I looks like a cool instrument, and it sounds wonderful. But I am confused about the logic of such a complicated fretboard. Why not have chromatic frets under all the strings? You could simply choose not to fret the two bass strings and you could choose to only play diatonic music on the melody string. What is the advantage to the two drone strings being unfretted and the melody string limited to diatonic frets?
Forum Activity for @dusty
Hi Babs, Yes you're right there's 3 melody strings tuned d d G and two drones tuned D G. The fretboard layout is like some modern epinette des vosges and a slightly different layout is found on the Hungarian citra. The setup allows you to play melody-drone, melody-harmony-drone and partial chords over drone and of course the melody strings can be played without drones. I use it mainly for baroque music, as in the soundclip. Hope this help. Nick
(BTW Bob the diatonic melody string has the full complement of diatonic frets)
Babs here is the photo. It's an interesting instrument. There is really quite a log going on here. 
Here is what I observe:
1. 5 strings, 2 dedicated drone strings with no fretboard
2. Chromatic scale notes appear to be fretted only on strings 3 and 4
3. String 5 appears to only have frets for the diatonic scale starting at the 3rd fret. (as best I can tell from the picture)
New Pledger Dulcimer!
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
I am thrilled that you gave your Mom her gift. You are a great Son!
I hope you and your Mom will play for us.
New Pledger Dulcimer!
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
I couldn't wait so she got it already. Yes she likes it!!
New Pledger Dulcimer!
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
Oh, Mark, She will be soooo tickled for two reasons: To have such a beautiful dulcimer in her lap of her very own and to have such a thoughtful son...(that she must have raised right). She will never play it without thinking of you. Happy Mother's Day...to you both!!
New Pledger Dulcimer!
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
Aw how sweet of you. It's a beauty and I think he is brilliant to have a 7 day return policy if it's not what you want. Makes you more willing to take a chance on him. PLEASE give it to her now, by Mother's Day she'll be giving you a nice concert!
New Pledger Dulcimer!
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Here's how it began... A while back my Mom told me her arthritis was making guitar playing impossible and she was going to give me her old nylon string guitar. She's played most of her life and taught me to play when I was eight years old. She also asked if I could think of another instrument she could accompany herself on when she sang. I loaned her my mountain dulcimer and showed her some basic chords. She took to it right away and had no problem with her hands. She was also happy it was a period instrument and fit right in with her volunteer work at the historical village in Columbus where she does reenactments of various characters in history.
My next mission was to find a dulcimer for her. I happened to run across information on a builder from Georgia named Johnny Pledger. I liked what I read and called Mr. Pledger to talk about his instruments. We had a good conversation about the dulcimer, guitar playing , the build and playability of his instruments and I decided to place an order. If it was not what I expected I could return it within seven days.
It arrived on Monday and it's quite nice. It's northern walnut (from Wisconsin I'm told) and sitka spruce. The wood used is beautiful and finished with tung oil. Once the strings settled in it holds DAd tuning very well and plays easily. I've seen new dulcimers in shops that cost more and didn't play this well. Intonation up and down the fretboard is good as well. My own dulcimer is Koa with a mahogany top and has a darker tone, perhaps more nasal or focused on the mids if that makes sense. It does not sound as open and bright as this walnut and sikta dulcimer. Both are nice voices but they are different. I know there are lots of dulcimer builders on the forum who build fine instruments but I thought I'd give Mr. Pledger a thumbs up and a thank you. Here are a couple photos. I'm trying to keep the lid on this until Mother's Day but I'm not sure I'll be able to do that. I'm really anxious to give it to her.
One little extra I asked for was to install pins or some means of keeping the extra d string off the fretboard when it's not being used.
He installed a pair of small screws at the nut and saddle. It works great. The reverse scroll head is his design. I like it.
updated by @mark-hoskey: 06/08/16 09:24:05PM
Florida Old Time Music Championship
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Thanx Dusty -- it's playing at 'friendly' open mics every that were my practice for competition. The competition setting was so much less stressful -- people ere actually listening to you rather than getting drunk and talking loud over the music chatting up someone else at their table!
Florida Old Time Music Championship
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Congratulations, Ken, on placing third. That's an accomplishment unto itself. I would imagine at most of the competitions everyone knows each other, which is why at a lot of them the performances are supposed to be anonymous (not that you can't identify most players by their playing style).
Linda Brockinton told me she used to work for a whole year in preparation for a competition. She would arrange a tune with an introduction, a couple of verses, a few variations on the verses, and then some kind of ending. And she would practice all year to really have everything down. Even if you don't take your preparation to that level, the fact that you are already planning what you're going to play means you will likely be more prepared than you were this year.
