Forum Activity for @ken-longfield

Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield
11/03/18 01:27:07PM
1,345 posts

Keith Young Dulcimer


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

Thanks, Lisa. I was able to download the file after you changed the setting. I had to delete the "dms" at the end and add the "." before the mp3 to get it to play in "iTunes". 

David, you did a good job in restoring the Keith Young dulcimer. It sounds great. Thanks for sharing your work with us.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Strumelia
@strumelia
11/03/18 01:25:15PM
2,416 posts

How to add an Audio MP3 or Soundcloud clip to FOTMD


Site QUESTIONS ? How do I...?


1- go to your Profile Page (by clicking right on your NAME itself at top right of any page on FOTMD).

2- select the appropriate TAB in your profile page (Video or Audio, etc) (see my screenshot below)

3- then click the PLUS+ button at upper right to add a new audio item, and choose whether to upload a file from your computer, or to select one of your existing SoundCloud files. Enter the info required for your new Audio file or Video.  Be sure you are complying with site rules on copyright etc.

Remember- you can go directly to your profile page from anywhere on FOTMD by simply clicking right on your name at top right link.

uploadaudio.jpg


updated by @strumelia: 11/03/18 01:26:00PM
Dusty Turtle
@dusty
11/03/18 01:16:40PM
1,857 posts

Keith Young Dulcimer


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

Well I was able to play the song with little trouble.  The dulcimer sounds great, Dave. It's got a nice deep voice.

I say "little" trouble because Windows first asked me what software to use to open the file (shouldn't that be automatic?) and then claimed the file extension was unrecognizable, but when I told it to play the file anyway, it worked fine.

 

Dave D
@dave-d
11/03/18 12:34:04PM
16 posts

Keith Young Dulcimer


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

Strumelia, is there a preferred format for audio files? I just assumed mp3 would work and didn't try to play it after I loaded it.
Strumelia
@strumelia
11/03/18 11:25:23AM
2,416 posts

Keith Young Dulcimer


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


Ken, can you please try that again? I've changed an audio setting on the site.

Dave... sounds wonderful!  If he were alive, Keith Young would be super pleased at how you've brought his dulcimer back to how it was when it was first completed... perfect, gleaming, and brand spanking new. 


updated by @strumelia: 11/03/18 11:29:47AM
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield
11/03/18 10:28:56AM
1,345 posts

Keith Young Dulcimer


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

When I try that Lisa, I get a message that says "mp3 files are restricted to streaming only." Is that just a Mac problem? I tried a drag and drop and got this message from https://fotmd.com/forum/download/forum_file/32795/Baby-O%20Audio%20recording%202018-11-02.mp3 Error: offsite media downloads are blocked

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Strumelia
@strumelia
11/03/18 09:30:29AM
2,416 posts

Keith Young Dulcimer


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

Irene, I had a little trouble with the soundbite too.  But it worked when i did this:  click on the text instead of the picture icon, which actually downloads the file to your computer.  Then RENAME the file so that it ends in  .mp3  (nnot just mp3 without the . )  After renaming, my usual music programs will open and play the file on my computer.

IRENE
@irene
11/03/18 09:16:03AM
168 posts

Keith Young Dulcimer


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

TOTALLY BEAUTIFUL.   however, the sound bite can't be heard, maybe send another way?   Thanks for posting so much on this dulcimer as it taught me a lot too about restoration of old dulcimers.   aloha, irene

dulcinina
@dulcinina
11/03/18 07:53:51AM
88 posts

Using Metronome apps


Dulcimer Resources:TABS/Books/websites/DVDs

Thanks for the recommendations.  I'll look into those.  Our local music store didn't have any electronic metronomes. So for now I'll try the apps.

Robin Clark
@robin-clark
11/03/18 04:41:24AM
239 posts

Using Metronome apps


Dulcimer Resources:TABS/Books/websites/DVDs

I'm using Soundbrenner on an Android phone at present (just the free app not the gadgets that can go with it).  It is OK and easy to use.

Most importantly, I searched for one with a 'tap' button - and I use that all the time to set the speed.  It means I can hum a tune and easily tap in exactly the speed I want to play it at.

Dave D
@dave-d
11/03/18 01:26:50AM
16 posts

Keith Young Dulcimer


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

It's finally back together - with no glue on the nut or bridge and new strings. I'm really happy with the results.

I've attached an 'after' picture also of the whole instrument, and a pretty rough around the edges sound sample.

