Introduce Yourself!
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Welcome @fredr, you will enjoy this forum.
Forum Activity for @susie
Introduce Yourself!
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
@fredr Welcome! There's lots to see and hear-- enjoy exploring FOTMD!
Introduce Yourself!
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Hi Everyone I am new to the group and also to the Mountain Dulcimer. Saw and heard my first one in July last year, the memory stuck. So a year later I Found a new to me McSpadden and here we go! I have never played an instrament before and there isn't a Dulcimer teacher near me.
That being said, I am thankful to join your group and look forward to learning from you all.
Thank you again
Hearts Of The Dulcimer Podcast In Its 4th Year
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Just received my poster from Dulcimuse. I can't wait to frame it! So much more vibrant than I expected. Thank you!
updated by @sheryl-st-clare: 10/27/18 02:55:11PM
Wind Instruments????
Adventures with 'other' instruments...
Don Grundy:
I am an incompetent diatonic Harmonica player. And a mediocre chromatic harmonica player. Neither offer the soft music of my dulcimers.
Don, I had to laugh when I read what you wrote. Ha. You just described me. At least that's the way I feel sometimes.I am an incompetent diatonic Harmonica player. And a mediocre chromatic harmonica player. Neither offer the soft music of my dulcimers.
Hey, I don't play blues, only melody. On forums, this means I am less human. Kills me.
Don't be so tough on yourself, I don't need company.
Tremolos rock.
Guitar Strings?
Playing and jamming difficulties...HELP ME!
Glad to hear that the new strings are working out for you Clare. Have fun playing.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
Guitar Strings?
Playing and jamming difficulties...HELP ME!
Sounds great, @Diane-R! New strings look better, feel better, and sound better. I know a professional guitarist who changes strings every month. I try to do so every 3-6 months on the instruments I play regularly. I am not sure why some people keep the same strings on for years. They just get hard and start hurting your fingertips, as you can testify.
Guitar Strings?
Playing and jamming difficulties...HELP ME!
Thank you Strumelia! I'm absolutely thrilled! And all this time I was afraid I was losing my dexterity... 
Guitar Strings?
Playing and jamming difficulties...HELP ME!
So happy to say that I received my Folkcraft strings and the playability is so much easier! I can actually do hammer ons and pull offs again! Cannot believe the difference! I can actually play the chords without pressing down with much force. It actually sounds like a dulcimer again! 
Thanks for all the advice and patience...
Ron Gibson Dulcimers
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
Boy that really is a beautiful dulcimer Atilwi! And thank you Terry for the info on the pickups! I appreciate it! 
Buying a used McSpadden questions
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
Dulcinina I love that story! That dulcimer must be very happy to have a loving and appreciative new owner. 
Buying a used McSpadden questions
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
Here's an update and intriguing history. I bought the McSpadden after trying it out and questioning the young man selling it. The guy's girlfriend's parents bought a house with partial contents and the dulcimer was among them. No one knew what it was! When the owner developed dementia, her children sold the house with several belongings left in it. The new owners gave the guy the dulcimer for helping them move.
The dulcimer was found in the bedroom with the owners manual, warranty and books and music. From the loose tab sheets left, I think she may have belonged to a dulcimer group as the music is the same that I've acquired from my groups. I called the fellow back and asked him to find out the name of the people who sold the house. Maybe I can locate them and find out more.
The dulcimer really sounded good despite of the aged strings. I offered him $100 less than he was asking and he readily agreed, having no vested interest in the instrument. We both were happy. I polished it when I got home and ordered strings from McSpadden. I don't care for the strings our local music store carries.
So, I'm learning patience while waiting for the strings and just admiring my new to me dulcimer. Dulcinina
Buying a used McSpadden questions
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
Well, we kind of got off track here. I have to agree with Richard that $225 would be a more realistic price.
Ken
The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
A Sweet Find
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
This is a beauty! Congratulations on a great addition!
A Sweet Find
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Great find, Richard. Enjoy your second hand dulcimer.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
Buying a used McSpadden questions
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
When I use the term 'traditional' I am only referring to the folks in Appalachia and building their mountain dulcimers. The first standard sheets of plywood were not introduced in the U.S. until around 1928 for general building construction. I doubt they were available for building instruments (dulcimers) in those remote geographical areas until later years. This is not a commentary on the quality of sound of plywood, just an observation of what may be traditional and more contemporary.
updated by @kusani: 10/23/18 08:47:59AM
A Sweet Find
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
I agree, Richard, a really nice find. Good for you!
A Sweet Find
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Don't know why the pictures loaded vertical. They were horizontal on my file on the computer from which I loaded them.
A Sweet Find
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
I recently found on ebay a "used" Mountain Valley Dulcimer Smokey River model. I prefer to call it "second hand" rather than used. This dulcimer came in a hard side case (chipboard) and appears to have been unplayed. I'm guessing someone purchased this intending to learn to play and then it was set aside.
There is not a mark on it. No indications the strings have ever been pressed down to the frets. No pick marks. It's made of beautifully grained book-matched walnut. I'll change out the friction tuners for some planetary tuners I have on hand harvested from another dulcimer. The real plus for me is that this '91 modern era dulcimer has a nice, clear, bright sound, which is what I prefer. I can see it becoming the dulcimer I use when playing with the dulcimer club where they like to use capos and other more modern playing styles.
My very first mountain dulcimer was a Mountain Valley Wildwood Mountain model, so this is a nice find for me.
updated by @richard-streib: 10/27/19 12:02:25PM
Buying a used McSpadden questions
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
I had a conversation with Jim Woods at McSpadden about the move away from plywood years ago. He told me that the original driving factor was that they were finding it very difficult to get good quality plywood. It was a custom item and their supplier's quality controls were not working and they would've had to build dulcimers with wood that they would have preferred to not use. Jim told me he fought the issue for several years and finally decided to go to a material they could control. Making the backs takes more time than cutting them out of the plywood sheets but this way they can at least plan ahead and select wood that will make dulcimers of which they can be proud.
