Forum Activity for @ken-longfield

After reading some of the recent posts here, I went back and read the posts in The Positive Thread. Steve, I think you should go ahead and write up something about the beginning of International Appalachian Dulcimer Day. Am I correct in thinking that this was our fourth celebration or was it the third. Perhaps for our fifth anniversary we could put Steve's article about the origin of the day in that year's DPN; probably for the issue that usually comes out in February. Or we could all get a cupcake, put 5 candles on it, play Happy Birthday on our dulcimers, and blow the candles out.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

The problem with a stick-on pickup is that it will not only amplify the strings, but also anything that touches your dulcimer like your hands, picks hitting the fret board, and the sound waves hitting it from nearby instruments. While the example shared by Wally is attractive, it will take some skill to cut holes in the side of your dulcimer. Not knowing the width of your fret board you need to be careful about the length of the pickup. One thing that would discourage me from using it is where the wire comes off of the pickup. It seems to me if it fits the fret board the wire would be exposed. L.R. Baggs makes a nice bridge pickup for mountain dulcimers in two widths, but it is over 12 times the price of Wally's example. Plus you would have the expense of an end pin jack. Of course, with any pickup, you will an amplifier and cable. This is all food for thought.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Sam, that was a delightful video segment. You and the reporter did a fine job. Thanks for your help in promoting IADD.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

In the 1980s and 90s Robert Hutchinson and his wife, Yvonne, made mountain dulcimers under the North Country Dulcimer name. These dulcimers were a rather unique design with a floating bridge which straddles the fret board and sits on the top of the dulcimer. The dulcimers are long, 29 inches, but the VSL is 23 1/2 inches. I bought one this past weekend for $15.00. The nut was broken and I had to make a new one. Other than that I cleaned it up and put on new strings. Now it sings sweetly again. Here are some photos I took before working on it.

https://imgur.com/R1ocqa6

https://imgur.com/LBCWNYF

https://imgur.com/a52vstR

https://imgur.com/ZTxBrY8

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Thanks for sharing your good fortune with us Badger. I'm not sure what wood the body of dulcimer is made from, but it does have a walnut overlay on the fret board. I want to say the dulcimer is poplar, but I'm just not certain. Anyway, that dulcimer is something special. Enjoy playing it.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

That is a very nice gift that Glen gave you Jim. Enjoy it. 

Dusty, that limberjill is delightful. I'm sure you've had fun playing it.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

That's true Dusty. What was it that guy in England said, "A rose by any other name will smell as sweet?" Perhaps a dulcimer by any other name still has a sweet sound.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Well, Nate, I'll attempt to answer your question about the instrument in the photo using the Horbostel-Sachs classification system for musical instruments. In this system there are five categories of instruments. The one in the photo is clearly a chordophone; it has strings. There are five types of chordophones; bows, harps, lutes, lyres, and zithers. I think we can agree it is not a bow, harp, or lyre which leaves us with or question; lute or zither. If the fret board can be detached from the box (resonator) and still make a sound, it is a zither. If no sound can be heard after the two are separated it is a lute. Think of it this way. If you take the neck off of a guitar, ukulele, or mandolin you can no longer strum the strings thus you have no sound. (You could hit the box and make a sound like a drum, but then it is no longer a chordophone.) If you remove the box (resonator) in your photo, you can still get a sound from the fret board (although muted), so it is a zither. Further refinement of the definition is difficult in this system although it likely would go under the category stick zither.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

I agree, Dusty. The main problem is that there are so many styles from Martin's Backpacker Guitar (because it has 6 strings) and McNally's Strumstick® (3 strings) to the Merlin and homemade instruments with three or more strings. An additional category might include fret patterns. So, do we put our collective minds together and start working on this?

