Forum Activity for @capewavedancer

1977 Robert Mize

Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions

I got this beauty waxed up and strings on and it sounds lovely! Dealing with the wooden pegs was a challenge but we managed to do it. So much to learn! I strung it DAdd and then switched it to DAAd. I've tried a couple of traditional 3-string tunes: Go Tell Aunt Rhody and The Water is Wild. Experimenting with fingerpicking as well as using a pick and noter. I'm looking forward to exploring more!

On another note, the card that came with the uke was signed by Jane Mize and it is numbered J-10. Robert Mize is on the label inside the instrument. Could Jane be a family member? Did she also make instruments? Google was not helpful!

1977 Robert Mize

Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions

I'm excited to hear it sing! And thank you all for clarifying the string mystery!

1977 Robert Mize

Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions

Thank for your suggestions. I'll give the new strings a go and see how they sound. Is Geee tuning somehting that anyone plays now?

1977 Robert Mize

Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions

@olddog75, thank you. Your explanation re: the strings makes sense! My VSL is 26 1/2". Will those gauges in the McSpadden set be OK with the shorter VSL?

1977 Robert Mize

Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions

I am brand new to the world of dulcimer and was fortunate to find this beauty at a local estate sale. It has not been played in a long time, but I was able to tune it up somewhat. New strings are on the way! I will have many questions, but my first is re: tuning. It currently has a wound bass string and 3 bare wire strings. The information card states "3 E or 1st, 1 G or 3rd." It has 4 equidistant strings. I have ordered some strings from McSpadden: 

Tuning Key of D Ball End

The wound string in this set has a flat ribbon winding so it has no ridges. 1st-2nd: .010 Plain Steel Ball End; 3rd: .014 Plain Steel Ball End; 4th: .023 Phosphor Bronze Flat Wound Ball End.

Will these strings work on this instrument? What would the string pattern be for the original tuning? EGee? Geee? Can these be tuned DAdd to be able to play with other instruments?

Thank you for sharing your expertise. A new adventure awaits!