Forum Activity for @john-w-mckinstry

I just came across an old hymn by Mrs. Frank M. Breck entitled: "Help Somebody Today".          We used to sing it in Sunday School in the 1940"s and its message is as relevant today and makes a good New Year's Resolution. Here is the first verse and chorus: "Look all around you and find someone in need, Help somebody today. Tho' it be little a neighborly deed Help somebody today! (Chorus: Help somebody today Somebody along life's way. Let sorrow be ended the friendless befriended. Oh help somebody today!.)  I'm planning to share this hymn in a video on FOTMD soon but until then: Happy New Year Everyone

In the office at my employer we have a a license of pdf xchange editor: 
https://www.tracker-software.com/product/pdf-xchange-editor

Most of it's features even works in the free version, otherwise you might need to buy a license. 

The nice thing is that, once licenced, you are free to use it as long as you like, no subscription costs like with Adobe. I'm quite sure splitting pages should work with the free version though.

Another nice thing is that it works with Linux too with the help of the wine emulator. 

Although Linux has it's own tools for such jobs (e.G. pdftk, okular just to name two) I tend to use pdf xchange since I'm used to its ways (I use Linux on my home pc and Windows on the job).

Best regards, Jost.

I use PDFSam Basic it's open source [free]. Be aware that you will need to go back and merge any multiple page tunes.

Another crude workaround way of doing this is to make many copies of the pdf and name each for a different included tune. Then open each one and delete the pages of all but the desired tune page, then save.

Adobe now offers something online called Adobe Express .  I believe it is free.  It is basically a scaled-down version of the full Adobe Creative Cloud, so it includes the ability to create and edit pdf files.

In Windows, with many .PDF files you can Right-Click on a page, turning it blue. Then select Copy Image. You then go to your favorite graphics program and use Paste As New Image, then save the song as a page image. This assumes that the pages are, in fact, images, it won't work with straight text.

Drag-&-Drop would probably work, too, but I haven't tried it. You might Drag-&Drop into a Word file and save as .PDF, but I haven't tried that either.

The technique probably also works in other operating systems.

Nice playing, Lisa.  And what a nice way to honor Gwen.  She was a member here and was pretty active in spurts. I had no idea she had passed away.

Lisa, I don't know if that is the correct person. I did a search on her name an that is one of the options that came up for Spartanburg, SC. The photo looked like her likeness from her videos. I never met Gwen and only know her through the dulcimer videos.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Gwen had a membership here on FOTMD as well- there are a few of her music and videos she posted here
https://fotmd.com/gwen-caeli

Ken, you do have the correct person.  Will look into LinkedIn to see how much is there (beyond the seeming 'introduction' the public sees).  Richard and Robin, thanks to you also for kind wishes.  While I hope more information surfaces here, I always appreciate the kindness of fotmd.  Happy New Year to all!

There is a Gwen Caeli Mooneyham in LinkedIn. I don't know if that is the same person. There is information about her professional life.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

So nice of you to pay tribute to Gwen, Lisa.  

How thoughtful of you to remember her like this. I hope you find the information you need.

Does anyone have obituary-type information for Gwen?   Pat Clark and I are working toward a sendinthemusic.com page that will be called “Celebrating Gwen Caeli.”  The page will include Gwen’s 8/27/2021 mystery guest segment with hopefully some extra words added.  I have already contacted Tull Glazener as a resource, but he too has "struck out."  All I/we know is that her funeral service was Nov. 20 in Spartanburg, SC.  

In honor of Gwen, and the always helpful Dusty Thorburn, here is a simple offering for this New Year's Eve: 

Well, Marlie, I don't have any pegs or screws in my spare parts box. I'm sorry I can't help you that way. Here is a link to new pegs like you have on your dulcimer: https://www.stewmac.com/parts-and-hardware/tuning-machines/ukulele-tuning-machines/grover-champion-dulcimeruke-friction-pegs/  You might be able to find the cheaper elsewhere by doing an internet search.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

30+ years as a science and technical writer creating documents large and small!