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

In the lexicon of stringed instruments the lute is characterized not by the number of strings but by having a sound box (often pear shaped) and a neck over which the strings extend. As Strumelia points out I should have be more precise by saying "lute family" rather than just lute. And the ukulele is a member of the lute family. You are correct about the Seagull instruments not having a 6 fret as they are intended to be play in a 1- 5 - 8 tuning.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

As Strumelia so graciously pointed out, that is not a dulcimer. It is a lute with a diatonic fret board. Seagull makes an instrument similar to the one in the video. At one time it was called a Merlin. Looking a Musicians Friend, I see they are called Seagull dulcimer. Do a search there and you will find several models. There is a used one for under $100. They should be easy to build. Michael J. King has a book, Stick Making Dulcimer Book, available on his website: michaeljking.com . He is in Great Britain. I think he also has plans you can download.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

For anyone interested the the Scrivner dulcimer that David Schnaufer played here is a video about it.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Even though you posted the wrong profile, I enjoyed reading it. Thanks for sharing.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

If you want to go to lighter strings on a 23 inch VSL, I suggest 0.011 for the melody strings, a 0.015 for the middle, and 0.023 for the bass. You could always try going down once size on each string to see if it is too floppy. For the most part, experimentation is what you need to find the right strings for you and your dulcimer.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Here is a link to the Ron Ewing article in DPN. https://archive.org/details/dpn-1990-016-03/page/20/mode/1up

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

That is a beautiful dulcimer. It looks like the case needs a little repair. I'm sure you'll enjoy it when you pick it up. 

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Both days are permanently on my calendar.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

John's suggestions for strings are good. Here is another string calculator. https://www.strothers.com/string_choice.html It tends to suggest strings on the light side which you will see if you use it.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

There's really no need to post the VSL as you have learned from the builder what was on it to begin with. I would go with that. The configuration the builder used makes it very easy to change tuning from DAA to DAd without breaking the melody string.

With regard to cleaning. For years I've used Martin's Guitar Cleaner/Polish on my dulcimers without any problems.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

I am not familiar with Ellen Yeoman or the Mixolydian Musical Woodworks. That probably because I live on the opposite side of the country. It looks to be a nice dulcimer typical of the 1970s. Whatever you use to clean and polish your guitar should be fine. As Richard noted any product using silicone should be avoided as it makes repairing cracks and finishes difficult. Let us know the vibrating string length from the fret board side of the nut to where the strings come in contact with the saddle and we can offer suggestions for string gauges. Strumelia's suggestion to start with DAA or CGG is good; especially if you want to play noter style. Again, welcome.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

I can understand that. I also do a lot of finger dancing. Folks think at playing noter style is easy, but it takes practice to make it sound good. Keep on doing what you're doing.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

I often play noter style in DAd. After a little practice you can manipulate your noter to fret the middle string. Of course, there is no reason you can't use your finger to do that. I think playing with a single finger rather than a noter changes the traditional sound. The zing of moving from one fret to another just seems not to be there for me. Another option is finger dancing where you use several of fingers to press down the melody. Watch some of Don Pedi's videos. It is fun to discover new techniques in playing. There is no right or wrong way to play the mountain dulcimer. Enjoy whatever way you choose to play it.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

I am saddened by the news of Terry's death. It is always somewhat of a mystery when an active member suddenly becomes silent. I wondered why he disappeared from the forum. Now I know. He was a delightfully positive person who truly cared about bringing joy and happiness to others. Yes, Dusty, loved that hat. RIP, Terry.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

This is an interesting conversation. I don't think there is a good method for measuring a decline or increase in popularity. Is it possible to compile a list of everyone building mountain dulcimers 15 years ago and today? Or a list of dulcimer clubs? Or the number of subscribers to Dulcimer Players News? Since the pandemic there seem to be less festivals and in person festivals seem to be declining in attendance. I have no concrete data to support this. Meanwhile, online mountain dulcimer groups and festivals seem to be increasing. Again, no concrete data. Two new museums of the Appalachian dulcimer have opened in the last year. I've been part of the mountain dulcimer community for over 50 years. I know many more dulcimer folk today than I did back then. Personally, I've never met anyone who told me that their interest in the mountain dulcimer began because it was included in a Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, or other concert by a popular musician or band.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Looks good. I'm glad this worked out for you. Enjoy playing the dulcimer.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Glowhazel's last post was four years ago. If you do a search under the members tab above for Glowhazel you will find all of the posts and videos from this member.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Damon, I enjoyed your video. It was a great way to get to know you. I have no idea of how electronic music is produced, so I can't help you with how that relates to the mountain dulcimer. Also, I probably haven't fished for 60 years. I do like your entrepreneurship. I wish you much success with your lures and your music.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

