Forum Activity for @rob-n-lackey

Cherokee Waltz

Dulcimer Resources:TABS/Books/websites/DVDs

Thanks for the "like," Carole.  I'd forgotten about this one.  May have to learn it again.  lol

 

Help with a Hungarian citera

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

It would be nice to have a real closeup of those tuning pegs, but I'm betting that they are autoharp pins, for which you can buy a clock-key as a tuning key.  When you get it, measure at the top of the pins, across the flats, and I can help you find an appropriate clock-key.  They usually run a whopping $4-$6.

 

Help with a Hungarian citera

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

Thanks guys I also posted on ED and have been following many internet threads chasing info.
I did not set out to buy this but the lady advertised it as 'Musical Instruments' in amongst the 1000s of acoustic guitars and never amended her add even though I informed her what it was.
I have always been fascinated by the fretted zithers, auto harps etc but never thought to own one unless I made my own.
I got this by default with a single bid and am very happy.
It may well cost me as much again for a decent tuning key.
I will post detailed pictures when the package arrives meanwhile I am hunting for any possible info on a maker

Help with a Hungarian citera

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

That's a lovely instrument Dave!

Don't forget you can use Google to translate Hungarian webpages to English.  It won't be a perfect translation bu tenables you to understand most of the info.

You may benefit greatly from watching Youtube videos of Hungarian citera players in action.  It'll show how they utilize all those strings when they strum.  Remember also that Youtube has a setting where you can slow the video down to half speed while staying in the same pitch.  That way you can watch their hands better.

I transferred this thread into our 'other instruments' forum, btw.

Help with a Hungarian citera

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

At is happens, we're having a great Citera discussion on ED, here: 

http://www.everythingdulcimer.com/discuss/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=33962

Search the 'Net on "Hungarian citera" there is a wealth of info.

Help with a Hungarian citera

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

 was browsing Eb** and came across an interesting chromatic dulcimer otherwise known as a Hungarian citera zitherI just won the auction and now need to collect info about citera s that I can understand[Hungarian is not a language that is easily translated]Seems to be a 'C' tuned instrument but what do I do with all those other strings?Seems to be set up like a short scale dulcimer with the black notes on the second fingerboard and drones

updated by @dave-ismay: 02/07/18 04:33:21PM

Thumb Pick And Strumming

Playing and jamming difficulties...HELP ME!

"There's no right way, or wrong way to play the dulcimer."  Just YOUR way.  For many years I used the Herco brand flat-thumb picks.  Basically a triangular flat pick with  thumb loop.  Works well. 

I also have picks/strummers made from feather shafts, thin wood, thick leather, thick felt (uke pick), plastic lids, plastic packing strap and zip ties, vegetable ivory and shell.

Thumb Pick And Strumming

Playing and jamming difficulties...HELP ME!

Picks are a very personal choice.  I started with a Herdim because it was given to me.  Then I began experimenting with different picks, noting the sounds they produced.  I cut picks from margarine lids, old credit cards. and tried different brands and thicknesses.  You'll find one that suits your style of playing and feels comfortable.  Just have fun. Dulcinina

Thumb Pick And Strumming

Playing and jamming difficulties...HELP ME!

I am new and I am reading and watching YouTube videos in my efforts to learn as much as I can about the dulcimer. Most of the videos relating to the strumming of "modern" dulcimers, not using a noter and quill, show the user using  a loosely held triangular pick. Naturally I have tried to imitate these players but I saw a video where the player was using a Bumble Bee pick and, as I already had one of these, I decided that I would try it. To my amazement my strumming appeared to be greatly improved. I seemed to be strumming the strings in a smoother pattern than when I used my floppy Herdim. Also, the volume is so much louder than before. I am better able to concentrate on my fretting now and it seems as though I am playing better.

My question is this - Have I picked up a bad habit ? Should I persevere with the Herdim ? Thanks !

updated by @nigelbleddfa: 04/10/18 01:43:18PM

Modern Mountain Dulcimer

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

Yes, I was thinking this through and it didn't make sense - but adjusting the bridge makes perfect sense!!  Again thanks to all for your help.  Much appreciated.

