Forum Activity for @marg

rob,

is your ( early Capritaurus ) deep, this one says 4" that sounds much deeper than anyting I've seen. Does that create a really strong sound?

You cannot tell the type of wood by the mass of the instrument.  Only a visual examination of the edges of both the side strips and the top & bottom boards can give you a definitive answer.  

Folkroots seemed to have a variety of models but one of the most common were mahogany or walnut ply with a spruce top.  Being a D40-S I'd bet it's mahogany ply with a spruce top.  If it had no cracks or no case, I'd like to give between $50 & $100, but I may be living in the past a little. In fact if it was under $100, I'd probably buy it regardless.  LOL.  

History:     1976 - Rugg, Rugg & Jackel broke up the partnership. Steve Jackel and Howard Rugg formed a new partnership, called Rugg & Jackel.

The Rugg & Jackel company kept the FolkRoots line, and Michael Rugg retained control of the CapriTaurus name and line of solid wood dulcimers.

So, if i am looking at one from the mid 80's, the FolkRoots line - does that mean they didn't do solid wood dulcimers if the CapriTaurus line did solid wood?

rob,

What type of price would have you going to check it our or not going?

I read someone found one at goodwill for $29 plus shipping, this isn't that low but not $300 either.

That's some of my thoughts ken, I can make a 2-3-4 chord on the 28 but can't do anywhere near 1-0-4. I would need to just play the melody where I can't reach a chord, which is what I do now - part chord, part melody, part flat picking. 

What would be a fair price for a Folk Roots, mid 80's?     No fancy woods, just good plain simple look but hoping a great sound.

Just trying to decide if I should drive over to see it. i don't want to get the buyers hopes up if it's just not the right fit, but then I guess I wont know till I do go check it out. 

Price would be the factor for me in checking it out.  I have an early Capritaurus and would like to get a Folk Roots with no "Extra" frets, too.  I am trying to use my little finger more instead of the thumb.  I find it works out pretty good that way.

If you play a lot of chord/melody style playing this might not be the best dulcimer for you. Think of how you would play a 1-0-4 chord or even a 1-0-3 chord. How easy is it to make a 2-3-4 or 2-3-5 chord on the 28 inch scale. You could use a fret scale calculator and print out a 29 inch template, cut it out, lay it on a table and try chording. On the other hand, if you do some noter player, this will be an excellent dulcimer. One other consideration is that it will look very nice hanging on your wall.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

I was wondering if I should go see a Folk Roots dulcimer by Rugg & Jackel, D40-s 1119842. It has the 291/4 VSL & that is what was stopping me. I play mostly dulcimer with a 27.5 & 28 VSL. I do have thumb problems now & was worried it would just be worst stretching just a bit more. I do like the history of the Folk Roots and that alone would be a reason to go check it out. 

Any thoughts on this?

(If you can see the edge, )

Edge as inside the sound hole or on the side where top meets sides

Solid wood and plywood can weigh about the same.  If you can see the edge, you can see the plys in plywood.

Plywood in a dulcimer is not always a bad thing, except in cases of the use of inferior pieces of cheap plywood.

One would need to see the wood to determine; weight along won't do it. 2 lbs is not an unusual weight. 

Can you tell if a dulcimer is wood or ply by it's weight?

If a dulcimer is 36" x 8" x 3 or 4" & weights about 2 lbs, can we tell by that if it's wood or only partly?

I have quite a few dulcimers, everything from 27", to my old Bill Davis at a 29 1/2" VSL ! I think it would be difficult switching up to that longer VSL if all you've played is the shorter, but or me, at this point I switch between them with no issues whatsoever.

susie,

( all walnut Bob Lazenby dulcimer )

I notice in your photo, the dulcimer looks like it takes up the whole table, how long is the VSL? I saw on your page, you have a Folks Roots, is it one with the 29" VSL? Is it hard on the hand & thumb going that short distance from a 27.5 or 28 to a 29'ish?

(I love fixing them up! Makes it more personal)

I feel the same way, ha if I got a new dulcimer I would probably work on it anyway.

Congrats George. As I said in my earlier post, I'm quite impressed with my Bob Lazenby dulcimer. It really has a beautiful voice. Enjoy your new dulcimer!

Lois, fingerpicks like these would protect your skin. I use metal ones like them for the autoharp. You might not be able to strum in both directions with them, though.

The new skin stuff Ken speaks of is the liquid bandage that you can find in any pharmacy.   It's a good product to keep around anyway, should you ever get a cut or nick on a part of your body that moves a lot.  You can continuously apply more and more as it wears off. My cousin's cello teacher told him to put it on his fingertips when his fingers were worn out from playing so that he could play some more. I use it regularly, but for medical, not musical reasons.

