Forum Activity for @john-gribble

I think I've bought my last Apple machine. After being assured this new computer would open all my old Apple documents by two different Apple employees, I got it home and discovered it wouldn't. 20 years worth of work.  

The main problem with Catalina is that it no longer supports 32bit programs, only 64 bit. Many apps, including printer drivers, are 32 bit and many of them won't be updated to 64 bit soon if ever. I'm glad Phroedrick could go back to Mojave, but if you haven't backed up your computer, you could really be out of luck.

Fair price for a 2003 McSpadden

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

Banjimer, that last reply pretty much summed up my own thinking, but I wanted to confirm it with others.  Thanks. 

It's a great instrument looking for a buyer, and that probably won't happen at an estate sale. If I had some spare cash, I'd make it mine and have it converted to left-handed at the shop where it was built.  But I can't offer them a fair price right now, and I wouldn't risk any hard feelings in a valuable friendship over a business deal. .

I play guitar and dabble in mando, banjo, uke and a little dobro.  I've loved McSpadden dulcimers and enjoyed playing them on trips to Mountain View for many, many years but never owned one. 

Thanks for the great advice, which I'll share with the owners. 

 

Fair price for a 2003 McSpadden

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

If you intend to sell it at an estate sale, you can expect to sell it at a price below the $250-$300 range.  This forum will bring your dulcimer to the attention of multiple dulcimer players of all levels.  These potential buyers will know that McSpadden sells their new dulcimers for about $500, and an offering price of $250-$300 would be a good price for an instrument in near mint condition. 

At an estate sale you are not likely to find a dulcimer player looking for a new instrument.  It gets back to the law of supply and demand.   An estate sale will be unlikely to bring the instrument to the attention of a knowledgeable person looking for a dulcimer.  For those buyers, it will be more of a curiosity than a musical instrument, thus decreasing its value in their eyes.  .

However, if you decide on the estate sale and it doesn't sell, you can always list it here with some pictures and pertinent information regarding its condition.  McSpadden dulcimers tend to sell relatively quickly on this forum when offered at a fair price.

Fair price for a 2003 McSpadden

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

Those are good questions about storage.  If they don't let it go through the estate sale this weekend, they might follow your suggestion about photos and offering it for sale on this forum...and I'll know some additional details to add!  Thanks so much. 

Fair price for a 2003 McSpadden

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

I did not see your post before I entered my comments. If you like it and can get it at $250'ish I'd jump all over it.

Fair price for a 2003 McSpadden

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

I would concur with a price of $250 to $300 (as Banjimmer suggested) provided it is in good shape and your description suggests that it is. One factor a savvy buyer would want to know is how it has been cared for, particularly how it was stored. Was it in a rental storage unit without thermal control, in a damp basement, in an attic space? If you have that information, it may be helpful. Temperature and humidity excesses in either direction are not healthy for a fine musical instrument.

Would you want to post pictures here?

Had you considered asking your friends if you could advertise it for sale on this site? That may bring a better price than an estate sale.

Fair price for a 2003 McSpadden

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

Thank you both.  I'm not sure the young owner ever played it.  I can't find a mark or ding on it.  I've been visiting the Dulcimer Shoppe in Mountain View since the '70s and know their work....it looks like it just came out of the case for the first time ever, and it has one of the prettiest figured walnut tops I've ever seen from there.

Thanks for helping me and my friends. 

Fair price for a 2003 McSpadden

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

The name on the label adds nothing to the value in this case...

Fair price for a 2003 McSpadden

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

Used McSpadden dulcimers are not all that rare, but there is a regular market.  The obvious answer is that it is worth what someone is willing to pay.  I would give it a resale value of $250-$300 if it is in good shape and free of cracks or damage.  The case adds little to the value on the resale market.

