rob,
Yes, Heatherwood Craft was started by a former employee of Cripple Creek Dulcimers - James Crier and Esther Cockerill. I don't know either what has happen to them or if Heatherwood Craft is still in business.
My understanding of Heatherwood was that it was 2 people (maybe a couple) who had worked for the Ford's at Cripple Creek. They left them and started Heatherwood. I'm not sure if they died or just quit. There were still some phone listings on-line for them a few years ago. I like the gap between the end of the fingerboard and the bridge. Nothing to get in the way if I use a pick or strum violently with my fingers. I have kept it in DAd, but I'm thinking about making it my DAA instrument. It needs restringing anyway so heavier strings might be in order. However, that will be after my diatonic year with no extra frets. ROFL
Rob,
Also, what do you think of Heatherwood Dulcimer?
Do you know when the builder died?
Rob,
What do you think about the fret board stopping and having a floating bridge hanging out in the open?
Strange but when played with my fingers or slowing with the pick on one note at a time, sounds very nice but when I strum across all the strings I hear strings not the notes.
What do you have yours tune to?
Nice. Marg. I have a Heatherwood with the same appointments, schooner medallion, gull soundholes. Mine is different wood tho'. I like the sound of it even tho' I don't play it a lot. It's got nothing in common with a banjo even tho' it's tone is a little higher than my Rockwell.
26.5"
pluckier - loud, bright, metal ring tone.
Hard to say but not mellow which I was hoping changing the strings & tuning from "G" to DAdd would do but it just doesn't help the sound. Sounds more like it's out of tune but isn't. Maybe I just don't like a tone of a banjo on a dulcimer.
It would help to the VSL (vibrating string length) of the dulcimer. Measure it from the inside of the nut (fretboard side) to the inside of the bridge. Also, I have not idea what a "pluckier" sound is. Is it high pitched? bright? shrill?
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.
Banjo Dulcimer
A 4-String dulcimer that looks and plays like a dulcimer, but has the pluckier loud tone of a banjo!
I just picked up a Heatherwood dulcimer, James Cryer invented this style and sold it under his own label in the Cedar Creek store years ago.
Suggested - Standard "G" tuning: .10 for melody & middle strings & .18 for the bass, giving it the pluckier tone.
I tuned it for DAdd, .11 for melody, .14 for A & the bass has either a 22w or 24w but I'm not caring for the sound. Is there a way to make it a bit less pluckier or is the "G" the best tuning for itthis dulcimer
Does anyone have this dulcimer? Image not mine but looks just like this one
Jan, I have never used FingerEase. I did use FastFret for a while. From my searching the Internet, I understand that FingerEase contains silicone which is a great lubricant, but not friendly if an instrument needs repair. It prevents finishes from sticking to the wood even after the wood has been sanded bare. Your use of it by spraying a cloth first and then putting in the strings/fretboard helps keep the silicone off the rest of the instrument. FastFret is a mineral oil based string/fretboard treatment.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
That's my question. My husband bought some and I'm wondering if it's safe to spray it directly on the instrument as the directions say, up and down the fretboard. If I were going to use it, I would spray it on a cloth and then rub the cloth on the strings/fretboard. Hmmm...
Yes, Joellen wrote a fun article about a wonderful musician. Wayne and I spent an afternoon with Aaron and his wife Nicole when they were visiting Portland over the holidays. We're looking forward to sharing our conversation with Aaron on the podcast. :-)
Thanks, Patricia, for pointing us to Lapidus/O'Rourke interview. There's some interesting stuff there both on Aaron's early musical development and also on how he worked with David Beede to get the dulcimer that was perfect for him.
Thanks, Patricia, for pointing us to Lapidus/O'Rourke interview. There's some interesting stuff there both on Aaron's early musical development and also on how he worked with David Beede to get the dulcimer that was perfect for him.
Here's a wonderful article by Joellen Lapidus about Aaron O'Rourke. We'll be having Aaron on a Hearts of the Dulcimer Podcast episode later this year.
We featured Joellen in two Hearts of the Dulcimer Podcast episodes talking about Joni Mitchell ( episode #2 ) and Richard Fariña ( episode #5 ).
Thanks Dusty and Jan,
So, I'm such a dinosaur I didn't even know there was voice recording software on my computer.