My hat's off to you, Ken. I get nervous enough at a friendly open mic. I can't imagine a competition.
And Aaron's advice is best: "have fun and enjoy being there."
Florida Old Time Music Championship
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Congrats Ken. It's kind of funny how that contest must have evolved. I did that contest years ago... lost the first year and was told to play real old-time tunes... won the next year doing a couple tunes I learned from Don Pedi. I guess they've gone the other way! Best to just have fun and enjoy being there.
Florida Old Time Music Championship
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Hi Randy, I am not saying I don't like hearing old time music played chord style, I listen to it all the time.
I am just really liking noter/ drone to play, love the sound.
I am happy for Ken for competing playing N & D also.
Florida Old Time Music Championship
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Some of the prettiest old time music I've heard is played in the chord melody style. It's legit. Congratulations to all three winners!
Florida Old Time Music Championship
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Sounds interesting Ken and I am so happy to hear that you will stick to your ol' time N&D and the good ol' songs for next year also.
I think you did really well in your placement, I am not surprised that competitors playing chord-melody style placed higher, seems to be the craze these days.
Will look forward to hearing the songs you chose for next year and see your results!
I, like you am sticking to N & D ol' style cause it is SWEET!
Florida Old Time Music Championship
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Thanks Ken, those are both great songs.
Florida Old Time Music Championship
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Babs - they've got all those categories for the "important" Old Time instruments -- guitar and banjo; at least they have categories for Appalachian and Hammered Dulcimer.
Cynthia -- my tunes were Drink To Me Only With Thine Eyes, and the spiritual Trials, Troubles, Tribulations which I learned a number of years ago from Don Pedi.
The competition was pretty laid-back. Like an Open Mike, but outdoors; with better than average sound equipment and an appreciative crowd, not one that's trying to get drunk and talk loud while you play....
Florida Old Time Music Championship
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Congrats. wondered what your two tunes were this year?
Florida Old Time Music Championship
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
I've seen your picking video's Lisa -- you could take first place here!
Florida Old Time Music Championship
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Sounds like a good plan Ken. I admire you for being brave enough to enter a competition...I wouldn't have the guts!
Florida Old Time Music Championship
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Congrats on getting in the top three; especially for a first time try. Now that you know the ropes, you can move ahead.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
Florida Old Time Music Championship
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Had a great time today at the Florida Old Time Music Championship up in Dade City. Nice setting at a Pioneer History farm. Beautiful weather. I came in third in the Dulcimer category. Not bad, considering it was my first time competing.
Now I see how things work, and hope to do better next year. I went there with my two Old Time tunes carefully chose, traditional dulcimer, played traditional noter & drone style with a quill plectrum. The first two places went to people who played modern dulcimers, barely old time tunes, in chord-melody style, and just happened to be on a first name basis with all the judges and MC, from previous years of competing.
So next year I'm gonna play and sing Five Pounds of Possum, or Shove That Pig's Foot... and some other tune that I love, and not worry about being "old time".
updated by @ken-hulme: 02/25/19 12:23:09PM
Hardshell Case Shoulder Straps - Back Axe
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
I got an email yesterday from the Back Axe Company, regarding these small Back Axe straps:
-----------------------------------
Hello folks!
This note is intended for those who have inquired about our small-instrument-sized BackAxe. Our apologies for the long wait.
Weve been backordered and were not sure when we will restock. While we like to have the option to offer folks, the guitar model is the vast majority of our small business.
Howeverthere are just a few differences between our guitar and small models. Its mostly strap lengths. While were not set up to do it on mass, we can make the few modifications to one of our in-stock guitar models to make it adjustable to a smaller case. Wed be glad to do it for those of you whove inquired, waited patiently and are still interested.
You can order a guitar model online from us and well tweak it for you. Just put a comment in the order or e-mail us after us after the order and let us know youd like it "small-ized."
Regards,
Mark
Hardshell Case Shoulder Straps - Back Axe
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Yes, I had contacted the company directly and they finally replied (after quite a long period). They said they weren't making them and they didn't know their plans. They were really vague and non-committal. I contacted my local music store (who had the large ones in stock) and they said they couldn't get the small ones. I got really frustrated. I concluded I'd have to find one on eBay (or try making one myself). Then, one came available and I snatched it up. Yes, maybe a bunch of us need to contact the company and maybe they'll start doing them again. I don't know what the answer is. But, they do work well.
Hardshell Case Shoulder Straps - Back Axe
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Fabulous! The weight of my Simerman in a hard shell case is too much for one hand/arm. This would really help. Some other shops are bound to have old stock... or
Here's the link to the company. (Is this how you tried to reach them, Susie?) The small size is out of stock, but if we all clamor for them, perhaps they'll make more! www.backaxe.com We can try!
