A Sweet Find
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Very nice indeed. Happy for you.
Forum Activity for @jim-fawcett
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
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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
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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
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'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
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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
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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
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Ken, do you know why Schnauffer requested laminates for side/back?
Buying a used McSpadden questions
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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)
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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
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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
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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
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That's a fine looking dulcimer, @Atilwi. Ron Gibson has the best rosebud soundholes; they are just beautiful. Happy strumming!
Ron Gibson Dulcimers
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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!
motivation
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
thanks terry i appreciate your words.
i appreciate all you who responded... thanks
after spending 25 years doing Renaissance Faires and finally giving it up this year, i bought a mountain dulcimer.... cause i always liked the sound and the ease of playing or the complexity of playing.
It may all be due to the change of life style... So many friends on the faire circuit both performers and patrons. to now really nothing... no longer anything to inspire and require practicing. I guess also i am tired of "trad"music.
i have been wondering back and listening to music from my youth.... i have been finding inspiration in "Music from Big Pink" and "the Basement Tapes" diddling with some of the tunes and thinking they may sound quite cool on MD.
So right now i am picking it up several times a week almost daily sometimes for hours sometimes just to see if a song i like is doable. Still not sure where i am going ... baby steps. i miss performing.
Comprehensive List of Dulcimer Festivals
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
As Steve says on his home page:The only way this works is if you spread the word. So, please, yell it from the mountain tops. Talk about it in your newsletters. Tell your friends. Share a link on Facebook. We’ve got to let people know this is here!
I probably am the only active mountain dulcimer at Paint Creek Folklore Society, but we have a few players who like to get hammered, so I sent it to our hammered dulcimer playing vice president and to our newsletter editor, oh & I'm going to send it to Wanda Degen & Deedee Tibbetts, who have an event coming up & also do workshops in the summer at Interlochen.
Let's spread the word (& thanks, Steve, like you I find past events give a planning guide when looking ahead).
motivation
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
J.P., hang in there. Unless this is medically related, "This too shall pass."
I believe it's pretty common to have a total burnout. Doesn't mean we are giving up, just taking a break with life. Sometimes we just need to take a deep free your mind and relax.
Sounds easy, huh? Not so. But you can do it. Why? Because you want too. That's why you brought it up on this forum.
Comprehensive List of Dulcimer Festivals
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
That looks good, Steve! I'm imagining the site will get lots of traffic as it builds.
Comprehensive List of Dulcimer Festivals
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
If you tried to sign up and had trouble, try again. We fixed it.
Comprehensive List of Dulcimer Festivals
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
That's cool Stephen! 
Comprehensive List of Dulcimer Festivals
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
And here it is: http://dulcimerevents.com . Are any of you interested in helping me test this website? Head on over there and submit an event. I hope everything's clear and easy. If not, post back to this forum topic or use the contact form. THANK YOU!
updated by @stephen-seifert: 10/17/18 03:34:46PM
Comprehensive List of Dulcimer Festivals
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
I'm going to go with Strumelia's advice. I'm creating an online hub for dulcimer events. I'll get the details out when it's ready.
Show Us Your Pets!
OFF TOPIC discussions
Here is Lacey on her 18th birthday. She used to be a 
String gauge tolerance(s)
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
There's also a funny paradox at play with this...
Generally, you use a lighter gauge string to help you tune to a higher note without breaking, and a heavier gauge string to help you tune to a lower note without being floppy. That's why 'bass note strings' are heavier than melody strings.
However, there comes a point at which this can be taken too far. For example, a super thin .008 string tuned to a high note may actually break because it's so thin, and perhaps a .009 in its place might not break for that same note. Likewise, if you go to TOO heavy gauge in an effort to attain a real low note, the string will not fit properly in the nut and bridge slots, creating buzzes and becoming difficult to fret.
There's a practical range to work within when trying to balance the three factors that govern this: 1) scale length/VSL 2) note you are wanting to tune to, and 3) string gauge/thickness. No matter how thin your string, you'll never be able to tune two octaves higher than typical DAdd on a normal sized dulcimer. And no matter how thick your string, you'll never be able to tune a normal sized dulcimer to the same low note you could on an orchestra's standup double bass viol for example. Stringed instruments are certain sizes for a reason- they are designed to be tuned somewhere within a certain reasonable range of notes for their size.
String gauge tolerance(s)
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
I used to be mystified about string gauges until I found the Strothers string guide online. Just go to strothers.com and choose string gauge calculator under the dulcimer tab. You just plug in the note you want and the VSL and bang! it gives you a gauge. I think the general feeling is that the gauge suggestions are a little light but this is something that varies from player to player. At least it gives you a place to start. I have also found that through experience, I can judge by feel when I am pushing my luck with a string. As you tune up, just press on the string to feel how much give there is. If it's starting to feel tight, you would be wise to back off.
Hope this helps, Barb
How does your pet react to your Dulcimer playing?
OFF TOPIC discussions
Our previous cat really liked me to play the dulcimer. She'd walk over to it and meow at me then lay down when I'd start playing.
The new cat, Sally, at first didn't show any interest the first few months when she was a little kitten. Maybe it was scary to her.
Sally is 7 months old now. Now when I play she comes over to me squeaking and rubbing my legs. I haven't figured out if she is saying she likes it, if if she's saying, "if you're not doing anything worthwhile give me a hug..."
Show Us Your Pets!
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Sally at 2 months and 7 months checking out my 1931 Uncle Ed Thomas reproduction made by Kevin Messenger
String gauge tolerance(s)
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Thanks to everyone for your input. I've made some notes. I realize there are variables, but even guidelines given are helpful. I broke a couple of 9 gauge strings a few months ago but, alas, I can't recall what I was attempting to tune to at the time.
String gauge tolerance(s)
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
On a 28 or 28.5" scale, I would think .009 and .010 strings would tend to more often break if you try tuning any higher than a high e (for melody strings). That's just my own experience.