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."
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."
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."
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."
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."
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."
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."
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."
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."
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."
Glad it worked out for you.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
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."
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."
Me, too, Ken. How about pickup cable?
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
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."
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."
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."
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."
Another vote for sycamore.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
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."
With the advent of people playing chords on mountain dulcimers, the VSL shortened. Longer VSLs were common when people played only noter style. Most guitars today (and banjos) have a VSL in the 24 - 26 inch range. Guitarists who play MD may find a shorter VSL more comfortable as they are accustomed to that on the guitar. For chording I either play my Folkcraft or my Blue Lion. The Blue Lion has a shorter VSL. If you can get to a festival and play different instruments you can see how the various VSLs feel.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
I'll second Dusty's suggestion of the Blue Snowflake. I have not used it, but a friend has one and he really likes it. I use Blue microphones for our dulcimer club when we play out. They are very good. Here a like to the Snowflake: http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Snowflake.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
Steven, Favor is a really nice dulcimer. John did a great job in building it. It will give you a lifetime of pleasure. Enjoy.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
Dulcimerville was a week long festival run by Lois Hornbostel. It was held a YMCA camp near Black Mountain but is not longer held. I think Lois was going to do a weekend festival or two under that name. The website you linked to mentions dates in 2013. If you do get to Black Mountain visit both shops listed above.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
What John said. Most pickups will use a 1/4" in jack with a female end. The cord will have two mail jacks. One plugs in to the dulcimer and the in to the amp.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
Thanks for sharing that information Ken. I didn't check it as the book came as a gift. I think when I come to the point of replacing my Kindle, I'll get one that is in color. It will certainly help with the pictures. I have not used mine much lately. The few books I have that contain photos seem to have all the photos at the end of the books. Is that usual for e-books? Just wondering.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
I usually do Cripple Creek for finger dancing, Skip to My Lou for noter/drone, and Going Fishin' for flat picking. I mess up the latter sometimes. I like to do Old Joe Clark, but often mess up when switching to a harmony accompaniment. Still working on that transition. I do mess up less when I'm truly concentrating on my playing
Ken
"The dulcimer sing a sweet song."
Bob, that sounds like an excellent idea. Play the banjo! And, you're welcome.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
I think you'll like it Robin. My only complaint is the layout. I dislike the little boxes that provide additional information which either break up the narrative if you stop to read them while you are on that page or force you to go back and read them all after you've finished the chapter.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
Steven, you are getting a really great dulcimer. I am sure you will enjoy it. Have fun playing it.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
I just finished reading this book that I received as a Christmas present and am wondering if anyone else read it. If so, what do think about the book. For those who have not read it, here is the the complete title and other information: Wayfaring Strangers - The Musical Voyage from Scotland and Ulster to Appalachia by Fiona Ritchie and Doug Orr. It is not a book about dulcimers, but it does contain information about dulcimers. It is primarily a book about the people and their songs as the migrated from Scotland and Ireland to the New World. The book comes with a companion CD. I enjoyed reading the book and listening to the CD. The interviews with people who play the music provides wonderful insights into the songs and their meanings for them. The history is fascinating and covers Scotland, Ireland, and the United States. It also covers the evolution of the music into an American form. It is worth checking out from your local library if you haven't read it.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
Ryan, no I don't have a physical shop. I do sell Folkcraft dulcimers and usually keep a few in stock. Actually, you are closer to Pristine2 who sells some used dulcimers from time-to-time. He lives in Hollidaysburg. I do some building and repair work.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
Jim, it seems to me that there are several things to consider here. The repairs to your current dulcimer should not be very expensive. Making a new nut and/or bridge is not difficult. Are the tuners wood, mechanical/metal friction, or planetary? If they have little screws through the button, they can be tightened. You did not mention who made your dulcimer. Knowing this, would aid us in figuring out if it is worth fixing up. It is important to play an instrument with the sound you like. It will make you want to play it more. There are many good luthiers out there who would be happy to make you a custom instrument.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
When I have had all three dulcimers side by side, all walnut, all cherry, all hickory and all Folkcraft, my perception is that the cherry is the brightest and crispest in sound, followed by the walnut and then the hickory. My personal choice is the walnut which is what a play most of the time. I have noticed that you can change the sound the all of these dulcimers by changing out the nuts and bridges. Replace the micarta nuts with wood and you will get a mellower sound.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
I haven't tried it, but if you don't need the stuff for electric guitar, keyboard, etc., that seems a good way to go. They appear to be identical expect for the amp modeling. Looks like a very nice unit to me.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
Jim, might be able to put you in contact with Larry or someone else who worked there in the 1970s.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
