What Are You Working On?
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
It looks like you're doing very good work with those zitters. @Ken-Longfield. That kind of preservation is obviously important.
Forum Activity for @dusty
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
What Are You Working On?
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Learning “Carrickfergus”. Mostly got the tune down (cgc) now starting to work on the other two strings. 😉
What Are You Working On?
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Well, I finally finish the restoration of a Pennsylvania German zitter. I purchased two of them back in the Fall of 2019. The other one was easier to restore as I just had to repair a few cracks and reglue some joints. The top on the one I just finished was beyond repair and I had to make a new top. Here is the instrument.
Ken,
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
What Are You Working On?
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Thought I'd resurrect this discussion thread. What are you guys working on? building a new instrument? learning a new tune? putting lyrics to a melody you wrote?
I was watching an episode of the BBC series Poldark the other night and heard a charming Irish jig called "Haste to the Wedding." I'm working on it now. Not quite up to speed, but we're getting there. I'm playing it on my Ron Ewing octave dulcimette, which is a 3/4-size instrument. The smaller frets and the proximity of the strings make it a bit easier to play faster tunes.
EBow on the dulcimer?
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
I hadn't thought of trying to use my EBow on the dulcimer so gave it a go.
I'm afraid that I cannot offer any advice on moving the strings to fit the grooves as I would not like to disturb the spacing I currently use, but it is possible to use the EBow holding it slightly above the strings.
The sound is quite different to normal dulcimer playing and even more so if you also use a guitar slide rather than fretting the string. I do not think you can get the range of sounds that are possible with a guitar as on a guitar the EBow is normally moved over the magnetic pickups to alter the sound.
I don't think I would buy one just to play with the dulcimer but some may find the possibilities interesting. One problem with it of course is that the EBow only works on one string at a time so it is not possible to play chords and difficult to move quickly from one string to another. Although I do not have one, something like a Fernandez Sustainer pickup might work.
Changing setup from left to right handed
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
On my MMD the bridge is definitely compensated:
I would suggest just contacting David. He'll know what to do.
Changing setup from left to right handed
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
If my MMD is typical of David McKinney's work, his nut and bridge should be able to be rotated 180 degrees to convert a left-handed set-up to a right-handed set-up. Neither the nut nor the bridge has been modified for intonation purposes. The nut has a flat top with slots for the strings. The bridge rises to a peak where the strings pass through the string slots. Rotating both 180 degrees should not change the VSL.
Of course, my experience in playing a MMD is limited to the single instrument that I purchased used. However, both nut and bridge appear to be original to the instrument. If my instrument is representative of all MMD, there is no reason the nut and bridge should need modification. Simply rotate both nut and bridge so the bass string slot is reversed.
Changing setup from left to right handed
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
Yeah... unless you've made nuts/bridges from scratch, this is not a good time to start learning
MMD can probably just send you a couple Of blanks with appropriate grooves already in place. Then all you'd have to do is use a piece of 100 grit sandpaper to sand the bottoms off a bit to get the action height adjusted to what you want.
The Nickel & Dime action is a good place to start. That's dead easy and we can walk you through it when you're ready. Could even set up a zoom session if you need some virtual hands-on.
Changing setup from left to right handed
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
Thanks Ken, I was thinking that may be the case... and probably not something I can do. I will contact Modern Mtn and see if they can send them if they are really all precision made and don't vary, then maybe it's possible to get the nut and bridges...
Changing setup from left to right handed
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
Basically you just change the nut and bridge to ones designed for right-handed stringing. Simpler to change them than muck about filing slots...
Changing setup from left to right handed
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
I am considering a used modern mtn Dulcimer that was set up as a left handed Dulcimer. To change it to right handed how much to you have to change on nut and bridge? Is it easy to do?
EBow on the dulcimer?
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
I contacted (Ambient bass looping #3, Graham Blanche (aka BassBus) a guitar player) after listening to one of his youtube recordings. He helped me figure that maybe I could move one of my strings over. so the EBow would ride in the grove of the EBow. He said he also has trouble with spacing & sometimes needs to tilt the EBow.
So I moved my melody string over a bit, it was just sitting on top of a floating bridge - so wasn't hard to make a small adjustment without needing to do any bridge adjustments. Now, I just need to figured out how to move the bass string over some also, without messing up the spacing I have now.
