Forum Activity for @ken-longfield

Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield
09/05/16 05:01:39PM
1,212 posts

Please share pics of your homemade dulcimer bags and cases


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Annie, that's very pretty. What a nice dulcimer bag!

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

 

Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield
09/04/16 08:34:27PM
1,212 posts

Please share pics of your homemade dulcimer bags and cases


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions


Here are two photos of the case I built for the first dulcimer I made.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

 


DSCN1623.jpg DSCN1623.jpg - 234KB

updated by @ken-longfield: 09/04/16 08:35:18PM
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield
09/02/16 09:36:44AM
1,212 posts

Back up rhythm devices


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Paula, I have not used any of these devices. You can do a search for drum machines which are devices that create drum sounds/rhythms and are connected to amplifiers. Usually they come in the form of pedals. Looking at stores like Elderly Instruments or Sweetwater, you can find many options. Another way of doing it, I think, is by using an iPad/tablet or computer or phone, with some app on it that produces rhythms. I think the latest Dulcimer Geek podcast at DPN talks about pedals for use with dulcimers. Check it out at the Dulcimer Players News website. Sequencers and samplers may also produce rhythms for accompaniment.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield
08/24/16 10:08:12PM
1,212 posts

Flight of the Naked Dulcimer


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

John, thank you for sharing your story. What wonderful treatment by the airline personnel. Enjoy that Amburgey.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield
08/12/16 09:00:13PM
1,212 posts

Help! (dulcimer acquisition disease)


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

How many dulcimers is enough? Just one more.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield
08/09/16 10:03:24PM
1,212 posts

Campfire songs?


Dulcimer Resources:TABS/Books/websites/DVDs

Sandi, I don't know if you'd be interested but the songbook we use at church camp is this one: http://songsandcreations.com . It is certainly worth the price. I've used it for years.

Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield
08/05/16 12:21:58PM
1,212 posts



Thanks, Brian. They didn't have that deal when I was looking for one.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield
08/04/16 07:32:01PM
1,212 posts



Yes, I was, Ken. Can't say that happened the last time I was in. But, that's another story!

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield
08/04/16 01:27:40PM
1,212 posts



Yes, it is Dusty. I tried to get the same deal at Guitar Center. They advertise that they will meet any Internet price. Showed the salesperson the Sweetwater website. He went to talk with a manager and returned 45 minutes later. I didn't mind as I was playing guitars in their acoustic room. They told me they couldn't do it because they did not have the same brand cable. I said that it didn't matter to me, but they told me it had to be exactly the same. They were selling the Loudbox Mini for $329. I went out to their parking lot, called Sweetwater and had the package in three days.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield
08/03/16 09:50:36PM
1,212 posts



Sweetwater has a nice deal on a Fishman Loudbox Mini with a microphone, cable, and stand for $329 which is what most places ask for just the amp. I use this now more often than plugging the instruments in to the amp. Here is the link:  http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/LoudBoxMiniPK

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield
07/29/16 02:15:06PM
1,212 posts



Sorry, melanieangel. I did not see your reply until just now. Yes, I have Paypal. If you are still interested, send me a private message with your address and I can get them in the post to you.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

 

Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield
07/25/16 05:03:11PM
1,212 posts

Most "Fun" Pieces.


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Going Fishin' is a copyright song. I have not recorded it.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield
07/24/16 10:07:45PM
1,212 posts



Very nice. Thanks for letting us know how you made out with this project.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield
07/24/16 01:26:29PM
1,212 posts

Most "Fun" Pieces.