Thanks for the input, sounds like the voice of experience.

I did not realize when purchased, that these 'books' are one large PDF, so sorting that out now. Looks like Adobe it is. LOL. 

Adobe Acrobat is, of course, the quintessential PDF manipulation software.  You can get a free trial version of Acrobat Standard, which may be all you need to disassemble and reassemble several large PDFs.  Or You can buy it for $12.99 per month and cancel within 14 days for a full refund.

Back in 2004 I set the then world record for creating a single large file -- 1.3 terabyte!  A project recording all of the re-fit upgrades to the vessel and its science and technical suite of a Missile Range Control ship called the KRS Worthy based on Kwajalein Atoll.

Marlie, following up on John's post, are you able to turn the screw in the tuner that is giving you trouble? If so, tightening the screw will increase the tension on the tuner and prevent it from turning on its own when brought up to pitch (when the string is in tune). If you can't turn the screw you will need to find someone who can remove it for and then replace the tuner. The tuner appears to be one used on ukuleles. Dulcimer makers used both ukulele and banjo tuners. I will look in my spare tuner box the next time I'm in my workshop (tomorrow) and see if I have one that matches the one in the photo. If I have have one, I can send it to you and you or someone you know who is handy with a screw driver can put it on you dulcimer for you. No charge for the tuner or mailing it to you if I have one.

I could probably send you a screw from an old tuner too.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

If I understand correctly, you already have large PDFs of your books and are just wanting to split them into individual song files?

If that's the case, and you're on a Mac- the built in Preview program works just fine. Put the pdf into "thumbnail" view, and then just drag the individual pages onto the desktop (or for multi-page scores, you can drag page 2 and up onto the thumbnail sidebar of your page 1- hope I'm making sense). I don't know PC programs, but surely someone here would.

Good afternoon and Happy Holidays!

I am looking for recommendations for the best software for splitting PDFs, I am tired of lugging these books around. Someone recommended a specific software, costs $15, but I can't recall the name.

TIA for any and all suggestions!

JAL

'Have fun everyday...'

Hello, Marlie!

It seems you have a very common type of inexpensive tuner on your dulcimer.  These are called friction or "Grover" pegs, and are used quite a bit on dulcimers.  They work on the theory of squeezing against their mounting holes.  The smaller the string gauge, the less they have to grip the hole.  As you get to the wound bass string, more tension is required to stay put, thus more gripping action is needed. Usually all one needs to do is to tighten down the end screw until the peg grips well enough to stay where you put it.

I would take the damaged screw to the local hardware or home center near you, and show them what you have.  Maybe somebody there could find another similar one for you.  Or a guitar repair shop (such as Guitar Center) might be able to find a similar one that would work for you. The main thing is to be sure to reassemble the peg properly, with the little fiber washer in there that gets squeezed when you tighten the screw down.  I hope these ideas will work for you. Good luck!

Hello.  Looking for some advice if you have time to help a fella out.

I received a Dulcimer from my Mom for Christmas. I'm not sure who made it though, it doesn't say the maker on the inside or out.

I discovered, as I attempted to tune it - specifically the Bass String - once I let go of of the knob, the tuning peg slowly starts to unwind just a little bit.  It doesn't seem to want to stay put.  

After a couple of failed attempts, I then tried to use a screwdriver to unscrew the screw entirely to dive deeper into this problem - and then managed to, unfortunately, damage the screw. 

I am not certain if original problem was with the screw, or maybe the nut that holds it in place.  ??

I was able to take the string off in its entirety so i could play it - (the other strings sound great!) and I have ordered new strings online but need some guidance on what you think I should do before putting them on - and where I might source a new screw!

Thank you! 

 IMG_7981 Small.jpeg - 27KB

Merry Christmas to all of our dulcimer friends.

Thankful for friends & family who survived Hurricane Ian whether they lost everything else, or nothing; thankful the dulcimer which has brought me so much joy over the years; and thankful for having been alive for nearly seventy-five years and having seen the changes, good and bad which have taken place around the world.

