Forum Activity for @janene-millen

Cozy Playing Corners

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Susie..I can't open your JPGs. What am I doing wrong...anybody?  I'm prompted to SAVE then OPEN...when I indicated OPEN I'm prompted further for which app etc....this is on my PC.

I did go to a program to reduce the size of the photo I offered from 5MG down to 1.4MG ...is that the difference? I would really love to see your pictures. 

Although I have a music room in the basement (where I record vids) and another small (rarely used) one off the living room...I find myself most often sitting in my "Cozy Corner" to do some spontaneous playing.  I also love to see individual music rooms too...get some tips on features and organization. Any places you love to play. I love that you include your fur-babies and family history.

Cozy Playing Corners

OFF TOPIC discussions

I have a dedicated music room on our second floor. I surround myself with everything music, past and present. My memories from 6 years of band are on the wall and I have a picture of my grandfather with his fiddle that I now own and play. My current collection of instruments is always close at hand. The oak cabinets were made by my husband and me. I have two dog beds for my fur-babies. There are two Pick-n-Glider chairs for playing by myself or with friends and a love seat for those who come to listen.

Cozy Playing Corners

OFF TOPIC discussions

I would love to see where you most like to sit and noodle around on your dulcimer.  As colder weather approaches I think these little nooks are so important. 

I'll start with my favorite spot.  A (cluttered) window seat area between my kitchen and living room.  A sunny window seat for my pups, a cage stand for my birds (their day time perch), a glider (with arms unfortunately). A little stand for a cup of coffee, pencils, glasses..phone, e-reader etc., added a little book shelf under the bird cage. I print out songs I want to learn (predominantly lyrics) on 11 X 17 sheets of paper and hang them with a "pants" hanger on the PVC cage frame.  Wild bird bath (just plugged in for winter) and bird feeders a few feet away on the deck.  Can monitor the laundry in the mudroom, the soup on the stove, and the front door from this spot.  My Echo dot is close by and can take a break to listen to an audible book...or draw from my Amazon music playlists.  Retirement is lovely and my house is never clean.  I'm spoiled. 

Having just described all this, I can see why my "practice" is so unfocused.

Please share your cozy corners.

 

updated by @janene-millen: 10/27/19 12:02:25PM

Show Us Your Pets!

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@frank-ross Lacey is sure a pretty girl!  All our dogs lived long. . . And there's just something special about having long relationships with animals.

@david-bennett What else could Sally do if there was no dog to point to as the culprit?  haha

Show Us Your Pets!

OFF TOPIC discussions

Yesterday while Karen and I were watching football on TV our young cat, Sally, sauntered in from what we call the "computer-music room and lay innocently on Karen's lap. During a commercial I went in to that room and found turkey feathers scattered all over the floor. Sally had found the stash I thought was well enough out of the way.  As I was picking them up Sally poked her head in the doorway and had this look on her face like, "What in the world happened here?"

 

updated by @david-bennett: 11/11/18 06:18:54AM

Keith Johnson Dulcimer

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

Right!  

Sometimes, even if nothing can be found about the builder as luthier some info can be found on things not related to luthiery (an old address directory, obituary, etc.) 

Keith Johnson Dulcimer

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

@robin-thompson No. That’s why I posted this thread.

Keith Johnson Dulcimer

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

Jimmy, I'm seeing the photos just fine on an old iPad mini running Safari.  And the dulcimer looks to have been made by a skilled builder.  Do you know anything about Keith Johnson? 

Keith Johnson Dulcimer

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

Thanks much Alan!

Keith Johnson Dulcimer

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

To get them to work on my pad I renamed them to 1.jpeg  , 2.jpeg and so on so if you just shorten the names to something similar they should work hope this helps

 

Keith Johnson Dulcimer

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

On my Windows based computer no probs 

On my Samsung pad cannot see pics.

Hope this helps

 

How do you search for other members?

Site QUESTIONS ? How do I...?

Thanks Dusty!

Keith Johnson Dulcimer

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

@alan-thompson
Are you viewing from a computer?

How do you search for other members?

Site QUESTIONS ? How do I...?

Jimmy, go to the Members page by clicking "Members" from the tool bar on top of the page. Then you can type in a portion of the member's name and you will see all the possible options.  You then click on whichever one you are searching for.

I just did that and put "Jimmy" in the search bar.

updated by @dusty: 11/09/18 10:42:21AM

Keith Johnson Dulcimer

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

Pics are fine no problem viewing them

How do you search for other members?

Site QUESTIONS ? How do I...?

I type their name in the search box and hit “done”, but nothing happens.

Keith Johnson Dulcimer

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

I tried to view the pics and I couldn’t. Let me know if you can view them. I’m using an iPhone.

I had trouble yesterday when I tried to download a pdf file that Ken Hulme posted. I was not able to get it in a viewable format.

Keith Johnson Dulcimer

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

More pics of Keith Johnson dulcimer.

Keith Johnson Dulcimer

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

I recently purchased this dulcimer on an online auction. It is signed in pencil as “Mountain Dulcimer by Keith Johnson, Sporting Hill, PA-1988”.

i just wondered if anyone ever heard of him, or if he might be a member here.

