Forum Activity for @robin-thompson

It's a beauty, Tom. Bet she sounds good, too. I kinda like that it has no extra frets.

Hmmm. Wonder if I should get some type of cart to haul my dulcimers, autoharp and fiddle around at KMW? Is that easier than checking them in and out, Jan?

I love this image, Dusty! And I've really always wanted a red wagon for myself, so I totally get that!

Dusty Turtle said:

And I've also used it to play for my daughter's class in school, when I cart in a whole bunch of instruments: a ukulele, a mandolin, an autoharp, a six- and twelve-string guitar, a couple of limberjacks, and, of course, a dulcimer. I have to admit I get a kick out of walking around the school with my cart of instruments like a modern troubadour.

I use a box type cart with an extendable handle which I bought at Office Depot for about $15 or $20, depending if they are on sale or not. It folds up flat for storage and holds a lot of stuff. It also comes with a cover for the box, but I do not use this at all. Several people in my dulcimer group use this same type cart. We love it.

Jan, I can see why the upright cart might take up less floor space, but it also limits the kind of items you can carry. Smaller items in the bottom would be a hassle to grab, I would think. My cart becomes a kind of catch-all, where I can toss a bottle of water, my keys, someone's business card, a string winder, a jacket or hat or whatever. The festivals I've attended apparently don't have the same space issues yous peak of. But I tend to find a little spot to make my own where I park my cart and then take whatever instrument and other supplies I need to any given workshop. At the Berkeley Dulcimer Gathering about a week ago, we emptied out a couple of classrooms to gather the chairs and music stands for larger groups. I just put my cart in one of the empty classrooms, and that became my little spot, not only to store my stuff but to get away for a quiet moment here and there. It was right next to the room I used for the workshop I taught so it was really convenient. But you are right; if I had to take the cart with me everywhere I went, it would be a hassle.

When I played at a small arts fair with a few other folks some time ago I had to bring two dulcimers and a guitar as well as some mics and cords and other stuff. When I arrived I heard the other musicians wondering if I needed help carrying all my stuff and wondering if they should try to call me to find out where I was. They got a kick out of my cart of instruments when they saw me. And I've also used it to play for my daughter's class in school, when I cart in a whole bunch of instruments: a ukulele, a mandolin, an autoharp, a six- and twelve-string guitar, a couple of limberjacks, and, of course, a dulcimer. I have to admit I get a kick out of walking around the school with my cart of instruments like a modern troubadour.

I've seen a few people with these wagons and they are certainly handy and haul a lot. The issue with an event like Kentucky Music Week is that there are hundreds of people all changing classes at the same time, trying to navigate through the halls, needing a place to put instruments while they use the restroom, and needing a place to park their "haulers" while they're in class! So more and more, the bigger carts, wagons, etc. have to be stowed in the lock-up room during class and people only carry what they need for the next class or two. That's why the "footprint" becomes an important issue...which makes a tall-ish cart with a footprint that's 18" x 18" about as big as what's practical when you're in a crowded hallway changing classes. Also, you seem to have more control over what you're pushing ahead of you than what you're pulling behind you. Hammered dulcimers present a whole different set of problems with dimensions roughly 24" x 44". Thankfully, most of the HD classes are usually allon one hallway.

I used to use what I called every boy's dream red wagon. It was a Radio Flyer all-terrain wagon, with big nobby tires, wooden panels for the sides, and so forth. But I had to take it apart to get it to fit in my car, so I had to carry tools with me wherever I went.

Then my daughter started playing in the fancy soccer leagues where teams travel to weekend tournaments, and we saw all the seasoned soccer families with these collapsible wagons. We got one. It's great. I've taken it to my last two dulcimer festivals, hauling around two dulcimer cases, a file box of tablature, a thermos, a music stand, a chair, and more. It's light, it folds up easily, holds lot of odd-sized stuff, and it helps you create that "home base" wherever you are.

It's on sale now at Dick's Sporting Goods , but I don't get a percentage, so I don't care if you buy one there or not. I also just checked some of the consumer reviews. Lots of complaints about the smell. I don't remember it being that bad, but we keep ours in the garage, so it probably aired out before we ever had to use it.

Jan, Great ideas for those who get the opportunity to attend dulcimer festivals.

I was wondering what ideas folks have come up with for hauling multiple instruments, heavy or unwieldy instruments, or instruments that might need special care.

I've heard of instrument carts made from old baby strollers and golf bag carts. Any photos? Anyone used a drywall/door mover, for instance,to move a hammered dulcimer?

