Forum Activity for @nathina

Can anyone tell me about John Maxwell Dulcimers.

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

Several times, but not since COVID. I tried to donate a ukelin to them but they made it too much of a hassle. I probably will go again if they stay open.

Can anyone tell me about John Maxwell Dulcimers.

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

I have -- somewhere-- a brochure from the Upper Cumberland Craft Center when John Maxwell was running it, and a John Maxwell dulcimer which was damaged when somebody removed it from the wall of a T.G.I.Friday's restaurant years ago.

My Jeffreys dulcimer is 49 years old today!. Number 1865. I still remember the excitement I had the day it arrived. Still in perfect condition. It became the model I use to make my own instruments. I never seen a dulcimer in real life before but it started me on a great journey into traditional old time music... Robert

Can anyone tell me about John Maxwell Dulcimers.

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

I have a question for you Nathina. Have you been to the Musical Instrument Museum? There is a nice display of dulcimers and their predecessors there. My wife and I visited there in 2018.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Can anyone tell me about John Maxwell Dulcimers.

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

By the 1980s most workshops at dulcimer festivals were in DAd. People looked at you like you were a lunatic if you tried to offer anything in DAA.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Can anyone tell me about John Maxwell Dulcimers.

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

I think I have traced the movement which started bigtime to 1978. By the 80's "everyone" (not everyone) wanted DAd. Music also started changing becoming harder to find DAa tabs. I guess they somehow would pin the 2nd string at the third fret? Not sure how they would pin it, especially if they were noting.

updated by @nathina: 12/09/20 08:02:21PM

Can anyone tell me about John Maxwell Dulcimers.

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

Nathina, I forgot to address your question about the 6.5 fret. There are some examples of it being used in the early part of the 20th century. On some of those, the 6 fret was absent. For the most part the 6.5 fret began to be included by modern builders by the mid-1970s. Some included it before that. It was also at that time the mountain dulcimer players began moving away from DAA to DAd. Before that they moved from CGG to DAA. 

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Can anyone tell me about John Maxwell Dulcimers.

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

Lisa, I will try to put together a thread on my Thomas dulcimer #1465. I did not do the restoration myself. I had John Huron do it. I met John at Dulcimerville in 2011 (I think). John was teaching a dulcimer building workshop based on the Thomas pattern. I showed him the dulcimer and was thrilled that I asked him to restore it. John took many photos during the process and some video as well. At the time, I was still working full time and did not have the time to do the work. John and I consulted a few times by email and phone during the three years it took to do the restoration. Betty and I stopped in Bristol, TN where John lives and picked up the dulcimer on our way home from visiting our son in CA. I wrote an article about the restoration that appeared in Dulcimer Players News. I will have to look up what issue it is in.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Can anyone tell me about John Maxwell Dulcimers.

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

I will call him. I can fix the tuners without any "real" modification. Recommend that I don't add 6.5 unless he demands it and fix the case. I will also remove any dents to invisibility so it will be pristine. A good cleaning, maybe new strings and bring it back to new. I can also match the patina. I will post it when it is done. I should also ask him the number to see what time this might have been made. Wish there was a time line somewhere. Wonder if there are any archives?

Can anyone tell me about John Maxwell Dulcimers.

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

Maxwells are vintage and are slowly now becoming 'historic' dulcimers and collectors items. Be careful about making changes to one, as putting in more frets, changing the wooden tuners, replacing parts, and refinishing can all actually permanently devalue it. If it's an original wooden case made by Maxwell that too would be part of the value. An old dulcimer is most valuable when it is in good condition and as close to unchanged as possible.
The thing is, there are so many newer dulcimers available for sale that already have geared tuners and 6.5 frets etc. And dulcimers are not that expensive. I always feel it's a shame to change a lovely vintage dulcimer from its original state and intent. Modernizing antique instruments usually devalues them. Just my two cents!

I would love for Ken Longfield to post again (with pix) about how he restored a rare "Uncle Ed" Thomas dulcimer that was all smashed up. An monumental and successful project!

Can anyone tell me about John Maxwell Dulcimers.

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

I have a way of filling in dings and matching restoring the look. 

All-walnut Thomas-style dulcimore

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

Ok I get it- cutting the wire and twisting the loops ends. I wondered whether you were making strings from some other material. Like weedwacker line maybe, or maybe like when I twist one to two dozen horse tail hairs into a rope to make strings for my jouhikko . Thanks!

Just curious- what gauge strings did you put on this walnut beauty, John?  And is it tuned to the key of D?

Can anyone tell me about John Maxwell Dulcimers.