There was a sales receipt in the case that shows it was purchased by a former owner at a music shop In Campbelltown, PA for 174.00. I picked it up for 85.00.

updated by @jimmy-lamar: 10/27/19 12:02:25PM

Dulcimer Strings

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

Thanks everyone thus far for your input. My dulcimer was signed by a Kevin Johnson. Anyone ever hear of him?

Dulcimer Strings

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

I tend to up the string gauges for noter drone playing, particularly for the melody string (I like just one melody string).  I like working a heavy melody string with a reasonably stiff pick.  There is a volume difference from different string gauges - the key being to match the string gauge to the pitch used at an optimal tension for the string's performance - but that also has to match your playing style.  In my opinion, dulcimer string gauges are generally too light.  Early instruments would have typically had heavier strings and, when played in noter drone style, would have been quite loud instruments.

Switch to a single melody string (0.012 or 0.013 for A), move the (now 3) drones closer together and be particular about your tuning accuracy.  DAA A will work OK to start with.  DAd A is good for tunes that emphasise the 4th, 2nd or 6th of the scale.  EAA A is another great tuning (key of A).  Record your playing and listen back to the sound - then think about adjusting the melody to drone balance (pitch and gauge) depending on what you hear in the recordings.

Dulcimer Strings

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

Jimmy -- dulcimer volume is related to the interior volume of the instrument (cubic inches under the hood), square inches of sound hole, and how much the back of the instrument is allowed to vibrate. 

Search here for information about a "possum board".  Think of it as a non-electric amplifier.  Dulcimers create their sound a bit differently than a guitar -- the top has that huge brace called a fretboard, and doesn't create a lot of the sound.  If the back is allowed to vibrate freely instead of being muffled in your lap, you get a lot more volume.  A possum board, or a double backed dulcimer are two ways to get more volume.  A possum board can be made for any dulcimer, and some of us build them for sale on request.

I built a wooden travel box/case for one of my dulcimers that doubles as a possum board.

You can, of course, get an expensive or inexpensive pickup, stick it on/in your dulcimer and play through a mini-amp; but where's the fun in that?

updated by @ken-hulme: 11/06/18 10:40:15PM

Dulcimer Strings

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

Dulcinia, my main noter/drone instrument is one I built based on the C.N. Prichard dulcimer. It is three strings, wood pegs, and a 28" VSL. I use a plain 0.020 and two 0.014s for the middle and melody.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Dulcimer Strings

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


The volume. But I am coming from an acoustic guitar background.

To answer your question, the sound is whimpy. But I understand that it’s a more mellow instrument.

Dulcimer Strings

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

Dulcinina -- Unless we have the same VSL, my strings won't necessarily be your strings.  Also I rarely anymore tune DAA or DAd; I tune to Bagpipe C -- that is Ccc.  Most of my instruments are 27" -- half way between the short and long VSL McSpads.  I use  22 ga plain steel (not-wound) for my bass strings, and for the middle and melody c's I use  11ga.

I feel that plain steel bass strings give more of the 'high silvery' olde tyme sound that I prefer.

If you have a long scale (28+") McSpad in D I would use 20 ga plain steel for the bass and 12 ga for the middle drone and melody.

For a short scale (26") McSpad in D I would use the same 20 plain steel bass, but go up to 14 ga for the middle and melody strings.

What is it you don't like about the sound?  The fact that you're in DAA instead of DAd the change can take some getting used to?  Is the sound 'muddy', or harsh?

updated by @ken-hulme: 11/06/18 07:23:05PM

Dulcimer Strings

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

Hey Ken, What are the strings for your noter/drone.  I just bought a used McSpadden and ordered strings from them.  When I told them I would be switching from DAD to DAA, they sent me .022 Bass and middle and melody are .012. I'm not sure I really like the sound.  This will be my noter/drone dulcimer. Dulcinina

Dulcimer Strings

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

Take KenH's advice. Just make sure you purchase the appropriate end (either ball or loop) string depending on how they attache to the dulcimer. I couldn't see that in your photo. I'd measure the VSL and check the calculator for the tunings I want to use. If you tune DAA and DAd (switching between the two) you might want a thicker middle string. On my dulcimer with a 27" VSL I use a 0.011 melody, a 0.013 middle, and a phosphor bronze wound 0.024 bass. I use a different set on my strictly noter/drone dulcimer.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Dulcimer Strings

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

Strings are strings are strings.  Brand has virtually nothing to do with things.  You choose string gauges according to the VSL of your dulcimer and what open bass string tuning you want -- key of C, D, G, etc.  and the accompanying drones and melody strings.  A String Gauge Calculator like the Strothers' --- http://strothers.com/string_choice.html  --- can guide you.  Or purchase any of the 'standard' dulcimer string sets from D'Arco, D'Addario, Martin, etc.  Personally I buy bulk strings for a lot cheaper, from www.juststrings.com

"Louder" really isn't a function of strings, but rather how firmly you strum, how your dulcimer is constructed, use of a possum board or not, or several other factors.

