Forum Activity for @shopdad

I have family scattered around the mountains in North Carolina. We often visited the area known as Little Switzerland. this is a small town on the Blue Ridge, near Spruce Pine. There are several areas around the mountains that give a hint to Swedish and German settlements. That explains the well frequented event, Scottish Highlands Games held each year near Grandfather Mountain. Even as far as Gatlinburg, Tenn. there is a hint of German and Scottish influence especially in the architecture (Most prominently by Moravian settlements}. This information puts it all into perspective, Now add the popularity of the mountain dulcimer in all those areas and it all make sense.

You are welcome to move it to central Florida. As far as I know there are no dulcimer groups close by. I'm on my own here as far as dulcimer is concerned.

Here's my take on that. A history lesson on the dulcimer may not interest everyone. I believe it "should" be available and encouraged. The more a person knows about an instrument the more the dulcimer may become more popular. Two common questions I often get, Where did this come from as in what country? and surprisingly, What's it made of, as in,  what kind of wood makes if sound different? That right there delves into some history and it doesn't take a history class to do that. Just a few statements to answer the simple questions we are asked. Of course many ask how much does it cost? Since I have built or restored every one of my dulcimers I get some different questions unrelated to history. 

What a history lesson in itself Richard. I was also introduced to the dulcimer at Disney Village a few years prior. I was tempted with the kit he had for sale. Your story has much more spark as I let it go longer before my first dulcimer. You painted a mental picture that should inspire anyone to dig deep into the history of the dulcimer.

Ken, I am in the process of buying another car. I won't purchase one until I am familiar with the past history of the manufacturer and the vehicle itself. I think we can all agree that the more people know about the past the more interest will be generated for the future of the dulcimer.

Both #4 and $9. The similarity of the Jews harp is amazing in pic 9. Interestingly, it refers to a Swedish Jews harp.

I'm curious about the position of the stringed instruments. When did someone decide it was better to play it with the head and tuners up instead of the box. The bone recorder is very intriguing. The talent lies in the design and craftmanship then again in learning to play it. As an amateur paleontologist, the inside of any bone is far from symmetrical. Getting the correct pitch would be difficult.

Scripture mentions several of these instruments pictured. The harp is very common as well as the psaltery and various horn instruments.

This has been a very educational thread. thanks for getting it rolling and Thanks for all the additional comments from others. 

Wow! Ken, loads of info in your past. I hope it's all on record to pass on. 

Nate, I believe that is one of the first questions I get too. "From where did it originate"? Even questions like, "is this something new"? So many people never heard of a dulcimer. 

I play the Jaws Harp. Now there is an instrument with some background. Some consider it a reed instrument while others just see it as a kids toy. But what a great background instrument even with a dulcimer. Strum patterns, pitch, even some tuned for lower key. It looks simple until a person begins to build one (experience speaking) My homemade harp looks great, too bad it doesn't work. Like all other failed projects, an old engineering tip, keep asking "why" until there is nothing else to ask.

Very interesting viewpoint Wally, I agree, I play guitar, well, still in the working mode instead of play. I have never considered digging into the history of the guitar or even some of the famous players/builders. Actually, I was in the midst of a history search before I purchased my first dulcimer. Now I feel the urge to look into some guitar history as well. Never too old to learn.

Thankyou Robin. I will mark that date on my calendar. This may be one of those connection sites that Ken was speaking of. Any effort to keep the Dulcimer alive is worth while

I would like to hear (see) some other stories or examples of FOTMD group to post what else is being done to promote and encourage the dulcimer 

I believe the tradition will continue as long as there are folks like you guys keeping us "newbees" educated. 

I belong to an airboat club here is central Florida. I have been airboating since the early 70's. I have been the club Historian for many years. I am presently putting together a Historian report for the club on the mountain dulcimer. My problem is I usually get more information than what I have time to present. Much of the formation I have is what I've learned on this site and always searching for more. Ken has been a big help with the article on the Scheitholt. I feel blessed to be a part of a group of players that I can relate to and learn from when it all goes over my head. Looking back over the past years, even before my time, the dulcimer has kept its flavor and it still provides a sound all of it's own. 

