Forum Activity for @shopdad

Shifting bridge and nut

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

Thanks Ken. That may well be the reason for the buzz. My strings are set much higher. I have tried several different remedies. I learned one thing. You can't ignore the buzz and pretend its not there. Even the slightest bit distracts what I'm playing.  The pic shows the tear drop I'm having difficulties with. As I mentioned, this one is tuned CGC. I love the tone and reverberation on it when it's set up correctly. It took me longer to make that the others so I want it to sound good in this key.

Shifting bridge and nut

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

There seems to be some differences of opinion on bridge and nut height from fret board to string. One builder says 3/8s" One of my dulcimers is tuned AEA and one CGC. I sing bass and DAD is just out of reach for many songs. Consequently, 3/8s" is not and option. lots of buzz and I don't know how to sing in key of "buzz". Any suggestions on nut and bridge height?

How Many Dulcimers Do You Own?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Five. One is a kit dulcimer by Cedar Creek. It all began when I ordered an antique Fishtail Dulcimer by Hughes in the mid 70's. The next three are home builds by myself and more to come. 

Introduce Yourself!

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Hello Jack, Welcome to the Friends of dulcimers group. I am somewhat new myself. I have been playing for almost two years and working on my third build. I have learned a lot from experience even though others have been a great help. I have also learned there are a lot of great folks on this site that are willing and capable of helping with questions about playing as well as building. These comments are from a retired Floridian familiar with wood projects as well as metal. raised in a Body shop since I was a young boy. 38 years as an electrician and years of music background in school and college. I also do a lot of fossil digs and guide for school, boy Scouts and church groups. I started carving my own decoys for duck hunting back in the 70's then went into carving other types of decor. Married for 60 years with 4 great kids. Sounds like we may have a few things in common

Introduce Yourself!

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I just spent nearly an hour on Nina's site. I listened to most of the videos and viewed the photos. I am familiar with black Mountain. I have family in the Asheville and Burnsville area. Yes, Damon, that is what attracted me to that style. It may be miles down the road for this old man but everyone began somewhere and it was always at the beginning. 

Introduce Yourself!

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Nate, (and to anyone else that wishes to respond) I appears you have been playing the dulcimer for a while. I'm somewhat new at it. I have viewed several posts on "finger picking". I have been "note plucking" for a long time and found the finger picking sty very intriguing. It appears there are several "picking" patterns to choose as a person plays the piece. I have a ton of questions. Who or where can I get more info on the subject? 

Introduce Yourself!

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Thanks Nate, I have been working with wood projects since the 70s, but not until the past two years making dulcimers. I am a duck hunter and carved my own decoys for years. I love fishing, so I have several fish decoys and wall decors in the den. Building dulcimers just came naturally I guess. With me, I love to stay busy. I retired in 2004 and have many interests that keep me miles away from boredom. 

Introduce Yourself!

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

This is Shop Dad, I'm slowly catching on to the FOTMD system. My name is Paul Shutes, I have lived in Florida since 1942. I have several other interests other than music. I have had an interest in fossil hunting since my kids were young. I do anywhere from four to seven digs a year. I am a guide for Creation Studies Institute. 

I also am a member of a local gym and work out on a scheduled basis. This began after some health issues myself, determined to stay healthy. 

I am a father of four of the best kids in the world, one of which is with his heavenly father. My wife and I just celebrated our sixtieth anniversary. 

Bottom line, I love life.  

Introduce Yourself!

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I just joined a few months ago. I do have a question and wasn't sure where to post it. Can anyone tell me if there is a dulcimer or strings group in Central Florida? Somewhere around Brevard County or, Vero Beach, Palm Bay, Kissimmee, or Cocoa?