Fair price for a 2003 McSpadden

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

I'll appreciate your advice on behalf of my friends, who have a McSpadden SW12WW (all-walnut, beautiful flame top) dulcimer built in December 2003 with George Looney's name on the label.  It's in a hardshell case with a McSpadden sticker and looks like it came straight out of the Dulcimer Shoppe in Mountain View.  I don't think their son ever really played it.

They've asked for help in determining its value, but I'm not finding records of sales for the same model in similar years online.  I believe a new one with similar specs + pro case would be around $680 or so, including sales tax, but prices were much lower in 2003.

If they let it go through an estate sale, it feels like they'll get only a fraction of its value.  If it were yours, what would you ask, or what's a reasonable price to request, please?  What other avenues would you try to get the most value for a really, beautiful instrument that needs a buyer?  

Thanks so much.  I'm enjoying this site and look forward to learning more about mountain dulcimers here.  

 

 

 

 

 

Group Contents Re-ordered???

Site QUESTIONS ? How do I...?

You're welcome you're welcome. 

Group Contents Re-ordered???

Site QUESTIONS ? How do I...?

Great!  Yes -- back to "normal" according to my Senior memory.  Thank you thank you!

 

Group Contents Re-ordered???

Site QUESTIONS ? How do I...?

Ken, I think this is now fixed up.  Please go take a look and also let me know if you see any lingering or additional problems related to this.

Thanks for bringing it to my attention. 

NDD (New Dulcimer Day) Thread - Let's See Them

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

If I had a new/new-to-me dulcimer I'd post!  

NDD (New Dulcimer Day) Thread - Let's See Them

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I should mention that our members who are dulcimer makers/luthiers often utilize our Dulcimer Making Group to post about their latest creations that they themselves constructed.  :)

NDD (New Dulcimer Day) Thread - Let's See Them

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Yes, I have seen a few NDD threads, but not many. I thought a thread like this might get more people to post. Just a thought. We will see.

That's a really cool dulcimer, thanks for the details on it. How does it sound?

updated by @susie: 10/16/19 09:43:53AM

NDD (New Dulcimer Day) Thread - Let's See Them

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

No, not today.

 

NDD (New Dulcimer Day) Thread - Let's See Them

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Most of us just post a separate thread when we acquire or make a new instrument, rather than having a single thread of new dulcimers. 

But here's my newest build.  This Holly Leaf is shape based on one of two Civil War or earlier instruments known to have been made in this recognizable pattern -- one in North Carolina and a similar but different holly leaf shape made in Virginia by a different builder.  Great minds think alike and all that.

Mine is not an exact replica of the one which was built in Burnsville, NC.  Rather,  I 'softened' the original rigid straight lines by curving the shoulders and tail.   Walnut and Maple.  Rosewood tuning pegs.  Staple frets for the melody string only.  Width 7.5", Length 34.5".  Side height 1.5".  Fretboard 1" high x 1.125" wide.

 

updated by @ken-hulme: 10/16/19 07:04:38AM

Kantele?

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

As with all things this is taking time. And even now, I see places where I didn't get all of the old finish off and need to get back to sanding. I resist the idea of using a stripper since it would be just this one time project. But the craftsman in me demands I get this right. Especially since the back is some really nice mahogany.

But I have to say, I DO like the Tung Oil. It does take time to dry, but from what I am seeing so far, it is well worth the time.

Pics are not the best quality, but this is just an update.

 

 

updated by @ferrator: 10/15/19 06:51:38PM

NDD (New Dulcimer Day) Thread - Let's See Them

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Do you have a new dulcimer?

NDD (New Dulcimer Day) Thread - Let's See Them

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I belong to several music forums. It is quite common for folks to share their new instrument acquisitions with pictures and details. It's interesting to see what folks are getting and hear their stories.

As dulcimer players, I know we quite often acquire new or new-to-us dulcimers. 

What are your thoughts on sharing your NDD's right here? Who wants to start?

updated by @susie: 10/27/19 12:02:25PM

Group Contents Re-ordered???