Linda
Hardshell Case Shoulder Straps - Back Axe
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
I like that! I need to get one too
Hardshell Case Shoulder Straps - Back Axe
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Thanks Dusty. Yes, it really makes it handy to carry a hardshell case.
Hardshell Case Shoulder Straps - Back Axe
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
That's pretty cool, Susie. I want one of those!
Hardshell Case Shoulder Straps - Back Axe
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
I have been looking for quite some time for a "Back Axe" for my dulcimer hardshell case, so I can carry it like a backpack. "Back Axe" makes two sizes of them, and I knew the small one would work well. However, they aren't making them anymore (for whatever reason). No luck in contacting the company, etc. So, I kept my eyes open. Low and behold, a music store on eBay listed a small Back Axe for sale (new condition - old stock). So I got it at a great price. I did all the adjustments to the straps and it works great! Once it is adjusted, it goes on and off with just a couple quick release buckles in the front. I love it. It makes carrying my hardshell case hands free. Great for festivals, hikes, or whatever. Here's a pic. 
updated by @susie: 06/11/15 07:43:08AM
Homemade Capo
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
Yeah, it's a bit heavy, but I'm pretty careful with it. I added a leather pad to the wood that presses down the strings to keep the strings from getting marred, particularly the wound D. I tried the 1/4-20 bolt with wooden discs, but it seemed to slip a little loose.
Homemade Capo
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Me too. They work pretty well.
Ken Hulme said:
Looks pretty good... a bit heavy perhaps, but as long as it works, who cares. I've made capos from a 1/4-20 bolt and wingnut with two wooden disks to grab the sides of the fretboard, and a length of vinyl tubing to protect the strings from th bolt threads.
Homemade Capo
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
Looks pretty good... a bit heavy perhaps, but as long as it works, who cares. I've made capos from a 1/4-20 bolt and wingnut with two wooden disks to grab the sides of the fretboard, and a length of vinyl tubing to protect the strings from th bolt threads.
Homemade Capo
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
Nothing wrong with creativity! It was probably really fun to do, too. Just a word of advice.....don't drop that capo on your dulcimer! It could really do some damage.
Homemade Capo
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
I stitched the leather pouch to keep the capo in.
Homemade Capo
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
This is a pic of a capo I made recently. Yes, it's made of cast metal. YIKES! None of the contact points to the instrument, however are metal. A plastic plug is on the screw end, a small strip of leather on the other end, and a piece of maple dowel pushes the strings down.I t began with a fly fisherman's fly tying vise table clamp. From that I cut and ground down the metal to reduce the weight as much as possible. I redrilled the screw to set it closer to the top. Then attached the leather, plastic plug and wood.It's a bit clunky, but it works. I'd rather it be a nice piece of wood, but my metal working skills are much better than my wood working skills, so this is what I have for now.Does anyone else have any ideas for homemade capos and such?
updated by @kevin-keating: 02/17/19 01:24:38AM
Tunings you like to use on your dulcimer
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
It's true, my swan dulcimer has no 1/2 fret, but I've always loved it's tone and it handled GDD beautifully. Good to know it handles looser tuning. Dulcimers have their personalities, strengths, and shortcomings.
Tunings you like to use on your dulcimer
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Just had an experience related to the discussion on tunings. Have been mainly using CGG because it's closer to my alto voice than DAA. I can hit higher notes, but it often feels too high or sounds strange to me. I'm working on For the Beauty of the Earth, but wasn't happy with my singing. Today I was happily singing it while on the trail with my dog. That's when it dawned on me . . . tune the melody strings to that! How obvious.
Wound up with it as D for that melody string and GDD in Ionian. The dulcimer I was using sounds slightly loose, so I'm going to see if my other dulcimer can take that tuning a bit better.
The key of G shouldn't have surprised me. I can sing to that on my concertina. It's just the obvious idea of tuning to my voice that caught me so off guard.
Tunings you like to use on your dulcimer
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
I like the Ionian (Daa) and Dorian (Dag) tunings best. With a 6+ fret, the Dorian tuning is really flexible. Both (mostly) major and minor scales are available and it is great for Blues.
Tunings you like to use on your dulcimer
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
I agree Robert, if you stick with just one tuning, we will not learn what our dulcimer will sound like, and you will not know which sounds the best, also you will not learn about what tuning's your strings will handle.
Yah and so if you break a string, then ya gotta change it, well now we learn how to change the strings.
Tunes sound different in different modes and it is fun to be able to play with it.
This is my relationship with my very "Sweet Lil' ButterNut" dulcimer! I Love everything about it!