This is a link to his Facebook page where he plays his latest dulcimer. I don't know if all his dulcimers sound like this one.

https://www.facebook.com/1476972546/videos/pcb.10227628895016066/642826021478704

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

John's given you good advice. Just make sure any wax you use is silicone free. You can call McSpadden and ask them what they would do. Just do a search for The Dulcimer Shoppe or McSpaden and you will find the phone number. BTW, the obvious way to tell that you have four string rather than six string dulcimer is that you have only four tuning machines on the headstock. The FM12W is a nice instrument. Enjoy playing it.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

That's a beautiful psaltery, Susie. Of course, I wouldn't expect anything less from Masterworks. I am sure it will give you many hours of enjoyment. Thank you for sharing it with us.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Sounds like a fun time. It certainly brings back memories watching the Sam the Sham video. Although we have a small coffee shop in our town, it is not much of a hangout. It can seat about 10 to 15 people if that. While the owner roasts his own beans, you really can't get a cup of coffee there. If want a latte or espresso, that's fine, but ask for a cup of black coffee and the wait staff looks at you like you came from another planet. And decaf, no way. Needless to say, I've only been there once since it opened three years ago. Now if they had folk music, I might venture in, but what would I drink? Thanks for sharing your wonderful experience, Strumelia.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Great story, Jim. Thanks for sharing it with us.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

I think it is an optical illusion created by the shadow and camera angle. With different lighting, especially no glare, and camera directly above the fret board I'm sure you would get a better look at the strings.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Following up on John's reply (again), you might join the UK and European Dulcimers Group, and ask if anyone is looking for a dulcimer. John and Paul Crocker are active in the British dulcimer community. John is a member here as John Henry. Paul is also a member here as Paul Crocker. I'm sure there are some folks in Great Britain who would enjoy having an older FolkRoots dulcimer. Best wishes on finding it a. new home.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

I agree, John. The two used FolkRoots dulcimers I bought are doing just that. I look for inexpensive dulcimers that I can rehabilitate which our dulcimer group can put the hands or on the laps of folks who want to learn to play the mountain dulcimer. After a few months of playing those folks usually ask if they can buy the dulcimer they've been playing. As the lending instruments are purchased by students, I start looking to restock the herd.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

If Howard Rugg sees this post he can help tell you about the dulcimer. From the information you provide it was completed on July, 26, 1988 and was the first one completed that day. The top is spruce and the body is walnut. It is in very good shape. Without a 6 1/2 fret is not as desirable to dulcimer players today. I would put it at the lower end of John's estimate. I've recently purchased a couple of similar D50s for $125 and $15O.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

My friend, Rob Lackey, had a Mawhee dulcimer. Here is a link to a YouTube video of him with the dulcimer playing Black Eyed Susie. Unfortunately, Rob died a little over a year ago so we can't ask him any more questions about his dulcimer.

You may already be aware of this video if you've done a search for John Mawhee on the internet.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

That's wonderful, Anne. Glad you enjoyed it and a lovely time. Have a great 2025.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Happy New Year everyone!

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

That's a very nice looking dulcimer and appears to be well constructed which I would expect from a violin maker. A concern I have 's the cracked sound hole on the treble side, lower bout. It looks like it needs to be repaired. Wittner tuners can be put on this instrument. If the holes are too large, they can be plugged and re-drilled. If too small, they can be made larger. The dulcimer does not have a 6 1/2 fret which is popular with finger pickers, but one can be added. I think it would be a good instrument for any player with a little attention to things I mentioned. It might need an adjustment to the action and I have no idea if it is fretted for equal or just temperament. Something I would do if it were my instrument would be to get rid of the current string anchor and replace it with four screws or brass plated nails, one for each string. That will make replacing strings easier.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."