Site QUESTIONS ? How do I...?

I'm looking into this Ken.  It looks like if you make a new post in a group discussion, it does rise to the top as it should.  (there are sometimes a couple of 'pinned' discussions that always stay at top though). However, it also seems that after a recent site update, past group discussions got a bit scrambled in order, making it hard to find discussions that were somewhat recent, if they have not had a new post after the site update.

Not sure I'll be able to re-order them again, but am looking into it.

Group Contents Re-ordered???

Site QUESTIONS ? How do I...?

The Wall comments I never did see out of chronological order.  But the Group discussions are completely disordered.  I understand that they 'should' have most recently responded to discussions at the top of the list. But in Beginners and Making Dulcimers and Noter & Drone (that I follow a couple times a day) I can't find the discussions that were "current" at the top of the lists.  In each of those Groups,  there were discussions that were being currently responded to which are now somewhere in what seems to be a randomly ordered stack of discussions.

Hope that helps.  

Group Contents Re-ordered???

Site QUESTIONS ? How do I...?

Ken, I'm currently looking in to this issue.

In the Beginner Group, I'm seeing that the Comment Wall 'comments' are in the correct order- with the most recent comments on top.  Are you not seeing it this way?

However, I am seeing a problem with the group's discussions being shown out of order.  It 'should' be so that the discussions with the newest replies show on the top, and discussion threads that have not had recent activity get listed later on in the order of the group threads. Is that what you are referring to as the problem?

Tell me whether you still see an 'ordered by' problem with the Comment Wall comments in groups.
I'm thinking there's only a problem with the order of group discussions, and NOT aproblem with the rder of group Comment Wall comments.  Tell me if that's what you see too, so I don't wind up chasing any non-existent issues. Thanks

McSpadden Possum Board Volume

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

You're right John -- we need to establish acoustic characteristics of a Dulcimer Standard Lap and how far individuals deviate from the standard.  I'll get right on that!

McSpadden Possum Board Volume

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

Of course, you would also have to design a measurement protocol for the sonic charateristics of various types of laps—bony, flabby, etc.

Show Us Your Pets!

OFF TOPIC discussions

Update on my little black cat, Bran. I had both my boys to the vet in July - had deliberately left taking them both down to the vet, letting Bran be thoroughly settled before taking him anywhere. Both needed their vaccinations, and checkups, etc., and Pug needed some dental work done. As you know, Bran was a rescue cat from the pet rescue via the pound, and very stressed and unhappy when I got him. I mentioned previously that his front paws were a bit odd, and the pads deformed, so I had the vet check out his feet.

Here's where it gets a bit nasty. The vet said that at some time his front paws had come into contact with something caustic, and that his 'deformed' pads weren't deformed at all, but had been partly burned away by whatever the caustic substance was. She said it could quite possibly have been accidental, but could also have been deliberate - there is no way of knowing. There are some harder areas of scar tissue that occasionally give him discomfort, so I have to keep an eye on him and look out for his sore paws. I do so hope it was accidental, but going by the condition he was in, and his level of timidity and distrust I doubt it. I don't want to think that he was hurt on purpose, but we all know that there are some very brutal people out there who don't think twice about inflicting pain on an animal.

Ukulele Tuners

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

@david-messenger Wow, she looks really good!  As a simple, temporary fix, you could loosen the strings and place a little slice of good grade of paper in the nut and see whether that fixes your buzzing.  If it doesn't, you may just need another string gauge.  (I'm not a luthier so my advice is just that of a strummer.)   

Show Us Your Pets!

OFF TOPIC discussions

My mate Zak as the avatar pic 

updated by @ukgb: 10/13/19 08:06:57AM

Ukulele Tuners

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

Well I bought some banjo friction tuners for her on ebay off a 1920's banjo out of New Jersey. 3 out of 4 good ones plus some parts, and only short one good washer.The person who sold them to me thought they were probably Grovers. Got them fitted and got her strung up and tuned. Looks like I'll have to make another nut and bridge up, as the slots are cut too wide for the melody and middle strings, so the strings are buzzing, but otherwise she sounds nice...