Modern Mountain Dulcimer

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

Doh!!  Yer right, Bob!   My bad... musta been a Senior Moment.  Adjust the Bridge, not the Nut, Blondie!

Modern Mountain Dulcimer

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

Ken, I think if the string height at the first fret is fine, but too high at the 7th fret, the bridge/saddle (not the nut) needs to be lowered.

Modern Mountain Dulcimer

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

Lowering the action is really pretty easy:  

Slack the strings and remove the nut.  

Lay a sheet of 400 grit sandpaper face up on a flat surface.

Sand 10 or 15 strokes off of the bottom. 

Slip the nut back in place, tighten the outer strings, and check the action height with your nickel.

Repeat as needed...

Modern Mountain Dulcimer

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

Thanks and I did try this with the dime and nickel.  The dime test was good, however, the string was way above the nickel at the 7th fret.  Apparently, I have an instrument where the action needs to be lowered.  Thanks to all who shared information.  Now to find someone to do it!

Modern Mountain Dulcimer

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

Phil has the right idea.  It's what we call the Nickel & Dime Action Height.  Slide a dime next to the 1st fret.  The strings should just touch to top of the dime.  Then slip a nickel on top of the 7th fret; again the strings should just touch the nickel.  If the strings don't touch, then the action can certainly be lowered.  

It's nice to know that MMD uses the Nickel & Dime for their base action.  

Modern Mountain Dulcimer

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

I just talked to John Hawk who is a dealer for MMD. He told me the action should be the width of a nickel sitting on top of the seventh fret. Most people buy MMD's because of the low action. I have 2 myself and to me the action is perfect.

Modern Mountain Dulcimer

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

Look what I found on youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysNByKoB5tE 

I used his template and it measures 2.5mm at the 7th fret.

Modern Mountain Dulcimer

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

How do I measure so you get a better picture?

Modern Mountain Dulcimer

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

The ones that I've seen and played were not particularly high.  It's an easy enough fix to set the action down where you want.   How high is "high" at say the 7th fret?

Modern Mountain Dulcimer

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

I was wondering if other MMD owners find the action to be high?  I recently acquired a fairly new MMD and the action is killing my fingers!

What's in a NAME???

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

When you have more than 3 or 4 of a kind of instrument (like dulcimers, banjos, drums, etc) it helps to have names to refer to them, even if the 'name' is only the maker's name. 
When I check in with my fiddler husband about what instruments we'll be taking to a party or gig, or simply when we're going to practice at home, it helps us to be on the same page when I refer to a specific banjo by name... the Ramsey, Blondie, Stichter, Hog Sisters, Cockerham, PigHead, Man in the Moon...  thus my husband knows immediately which banjo I'm talking about and thus what kind of repertoire/style I'm thinking we might be playing in, and what keys.  Plus, it's just more fun!
Since I never eat my instruments, I've never found naming them to have any effect on my ability to sell them.     heheheh

What's in a NAME???

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I have started calling my Ron Gibson "Jenny" (totally unoriginal, she is one of Ron's Jenny Lind models; my other is simply "the other one" or the Red Kite. My other instruments have similarly unoriginal names.  "Clouds" (5 string banjo whose fret markers are shaped like clouds), the Short Stalk (short stalk 5 string) the Davidson is a 5 string travel banjo tuned to A named after the maker, a luthier called Phil Davidson, who also made my guitar bodied bouzouki which is called the "8 String". I have two Gibson mandolins called with blinding unoriginality "The 1932" (go on guess when it was made) and the 1923 Snakehead (or, simply "the snakehead"). Then there's the Weber, (named for the former Gibson luthier who built it, not for the barbecue) and so it goes.  I agree with the statement never name something you might have to sell.

Thomas F Johnson Dulcimer?

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

Sorry for the delay in sending out a sincere thank you for the responses. I'm sending the info to my wife's friend so she can pursue further if she wants. Thanks again.

