Dope" work wonders for making pegs work smoothly -- loosen the peg, put a couple drops where the peg fits into the scroll side, then re-tighten

Just received a John A Maxwell

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

That's definitely a cool project, Nathina. I second the motion to make sure you take some "before" pictures so we can see the work you do.

While it is true that few people today enjoy friction tuners, you might pause before replacing them with modern geared tuners.  Once an instrument is "vintage" there is certainly an interest in maintaining it's original construction.  Then again, if you want to play the instrument regularly, by all means make it your own.  A compromise might be to install fine tuners behind the bridge if the design allows.

Just received a John A Maxwell

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

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

Just received a John A Maxwell that I am refurbishing. So far peg holes are round and tapered. Strings are being replaced and laid properly. Never sure why somebody has to use the entire string length on the pegs. Pegs will be refinished. All dings fixed. And the action will be adjusted, way too high. Will be fixing its wooden case. By the time I am finished it will be museum quality refinishing and ready to go. Frets are now placed properly. This is a fat hour glass version 4 str. Ball Strings to be replaced This is walnut on walnut I think. Added strap buttons. I will post pics when finished.

I am wondering if I shouldn't change the pegs to starite tuners. What do you think? I seems that very few understand violin peg tuning.

updated by @nathina: 03/11/24 03:00:50AM

Music theory/Mode question

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Great post Dusty, I hope everyone will read it because every sentence in your post contains clear and correct information that sheds light on this whole subject.

Strings

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Thanks for the response and suggestion, Ken. 

Strings

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I see Terry sells string sets in 24/16/12 and 26/16/13.   The 26/16/13 set may help but i wouldn't guarantee it. 

What I suggest is dropping Terry a note and explaining to him what you've explained here.  Rather than centering your strings on D, he may recommend buying strings ideal for the key of C; that way you'd be going up one step to D, and down only one step to B...

Strings

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Ken, I normally play in the key of D, especially when I'm playing with my dulcimer club [which I hope to do again this spring or summer]. But when I'm playing by myself these days, I'm playing in C just as often.   And the intonation problem is definitely worse when I tune to B than to C.  Maybe I should go up to .26, 16., 14.  Then perhaps I could play in D, C and B without noticeable lack of intonation as I go up the fretboard.  I might give that a try. 

Music theory/Mode question

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I don't think I can answer the original question posed, but I am not sure there is a clear answer.  You can tune a dulcimer however you want, but that doesn't mean that there is an official name for the tuning.  The Canadian dulcimer player Rick Scott has written lots of tunes in strange tunings.  He doesn't have names for them; he just tells you what notes he is tuned to.

There are basically two ways we name tunings. One is by the mode that is available on the melody string (assuming there are no half frets and the melody is played only on the melody string).  In that nomenclature, we do not have a choice about the drone strings.  They have to be the 1st and 5th notes of the scale, although they can be reversed. DAA is ionian and ADa would be a reverse ionian. DAC is aeolian and ADC would be reversed aeolian.  What is reversed is simply the order of the drones.  The tuning of the melody string has nothing to do with whether we call a tuning "reversed" or not.

The second way of naming a tuning is simply by labeling the strings according to their scale position.  DAA is 155, as is GDD and so forth.  DAC is 157, FAC is 135, etc.

(For what it's worth, I much prefer naming tunings according to scale position since it avoids the obfuscating modal names and is easier to transpose from one key to another. Additionally, since many of us have extra frets and fret across all the strings, we are not limited to a single mode in any given tuning, making the modal names technically incorrect and certainly misleading.)

So one way to label your tuning would be to establish the key and then determine the scale position of the strings.  If @strumelia is correct, and you are playing Emma's Waltz in G aeolian (and the song is certainly in aeolian) then your Bb is the m3, the G is the 1, and the F is the 7.  So we could say simply that you are tuned m3-1-7.  But we cannot call that an aeolian tuning because the drones are wrong. I think perhaps the reason it sounds OK is that the minor third is one of the notes--and one of the defining notes--of the aeolian mode, so it sounds reasonable. 

If you were to tune the bass string to D, so that you were in DGF, that would be a true reversed aeolian tuning.

updated by @dusty: 12/14/20 11:22:16AM

Music theory/Mode question

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions


It’s so much fun learning all of this. Thank you so much!

Music theory/Mode question

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I thank you for the research but perhaps I didn’t make myself as clear as I thought I had. Yes, you understand the string tensions I was using correctly. I’m not on this site frequently and some people I interact with switch the string designations between 1-2-3 to 3-2-1, and that’s why I tried to both describe it as I did and also include that mp4 with the notes. I’m glad it’s gotten figured out, in any event.

Re Aeolian mode, the tuning I have been asking about does sound like a minor key - but with a twist. To my ear it’s neither Aeolian nor Dorian, but as I said, I don’t know how to characterize a set of strings that’s somehow neither one nor the other. I wonder if that F-G -Bb would be a regular Aeolian if the F-G was reversed as G-F? There’s my ignorance showing.

