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Dulcimer Project (Reasonably) Complete!
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I buy metal loop or ball end strings, depending on the design of the tail of the dulcimer. Just get an appropriate gauge and you're good to go!
Some have experimented with gut/nylon strings with mixed results.
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Main question remaining for me, then, and if this doesn't open a whole nother can of worms!, is the one of strings. Are there "dulcimer strings" per se? I just used what was handy, and that was guitar strings.
Does anyone use gut or nylon, or only metal? (I've only seen dulcimers with metal strings!)
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How about we drop the debating and get back to simply discussing cbrown's instrument fixing project, which is the subject of this thread? Thanks.
Introduce Yourself!
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Hi folks, I'd like to keep this discussion focused more simply on 'introducing ourselves'- so feel free to start new discussions in either the Music Theory Group or the Traditional NoterDrone Group if you would like to continue in depth discussions on modes, ballad resources, etc.
Thank you!
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I won't enter into the fray about the origin of the scheitholt, but at least we know the epinette des Vosges is from, well, the Vosges. 
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General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Send me a PM here, as I said before, and I will give the file to you directly. You need a free PDF Reader app on your Android or regular computer to open and read the file.
If your Android won't download it there is something wrong, but not with the PDF. Get a highschool kid/grandchild to help you 
TTAD is the best site on the Internet for Traditional dulcimer builders and players to exchange information.
updated by @ken-hulme: 09/29/19 11:27:43AM
Introduce Yourself!
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Ken, searched for Uncontrite Modal Folker. Had to join the TTAD forum. The resource is a PDF. My Android will not download it. Error msg stated it requires storage permission but I can't figure out how to do that. I have been all over Settings,but don't see it. I'm an old guy and not very tech savvy. Sure would like to have that OFF
Introduce Yourself!
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Greg, thanks so much for the modal tuning info. I will save that info. It will be very helpful.
Conversation with Paul Crocker
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Robin Thompson:
What a great interview with Paul! It is hard to imagine he could not have Dulcimer Acquisition Disorder given the genetics on his father's side. haha (Paul's dad has had a musical influence on me though I'll never be able to do half of what John Henry does!)
Thanks for sharing the interview-- a delight to see!
Cheers Robin!
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Ken Hulme:
@cbrown said "... of course early on the name [scheitholt] was widespread enough in Germany..."
This is simply not true . The name was NOT widespread in Germany. This is the "great mis-information" which has been accepted and promoted over and over again by dulcimer players who aren't interested in checking facts.
And of course, the scheitholt was not played by everyone; perhaps less than one in one hundred.
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@cbrown said "...of course early on the name [scheitholt] was widespread enough in Germany..."
This is simply not true. The name was NOT widespread in Germany. This is the "great mis-information" which has been accepted and promoted over and over again by dulcimer players who aren't interested in checking facts.
The term scheitholt is specific to the Tyrol, a small part of Austria, not Germany, even in 1619 when Pretorious wrote about it. Tyrol is analogous to Appalachia -- a large area of barely accessible mountains with a small and widely scattered population, whose inhabitants made and played an obscure musical instrument for self entertainment.
Tyrol has an area of about 4800 square miles -- about the size of Connecticut -- and back in the 17th century it had a population of 30-40,000. And of course, the scheitholt was not played by everyone; perhaps less than one in one hundred.
Pretorious' De Organagraphia was not a best seller in Germany or anywhere. It was an esoteric scholarly treatise really only read by musical scholars. Perhaps only a few thousand copies were originally printed in 1619.
Even today Tyrol only has a population of about 700,000 -- about the same as Bucks County, Pennsylvania scattered over an area nearly 8 times the size of that county.
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Thanks for the clarification!
That's shift in language (and terminology) across two continents and half a millennium for you!
Whatever name we want to apply to it, I've got it in my mind to make one now...
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My objection is that "scheitholt" refers only to a very small group of instruments in a rather narrow geographical region. Henry Mercer, it seems, discovered the illustration of the scheitholt in the Syntagma and applied the label to the instrument he had in front of him without further research. Within the Pennsylvania German communities where the instrument was found, the term "scheitholt" is unknown. People referred to instrument as a "zitter" or in modern language "zither." In Germany today most of these instruments are called hummels or hommels. When I speak of these instruments, I call them Pennsylvania German zitters. I think this is a more accurate label/description of what we find in the US.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
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Oh, yeah! I know what a scheitholt is and about the regional use of the name, though of course early on the name was widespread enough in Germany, as it has a section in the Syntagma. As far as this dulcimer goes, I'm just going on the information I've seen! But now I'm curious: why are you (Ken & Ken) trying to "get away" from the scheitholt terminology? Would you mind discussing the issue?