I know trying an EBow isn't something a dulcimer player would usually do but Jerry Rockwell did & after listening to him, I did want to give it a try. I was hoping since so many members know so much about the dulcimer, someone could have help me figure out my problem or the idea of moving the string over to fit in the grove bottom. But now that I maybe have it figured out, I am just sharing what I learn in case anyone else would want to give the EBow a try.
Just another way of playing the dulcimer - but without the strum of a pick. I do like to Experiment -Try - Ask - Share
Carved headstock and end piece.Maker?
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Not a clue of maker. Nice workmanship. Interesting design take on the modern, not traditional dulcimer design. Not having a 6+ fret doesn't make it an older build. There's a guitar builder guy turned dulcimer maker, on one of the FB groups recently, who was all upset when I suggested his $800 new-made dulcimers would more likely sell of they included the 6+ fret and did not include French polished finish. He had no clue what the 6+ fret was -- he'd followed one of the old building booksbooks.
Obviously this instrument is only good for ball-end strings, with those tail pockets. The tuners are pretty common covered singles still made today. The head and tail aren't carved, just bandsawed to shape with the edges rounded over.
updated by @ken-hulme: 05/31/20 03:14:03PM
EBow on the dulcimer?
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
Does anyone know about the EBow? Has anyone used it on the dulcimer?
It is a hand-held electronic bow for guitars. This small unit replaces the pick in the right hand. With a pickup, i t's magnetic field on a single string causes the string to vibrate. Like a violin bow.
The problem:
The spacing of dulcimer strings is different then guitar strings.
Any suggestions on how an EBow can work on a dulcimer?
Jerry Rockwell did a TED Event 'Strouds Run'
(About 9:30'ish in the video he demonstrates using an EBow). It looks like he has it titled and not riding the strings on the bottom's grooves.
I wasn't sure if maybe I would need to move my strings to fit the grooves.
Also can the sound change somewhat or would it always have a similar sound since it's just reading the magnetic field?
Would the dulcimer be able to reproduce the different techniques like a guitar or would it be limited?
Any Ideas?
( The EBow rides on two strings, straddling the one you're playing which is not touched by the EBow. Push the EBow against these support strings and the drive channel comes closer to the string that you're bowing intensifying the drive field for more string vibration. Less pressure or tilting the EBow away from the string decreases this drive.)
Carved headstock and end piece.Maker?
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
Thank you for the new photos. That really is an imaginative but tastefully-done spin on traditional design. The tuners are the same style as were common on Japanese guitars in the mid 70s-early 80s. I'm out of touch with such things these days. I don't know if the same style tuners are still available, or if not, when they went out of production.
Carved headstock and end piece.Maker?
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
I love the looks of this instrument and would love to hear how it sounds!
Carved headstock and end piece.Maker?
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
I may have to adjust my guess of the age of this instrument as it has no 6 1/2 fret that I can see. If someone were going for a traditional dulcimore, I understand leaving out that fret, but since at least the mid 1970s the 6 1/2 has been basically standard.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
Carved headstock and end piece.Maker?
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
Steven Berger:
Whoever built it did a very nice job!
I agree. It is a little unconventional, but a nicely done piece of work.
It would be nice to see a view of the top.
Carved headstock and end piece.Maker?
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
It sounds terrific. I like to learn as much as I can about my instruments!
Carved headstock and end piece.Maker?
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
The bottom line, How does it sound? aloha, irene
Carved headstock and end piece.Maker?
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
I have no idea who made that dulcimer. I doubt that the peg head and tailpiece are carved. It looks like a simple cut with a band saw. From the look of the tuning pegs, it would guess it was made within the last 20 years or so.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
FUNNY songs you sing & play on your dulcimer
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
I've always loved Doug Berch's "Shame and Scandal in the Family".
updated by @susie: 05/29/20 07:59:32PM
FUNNY songs you sing & play on your dulcimer
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
My grandkids love the following, sung to the tune of Mary Had A Little Lamb: Bunny rabbits have no tails, have no tails; Bunny rabbits have no tails, they use powder puffs; Same song, Second Verse... Bunny Rabbits have no tails, etc.