I've cut some picks from the lids from cans of prunes we buy at Walmart.  They are in a purple plastic with no printing on them.  I also cut one from each of the lids. They are lopsided leaving a large top strip to grip with the pick cut below and to one side.  Sort of a purple pick on a grip stick.   Fewer picks fly out of my hands and I don't have to hold on to the pick as tightly between my thumb and index finger.  It gives the arthritic joint at the base of my thumb a rest.

My husband's banjo picks might be worth a try.  It would be an adjustment as I've been using the nails of my fingers (I, M, R).  Quick Dumb Question, Ken, how does Liquid Skin do if you apply it repeatedly?  It would be if I continued using those finger nails.

Below posted elsewhere but maybe better as a post here:     

     Having just gotten my new for me dulcimer and not caring for the tone from my go to picks, led me to a very interesting creative way of taking care of the problem. I came up with a  '2-Tone Pick',  once I got started making them, I ended up with several:         Taking just the picks I have collected but don't use for one reason or another, I added leather to one side of the pick.  I also had some felt uke picks & ones made from plastic cards or butter tops, which I glued leather to the other side.

    I found some scrap leather at Hobby Lobby (thanks ken for the idea of scrap leather) , several different types & had a coupon so the whole bag only cost about $3-$4. 

  I haven't seen any other 2- sided leather picks so I wonder why non of the pick companies have come up with something like this. Does anyone know or do you know if there is a pick like this?

    I would say, the leather does mellow/damper the sound some so if you like a very bright/loud sound a leather pick may not be for you, but then you have the other side of the pick and can have bright on one side & mellow on the other. 

Always an adventure, always glad when we are on it together.

Dusty has a great idea;  I'e used the Herco brand Thumb-Flat pick for years.   If you like the softer sound of a bare thumb, try painting your thumb with "Liquid-Skin" or something similar.  Even a bit of Superglue will protect the skin -- just keep your fingers apart until it dries

Jan, Have you ever trued making a pick out of an unplayable vinyl record with your pick punch? 

Thanks, Charles...it was the sound of you playing yours (and showing the website) that decided me to get one! Can't wait to get it!

Steven

Lois, I assume the pick you are talking about is a flatpick, right?  Have you tried a thumbpick?  Since it fits on your thumb you don't have to hold it very tightly and maybe it wouldn't bother your arthritis as much. Just a thought.

I am thinking of something like this or this .

A pick tends to create arthritic pain, so I've been using my hand for strumming.  I try to use just my fingernails, but often get the skin on my first knuckles.  Is there something to protect my skin besides improving my aim?

always thought that to remember something there are many channels in the brain you just have to find the right channel to retrieve the information you are looking for.

Steven, Congrats on your Berg! I'm playing mine right now, great sound!

No doubt, I got an Echo Dot for christmas, still haven't set it up because I'm waiting for the 15 year old to show me how, well, be honest, to do it for me!!

So I picked up the Lazenby, It has the wooden friction pegs, which I am actually quite fond, a few minor dings and will need some serious TLC, will do before and after pics. Mostly minor issues with the finish ad a few scratches. Only has the lower f-holes, but otherwise sound. Just been neglected a long time, corroded strings etc.

 I love fixing them up! Makes it more personal.

Sometimes I use plastic collar stays.

Thanks, Marg!

I love the V-Picks Bing Lite picks for all types of playing. But my new favorite are picks made from Coconut shell. They're made by Steve Clayton (and maybe others). They are very loud, so if you're trying to play with no one else hearing you, these are the wrong picks to use. They also have some of the inside husk on the back so you have a grip. They are all natural, very durable and sound amazing. But they are a bit expensive compared to say a nylon pick. Though the Bing picks are expensive too.

Steve Clayton Coconut Shell Pick

My 10yod has recorded me on my camera.  That's about all I can muster!  LOL!

steven,

Yes, that is what I have & yes I like it. 

Have fun with yours, and let us know how you do with it.

I'd probably drink a little bit, pour a little into the recipe, drink a little more, pour a little more...  SOUNDS DELICIOUS!!!!

I just purchased a Berg 5-string elliptical (all sycamore) last Sunday...I'm eagerly awaiting delivery! I'm glad you like yours! 

Steven

("free standing bridge" similar to that of a banjo??) (probably not a good idea)

Yes.

I don't use a wrist rest but someone from my group was asking and after I looked & thought about it couldn't see a way.  Therefore the question, just in case anyone knew of anything.

thanks, I didn't think so either

Do you mean the kind of dulcimer which does not have a full length fretboard, but does have a "free standing bridge" similar to that of a banjo??  If that is the case I don't see how you could put on a wrist rest.

Way cool.  Thanks for that, Strumelia!