I went with the Snowball mic, got a decent video cam since a lot of my dulcimers need to be seen too~! :-)
Jan, you were right the sound quality with the onbard mic isn't great but works, that's why I went with the Snowball, Thanks for the recommendation on that Dusty, Has a lot of great reviews.
I can finally start posting some embarassing clips of me playing badly!!
I have just been using the voice recorder on my laptop. I started a free account at soundcloud. When I make a recording I name it and stick it in a folder in some easy-to-find place in my computer. When I log into soundcloud I select the "Upload" button, and bring up the folder and song. Then, after it's on Soundcloud, I say I now want to share it and copy the address, and any other pertinent information. In FOTMD I go to my page and select Audio and add a soundclip from Soundcloud and paste in the address i'd copied. That's one way to do this.
That being said, my sound quality isn't good, but I cared more about actually getting something recorded and preserved than having a polished product. It's more of a matter of how much time I wanted to spend working with it and what would be a sequence that would be easy for me to follow and learn.
This may not answer you question, exactly, but I thought I'd go ahead and explain what I was doing!
Thanks Rob, that's interesting....what size strings would you guess they are proportionally?....are the 2 wound the same size, the middle different than the 2 melodies?.....
Well, I finally dug out the Maxwell and looked at it. Yes, it has 2 wound strings. I tuned it D D A AA and it sounds pretty durn good to me
More often than not, I can't find a .09 string when I need it!
Old strings can get floppy even if they were the right size back in the day. I can relate ;-)
Thanks lisa for the info.
The nut & bridge look fine and since the 9 should fit snug I wonder if the 10 or 11 string maybe wouldn't fit. Only way to tell, is to try. The 9 just seems loose, could be it's just time to change out the strings anyway. Why did you go with a 10, did you not have a 9 or just wanted to have it a bit heavier? I may try the 10 first, to make sure it fits. A new string maybe all it needs.
Other than that, I do like this dulcimer. It packs a lot of wonderful sounds
I have a Bill Berg 5-string hourglass that measures 27-1/2" from nut to bridge. Bill recommended these string sizes:
.24-.09-.13-.11-.11
The wound bass string is on the outside. For the inner string on the bass course I often use a .10 instead of a .09 and it works fine. You can try .11 if you want, but I don't think string size is your problem. Bill knows how to set up a dulcimer and I am certain your MD did not leave his workshop with string interference.
Ken's right that changing strings is the first thing to try, since it's easy. But I'm wondering: does your MD have the original nut and bridge? Have they been damaged? If somebody took a file to the bass slots (perhaps to install a second wound string instead of a thin octave string) then they could have messed up the string spacing. The .09 string should fit snugly in its slot. If you can, post a close-up photo of the nut and bridge.
Rarely do I pass up an opportunity to suggest that people learn how to strum with a lighter touch, but unless you're strumming like a gorilla that isn't your problem; it's the dulcimer's problem. :-)
Hi George,
I struggled with this issue for a while until I eventually broke down and bought a Zoom H4N. A handheld device that runs on batteries, it makes CD-quality recordings and only takes a few minutes of reading the manual (or watching a YouTube video) to figure out how to use its basic functions.
However, that item is kind of pricey. Luckily there are lots of good mics that you can use with your laptop. The Blue Snowflake and Blue Snowball are pretty popular. I had the Snowflake at one point. I also bought a Samson Go Mic that works the same way. It's tiny but it makes a great recording, and you don't have to be right in front of the thing to get clear sound.
All of those items can be used with the sound recording software that comes with your laptop or iPad but are much better than the internal microphone.
Also, please note that there is a whole Group here at FOTMD devoted to Home Recording and I'm sure you'll get better advice there.
Saw Joes posting on the stringing on this Mize, and agree, who knows how many times it's been restrung with whatever range of strings.
Also Joes comment on what fine craftsman Mize and Orthey were, But he left one other fine craftsman off that list. Mr. Joe Sanguinette himself.
I stumbled across one of his Elk River Dulcimers, #1322 on a random E bay search, picked it up just for the beauty of it, and have not been disappointed one lick with it as far as intonation, sound, play-ability, would be a cold day in hell before I ever parted with it now, one of those sight unseen gems!!
Take a look at the photos of the one I was lucky enough to find.
All I can say is if you are ever fortunate enough to come across one, don't hesitate, grab it up!!