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I'm a Pepsi fan, too. I prefer it to Coke. Now, back to the topic. My fun song is "Going Fishin'" which is best know as the theme to The Andy Griffith show.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield
07/17/16 11:28:49AM
1,212 posts



Here are the suggested sizes for a Folkcraft dulcimer: 0.011, 0.011, 0.013, and 0.024. The last string is the only wound string. All the others are plain strings. If you need a set of Folkcraft strings, let me know. I can send you a set (post paid) for $5.00.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield
07/16/16 09:19:52PM
1,212 posts



You need a ball end string. I suggest that you make sure is a 0.024 wound string. You might try phosphor bronze wound rather than nickel wound.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield
07/11/16 09:38:21PM
1,212 posts



Hello again, Beth. I have purchased instruments on both eBay and Goodwill auction sites. A couple of them were good buys, but I have been burned as well. If you can return it if not satisfied, that's a plus, but a lot of trouble. A Warren May I purchased needed repairs which was not disclosed in the information, nor visible in the pictures. Because I build and repair instruments, it was no big problem. I responded to you post over at ED with other advise.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield
07/09/16 08:27:51PM
1,212 posts

Three or Doubled Melody Dulcimer?


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Well, John, like you, I enjoy playing with three strings and for the reasons you mention. Occasionally I will play one of my four string dulcimers with a double melody string arrangement, but when I do, I usually play with a noter.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield
07/07/16 07:50:59PM
1,212 posts



Unless the original finish on the Hondo is worn through, I would not put anything on it other than a good polish. I think those old Hondo dulcimers had a light lacquer finish. I really like this polish:  Smith Pro Formula Polish .

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield
07/05/16 04:51:47PM
1,212 posts

Dancing!...(feet as instrument)


Adventures with 'other' instruments...

All this brings back memories of spending one day week from 2nd grade through high school square dancing. It was a real blast. Took a gym class in college called Folk and International Dancing. Those were the days! Thanks for sharing all your dancing experience. I always enjoyed watching John Hartford play his banjo and dance at the same time.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield
06/26/16 07:27:03PM
1,212 posts

Who made this, and looking for wood peg tuners for it


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions


It doesn't look at like any Frank Proffitt instrument I've seen. Depending upon how the metal friction pegs were added, replacement with wood pegs may be relatively easy. If violin pegs do not fit, you may need to move to viola pegs. Also, if the taper of the whole was destroyed, that will need to be fixed. There are a number of ways to do that. I just looked at the other thread. If the reason for thinking that these tuners were added because of the holes all the way through the peg head, then I suggest rethinking the idea that this dulcimer originally had wood pegs. The early dulcimers I made required a hole through both walls of the peg head in order to put in those pegs. The space between the walls was not wide enough to slip the string end of the tuner in the hole. I could only assemble the tuner if I had a hole straight through both walls.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."


updated by @ken-longfield: 06/26/16 07:35:52PM
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield
06/18/16 05:42:34PM
1,212 posts

Hanging a dulcimer


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

What did your dulcimer do that it deserves capital punishment? There are a variety of ways to hang a dulcimer for display depending upon what type of peg head you have. The leather/cord tie is one way. I have seen "holders" that are mounted to wall where the bottom of the dulcimer is in a cradle and the top between two dowel rods with a rubber band stitched across the face of the dulcimer to keep it from falling out. There are commercial dulcimer hangers available which are similar to most guitar hangers that you can mount on a wall. 

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield
06/05/16 11:48:47AM
1,212 posts

John E. Wood 1930-2015


OFF TOPIC discussions

I don't know how I missed this a week ago. I, too, met John at the second Wartz gathering. John and I had several conversations about building and dulcimer history. I missed his participation, and now I know why. He was a gracious gentlemen. I cherish the brief time I knew him as a member here and dulcimer enthusiast.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield
05/30/16 01:48:17PM
1,212 posts



That's a good starter instrument and well worth the $45 you spent. As long as it frets accurately and the action is not too high or low you should have a good time learning to play on it. As to the gumminess, I would soak a small area of a rag or paper towel with some Goo Gone and rub over the area that is sticky. I shouldn't harm the finish, but always test in a small inconspicuous place before doing large areas. Best wishes as you begin playing the mountain dulcimer.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield
05/27/16 07:34:02PM
1,212 posts



I might be part of the plethora of Ken's, but I have posted no videos.