I also know the bracing was changed with the move to solid wood backs and Jim says that there is a difference in the sound (that they are now a bit louder with a stronger bass voice). Most of their customers have preferred the solid backs, but a few have disagreed. I've listened to and played many McSpaddens with both solid and plywood backs, and I think it comes down to the individual instrument - I've heard fantastic instruments with each type of back.
I also know the bracing was changed with the move to solid wood backs and Jim says that there is a difference in the sound (that they are now a bit louder with a stronger bass voice). Most of their customers have preferred the solid backs, but a few have disagreed. I've listened to and played many McSpaddens with both solid and plywood backs, and I think it comes down to the individual instrument - I've heard fantastic instruments with each type of back.
updated by @brian-g: 10/22/18 11:04:21PM
Buying a used McSpadden questions
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
'way back in the day, laminate or plywood was the 'carbon fiber' of the time -- amazing stuff it didn't have grain in the normal sense, it was strong and relatively lightweight, and capable of taking complex shapes if cut properly.
Buying a used McSpadden questions
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
Using a dulcimer made of laminate material (plywood) is not against the tradition. I have seen and handled many older dulcimers may of plywood.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
Buying a used McSpadden questions
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
I was just surprised as I have always thought of him as wishing to pay tribute to the more traditional dulcimer lore.
Buying a used McSpadden questions
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
I do not know for sure, but I was told that he played a dulcimer made from a cherry laminate and liked it. Thus, when he designed his own model, he specified the cherry laminate. I am not sure where I read this. Since my files are not very organized, it may take me some time to find the original information.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
updated by @ken-longfield: 10/22/18 08:10:30PM
Buying a used McSpadden questions
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
Ken, do you know why Schnauffer requested laminates for side/back?
Buying a used McSpadden questions
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
Dusty, McSpadden stopped making dulcimers with laminate back and sides when the supplier stopped production of walnut and cherry plywood. I do not remember the year. It also was when the Schnauffer model was discontinued as David specified the cherry laminate for the back and sides of the model named after him.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
Buying a used McSpadden questions
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
Dulcinina,
Someone here such as @Ken-Longfield probably knows what year McSpadden stopped using ply and started using solid wood. That is something to take into consideration, although I think we are too afraid of plywood. You certainly want a solid soundboard, but I've played some wonderful instruments with ply sides and back.
It's rare that McSpaddens on Ebay go for much less than $300.
Buying a used McSpadden questions
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
Dulciana, I agree that price seems a bit high. I did buy one made in '91 from an auction locally that was like new. The pick and noter were still sealed in a little kraft paper envelope. It appeared to have been purchased and never played. If you find one like that, the $300.00 would make a good starting point to bargain for a selling price. Another concern to consider is if someone stored an unused instrument in a not so instrument friendly environment; such as a hot attic, a damp basement, or a non climate controlled rental storage unit. As for the plywood back, the quality of the plywood which McSpadden used was the very best and very stable over time. I would not allow that fact alone to cause much hesitation.
I would think a price $225.00 price range would be more reasonable.
Fortunately for those of us who look at used dulcimers, many were purchased and left largely unplayed. Sometimes someone picks one up at a yard or estate sale or a family member disposes of the estate without knowing a lot about a dulcimer. They can be real treasures when we find one.
Buying a used McSpadden questions
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
I'll be trying out a used McSpadden tomorrow that was made in 2000. I called the company and they said it's walnut and the back is made of plywood. It is not from a kit. I read the posts from 3 years ago when someone asked about buying a used McSpadden. What else should I consider when trying out this instrument. He's asking $300. Dulcinina
String gauge tolerance(s)
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
I'm glad to know about the Strothers string gauge guide. I can see that the gauge suggestions may be a little on the light side in view of what some folks have said, but it's a good reference to have when you're unsure. Thanks again to everyone for your responses.
motivation
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Mountain dulcimers can play most any kind of music...check out Butch Ross, Stephen Seifert, Aaron O'Rourk, and Bing Futch among others (these just popped into my head--there's really a long list of mtn dulcimer players playing non-traditional dulcimer music or playing in non-traditional ways). My advice: play the music that's already in your heart or your head and see where it takes you!
Ron Gibson Dulcimers
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
Diane, I have a beautiful Bonnie Carol dulcimer posted on this site in the for sale area - since you are in the market for another dulcimer. Let's chat. I may have the deal for you! And I love Ron Gibson dulcimers as well!
Ron Gibson Dulcimers
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
Early this year, I purchased a Ron Gibson Baritone dulcimer. Didn't care for the baritone, so I removed the heavy strings and installed 12/12/24 strings. I love it. Wonderful sounds, especially the bass string. I would never consider selling this special instrument.
However. Concerning an internal pickup. I much prefer the pickup on a McSpadden to the Pizzo..that Ron installs. I may be misspelling Pizzo..but that's close. The Pizzo is way to sensitive, you have to be very careful not to bump the area where it's installed.
With that in mind, I use it every week, playing out, with the pickup. Which means it's still manageable. Matter of being aware.
Good luck.
Ron Gibson Dulcimers
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
That's a fine looking dulcimer, @Atilwi. Ron Gibson has the best rosebud soundholes; they are just beautiful. Happy strumming!
Ron Gibson Dulcimers
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
Just got my Ron Gibson Kentucky dulcimer! It's my first one, so I don't have a lot of experience or anything, but I'm in love with it!