But thanks, Ken, for alerting me to the term "arched fretboard". New word of the day!
Introduce Yourself!
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Pretty much what Greg said -- the Modes are built into the diatonic fretboard (as long as you don't go adding any extra frets). One of the pieces I want to give you is called The Uncontrite Modal Folker. It's a discussion of Modes and Modal tunings on the dulcimer (not guitar or anything else). Modes are scales on a single string. It's that simple. Different Modes start at different locations on a diatonic fretboard. Some of those scales are more minor than others.
Introduce Yourself!
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Each mode consists of notes found in a major scale, but only the Ionian mode is a major scale. Using only the notes of the D major scale for example, you get the D Ionian mode if your start and end your mode with the D. You get an E Dorian mode if your start and end your mode with the E. . .
It is really more complicated to explain in writing than it is in practice. You can play music your whole life without understanding the theory behind the modes. For all practical purposes, you need only learn the corresponding dulcimer tunings. Most tablature indicates the appropriate tuning. The rest is simply a matter of following the numbers.
D-A-A = D Ionian Tuning (The familiar major scale Do, Re, Mi, Fa, Sol, La, Ti ,Do)
D-A-d = D Mixolydian Tuning (Identical to the Ionian mode with the exception of the 7th note. Frequently used to play a D major scale by adding the 6 1/2 fret.)
D-A-G = D Dorian Tuning
D-A-C = D Aeolian tuning (The familiar minor sale)
Since you've indicated a desire to play the old ballads, you will need to become comfortable with the modal tunings summarized above. There is no need to understand everything about modes. The beauty of the instrument is that the modes are built right into the design of the fretboard. Simply retune the melody string(s) to match one of the modal tunings above and you're ready to go.
The majority of ballads are written in the Ionian mode, so it makes sense to begin there. That's why D-A-A is the preferred base tuning for traditional mountain dulcimer players.
Conversation with Paul Crocker
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
What a great interview with Paul! It is hard to imagine he could not have Dulcimer Acquisition Disorder given the genetics on his father's side. haha (Paul's dad has had a musical influence on me though I'll never be able to do half of what John Henry does!)
Thanks for sharing the interview-- a delight to see!
Conversation with Paul Crocker
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
In the last of my current series of conversations, we have Paul Crocker talking Pink Floyd, Folk-Rock and Dulcimer Acquisition Disorder:
https://mdconversations.blogspot.com/2019/09/8-paul-crocker-from-bath-uk.html
updated by @redmando: 10/27/19 12:02:25PM
Introduce Yourself!
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
My thanks to Greg for the book recommendations. They will be very helpful. I guess I may need to learn to read music. Everything I have found online about modes seems to be incorrect and has each mode as a particular major scale, but I'm hearing something different with my ears. Looks like I need some resources regarding modes. I will check out the audio recordings. Thanks also for the info on the three string Ken
Yes, I will get around to sending you a PM. Very interested in your beginner resources.
My first dulcimer arrangement
Dulcimer Resources:TABS/Books/websites/DVDs
Thank you very much, Robin and Kusani, for your very kind feedback.
My first dulcimer arrangement
Dulcimer Resources:TABS/Books/websites/DVDs
Please find an updated arrangement where I replaced the signs for rests for better legibility and playability.
Weißt Du wieviel Sternlein stehen_mountain dulcimer.pdf - 47KBDulcimer Project (Reasonably) Complete!
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Truthfully, I would like to get away from the "scheitholt" terminology all together, but I realize I am fighting a losing battle there.
You and me both, brother!
Most folks have no idea of what defines a scheitholt or how little used that word is/was outside of very narrow geographic areas. They seem to think it's a European-wide generic term when it wasn't.
The term Scheitholt for a fretted zither was almost more geographically limited than the phrase Indian Walking Cane for a dulcimer Scheitholt only in the Austrian Tyrol and Bucks County PA; and Indian Walking Cane in the Ozark region of Missouri/Arkansas
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That's Ken. It is the foibles of traveling. For some reason I wasn't getting the whole discussion on my phone. Now that I'm back on the computer I see those photos. The terminology being used is what confused me. I consider the fret board to be what was once the "scheitholt-on-a-box" feature of the mountain dulcimer. Truthfully, I would like to get away from the "scheitholt" terminology all together, but I realize I am fighting a losing battle there.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
My first dulcimer arrangement
Dulcimer Resources:TABS/Books/websites/DVDs
I enjoyed your video, Ariane! I don't know how to play from written arrangement so can't offer any meaningful feedback on it though I am sure it is good.