I have mentioned this statement in other groups. "I have never met anyone that doesn't like music". Everyone has their specific, favorite style, but never one who says they don't like music in general. I believe that is the key to the future of the dulcimer.  It's unique, and sooths the soul. That's part of the momentum that makes the dulcimer a keeper. 

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Hey Pete I know the feeling. For many years the only thing I could play was the radio. Being at a Ham Radio event I suppose there are a few people like me. My first dulcimer was an antique in very bad condition. That's what I learned to play on after I restored it. That's funny, finding a dulcimer at a Ham Radio event. 

I also collect Antique weapons. I found an 1800 era, US Military wood stock for my US Infield at a car show. Who would guess?

Ouch ! I went through that several months ago. Not a nice experience. I was told to drink plenty of water with the meds. Like 80 to 100 ounces a day. Everyone has a different reason why a person gets it. It's like bad company. When you suffer through it you don't care where it came from you just want it to leave.

One of those things you add to the memory bank

Congrats Ken. Not many couples can say that anymore. After a while it seems that each of us can tell when something is up, or down. My wife and I are working on 61 years and people often ask, "what's your secret?" No secret is it. When a relationship is together there's no competition. Fix what's broken and focus on what most important. 

I Googled it and signed up for it. Thanks

Homer, I Just read the Folk Craft news letter. Richard Ash just mentioned the "Play Music on the Porch Day{. The date is Aug 29 as you mentioned.

That sounds like fun Ross. I'll check it out and watch for it.

Tonyg, That's the way I describe the sound of the dulcimer when I play for a group of visitors. Just picture neighbors gathering on the front porch. Some play, some sing and some just listen or dance. Everyone taps a foot or what ever way they feel the sounds. I have visited Cades Cove several times and love going through those homes and imagine the music that rang out from those old walls. Yes, I just added three more pieces of music to my list. "Red Haired Boy " is a familiar piece. 

I enjoy playing my strum stick with my brother on his guitar. The strum stick sounds like a banjo. I made it from some wood from an old fireplace mantle built is the mid 1800's and some maple from my wife's bed frame from the 50's. I guess that's why it sounds better when I play some of the old tunes.

Wow! Dusty, There are two songs that I enjoy playing that may fall into that category. When I first heard them on You Tube, while looking for some new music to play, I actually had difficulty picking out the melody because it was so fast and several playing. Two fiddles sounded great and often stepped out for the breakdown (Fancy Gap Breakdown). That's when I picked up the melody and had to learn it. I was sure I would never be able to play it at the tempo anywhere near the group playing, but I believe I'm close after many months of playing it. With pull-offs and hammer-on, Maybe, I could keep up with them. That is when I moved on to learned to play Black Mountain Rag. 

Thanks, you just gave me a few more to work on. I will look them up and add them to the repertoire. 

You got that right Richard. My time in the Coast Guard made some life changing habits for me as well.

Strumella, My dad used to say, "everything has a place and everything in it's place". OH! he had the messiest shop I ever saw. 

Sorry to hear about your wife. Hopefully she's on the mend and back to normal. Prioritize is the key. You did well. Many of my projects a wife (working on 62 years) related. Organization is another important focus. There have been times that finding a tool or material would take longer than the job I need it for. I spend much of my time between jobs to organize the shop. Yes, if I am working on a project and all of a sudden I look up and it's "dark 30" I leave things where they are knowing I'll be back tomorrow. A retirees motto, "tomorrow's another day" (because everyday is Saturday). 

About a year ago I heard a group playing Fancy Gap Breakdown. I sniffed around and heard several other groups play it and figured I needed to learn it. While gaining improvement, I happened across another piece called "Black Mountain Rag". Both of these pieces are not just "ear candy" but fun to learn and fun to play. At 83 years old I mentioned starting guitar lessons. I'm slowly getting better on finger positions and strum patterns. Thanks to what I've learned on the dulcimer, some of the guitar techniques came rather quickly.

I love life

Thanks Ken, My Dither project has taken a back seat for a while. I'm waiting for some wood to dry out before making the panels. Between the kids and wife I get multiple projects going at once (thus the "shopdad" handle). I'm in the process of some major shop changes. It's time to do some clear outs, deep cleaning and rearranging. Even though I do most of the dirty work on the outside workbench, the inside gets pretty bad.