One of my favorites over the years has been a Gator drum bag cart. It has a small footprint, stands upright on its own, the top unzips AND there's a zipper down the front, making it easy to load and unload, and there are pockets on the top, front, and both sides, which can hold folding stands for music andinstruments, and most of the stuff you'd carry in a daypack or purse. Interior straps hold your instruments securely. And if it's raining you can wheel it right out to your car and load it. It will carry 100 lbs, so it is very sturdy--and those nice big wheels go easily over curbs and up steps. Cons: it is heavy (steel frame), but until my shoulder problems got so bad, I could load it in the back of my van without having to take anything out--a real time-saver! Another con is that it works better being pulled than pushed. Also, it's quite expensive--around $200--the price has nearly doubled in the past 3 years. I've never seen a used one for sale.

That works fine for a couple dulcimers, a ukulele, a harmonica and a penny whistle. This summer at Kentucky Music Week, however, I'll need at least 3 standard-sized dulcimers (standard, baritone, and chromatic) plus music, a sweater, etc. etc. I know I could use my big Wonder Wheelie, but I'm thinking of going with the Versa Folding Utility Cart with a contractor size trash bag fora cover in case it rains. The advantage is not just the size, but also that (once the dulcimers are put in the car) I can fold it like an umbrella stroller and put it in the car with one hand.It weighs 9 lbs. And all the dulcimers and the cart, folded, will fit in either the back seat or the cargo space of my vehicle.

This cart also has steel frame, and holds 3.72 cubic feet of stuff up to 127 lbs. The front wheels swivel and if your load is light, you could probably push it with one hand. The dimensions of the bag are: 21"H x 17"W x 18"D, so the footprint is larger than the Gator cart, but less than a Wonder Wheelie.It's not really a good design for something like a hammered dulcimer.A big plus with this is the price in the $40--$50 range.

Letus know what you're using to haul stuff around--and the pros and cons!

Most of us just use a word processor and create our own tab notation for melody line tab. There are several programs which let you add tab numbers to standard music 'frames' if you are creating chord-melody tabs -- TableEdit is the most popular, and if I remember right there is a free version to experiment with which lets you do everything except print.

Eli, Ken Longfield is knowledgeable of the Folkcraft instrument and can probably give you more detail about the woods on it by looking at the model/serial number. He is a member here. You can also contact Folkcraft.

I think you got a great deal. It surely appears you did. I agree with Jan. You should probably take your friend out to lunch

Excellent Eli, you have a Sweet instrument, you know they say, the more aged they are the sweeter the sound.

Enjoy your Dulci- journey!

Great find, Eli!!! It's a keeper! Maybe take that 'friend' that found it to lunch... $40 - wow! It looks to be walnut...seems too dark for cherry. You will get hours and hours of enjoyment out of it as you can tune it many ways as you learn different styles of playing. It is a great treasure find and a treasure for you, I'm sure.

your info is all correct. it's a folkcraft instrument and is a well made all solid wood dulcimer. not sure it's cherry

this looks like an instrument from sears catalog circa 1970's. as i recall they sold for around 30 bucks.

I agree, with the Hondo/Sears possibilities. I have some Hondo ads from the 1970s that I will check, but the soundless look like the ones I have seen on Hondo dulcimers.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

I think the respondents have nailed it. A 1970's or 1980's model mass-produced overseas for a store such as Sears.

I've seen many of these in a couple different designs. Not especially good quality, but serviceable.

I never hung out at Sears. That explains my ignorance. lol!

It does have the look of those Korean Hondo dulcimers from the late 70s and 80s. I thin Sears even sold them... Nice find and $30 is a great price. Play and enjoy!

Hmm, I had no idea that Korea was making such factory dulcimers that long ago. ! I know about the old Washburn mandolins and guitars... but mountain dulcimers, really? I still find it hard to believe the tuners are that old. They look like brand new ones you can order today...

Yes I agree with Rob, looks like one of the Korean imports of the 70's and 80's . I believe one of the brand names were Hondo. Washburn sold some dulcimers also that they probably had made by the same company. I have heard that with a little bridge work that they will play very well.

Actually, I believe this is a 30 to 40 year old instrument which was made in Korea. The DC-23 label is the giveaway. I've played a couple of them and they can be very nice instruments. With the soundholes it has, I'm thinking earlier than later, probably from the mid to late 70s. Tune it up and play it!

Looks like a great price for this!

It looks more like about 15-20 years old to me. -based on the very modern/current tuning machines, the zero and 6.5 frets and the heavy fret material, the wide chording fingerboard, the commercial inlay strip along back, the rounded 'shop' edged peghead shaping, the mixing of wood types, the soundhole shaping, and other little style touches. This is not a forty year old dulcimer.

Fairly well made, and in great shape as far as one can see.

What is the VSL/scale length, from zero fret to bridge?

No marks or labels inside at all? Is a label perhaps unglued and rattling around inside?

Lucky buy!

Yes Babs, its an 'extra' step, but help prevent the softer metal of say, a chromium plated screw, letting you down ! And for what its worth, IMO the pozidrive offers a tad more protection against the screwdriver slipping and thus inflicting a scratch/dig into your pristine instrument !