Phil

Black Oak Or Hansen Dulcimers

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I have an early one of their dulcimers.  I would love to talk to Kris!!

Thoughts on Harmonicas

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

Yeah, I know what you mean about clearing out. Sometimes I also have to let go of stuff. I've regretted selling some stuff, like my collection of flutes.

But, we go on, because every day is like a new little life.

Thoughts on Harmonicas

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

Terry that's so great!  That large 2-sided tabor drum of yours is quite impressive and 'primitive' looking with its lacing.  I bet that lady feels like a Wild Thang playing it.          So nice that your tabor drum has found a new honorable life of service!

Btw, I put up my five old harmonicas in the For Sale forum.  Figured I would start trying to move along instruments I will never play anymore.  Part of my Spring cleaning goals to myself.  I also went through my spice cabinet like a tornado yesterday!  

Thoughts on Harmonicas

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

Lisa, guess what. Okay, I'll tell you.
I took along my tabor drum to an ALH this morning, and had a great time.
One 91 year old is really musical, so I asked her to give it a go. She timed every soft beat, right along with my dulcimer. Wonderful.
I always pass out hand skaters to the rest, so we sure made some noise this morning.

Every week, without fail, this one lady will always ask me to play Ode To Joy, on harmonica. Super old folks love repeats.

Anyways, I thought you might get a kick out of my Tabor Drum story.

Thomas F Johnson Dulcimer?

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

They may not be, despite the same name and same middle initial and both having interest in guitars. Be interesting to pursue it further. 

Thomas F Johnson Dulcimer?

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

In the 1981 Directory of Contemporary American Musical Instrument Makers Thomas F Johnson is shown as a full time instrument maker since 1967 with one employee.  He made guitars and dulcimers.  I don't think the North Texas State instructor is the same one.

Thomas F Johnson Dulcimer?

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

I believe this is who you are asking about: http://music.unt.edu/faculty-and-staff/thomas-johnson

I would not hesitate to contact him via his email on that website.  Good luck. 

updated by @kusani: 01/27/18 08:03:54PM

Thomas F Johnson Dulcimer?

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

My wife's friend bought a dulcimer at an estate sale. The label inside says Thomas F Johnson Classical Guitar Construction Rte 5 Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin Jan 1976. Has anyone heard of this builder or is any one familiar with his dulcimers. The picture I have would seem to indicate the dulcimer is probably walnut and has heart sound holes.

Thoughts on Harmonicas

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

Lisa, as you well know, we don't have to be good to still make wonderful music.

It took me a while to arive at this observation. But when I did, it was kind of like a chain was broken.

Thoughts on Harmonicas

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

Ah, those tabor drums we conspired on and purchased... co-enablers!   lolol... I do still like my drum and it was perfect for a children's parade I participated in last year.  I think they have great tone and yes I too am glad to still have my tabor drum!

I have NOT been playing the tabor pipe though... once I found out I had all the notes more quickly available on my penny whistles.  But I've kept up with the penny whistle and I really love playing.  I'm not a great player but that doesn't bother me- might take years to become proficient, but it's a happy pastime.  I have a small collection of mid-level pennywhistles now...Terry you know how we get tempted.     Happily, the whistles don't cost all that much compared to most stringed instruments.     

I don't have to tell you to keep playing and having fun with your music... cuz I know you will.

Thoughts on Harmonicas

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

Lisa, it is good to be back. A lot has transpired in the last two years, but music and serving never left. More passion than ever before.

I love the tremolo. A harmonica friend down in Florida, is about finished building wood covers for my favorite tremolo, key low F.
I traded a tremolo that he wanted for his work. Can't wait to get it back.

I'm thinking you must be some more tin whistle player by now. How about Tabor and Drum?

Some in our family were making some music recently, at our home. My grandson grabs that old tabor drum off the wall and joins in the fun.
So yeah, I'm glad I hung on to the booger.

Imho, the tremolo harmonica is just a wonderful accomplice to the dulcimer, or a ukulele. The trick is to not buy cheap. Anything under $30.00 say, is cheap.