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

If the pegs are in good condition I will clean and adjust them. There are a couple of items that are available to enlarge the peg body itself without loosing anything to the wood. Do you know when a 6.5 fret became the defacto or when eveyone decided to go from 1-5-5 to 1-3-8 (DAa toDAd)

Can anyone tell me about John Maxwell Dulcimers.

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

The Maxwell dulcimers I've seen were solid wood.  Replacing the tuners might be a challenge depending upon the diameter of the tuners he made. You might have to plug and re-drill the holes. As to the 6.5 fret it depends upon the tuning the person wants to use. The 6.5 fret is not needed for a 1 - 5 - 5 tuning. If playing 1 - 3 - 8 the 6.5 fret is helpful as well as the octave, 13.5. When I replace those frets I measure the VSL and calculate the proper placement. I can't speak for others, but I don't mind you asking questions. Ask away.

Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Can anyone tell me about John Maxwell Dulcimers.

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

This one is also interesting. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:John-maxwell-dulcimers-moa-tn1.jpg

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Can anyone tell me about John Maxwell Dulcimers.

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

I did read all the links here. I can ask the owner for a number.  From what he tells me there is no 6 1/2 which would make the dulcimer around 1970ish. Did he use solids or veneer? His tuners were wooden pegs. So I will probably have to redo that for her. Should I upgrade it for him for a 6.5, or leave it pre / 1970s. This has a wooden custom box, that accompanies it, which I can fix easily. I am trying to find some pics of his obviously upgrade pre 70's. Revels I believe has his new ones or those within the last few years of manufacturer. Hope people don't mind me asking difficult questions?

Can anyone tell me about John Maxwell Dulcimers.

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

Here is a link to a thread here: https://fotmd.com/forums/forum/instruments-discuss-specific-features-luthiers-instrument-problems-questions/24674/john-maxwell-dulcimer

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Can anyone tell me about John Maxwell Dulcimers.

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

Nathina, I've seen a few of his dulcimers over the years and may have played a tune or two on one. Here is link that shows what I believe to be typical of his instruments. https://revelsmusic.co.uk/dulcimers-for-sale/historicunusual-dulcimers/maxwell-teardrop/

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Can anyone tell me about John Maxwell Dulcimers.

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

He stopped building in the late 1970s. That is about all I know. He built about 3000 dulc, and was from Cookeville TN. Cannot really find any pictures re his builds or prices? Did he ever add 6.5 fret and if so when did he start. Thanks. I believe he added a sound hole into the 4th fret.

All-walnut Thomas-style dulcimore

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

I make my own strings when necessary.

All-walnut Thomas-style dulcimore

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

Lisa, homemade strings are made by taking a small spool of piano wire, and twisting a loop in the free end.  Then you cut the wire off to the length you want.   It's a little tricky to get a good twist of the wire.

All-walnut Thomas-style dulcimore

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

Lovely, John! 

Please tell us what you mean by homemade strings. ? 

All-walnut Thomas-style dulcimore

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

An all-walnut J. E. Thomas replica dulcimore with just intonation and homemade strings.

one-of-a-kind Sam Rizetta mountain dulcimer

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I only know of Mr Rizetta by coming across his name in the dulcimer world.  People sell instruments for a variety of reasons-- to reduce possessions or to raise needed cash being a couple of them.  I hope if Mr Rizetta is selling for the latter reason the instrument fetches a good price.  

one-of-a-kind Sam Rizetta mountain dulcimer

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I don't think Sam ever sold any of his hammered dulcimers for that much. It is a beautiful instrument. Sam does excellent work. It would have to have a fantastic sound for me to pay that price. I buy and build dulcimers for their sound, not for ornamentation. Who knows, someone may bite on this.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

one-of-a-kind Sam Rizetta mountain dulcimer

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

That is a beautiful instrument but, wow, the price! 😄

one-of-a-kind Sam Rizetta mountain dulcimer

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Thanks, @susie.  I failed to click the "read more" to get the full story. I was wondering about lacewood since I have a lacewood Modern Mountain dulcimer, but portions of that Rizzetta looked like it was glowing a bit more. 

Interesting that the frets are mean-tempered.

Certainly a unique and beautiful-looking dulcimer.

one-of-a-kind Sam Rizetta mountain dulcimer

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

It's lacewood, which is beautiful. A work of art for sure!

one-of-a-kind Sam Rizetta mountain dulcimer

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Wow, that's a beautiful and unique dulcimer. It looks like the strap button on the lower bout is also a pickup jack, but that placement is kind of weird.  The angle just looks like a strap could come off it pretty easy.  Do you think the wood is koa?  It has that translucent, hypnotic look.

Anyway, if someone wants to buy me that dulcimer for Christmas, I would gladly accept it! Or, if that's too much, just get me one of Bob Stephens nylon-string dulcimers and you can save $7000. See how I'm looking out for your finances?