Introduce Yourself!
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
As Greg says, there aren't any real dulcimer specific resources for Child Ballads and the like; just scattered its here and there. Greg has given you a number of good printed sources. One of the best online resources that I know is www.contemplator.com. She has audio recordings of the Child Ballads and much more. There are also a couple of folks who have recorded many, if not all, of the Child Ballads on YouTube (guitar mostly).
You are going to want to teach yourself how to create tab by ear.
If this is the kind of music you are passionate about, you really do not need 4 strings and a 6-1/2 fret. A 3-string, traditional, true diatonic instrument tuned and re-tuned appropriately is going to be most useful. That kind of instrument will give you the high silvery sound that goes so well with that kind of music. It took awhile, but after 30 years of playing I finally figured that out -- about 10 years ago.
Anytime you want to "talk shop" about that kind of music, drop me a PM here and we can swap email addresses. I can also point you to some beginner resources that I created years ago...
updated by @ken-hulme: 09/27/19 04:11:17PM
George Hendrickson Dulcimers
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What a pleasure to see these. I am George's only child. He passed suddenly twenty seven years and two days ago. If you bought these in the mid- seventies it is certain that my then small fingers helped to create them.
I hope that you have picked them up again and are enjoying them. My Daddy loved making them and we had fun traveling to shows to play and sell.
My first dulcimer arrangement
Dulcimer Resources:TABS/Books/websites/DVDs
I have just posted the corresponding youtube video to the arrangement so that you can hear how it should sound.
My first dulcimer arrangement
Dulcimer Resources:TABS/Books/websites/DVDs
Please find my first notated arrangement for mountain dulcimer for:
"Do you know how many stars there are"
My arrangement can be downloaded from my website:
https://arianemusic.jimdofree.com/arrangements/mountain-dulcimer/
The fingerpicking part is starting around minute 1:42 in the video.
Text: Wilhelm Hey
Melody: folk tune
1837 published for the first time
I hope you enjoy (best listened to it with headphones) and wish you much fun for playing my arrangement.
I would be very happy to receive your feedback if the notation is working well for you.
Introduce Yourself!
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
There aren't many mountain dulcimer books written specifically for the Child Ballads. Ralph Lee Smith's books are probably the closest thing to what you are seeking. Smith has written books containing mountain dulcimer tablature for selected ballads from Cecil Sharp's English Folk Songs from the Southern Appalachians. Among Smith's books you will find Smoky Mountain Memories, Song Treasures of the Cumberland Mountains, Folk Songs of Old Virginia, Folk Songs of Old Kentucky, and Songs and Tunes of the Wilderness Road. A number of Appalachian versions of the Child Ballads are included in Smith's books.
If you have the five Child Ballad books, you probably have only the words and not any musical arrangements since Child did not include music in his books. If you want some musical arrangements, you will need to get The Traditional Tunes of the Child Ballads by Bertrand Bronson. It doesn't have any dulcimer tablature, but it does have musical arrangements for many of the Child Ballads. However, be forewarned, Bronson's books do not include any mountain dulcimer tablature. The arrangements will have to be rewritten in tablature or you will need to be able to play from standard notation.
As you explore the ballads further, you will find multiple melodies associated with the same lyrics, so if you are looking for a specific melody to accompany your singing, your best bet is to "figure out" the desired melody on the fretboard a few notes at a time until you have what you want. If you do this I would suggest that you write it down in some fashion, perhaps in dulcimer tablature and keep a notebook or file.
One thing complicating things for a beginner is the fact that many of the old ballads are sung in one of the ancient modes, rather than in a major key. Modes can complicate things. Fortunately, the mountain dulcimer accommodates the modes through a simple retuning of the melody string. If you are trying to figure out a melody and the notes just don't seem to be there, you may have to retune the melody string and try one of the other modes. At that point, it will benefit you to become familiar with modes and how to retune your dulcimer to enable you to play in alternative modes.
Since you appear to be a new mountain dulcimer enthusiast, you will probably benefit most from one or more of Ralph Lee Smith's books. Good luck in your journey, and don't be afraid to return with more questions. There are many dulcimer players on FOTMD ready to assist you.