Hey, one has to love the choices we have to make music. Fun fun.

Thoughts on Harmonicas

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

It's funny how that works.  I usually find that making a little progress in one instrument leads to progress or insight on another instrument.  I love when that happens.   :)   I think Edelweiss would be a perfect tune for the tremolo harmonica. I actually had one of those big tremolo harps waaay back when i was a teenager (!) and I enjoyed playing it in my amateur way.

Terry, it's great to see you back on FOTMD again, and I'm so glad to learn of your wife's health outcome, and to know that you've had help for all the hand pain that was preventing you from playing almost everything.  I'm happy to hear you are still playing for the senior home... I remember how you described their joy (and yours) in your musical visits there. 

Thoughts on Harmonicas

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

My first cousin learned to play the harmonica while she lived in Sacramento, CA.  She said that the trip accross town was sooooo full of stop lights.  So she would play her harmonica while waiting at all the stop lights.  I love it when my husband plays the harmonica too.  aloha, irene

Thoughts on Harmonicas

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

Hello fellow harmonica players.

I've been away from the forum for the past couple of years, only lurking now and then.  Back surgery, 2 hand surgeries, and supporting my wife during her battle with cancer.   Thankfully, she has been declared cancer free.

Anyways, I have recently re-discovered harmonica.  Though it never left me, and I played at times, i just wasn't dedicated to harmonica, until recently.   What I have been working on is improving my skills with harmonica, along with playing it at the same time with my dulcimer.   Works really well, and the old folks at an assisted living home I play at each week just seem to love it.   They sing along, creating a lot of fun.

I am learning Chromatic harmonica, but my go to harps are tremolo and 10 hole diatonic.   Here is the great thing:   I have never been a by ear dulcimer player, always using tab and memorizing the songs.   Here it is:  The harmonica is a by ear instrument.   Once I learning to play harmonica by ear, I began playing dulcimer by ear.   It just happens.  Why, I don't know, but it does.

The song "Simple Gifts" is a wonderful dulcimer song, stroking each note perfectly, with no add on's.  As taught by many teachers, including a great one, Linda Collins.   However, you should try this song on a harmonica, especially in the key of Low F, or even A.   Beautiful.  Another beauty is Edelweiss, from the Sound of Music.   Sounds wonderful on a dulcimer, too.

I listened to Edelweiss several times on You Tube, to get the song in my head.   Played it right away with an A harp.  Set the harp down, and then picked it out on dulcimer.   Very very satisfying.  

Anyways, this is just a reminder to some of you to dust off your harmonicas and do some rediscovering.   Loads of fun.

And like Bob said, you can't stick your dulcimer in your pocket, or the piano, or a uke, but a harmonica fits nicely, for that trip to the grocery store.  Only problem is, you will find yourself taking the long route.

 

 

Tell us about your VERY FIRST dulcimer

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Hi

I picked up one of his student models (made in 2007) used from ebay UK. I don't have much experience and can only compare it with the new Sweetwoods Student Model I also recently bought direct from Harpmaker. These are starter instruments and seem comparable.

Regards

Eric

 

Tell us about your VERY FIRST dulcimer

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Nigel -- be sure to contact Robin Clark in Snowdonia, who is a member here.  He is a fabulous player who has a company called BirdRock Dulcimers and sells instruments, supplies, etc. www.dulcimers.co.uk

So You're That Kind of Gal?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

JenniferC --I do sing it as well.  Have a video of my half-hour Opening Act performance at the Americana Community Music Association here in Fort Myers. I did Lay The Bend Bonnie Broom, which evolved into The Riddle Song (I gave my love a cherry); and The Elfin Knight which became Scarborough Fair.  I'll have to see if I can upload it here...

Nigel-- some of us also play/sing Ar Hyd y Nos and Rhyfelgyrch Gwŷr Harlech (but not in the Welsh, mind) and 

updated by @ken-hulme: 01/25/18 03:49:48PM