Dulcimer Strings

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

Where do you buy your dulcimer strings? I just purchased a used dulcimer, and I thought a string change would be in order. Are there other considerations that I should be thinking about in terms of gauge or how they are wound?

I like my sound to be louder than it is, if that’s possible.

How does your pet react to your Dulcimer playing?

OFF TOPIC discussions

That is a very good question! I am kind of a slacker when it comes to tuning, so I stay in mixolydian (or as close as I can get to it) all the time. I may have to do the experiment though. If I were a gambling man, I'd wager a dime to a doughnut that she would be wigged out by phrygian and locrian modes. Probably just because those are the strangest sounding names to me though. I don't have the empirical evidence, yet.

Sophisticated Vizsla is a indeed great song name, and I am kicking myself for not calling dibs on that! According to my admittedly lame understanding of copyright law you might now have the rights to it, in perpetuity, and that's a mighty long time! I call dibs on 'The Synchopated Vizsla,' and 'The Exonerated Vizsla.' I think the former could be nice a jazz tune, and the latter a ballad about how her brother (black dog in the previous photo) was stone-cold busted after years of framing her for chewing up raw sweet potatoes while we were out of the house.

That is so funny about your tabby cat! She sounds like she was a real character!

Pick Holder

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Pick Holder

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

JP, As Ken says, clicking on the thumbnail of your picture opens it up in the browser sufficiently large. If you click on the file name it asks you to download it.

However, there is also another way to embed pictures in posts. You chose to attach your picture using the "Attach File" button.  You can also directly embed a picture using the "Embed Local Media" tab, which is the penultimate icon on the tool bar. It looks like a piece of film.  If you click on that you can embed a picture directly into the text box.  You will have the option of about 14 different picture sizes.  The medium option looks like this:

updated by @dusty: 11/04/18 01:38:49AM

Pick Holder

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

When I click on your Attached photo and Open it, the pic shows up plenty large.

How does your pet react to your Dulcimer playing?

OFF TOPIC discussions

Do your pets (such as a sophisticated Vizsla -- which is a good title for a song) care about the mode you're in?  Seriously!

I had a small, loyal and intense tabby cat who would lie next to me in perfect contentment when I played dulcimer.  As long as it was Ionian or Mixolydian.  If I re-tuned to Aeolian or Dorian she would stiffen up, lay her ears back in fighting position, crouch there stubbornly for a few minutes waiting for me to reconsider the error of my ways, and eventually give up on me and leave the room in a snit.  No minor modes for her!

Pick Holder

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

you guys probably no this already but on the outside chance that you do not.  i bought this nice capo awhile back... i do not really no how or why to use it but it makes me look professional.  I keep it on my dulcimer right above the NUT.  i noticed the other day that my pick fits right in the lil gap and holds tightly.... do you know how many time i could not find my pick?? Problem solved.

is there away to get a full size picture posted?

updated by @jp: 11/03/18 08:57:28PM

How does your pet react to your Dulcimer playing?

OFF TOPIC discussions

Great picture!  I prefer drone-noter, too. . . Perhaps we're related!?! haha

Advice on beginner’s dulcimer

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

You have received good advice. Put new strings on it of the right gauge, tighten the tuners that slip, make sure your electronic tuner is calibrated to A=440 and tune as Skip said, A and D below middle C.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

How does your pet react to your Dulcimer playing?

OFF TOPIC discussions

Indeed, she has good ears! I think she prefers drone-noter to chords, but she is generally amenable to both styles :)

Advice on beginner’s dulcimer

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

That tuner should work just fine. Check the calibration, it should be set to 440. 

Maybe one of the folks here will recognize the name and the instrument. In any case it will be fine to learn on. The one thing I can think of that may cause a problem later is it may not be made for equal temperament tuning. As long as you play alone that should not be a problem. 

Advice on beginner’s dulcimer

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

Certainly looks good for a starter instrument. 

As mentioned, the tuners are easily tightened to keep the tuning pegs from slipping. Tighten them 1/8 turn, and then try to adjust the tuning and see if they still slip.

New strings -- you'll want "loop end" strings, not "ball end" strings.  Any set of strings labelled "Dulcimer" will be adequate to learn with.  DO NOT take off all the strings at the same time.  Take off one; replace it.  Then take off another one...

You may have broken that middle string because you might have been trying to tune to "the wrong A".  Do you have an electronic tuner?  If not, here's a link to audio files where you can hear the correct notes to tune to:
http://susantrump.com/tune-your-dulcimer.html

When tuning strings, Do Not tune 'still' strings.  Hold the tuner and pluck the string.  While it's still humming, give the tuner knob a quarter turn.  If the sound if the string did not go up or down, STOP, and move the tuning knob back.  You have the wrong tuner for that string.  Try again.

FYI, I've attached a copy of an article I wrote several years ago called I Just Got A Dulcimer, Now What?   It is an illustrated glossary of dulcimer terms so we all speak the same lingo.  Plus it has answers to many beginner questions about the tuning, playing, care and feeding of your instrument.