Right now it's on the dinning room wall. As soon as I get the hooks solid enough on the outside wall, in the courtyard, it will hang out there. It has several coats of poly so the weather shouldn't be too rough on it. Hanging on the wall won't let it turn in the wind but I will change it occasionally myself. It's solid enough to be around long after me.

The Betsey Ross 250 anniversary flag, Just finished in time before the end of July. The torch-burned center piece makes it appear old and tattered. The solution for a decision, 250 or USA.

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That's a cool story. I grafted an avocado tree. I kept two and gave one to a friend. His grew nicely with plenty of fruit. Mine didn't take and became nice shade trees. A hurricane took them out before I could get another graft. Yes, it's great to grow your own as long as a person doesn't add up all the spray, fertilizer, and special soil . You probably do organic too. It's still worth it though.

Hello dusty, I'm just catching up on some past posts. I miss FOTMD and get busy with so many other things. I haven't heard of the expression either (two in a hill) but I know what he feels like. My wife and I have a raised garden. In central Florida, It's a serious task. I tried corn last year and wound up with mini ears the size of a small pickle. However, There's nothing like walking out to the garden and picking a tomato or green pepper. My bananas, grapes and mulberries are special and don't require much farming, they just grow. 

I usually enjoy making something in my shop to express or celebrate any occasion. I made a Betsey Ross flag for the 250th celebration.

Oops! its a video too large to attach. I'll send pics 

I'm in central Florida, it's hot. A normal day is upper 90's around 2 or 3 PM then cools off into the low 90's. That's a perfect set up for afternoon storms. We have two yellow labs and I try to explain to them how fortunate they are living in the AC. They just stare at me and wag. So far, there has been no 80 degree mornings. That's typical for us in the AM but only mid to upper70's. Around here the common statement is "stay cool" instead of "good bye or see you later".

Me, looking for fall

That's awesome. What kind of wood did you use? I posted a picture an original instrument which was later described as a Scheitholt. I thought it was about six feet until Ken pointed out it was sitting on a foot stool. Later, some of the similar instruments with the two strings were identified as zithers. If I have my facts straight. I am waiting for some of my wood to dry to build a zitter with the help of all who have assisted me in gathering info. I am anxious to start but the wood isn't as anxious, I guess.

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LOL John. Almost as long as the car. AI brings a lot of smiles.

Thankyou John, Hats off to your dad and I salute him for his courage. Yes, and I believe the best is yet to come

You guys are way ahead of me. John K. I was just kidding about the 6 ft. dulcimer. That picture of an 8ft. dulcimer made my day. Thanks for sharing.

Happy 4th to all FOTMD friends. I'm loving the comments. Let's keep them going. God Bless America and America the beautiful sound great on my Cedar Creek dulcimer. Anyone else playing patriotic music today? In 1976 we only had two kids at that time. My wife and I just celebrated 61 years of marriage. Blessed to raise my 4 kids in freedom. I'm a US Coast Guard veteran and proud to serve this great land.

John, I looked on that site. That's a good price for strings. Unless I start making 6 ft. VSL dulcimers, it would last me a lifetime.

Yes, I have used Folkcraft also. I use them for tuners as well. Great people to work with also.

I use Strings by Mail. Always had rapid, reliable service. All brand name strings for any instrument. 

Kevin, that's very interesting. I'm anxious to read the up coming relies. I remember the first dulcimer I ever saw was at Disney Village in Orlando. that was in the early 70's. I wish I paid more attention to the material used of those that were on sale.  

Dusty, do I see a trip to Italy for some Norway lumber in the near future? If the violins sell for $23M it seems you could ask a measly $1M for a new dulcimer made from the same wood. I'll stick to teak, oak or cherry for mine since I have a nice supply of each.

That growth pattern is unique. I'm going to experiment with some of my own wood. My next one will be some New Zealand Pine. Not sure why they call it pine. It is very dense wood with no sap. Dries nice and clean. The grain pattern is beautiful. 

OK, I see it on there now. I was just there looking for a way to do paste, looks like you beat me to it. Thanks, Strumelia, for the suggestion. Maybe there are some that have built them and can toss in some suggestions or even need some assistance.

Here are my plans for the Scheitholt or Zither, of course, not to scale. Let me know if you see any changes I need to make.  as it's easy to change. I did it all on "Paint Brush".

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