Introduce Yourself!
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Thanks Ken. I have been to the Sweetwoods website. His student website looks good. I have also looked at the cardboard Simplicity model. I would prefer 4 strings and a 6 1/2 fret, but I would still consider it. I am leaning toward getting a used dulcimer from an online auction. If I am patient,i could get a Folk craft or McSpadden for even less than a Simplicity.
I like the fact that I am not the only one with interest in the dulcimer for British trad. I'll have to get my five volumes of the Child Ballads out of storage. Do you know of any resources for playing that sort of material?
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Ken; his original post -- down at the bottom -- has photos which show a dulcimer made with a Howie Mitchell cut-away tailpiece and an arched fretboard, which the Poster calls the "scheitholt component" of his build.
Introduce Yourself!
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Welcome truethomas! I've been specializing in the Child Ballads and Scots/English traditional music on the dulcimer for most of 40 years.
Can't say I've heard of Thunderclap Drones dulcimers, and can't seem to find anything about them on-line, except a few sales blurbs on ebay and such; and one video that mostly should a lady struggling to open a shipping box. What little I could find says made in the USA. Not even a website for Thunderclap Drones, which in this day and age is not a particularly good sign.
For a first instrument, IMHO, you'd be better off with a Student model dulcimer from a known builder rather than an Ebay or Piccclik sales pitch from an unknown. If price is an issue, a cardboard dulcimer is about $75, and they sound really good because the important part is how well the fretboard is made. I recommend the Student model from Dave Lynch of Sweetwoods Dulcimers: www.sweetwoodsinstruments.com I've owned and played one for a number of years and find them perfect for those just starting out.
Introduce Yourself!
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Thanks for the welcomes. I am looking for my first dulcimer,and will make a patient and careful choice.My main interest is English and Scottish traditional music, and the electric trad folk of the UK. I have sung their ballads for some time. I am also getting interested in Appalachian music.
Does anybody know anything about a dulcimer maker, ThunderClap Drones in Arkansas, and if they are still in business? Saw photos of one and loved it. Any opinions? Thanks in advance.
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I am confused by this conversation. Is there any possibility of some photos?
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
Dulcimer Project (Reasonably) Complete!
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"...that bridge pier design of the scheitholt component... "
Actually, we call that an arched fretboard. It's not a "scheitholt component". A scheitholt is a specific kind of trapezoidal zither found primarily in Pennsylvania, and its ancestors found in the Tyrol part of Austro-Germany. A scheitholt does not sit on top of a sound body -- it is a distinctive musical instrument having integral frets, tuners, etc without a raised central fretboard.
Arching is one of two ways to lighten the mass of the fretboard; the other being hollowing the underside.
Some epinettes (not scheitholtz) -- notably the Epinette des Vosges -- use a constructed fretboard on top of the sound box, instead of the solid fretboard board normally used today. -- a top and two sides, with two end pieces -- to make it a closed box.
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Well, I consider the project now complete!
I messed around a little with different bridge & nut heights and decided that was a dead end. I considered frets of various kinds (I do like Randy's wood fret idea, and will keep that in mind for an upcoming project) but decided in the end to leave this dulcimer fretless. I honestly think it was intended to be fretless, though that could be just wishful thinking. I've never seen an old dulcimer or pictures of old dulcimers or scheitholts or epinettes that are fretless.
A serendipitous discovery! Whether by conscious design or perhaps other musical forces at work, that bridge pier design of the scheitholt component actually turns out to be a spectacular visual cue as to where to place one's noter or finger.
From the nut end, it's a whole step to the beginning of the first arch, a whole step to the end of the first arch, a half step to the beginning of the second arch, a whole step to the end of that arch and so forth.
I would think it is fixable. You're just gonna have to determine a way to put a dip in the fretboard instead of a hump.
Most dulcimers with a full length fretboard will keep relief, or a dip in the fretboard under tension due to string tension. The problem with this style fretboard is the partial length transfers the tension it's getting from the strings to the soundboard and sides and it will sometimes make the problem worse because the tension will tend to lift the rear end of the fretboard.
You'll likely need to pull the frets and use a hand plane or handheld sander to remove some material to make a dip, or some sandpaper and elbow grease and time.
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Not exactly a pet, but the response to my Monarch, Honeybee, hummer garden has been very rewarding. This beauty visited briefly yesterday.