I'm grateful to everyone for the sound advice (pun intended) and the encouraging words. This has been a good experience.


Baby-O Audio recording 2018-11-02.mp3 - 2.6MB
Pondoro
@pondoro
11/02/18 09:11:56PM
34 posts

Using Metronome apps


Dulcimer Resources:TABS/Books/websites/DVDs


I use two. Both free. MetroTimer and Pro Metronome. Why two? Because I am lazy. The MetroTimer is always left in 4/4, Pro Metronome is always left in 6/8. I play a lot of Irish music but it takes several keystrokes to convert either metronome from 4/4 to 6/8. If you really want to use just one Pro Metronome seems easier to adjust and set up. I often convert it to 9/8 for slip jigs and hop jigs. I may simply think it is easier because I change it more. MetroTimer has been in 4/4 from day one.

 

MertoTimer has an easier timing function, if you want to set it for two minutes or three minutes or whatever. That might be more useful for a drummer. Pro Metronome does have a timer and it works, it simply takes a couple more keystrokes to invoke it.


updated by @pondoro: 11/02/18 09:15:38PM
Dulcimernewbie
@dulcimernewbie
11/02/18 08:19:12PM
1 posts

How does your pet react to your Dulcimer playing?


OFF TOPIC discussions

Oh my goodness I thought I was the only one who's pets react to playing an instrument.It is very odd I have two cats one loves music the other one loathes it.I also play Piano and accordion.When I play any of those instruments along with the Mountain Dulcimer my one cat goes crazy to the point of my having to stop playing. 

We got him as a kitten from the pound about 7 years ago he was badly abused.I am wondering if his previous owner played an instrument bringing back bad memories for him causing him to act this way.Or maybe my playing is really bad...gee..never thought of that. lol

Glenda  Hubbard
@glenda-hubbard
11/02/18 06:30:35PM
18 posts

Waiter’s tray stand


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

 I love my waiter's tray stand!  I like to stand and play and the tall one is a comfortable height for me. Like Ken said mine will hold two dulcimers which is nice when you like a couple tuned to different keys. Another reason is underneath makes a good place for your case or another instrument.

Davesterino
@davesterino
11/02/18 05:55:06PM
4 posts

How does your pet react to your Dulcimer playing?


OFF TOPIC discussions

Our vizsla barks, growls, and gives me some distance when I play ukulele or penny whistle. She doesn't seem to mind at all when I play dulcimer though!

Strumelia
@strumelia
11/02/18 01:44:36PM
2,416 posts

Keith Young Dulcimer


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

You did a great job making a new fine tuner!!

I too personally suggest you not use any glue on the nut or bridge when putting them back in.  As long as you don't remove all strings at once, you'll never have to worry about them moving around or getting lost.  String pressure hold them in beautifully. It's handy to be able to easily remove them if needed, without the risk of them cracking due to stubborn old glue.

Ken Hulme
@ken-hulme
11/02/18 11:13:09AM
2,157 posts

Waiter’s tray stand


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

"Best" is what works for you.  There are a number of stands, as Dusty mentions.  I found a waiter's tray table works 'best' for me.  There are several height sizes available, you can usually find them locally at restaurant supply houses, and they don't have premium prices usually associated with niche goods.  

As far as securing the dulcimer, it will depend on the stand, how firmly it holds the instrument in place, and how 'active' you are while playing.  Some folks need a small bungee or strap or two; some just need a rubber pad.  I don't need anything to hold different dulcimers in place; in fact I often have two on the stand for a 'hot swap' of different tunings.

Dusty Turtle
@dusty
11/02/18 10:46:57AM
1,857 posts

Waiter’s tray stand


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Don, check out this video by @Christine-Shoemaker. She is using a stand by Gary Sager of Prussia Valley Dulcimers. It looks fully adjustable. Something like that would probably be the best option.

Other good options are keyboard stands or even an ironing board.

Don Grundy
@don-grundy
11/02/18 10:24:14AM
188 posts

Waiter’s tray stand


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions


I would like to stand up more.  I’m not an exercise buff.

When you use a stand, how do you secure your dulcimer?

Is a waiters stand best?

Thank you.

Ken Hulme
@ken-hulme
11/02/18 05:53:58AM
2,157 posts

Keith Young Dulcimer


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

Personally I would not put any glue on the nut or bridge.  String pressure alone will hold them in place.  I would not have taken all the strings of at once either, but again, that's just me; I remove and replace one string at a time so that things stay together.