That is a BEAUTY! I love the lines, the sound holes and the hearts in the strumming hollow. The simple chip carving adds a whole new element to the design that is splendid and simple. Thanks for sharing these photos. Its a very pretty dulcimer!!!
thank you george for your kind commnents about my work. i am always glad when i hear someone is enjoying one of my dulcimers.
Thanks ken,
That is what I was thinking, just too thin. The 11 does make more sense.
I've been wanting to post some sound clips, but seriously technically challenged. Whats the simplest way you all record and post "soundcloud", You tube etc. What are you using to record, or better yet, what do you recommend?
Hi Hoosier,
This is something I am in the process of changing around for Forums. The site has just had a large software update and things are being changed a little and tweaked.
Please read my post of an hour ago where I talk about this forum post sequence, and follow that thread:
http://fotmd.com/forums/forum/site-questions-how-do-i/25868/software-updates-of-jan-2-report-bugs-here
Thanks all for your comments and ideas...I will experiment with different size strings. I put a set on and it is really sweet but think I'll put heavier gauged strings on for a bit more volume. So far I'm finding its best tuning is most comfortable in Ionian as it doesn't have a 6-1/2 fret. I've got it up to Ebbbb but will try Eebbb
That is one gorgeous dulcimer Joe/ George!....wow!!!!!
Saw Joes posting on the stringing on this Mize, and agree, who knows how many times it's been restrung with whatever range of strings.
Also Joes comment on what fine craftsman Mize and Orthey were, But he left one other fine craftsman off that list. Mr. Joe Sanguinette himself.
I stumbled across one of his Elk River Dulcimers, #1322 on a random E bay search, picked it up just for the beauty of it, and have not been disappointed one lick with it as far as intonation, sound, play-ability, would be a cold day in hell before I ever parted with it now, one of those sight unseen gems!!
Take a look at the photos of the one I was lucky enough to find.
All I can say is if you are ever fortunate enough to come across one, don't hesitate, grab it up!!
I checked against the Strothers String Calculator (known to be "light") According to that you should have
D = 19w; d= 10, A= 13
But since that is light, I would use D= 22w or 24w, d= 11; and A = 14
The D and d octave couplet may indeed be hitting each other occasionally since that .09 you have is so floppy. Change strings before trying anything else.
27.5"
DdAdd
The inside d string is tuned like the 2 melodies. I got it used & this is how it came but looks like original stringing.
I was wondering if instead of the 9 string maybe I could try an 11, unless there is some reason for the 9
Thanks
your 5 string probably has been re strung a number of times. unless u can find someone who knows how Mise strung it u have to experiment
you have a gem there with the Mise and the Orthey. i knew both of these exceptional craftsmen
How long is the scale from nut to bridge, and what have you been tuning it to?
I have a 5 string Berg, The inside string next to the bass is a thin string, tune high d as the melody strings. The heavier wound bass, the outside string tune lower D. the 2 strings are close together, like the melody strings.
I just asked a question on these strings on the General Mountain Dulcimer discussion about maybe trying a bit heavier string next to the bass
String gauges on it now:
.024 for the wound bass string
.009 the string next to the bass string
.013 the middle string
011 for each of the two melody strings
I have a 5 string, elliptical long scale BERG dulcimer
Question: It has 2 base strings:
The heavier string is the outside string, the thiner string inside next to it.
Sometimes I feel they are hitting themselves from the strings vibration;
String gauges on it now:
.024 for the wound bass string
.009 the string next to the bass string
.013 the middle string
011 for each of the two melody strings .
Great sound. Tignor's are very underrated. Hope to take both of mine in the studio this year and record using them.
That's the first Tignor teardrop I have seen. Very nice. I have an early 70's small hour glass. Yes post a sound sample.
Beautiful teardrop Tignor. I have 2 hourglass Tignors, one with the small body style and one with the later, larger body style. I love them both, especially the larger one. You need to post a sound or video file of you playing it. I'd love to hear it sing.
Your friend did a very nice job of restoring the instrument. It looks good. I trust that you are enjoying playing it. Thanks for sharing.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
Love my TMBs. Love Bruce and Don playing together!
Hi Stephen! Yeah that's like fiddle cross tuning for key of A.
Don may have learned this from fiddler Bruce Green, they play together a lot as you know (aren't they both terrific?). Here, Bruce is likely in that A cross tuning on his fiddle: https://youtu.be/aJL2DeQZutw
Hey are you still playing your great TMB box dulcimer much? I just watched your lesson video on it the other day, again .