You’re right about the YouTube video as well, but I’d included that reference only so people could hear how the tune goes. I especially like the old staple fret dulcimers and mine don’t have 6.5 frets so I can’t just capo like he did, and actually I wasn’t trying to replicate his sound at all. I just stumbled on that FGBb combination when I was changing strings and thought to myself, “That sounds nice - kind of a minor tuning but I don’t recall it. I wonder if it would sound good with ...” and that’s why I chose to share that particular song with my query.

As for string tension, I don’t normally tune this Dulcimore this low. It likes DAA just fine but a half step lower or at CGG even better, it’s just where the resonance seems to sound out at its best. This just happened to be something I found when tuning up a fresh string set, as I said.

I really appreciate everyone’s chiming in on this. I’m not even within earshot of pretending to be a pro musician but I’m perpetually curious. I’m very glad to have access to the expertise on this forum.

Healthy Living- healthy eating, exercise, weight loss, veggie gardening, etc.

OFF TOPIC discussions

Nice sprouts! I making dinner  and would love a bunch of them NOW.

Just picked the last of my romaine lettuce from the field. I had them on raised beds covered with black plastic mulch so frost never got them. Cold weather really brings out the flavor... Robert

Music theory/Mode question

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

You said:  "B flat / G / F (melody string is F)"

In listening to your sound clip of your open strings, you have lowest string (bass) at Bb. The middle string is tuned to the G above the melody string's F.  Thus, the highest sounding open string is the middle string G. 

The youtube you copied below is playing Emma's waltz with a capo at fret one, resulting in the minor-sounding aeolian mode. This is what I guessed before with your tuning. On your open F melody string, the first fret of your melody string will be your 'home'/tonic note which would be a G (matching your open middle string in G). If you aren't using a capo (without telling us), you'd be playing the waltz in the G aeolian scale, in Aeolian mode which has a lonesome/sad feel. From the internet: "G Aeolian is the sixth mode of the Bb major scale · G Aeolian Scale Notes: G A Bb C D Eb F".  Your tonic/home note is G, on the 1st fret of the melody string.

The reason your melody string is the F note LOWER than the middle string (usually it's higher than the middle string) is because if you tried to tune it to next f note one octave higher, at a 28"+ vsl that string would break no matter how thin a gauge you had. So you went with the F an octave lower which happened to be one note below the middle string G.

updated by @strumelia: 12/13/20 06:39:41PM

Music theory/Mode question

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Here is Bflat Major and Bflat Minor. If you F string is more towards the F# then it is minor. Otherwise if it is F, then major.

Music theory/Mode question

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

If you play a little snippet of an actual tune, a few measures, particularly the end... we could tell you what key and mode you are playing in, based on your tuning.

Music theory/Mode question

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Here’s a link - I’m tuned somewhat sharp, but basically F3 - G3 - B flat 2.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/kqzcvc7et86u914/F-G-B%20flat%2C%20a%20bit%20sharp.m4a?dl=0

My iPhone tuner says I’m at 177, 201, and 120 Hz. This dulcimer has a VSL of ~28.5”, and I’ve got strings on that mic out as 0.012, 0.014, 0.022 br wound. I’ll be curious to know what you think.

Information on Jim Good Appreciated.

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

This is a pre fire 1983 one of his. I will see when it comes. He changed his style after the fire. Before the fire he used tuning pegs, after he went to mechanical. Once it comes I will get in touch. I also have information about his fire in 1983.

Music theory/Mode question

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I am trying to understand your tuning. The melody string is tuned to F. The middle string is tuned to G, but is it higher or lower than the F. The bass string is tuned to B flat. Is this tuned lower than the F? I want to try tuning my dulcimer this way, but may need to change strings to do so.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Music theory/Mode question

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions



Thank you! I appreciate the link to that website in particular. Now I know where to look!

Music theory/Mode question

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Thanks for the quick response. Emma’s Waltz is the first one I stumbled onto this with - fret 5 -3 -1 -3 -5 -6 -5 etc. (see for one version of the melody played with a different tuning).

Information on Jim Good Appreciated.

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

I have never seen a dulcimer made by Jim Good with any painted designs on it. Are you sure this was  not done after the dulcimer was purchased? When you look at the dulcimers on Jim's website, there are no dulcimers with painted designs. He doesn't mention that on the website. If it were something he offered, you would think it would be on the website. I can't wait to see your purchase.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Music theory/Mode question

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Inversion of Gm7 according to https://www.scales-chords.com/chord/piano/Bbgf

Information on Jim Good Appreciated.

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

Not sure he contracts with anyone to do paintings on his instruments.  Contact him and ask.

Music theory/Mode question

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

What tune are you playing with this tuning? That will help us.

What fret does the tune end on? That will help too.

I'm 'suspecting' you are playing in G aeolian, with the tonic note being G at the first fret of the melody string, and the middle string being tuned to G the tonic. That would give you the minor/lonesome sound.
But tell us answers to my questions above.