Case -- making a wooden case is easy using 1/4" poplar "hobby wood" from Home Depot or Lowes, or thin plywood.  I use simple ballistic nylon straps to hold the lid on mine, rather than mucking about with hinges and thin wood.  Bob Gerard, one of the members here, makes beautifully painted wooden cases.    A cloth gig bag is also easy to make, or the ultimate protective cloth bags are made by The Dulcimer Bag Lady -- dulcimerbaglady.com

Dave D
@dave-d
11/02/18 01:48:09AM
16 posts

Keith Young Dulcimer


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

So it turns out i do have two original fine tuners, and managed to make two more this evening. Also picked up some strings at lunch, so hopefully tomorrow I can string it and see how it will sound. My other dulcimer is a bit smaller and I'm curious at this point to compare. 

Attached a pic of the tuners (originals on the left), the bridge, and the nut. The nut actually has a spot of glue on it, and I assume it was fastened in when new. I have some titebond original and titebond hide - either would work i suppose to refasten the nut?  Or something else?

Great advice on the tuners!

Any suggestions as to a case for this?


IMG_20181102_002025517.jpg IMG_20181102_002025517.jpg - 155KB
Strumelia
@strumelia
11/01/18 04:51:25PM
2,416 posts

Keith Young Dulcimer


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


Richard- good eyes there!  coool

My advice is to get one extra button to keep in your case.  Might as well if someone is already making them... and I found that if my string breaks at the bridge or tail piece area, the fine tuning button can come off the string and literally fly off across the room. This actually happened to me twice over the years. Now I keep a fine thread threaded through all the buttons' holes and tied in a little loop..it's not very obtrusive and prevents those buttons from 'making a break for freedom'.  Otherwise, if you're sitting in the grass somewhere or are someplace playing at night... you may just have to kiss that little wooden button goodbye.  bananawave     lolol   Never hurts to have a spare!


updated by @strumelia: 11/01/18 04:54:26PM
Richard Streib
@richard-streib
11/01/18 04:30:02PM
277 posts

Keith Young Dulcimer


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

David D. It looks in your initial pictures like the fine tuner for the bass string is down where the strings curve under the end of the fretboard to anchor. So you may need to only get 2 made to match.

dulcinina
@dulcinina
11/01/18 04:08:24PM
88 posts

Using Metronome apps


Dulcimer Resources:TABS/Books/websites/DVDs

Do you use a metronome app on your phone or an online metronome?  What do you recommend? Dulcinina

Strumelia
@strumelia
11/01/18 04:01:22PM
2,416 posts

Keith Young Dulcimer


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

Dave D, if you or someone you know is good at woodworking, I'd recommend have them create two or three additional little fine tuner beads, to match the single remaining one on your dulcimer's middle string near the tail.

My dulcimer has all 4 beads, and I can tell you that if you have wooden tuning pegs (as you do), these 'fine tuner' beads really do work well to get you to that last little bit of higher or lower tuning on each string.  The way Keith made them is so smooth working, and they fit perfectly with this particular style of his dulcimers.

Dusty Turtle
@dusty
11/01/18 02:34:30PM
1,857 posts

Keith Young Dulcimer


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


Strumelia:Yeah, looks like it made the water spots almost disappear- nice results!  Thanks for posting that before/after photo. And thanks Dusty for that wood treatment recommendation.

I can't take credit for this. I learned about Howard Feed n Wax from this video by Bing Futch , and Bing credits FOTMD member and luthier extraordinaire David Beede.  It sure does wonders for an old instrument, doesn't it?


 


updated by @dusty: 11/01/18 02:41:04PM
IRENE
@irene
11/01/18 10:42:22AM
168 posts

Keith Young Dulcimer


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

and what PERFECT F holes.   I wonder if he used a scroll saw or a coping saw.   Beautiful dulcimer.  aloha, irene

Strumelia
@strumelia
11/01/18 09:26:50AM
2,416 posts

Keith Young Dulcimer


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

Yeah, looks like it made the water spots almost disappear- nice results!  Thanks for posting that before/after photo. And thanks Dusty for that wood treatment recommendation.

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
11/01/18 08:57:50AM
1,565 posts

Cigar Box Guitars


Adventures with 'other' instruments...

@pondoro You've made some great-looking ukuleles!  