I'm thankful for a warm, well-lighted home to live in, family and friends, a meaningful job, the dulcimer that has brought joy and peace to thousands of folks worldwide, and like Richard, this Christmas season, I'm thankful for Christ stepping down from Heaven's splendor to be born as a baby, to show us God's love and the gift of salvation.

I am thankful for the Christ Whose birth we celebrate this time of year, for His love and peace and joy given to all who accept His gift of salvation and forgiveness of sins.

Things I am grateful for:

I am thankful for the many friends I have met through  the Friends of the Mt. Dulcimer website. They have sent me many touching messages of encouragement that I cherish.

 I am also thankful for the mountain dulcimer itself which produces such sweet, soothing music.

I am also thankful for family who take time to record my videos and encourage me to enter this larger world of sharing.

What a blessing to have found such a community that offers such peace, joy, and encouragement!

List 3-5 things you are grateful for right now. 🙌🏻  🎄  💕

I'm talking about your chord chart. What tuning is being used when following your chord chart?

(and you should probably make a note of it on the chart itself, since dulcimers use various tunings)

I use the DAA tuning and play with a noter unless I am playing chords.

That's correct.

What dulcimer tuning are you basing your chord chart on?

Just a little reminder that this site costs money to keep running, and for 14 years it has survived thanks to the thoughtful donations of members.

Rather than always being the same few people who donate regularly... are there any members out there who enjoy using FOTMD but have perhaps never made a donation? We could use a little monetary boost before the end of the year, to cover server costs etc. 

Today I'd like to appeal especially to members who have never donated before.
To make a donation, use the Paypal donation button at the top of the fotmd Home page. (you don't need a paypal account to do it, just a credit card can be used).

Any amount is appreciated, no matter how small. But if you donate $35 or more, a "Patron" label is applied to your profile page.

Thanks so much, Friends!   

I have attached a PDF file with the various chords using frets one through six.  There are others but these I have found will allow you to play most songs.

I was going to upload the Crescendo Music Notation file, but the Message program here would not allow it.  I assume such files are blocked due to potential viruses and other types of software which can damage computers.

Again, I recommend the Crescendo Music Notation software.  I have purchased it, but the public free one will accomplish most of what a person needs.

Dulcimer Cords.pdf - 86KB

I realize this is an old post, but I wanted to share some news on Jim Good.  I'm a WV native, looking to purchase a new dulcimer next year, and googled for WV luthiers.  I found Jim's Mastertone website for the first time and marveled at his beautiful instruments.  I emailed and asked for a price range and told him I would like to visit his workshop when I go back home next year.  Mrs. Good replied and told me that Jim had a stroke and is in a nursing home as a result and hasn't built anything since 2018.  Please keep the Good family in your thoughts and prayers.  

Thanks, Ken.  I.D. Stamper was a KY dulcimer legend and he only recorded one album - Redwing on June Appal Records.  The first time I ever heard Darlin' Corey was on that album.  I just love it, too!

Well, they might be dated and ravaged by time, but then again so am I.  There is amazing stuff on those sites, especially for folk who like the music from the era of good old Alphonso X.  Jessica Comeau has a few Cantigua's on youtube that are great.

I believe John does put feet on, and he would certainly do so by request.  Freeing up the bottom of the dulcimer to vibrate acts as a natural natural amplifier, giving you a noticeably louder voice...   I love Darlin' Corey!

Well, I have been really impressed with everything I have seen on the website.  My goal for 2023 is to perform at the Smithville Jamboree in July.  Like I said, I haven't made up my mind yet, but I can definitely see myself singing "Darlin' Corey" at the Jamboree while accompanying myself on the TMB.  

John, the Schnaufer/Conaster article on TMBs says that some builders put little feet on the TMB; to lift it off the table and allow it to resonate more.  I couldn't tell from the pictures on your site if you put feet on your TMB.  What are your thoughts on that?