Cleaning a 1992 Angell Dulcimer
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
My daughter is studying Music Therapy in Fort Collins, CO and has been hinting that she'd love a dulcimer. I just purchased one that looks to be in good shape off eBay, an "Angell Dulcimer" made in 1992. Pictures below. (It looks as if another member posted pictures of this exact dulcimer a few months ago) The instrument needs a gentle cleaning/restringing, et cetera before I gift it to my daughter for Christmas.
It is 36" in length and looks as if it's made from plywood with a walnut stain. Even though the strings are oxidized and greasy, I tuned it up and played it al little -- nothing acts cracked or loose, so that's good news. Is this a baritone? How would I know -- is it the measurement from the bridge to the nut?
I did my best to measure the gauge of the strings already on it. it looks as if it's .023 brass wound, .016, .014,.014, but my caliper was having trouble holding a value -- so are those ,ore likely to be .012, .012, .016. 024? I won't need strings for a minute, but what gauges should I go for. My daughter would only be performing in small spaces, no more than a group of 5.
There is some buildup on the underside of the headstock and a few dark patches on the front. The tuner pegs were very yellow, and a damp rag wiped off what looked like nicotine residue. My current plan is to unstring, vacuum, wipe with a barely damp rag, and polish the frets. I would like a suggestion as to the best conditioner for the wood after it is cleaned and dry.
One area that is a concern is the cute dogwood decorations. I had thought they were painted on, but actually they are decals. In the pictures below you can just barely make out the edges of the decal and see the shift in texture. I assume there's a spray lacquer of some sort over them, as I cannot feel the edges. But iI'm reluctant to use a heavy treatment on the wood because of them.
One picture shows a slight separation of one corner of the back from the headstock -- it seems secure. I might try filling the gap with a little something just so it doesn't snag on anything.
Any tips? Insights? Warning or cautions?
Thanks, Shirin