McSpadden Possum Board Volume

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

Being that I don't have much lap.....and don't like using a bum strap....I put 3 little clear plastic bumpers on the backs of my dulcimers. (they have sticky backs)  I play on an adjustable table.   Nice and loud just right. I can control volume, and bow it and hammer it....easy cheesy on the adjustable little black table that you can get at Walmart.  Daughter in Hawaii has a white adjustable table and that worked just right too.  A dulcimer is ALWAYS set up in my living room so I can just stop and play anytime I want....

You can try those little plastic bumpers and take 'em off if you don't like them.   You can keep them on even while playing your dulcimer on your lap.   The old style of many dulcimers had wood permanent ones on the backs like many of the dulcimer makers are making now a days.   aloha, irene

McSpadden Possum Board Volume

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

LD. Thanks, I am seriously thinking of going ahead with the possum board. Thanks for your input. I have 2 McSpadden’s with 26” vsl. One is redwood with walnut and the other is all walnut with some extra frets. I love them both!

McSpadden Possum Board Volume

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

Silverstrings...yes, no regrets.  I use it from time to time.  I was pleasantly surprised at the very balanced tone of the McSpadden dulcimer.  I love the 26 scale (have an athritic joint in my left wrist so the full size is a problem), and the spalted sycamore with the walnut back and sides sounds very rich.  My other dulcimers are largely all walnut, or walnut with butternut, and they are on the mellow, rich side.  Very nice, but I wanted something that would be warm with some sparkle.  The spalted sycamore did the trick.  Of all the dulcimers i have, this one is fast becoming my favorite all purpose one.  If you call McSpadden, I believe they would let you buy, and return if you don't like the possum board.  Just call.  They are really great to work with.  

 

LD

McSpadden Possum Board Volume

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

LD, so you are at least glad you bought the MsSpadden possum board? I have a 26” dulcimer from them, too and love it. What does your Spalted Sycamore sound like and does it have Cherry sides and back? I am looking at one of theirs in the 26” vsl length. Thanks

McSpadden Possum Board Volume

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

 

McSpadden Possum Board Volume

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

Anybody who has played a dulcimer knows how much better they sound when the back is unrestrained. Possum boards really help but mostly they allow an easy way to free up the back plate to vibrate freely.Any hardwood will help reflect sound a little bit not very much. I did an experiment playing with my birch possum board then covering board with sheet  brass. Followed that by covering board with a cotton kitchen dish towel. There was barely any difference in volume. Just raising back of dulcimer any way you can is all you need.

Somewhere I saw someone who mounted a dulcimer on an acoustic table that acted as a resonator. I have to build one someday... Robert.

 

McSpadden Possum Board Volume

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

I just purchased a new McSpadden Spalted Sycamore top short scale dulcimer.  I also ordered the possum board.  I have never worked with one, and it clearly makes it louder.  I have not put a lot of time into it yet as the dulcimer really sounds true sitting flat on my lap, but my initial reaction is that it does bring out volume but some of the deeper tones got brighter.  Just an unscientific observation.  I have another brand dulcimer that completely loses the lower sound on my lap, and the maker will not make a possum board for me.  I think he sees it as an insult!  I may tackle that project myself.  Anyway, it certainly has a use, and in an ensemble setup, volume will be increased.  

McSpadden Possum Board Volume

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

Possum boards (regardless of wood type) do increase volume.  How much?  No one has yet designed an experiment to test the concept (variables would include number and height of feet or standoff, Janka or other hardness rating of the p-board material, and some sort of quantitative measure of both lap an p-board loudness values.

McSpadden Possum Board Volume

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

Here's a pic of one I made.  Don't need the sound holes, but it does help with volume.