What is “My Posts”

Site QUESTIONS ? How do I...?

@traildad, you're full of inspiration:

I went down to the orchards,

The most plentiful in all of the land.

But instead of basket of fruit

I just got a bucket full of sand.

Down at the local tavern

The barmaid carried pints in her hand.

But when she brought me my order,

It was only a bucket full of sand.

I got to play the Ol' Opry,

Joining Dolly Parton and her band.

But the roadie didn’t give me my Martin,

He handed me a bucket full of sand.

What is “My Posts”

Site QUESTIONS ? How do I...?

@Strumelia Yes that does the trick also. Sorry for being a bucket full of sand. ;-)

one-of-a-kind Sam Rizetta mountain dulcimer

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

It's beautiful but wow what a price!

one-of-a-kind Sam Rizetta mountain dulcimer

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I thought it was cool just to see this highly customized dulcimer (which is for sale): 

https://reverb.com/item/37249604-sam-rizzetta-custom-lap-dulcimer

What is “My Posts”

Site QUESTIONS ? How do I...?

@traildad, remember, as is explained in the link that Strumelia posted, that you can choose to "follow" discussions both in the Forums and in the Groups, and then you can choose to receive an email notification when someone posts.  That way you don't need to check in to the site and look at "latest activity" to see if someone has added something. You can also choose to receive a notification when someone creates a new discussion in a Group to which you belong or in a Forum topic area that interests you.

updated by @dusty: 12/06/20 10:20:24PM

My voyage to the lute guitar (and mountain dulcimer as well)

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

Wilkommen, Jost!  I don't speak much more Deutsch than that, though my last name is German (Knopf).

Your English is very good and quite understandable.  Danke for joining and sharing with us!

What is “My Posts”

Site QUESTIONS ? How do I...?

@strumelia I wasn’t asking a question. I had found “my posts” and “new posts” for the forum posts but nothing like that for group posts. The group section doesn’t seem to be organized chronologically and I haven’t been sure it I had been seeing all new posts. I’m just not used to this system. I confirmed for myself that the “latest activity” shows both forum and groups activity. I’ve been wondering, but I figured I’d work it out myself eventually. I’m glad to know I’m looking in the right place. Thanks for the help.

What is “My Posts”

Site QUESTIONS ? How do I...?

Traildad, I'm not sure exactly what you are meaning, but perhaps this prior discussion will help you:

https://fotmd.com/forums/forum/site-questions-how-do-i/18538/new-group-follow-features-added

updated by @strumelia: 12/06/20 07:31:06PM

What is “My Posts”

Site QUESTIONS ? How do I...?

I think I’ve figured out that the “latest activity” section on the home page shows recent forum and group posts. It doesn’t show my group posts organized together but it helps me find the most recent group postings. I’ve been wondering where to look to catch up and make sure I’m not missing new group posts. 

My voyage to the lute guitar (and mountain dulcimer as well)

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

Hello Wilfried,

nice to see you here. I'm not just a big fan of your hummel videos but I remember now I saw your announcement of your master piece (lyra guitar) on the pin board of Musikschule Norden back in 2005. I was raised in Ostfriesland, but moved away for college and work 12 years ago.

I agree however I can't afford more instruments at the moment for lack of money and space in my appartment. The lack of money also means I can't move to a bigger appartment at the moment :)
This year I'l visit my parents during chrismast but not going anywhere else due to the pandemic situation. I plan another visist next summer though and will drop you a note then.

Best Regards, Jost.
updated by @jost: 12/06/20 03:41:59PM

My voyage to the lute guitar (and mountain dulcimer as well)

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

The Dulcimer is a nice instrument. I began my instrument making with this instrument ! In 1976 there was a book by John Pearse how to make a fretboard-dulcimer. Just a fretboard to clamp on the table. The table should give the resonnance. But on the cover of the booklet there was a nice hourglass dulcimer. How to make those curved sides ??? With this a great adventure came to me which ended in my master proof as instrument maker in Markneukirchen in 2005. I am still busy!

The first Dulcimers were built in USA around 1830. The history of the Hummel goes back to the 1500s. The sound of the drones was very impressive for people of the lower classes. It was easy to beginn with one finger on the fretboard witout confusing halftones ! The drones gave the nessecary ground for the melody. The luthe was an instrument for the noble man. As there were many people at the lower classes there were also many instruments like the hummel. In the small town Neukirch in Saxonie it is said that there was a Hummel nearly in each house and they had built the instruments by themselves.  That´s what they did in the valleys of Appalachian Mountains with the Dulcimer. Building a simple instrument by themselves. They had the accompaniment with the drones too.

Next instrument should be a Hummel !!!

best regards

Wilfried

btw.: My book "The Story of the Hummel" is still available !