Richard Streib
@richard-streib
11/01/18 08:35:39AM
277 posts

Keith Young Dulcimer


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

That's pretty significant. Glad it worked for you. I may have to get some for some of my older dulcimers.

 

Dave D
@dave-d
10/31/18 10:37:28PM
16 posts

Keith Young Dulcimer


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

So I've uploaded a 'before' and 'after' with just one application of the Howard Feed and Wax. It really helped bring out the cherry.

And it turns out the nut is loose like the bridge, and fits very snugly into a slot at the head. 

 


IMG_20181031_210549376 small.jpg IMG_20181031_210549376 small.jpg - 179KB
Pondoro
@pondoro
10/31/18 08:05:59PM
34 posts

Cigar Box Guitars


Adventures with 'other' instruments...


So these are cigar box ukuleles. Both boxes are more than 40 years old. All wood was cut in America (I cannot vouch for the boxes). The larger one has homemade maple tuning pegs, the smaller one has professionally made tuners. 

 

The walnut on the smaller one was harvested by my father. The maple for the tuning pegs on the larger one came from the flooring of a 1900-ish house. Trying to reproduce what a kid in the 1920's might have made, if he had time, tools and skill but no money. 


Two CBUs.JPG Two CBUs.JPG - 239KB

updated by @pondoro: 10/31/18 08:14:12PM
Dave D
@dave-d
10/31/18 01:15:04PM
16 posts

Keith Young Dulcimer


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

Yes, Grand is a good description! I appreciate very much the help and comments.

It looks like my local Home Depot carries the Howard Wax, so I'll stop there on the way home and pick some up.

I cleaned the instrument with a damp cloth as suggested earlier. The paper towel I dried it with came away yellowish, so I'm not sure what is up with that. I know laquer wouldn't come away with water, and I don't think an oil finish would either. Anyway, I'll try the Howard Feed and Wax and let you know.
IRENE
@irene
10/31/18 08:40:35AM
168 posts

Keith Young Dulcimer


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

YES YES....FOTMD folks are truly GRAND!!  THANKS on the tip about Howard's Feed n Wax, I've got that on my list to get when I go to town next.  aloha, irene

Dusty Turtle
@dusty
10/31/18 03:44:09AM
1,857 posts

Keith Young Dulcimer


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

Dave, you've received solid answers to most of your questions.  Aren't FOTMD folks grand?

I have one suggestion.  If the wood feels dry, it probably is.  You might try a product such as Howard's Feed n Wax .  You put a tiny bit on a rag and rub it into the wood. Then take another rag, wipe off any excess, and let it sit 20-30 minutes.  If the wood is seriously dried out you might need more than a tiny bit since the wood will soak the stuff up. But start with as little as possible. Use it before you put on new strings so you can get to the fretboard, too. My guess is the dulcimer will show its health and happiness by really shining.  I use it periodically on all my dulcimers except the one that has a heavy lacquer finish.

Lois Sprengnether Keel
@lois-sprengnether-keel
10/31/18 12:42:06AM
197 posts

Introduce Yourself!


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Welcome, Pondoro.  Sounds like you may play several folk instruments in depth before adding to your Instrument Zoo.  I  think you will enjoy the  dulcimer. 

As Strumelia mentioned, there are so many instruments I yearn to play well but it would take several lifetimes.  I haven't been able to restrain myself  enough to fit that playing well requirement.  Fortunately the dulcimer is forgiving of my dabbling.   I sometimes say this is what happens when you give a Girl Scout the Dabbler badge.  I still am one.  Several of us here are.  I think you will feel right at home, there's even a forum about Adventures with 'Other's Instruments.  Enjoy!

Strumelia
@strumelia
10/30/18 10:36:10PM
2,416 posts

Keith Young Dulcimer


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

Cool beans, Dave!

Depending on when Keith started doing this as a standard thing, there 'might' be on your dulcimer a tiny hitch pin on the melody string SIDE of the fretboard, about halfway down. Mine has one, but my dulcimer is later, from around 1997 or 98 I think.  It was meant for if you want to temporarily switch from a double melody string to a single melody string.  You would just loosen the string nearest the edge and pull it down on the side of the fretboard, out of the way, in order to play with just a single melody string for however long you wanted.
I thought it might also be handy if you always play with one melody string- in that if you broke your melody string in the middle of a jam or workshop, you could theoretically have a 'spare' ready to just tighten up and keep playing!  bigsmile
Me, I personally like the sound of double melody strings, so I never used that pin that Keith had installed on my dulcimer.

  312