JohnH

We shall have to stop meeting like this , folks will talk ! I'll get me bike out next time and come up and do it for you, lol!

Good on ya Gal ! I forgot to mention that I always run a standard screw of similar size to the fancy ones that come with the button in first, sorta 'belt n braces' and helps prevent any possible shearing And if you are following Dusty Turtle's advice and using soap, go for the most expensive, sweetest smelling stuff you can find. It does not help the process at all, but does show that you have good taste.

best wishes

JohnH

Hi Babs,

The dims. could be the size of the box/blister pack they come in perhaps.

Regarding pilot holes, do a couple of tests first in scrap wood.

When you come to the real thing take care that your pilot hole is straight and not at an angle.

Bit late to the party Babs, but when you buy buttons/screws together, they can be consider a match. The supplier usually knows what he is doing, and its worth thinking about 'collateral' damage that may occur should your shorter screws pull out !

That 'small' pilot hole you mention should not be too small. Even with soap/tallow on the screw, it does not take too much to shear the screw shank, this you do not want to have to deal with !

A minor point. Bearing in mind that your instrument likely has a polished finish it is useful. once you have decided where the screwhole is to be located, to make a small indentation at that point (I use a centre punch, but a suitable sized nail or the actual screw would do) just to ensure that your drill does'nt skid all over the place.

good luck

JohnH

the proper screw is usually supplied with the strap buttons. as far as the scroll end i always used a rawhide loop on

the end of the strap....slipping it over the scroll. this allowed the strap to fit any dulcimer or at least most.

if you have to come up with a screw i would find one about 3/4 of an inch long.

Babs, remember that guitar straps have to hold up the weight of the guitar, but a dulcimer is going to be supported by your lap, even if you hold it in place with a strap. If the screws that come with the strap buttons seem too long, feel free to use smaller ones. I have done that on two of my dulcimers.

A couple of other pieces of advice: as Jan suggests, put some soap on the screw before you screw it into the pre-drilled hole. It will make it easier. And screw by hand; don't use an electric driver. Just take it slowly and you'll be fine.

Also remember that you might not need a strap button on the head of the dulcimer. You can just loop underneath the strings and around the head. That way you can avoid drilling into the body of your dulcimer. There are lots of inexpensive products you can buy to facilitate this. Chech out this Planet Waves quick release or this leather device by Martin . And some straps come with leather strips to attach to the headstock instead of a hole to attach to a strap button.

Babs, I just put 'buttons' on a Honea dulcimer I bought a couple months ago. Little lap and the big dulcimer...(love it)... would walk around. The set of buttons I bought had very long wood screws. I pre-drilled the holes and ran the screw threads over some soft bar soap to help them slip in easier. Made it far easier to slowly screw them in. Make sure your screw driver sits firmly in the screw head...you don't want to bugger the screw head with the wrong size screw driver. Take your time and you will have a job well done. Hope this helps.

As Dusty mentioned, lot of us are posting our memories of and inspirations from Jean in the: Fans Of Jean Ritchie Group here on FOTMD. I'd love to keep our discussions about Jean's passing together in that section of the site, only so that folks can find all our heartfelt posts about Jean more easily in the future. thanks!

i met Jean and her husband George at Larkin Bryant's first festival in memphis. they had a booth across from

me and during the slow periods i became well aquainted with George. Jean appeared several times at the booth and

i can tell you the room lit up when she did. i'm so grateful i had a chance to meet her and to see her perform on

stage with pictures taken by her husband in the background.

Jean will live on in our hearts and minds

A national treasure indeed, marg. In many ways, anyone who plays the dulcimer today is one of Jean Ritchie's heirs.

Strumelia started a discussion in the Jean Ritchie Fan Club group devoted to remembering Jean.

Jean Ritchie,December 8, 1922 June 1, 2015

Very sad news and to some degree we are all connected through our dulcimers. She was and will always be anational treasure.

That would be very sweet if you tab some of the songs. I play for some other seniors but not ones from Holland. Maybe you could start an international children's group and post your tabs there and others could maybe post some they know.

Good luck with what you decide to do but again, it is nice of you to offer.

I just received the Lets Jam book from David Haas. You will enjoy hours and hours of fun and playing from this. I've been playing for 9 months(newbie). Enjoy.

Martha E said:

Dave Haas also has a book of jam tunes called "Let's Jam!"

Dave Haas also has a book of jam tunes called "Let's Jam!"

Hello! One great resource for learning a lot of new jam tunes is Stephen Seifert's Join the Jam Book 1 in DAD tuning. He has a second book, Join the Jam Book 2, with even more jam tunes. They're available from his website and from the Folkcraft and McSpadden websites.

There's a lot of free tab for jam tunes on the Three Rivers Dulcimer Society website, too: http://www.threeriversdulcimersociety.net/html/ourmusic.html