No, doesn't make any sense but the kids love it. :) Like, 99 bottles of beer on the wall....etc. :)
Carved headstock and end piece.Maker?
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
Whoever built it did a very nice job!
Carved headstock and end piece.Maker?
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
It's a "PushMi-PullYu" dulcimer. 
Carved headstock and end piece.Maker?
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
Thanks for introducing, me to yet another person to spend my time and money on!
updated by @gstringer: 05/29/20 06:00:08PM
Carved headstock and end piece.Maker?
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
After taking a second look, it appears that I mistook the tail end for the peghead. Like John K. states , you can't tell if it's coming or going.
So it looks like I've taken two posts to say "I haven't the foggiest idea."
Carved headstock and end piece.Maker?
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
Nope. No marks. But thanks for your input. The string holes are in the tail piece. Ball end strings are anchored and out of sight in the holes. It’s a very nice design!
updated by @gstringer: 05/29/20 05:57:05PM
Carved headstock and end piece.Maker?
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
I don't recognize the peghead shape, but Kerry Rapp in Myerstown, PA runs the strings through holes in the peghead and attaches them to the tuning peg shafts on the underside of the peghead. It looks like this dulcimer does the same. Rapp sells some dulcimers on Etsy under the name Divergent Lutherie. Is there any kind of identification mark. Rapp's typically have a "DL" stamped in the strum hollow area. However, in all honesty, I haven't a clue as to who made your dulcimer. Probably a one-off by someone unknown.
Carved headstock and end piece.Maker?
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
It’s a strange one for sure!
Carved headstock and end piece.Maker?
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
Is it coming or going? Never seen the like of it. Sorry I can't help you!
Carved headstock and end piece.Maker?
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
Bought this used, without any labels or marks. Is this a one-off or a known style of some luthier?
updated by @gstringer: 05/29/20 01:45:10PM
FUNNY songs you sing & play on your dulcimer
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Dusty, that is way way too funny. ‘Ought to be illegal. Gotta use that idea, thank you kindly.
FUNNY songs you sing & play on your dulcimer
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
I saw John McCutcheon perform a song once that started out funny and ended up hilarious. I can't remember the title, but the song was about some kid he grew up with in Wisconsin who would get his tongue stuck on the frozen metal swingset at school every winter. So he sange a verse or two, and then he asked the audience to sing along, but to do so as though our tongues were stuck on a swing set. So each chorus we did that, with everyone trying to sing with our tongues sticking out of our mouths. Perhaps the second or third chorus, he grabbed a camera and took a picture of us, all looking as foolish as we did.
He claimed afterwards that his kid told him no one would be willing to sing with their tongues sticking out, to which he replied, "I bet they will in California!" I'm sure he amends that line to refer to whatever state he's in.
FUNNY songs you sing & play on your dulcimer
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
My take on WaterBound, is about a sailor on a ship during WWll. I wants to be home so much. But he also remembers how hard he had to work on their farm. A little torn. I begin with this story.
FUNNY songs you sing & play on your dulcimer
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
I don’t think sing-alongs necessarily count as “funny songs” but your take on Waterbound is objectively funny. And i’ve not heard the watermelon story but i’m certain it’s the cherry on top.
I don’t think we’re going to return to normal soon, or perhaps ever. But if quarantining longer means we lose people (especially those in vulnerable demographics), I’ll happily keep watching reruns of Matlock for another few months.
Well, maybe not Matlock...but the Rockford Files definietly.
Randy Wilkinson tab book for Elizabethan Music
Dulcimer Resources:TABS/Books/websites/DVDs
Hello!
I would very interested in Randy’s book of Elizabethan music if it is available. I have some very old tab, some by him and some by him and Cynthia Smith. They are ancient photocopies, that Cynthia gave my mom for lessons. They are handwritten and sort of typeset. I also have Randy’s Classical Guitar book.
The loose tab titles are:
Don Oiche Ud Im Bethel, with 2 harmony parts
Blow the Candles Out with harmony
Alman #3 with harmony
The Carman’s Whistle with harmony
How Should I, Your True Love Know
Bonnie Sweet Robin
Lesson for Two Lutes, looks to be copied from a book
The arrangements are lovely.