 

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield
05/18/16 10:06:59PM
1,212 posts



Glad to hear that things worked out. Enjoy that dulcimer.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield
05/18/16 04:57:49PM
1,212 posts

Hello All


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Hello Gary. Glad to hear that you still pop in occasionally. Also happy to hear that you are spreading the news of dulcimer playing. We can't have too many dulcimer players out there. Thanks for posting.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield
05/08/16 08:00:05PM
1,212 posts

Your Online Dulcimer Buying Adventures!


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

For the most part my Internet buying has been good. I did buy one off eBay where the seller did not disclose that one side had a crack in it, but I was able to fix it without any problem and the price was right. 

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield
04/29/16 08:20:31PM
1,212 posts



I don't usually disagree with my brother Ken. His advice is good. On the other hand, I'd look at the strings to check their condition. If they are not rusted or corroded and do not break when you tune them up, you will be able to use them. They probably will not last as long as new strings, but will work until you can get a new set. That goes for the old (new) set in the package. Enjoy your new to you dulcimer.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield
04/27/16 07:33:43PM
1,212 posts



Thanks for the reminder CD. Will do. I miss our conversations with Rod.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield
04/21/16 10:38:15PM
1,212 posts

Amp-to-Pickup cord?


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

Glad it worked out for you.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

 

Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield
04/19/16 11:07:57PM
1,212 posts

Anything anyone can tell me about a 1979 vintage mountain dulcimer from "the Dulcimer Shop"


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

There isn't to much that one could do to a McSpadden Sweet Song dulcimer kit to make it unplayable. I built several of them for friends who purchased the kits. They almost built themselves. That said, even if it were not in playing condition, it wouldn't take much to get it up and singing again.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield
04/18/16 03:41:11PM
1,212 posts

Anything anyone can tell me about a 1979 vintage mountain dulcimer from "the Dulcimer Shop"


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

Um. Linda, what do you want to know? The Dulcimer Shop in Fredericksburg, TX made several different models. Is there a particular dulcimer you want to know about?

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield
04/13/16 08:55:48PM
1,212 posts

Amp-to-Pickup cord?


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

Me, too, Ken. How about pickup cable?

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield
04/12/16 09:50:56PM
1,212 posts

Can you help us identify the builder?


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

From Texas, I would think it is a Dulcimer Factory dulcimer from the Naylors. The owned and operated the Dulcimer Factory in Fredericksburg, TX.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield
04/12/16 09:47:40PM
1,212 posts

Amp-to-Pickup cord?


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

I don't know if the output jack on your dulcimer is on the end piece, but if it is, I like to use a right angle 1/4 inch plug at one end of the cable and a straight plug at the amp end. Here is a link to one I found at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/KIRLIN-IWB-202BFGL-10-CA-10-Feet-Instrument/dp/B00Y4S67OM/ref=sr_1_5?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1460511789&sr=8-5&keywords=guitar+cable

Like with anything else, you get what you pay for. Get the best quality cable you can afford to preserve the quality of your sound.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield
04/08/16 11:49:23PM
1,212 posts

Recent article in a local paper.


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Thanks for sharing the article Kevin. You deserve the recognition for the fine work you do with the instruments and in preserving the old ones. I'm proud to know you.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield
03/16/16 07:55:09PM
1,212 posts

Jerry Wright death


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

What sad news. My sympathy goes out to Jerry's family and friends. Jerry influenced a lot of dulcimer players.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield
03/13/16 07:25:47PM
1,212 posts

I scored a Robert Mize dulcimer!! Have a question about the wood.


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Another vote for sycamore.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield
03/05/16 07:36:22PM
1,212 posts

Sad news- Rest in peace our good friend John Phillips


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I join the others in expressing my sympathy to John's family and friends. He was a wonderful asset for our community and will be missed.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

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