Music theory/Mode question

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I’ve a music question that I’m guessing someone here can answer. I stumbled upon a minor-ish dulcimer tuning that actually seems to work, in a haunting way, for a couple of minor-key tunes played noter-drone style. What the heck have I got here? In this particular case I’ve got: B flat / G / F (melody string is F). I don’t know if this is an inverted something or other, mode  or what - but I’d like to know what to call this. For the moment, I’m immodestly calling it “Terry Tuning”. There’s no way that can stand! 🤓

I never had a music theory class so I suppose this could be an augmented or diminished 7th or something I’ve only ever seen in a guitar chord book. But I’m curious - it does have a haunting quality. A measured version of Emma’s Waltz is especially cool - to my ears late at night, anyway. The cats don’t seem to mind, at least, and my dog would hang close no matter what. Thanks to all. And as a friend says, Stay Positive and Test Negative!

updated by @clockdr: 12/13/20 08:48:13AM

Healthy Living- healthy eating, exercise, weight loss, veggie gardening, etc.

OFF TOPIC discussions

There are many good youtube tutorials if you search there for "growing sprouts in quart mason jars". You can get organic sprouting seeds easily on A*zon, also those stainless steel screen tops that I like to use.  Or just use some cheesecloth and a rubber band. Just make sure to use the wide mouth jars so you can pull the mass of grown sprouts out without damaging them. You can buy either like a 1lb bag of a certain seed (a lb of alfalfa seed last me a year) or try a collection that has several varieties of littler sampler bags of seed to try out. Be sure the seed specifically says it's for sprouting.

Once you've put in the seeds and secured the screen or mesh top, you won't be removing the top until the sprouts are all grown and ready. You just do the twice daily rinsing right through the mesh at the sink. The jars stay upside down so no water pools in the jar, and must stay covered and dark until the last day when you do a final jar rinse and set the jar by a bright windowsill- the leaves will green up within 2 or 3 hours in the light.

A handful of sprouts is actually more nutritious than a handful of lettuce leaves. It's such a cheap and easy way to have absolutely FRESH greens on hand. You'll be amazed at how low the sprouts stay fresh in your fridge- because the sprouts one buys in the store are days or sometimes more than a week old since they were packaged.

updated by @strumelia: 12/13/20 08:35:20AM

Healthy Living- healthy eating, exercise, weight loss, veggie gardening, etc.

OFF TOPIC discussions

Those look gorgeous, too.  It never occurred to me to grow my own sprouts. I just buy those little plastic containers at the green grocer. I sometimes get the spicy broccoli sprouts, too, but I'm the only one in the house who likes 'em.

Healthy Living- healthy eating, exercise, weight loss, veggie gardening, etc.

OFF TOPIC discussions

Today we taste tested the alfalfa vs the red clover sprouts. Alfalfa won again, but both were tasty.
Dusty, the red clover has very slightly more golden leaves and finer texture. The alfalfa sprouts have darker green little leaves and whiter roots, so they are really pretty. Here is a pic of a quart container full of my alfalfa sprouts after rinsing removed most of the empty hulls. They really are purty after being cleaned and drained and tucked into a fridge tub. A quart goes a long way, giving enough for several very generous sandwiches and salad toppings.
It's convenient how the empty hulls float to the top when you rinse the finished sprouts, making them easy to skim away. When you pull the wad of sprouts out of the jar, they really are a packed mass which you have to gently tease apart to wash them before draining well and putting in the fridge. That's why I never use more than 4 level teaspoons of seed for a quart jar!

Alfalfa sprouts:

updated by @strumelia: 12/12/20 11:02:00PM

Healthy Living- healthy eating, exercise, weight loss, veggie gardening, etc.

OFF TOPIC discussions

Those fresh red clover sprouts look so light and delicious!

Healthy Living- healthy eating, exercise, weight loss, veggie gardening, etc.

OFF TOPIC discussions

Wow.  Thanks for posting the pictures.  I ordered my seeds yesterday.  I'm excitted to get started.  Nina

Information on Jim Good Appreciated.

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

I will once I have it. At this point I don't know whether it is paint or inlay, as pre 1983 he was known for a lot of inlay apparently. Guess I'll wait and see.

Information on Jim Good Appreciated.

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

Sorry, Nathina, I have no idea. You might contact him directly.  Luthiers are usually delighted to hear their old builds are still out there being played.

updated by @dusty: 12/12/20 09:54:15PM

Information on Jim Good Appreciated.

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

Do you know who he contracts with to do the painting, prior to the final "shellac". I will post the one I got when it comes. This might be an older one, having peg tuners, built 1980. This is a pre 1983 fire model, before he changed to mechanical tuners.

updated by @nathina: 12/12/20 08:44:50PM

Information on Jim Good Appreciated.

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

I seem to have gone on a buying spree for christmas. A few to fix, and some to sell I hope, to pay for what I bought. This time of year with COVID is just terrible.

Information on Jim Good Appreciated.

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

Jim's been making dulcimers under the Mastertone name for probably several decades.  Every one I've ever seen had 5 strings.  I've never played one, but Jim has a good reputation.

Information on Jim Good Appreciated.

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

I have seen Jim Good mentioned as a dulcimer maker on the site. What can anyone tell me about his dulcimers, and who does the paintings? I just bought an older one and it will eventually arrive. It looks great, how it plays?