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."
That certainly is difficult to read Richard. Looks like it might have been made from a kit.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
Jim, John does indeed produce some fine books. I am glad that you found them and like them. For those interested in learning more, here is a link to John's website: http://www.johnsackenheim.com/John_Sackenheim/Home.html
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
Hi Susie. I don't have a battery powered amp, but I do have a Loudbox Mini. I'm not sure how much sound you are looking for from the amp. A 1 watt, 3 watt, or 5 watt battery powered amp will not give you the punch of the Mini. Having said that, I have heard good things from the Roland Mobile Cube. Here is a link describing it: http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MobileCube One of my friends has one and uses it primarily in small groups of around 20 people in a room about the size of a typical school room.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
Happy New Year friends.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
I use the Folkcraft sets with the flat wound bass strings. Certainly cuts out the noise when you slide on the string. If you don't play chords, squeakiness strings are not needed, IMO, as plain steel strings do not squeak.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
Maria, you shouldn't have any problem with the Lemon Oil. I disagree with Bob on the use of Pledge or any polish that contains silicone. It can cause problems with trying to match the finish if a repair is needed. Just speaking from experience. Stick with polishes made for instruments.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
I think Randy Adams tunes his dulcimers to banjo tunings minus the fifth string, but, then, Randy is a banjo player. He does some amazing things with a four equidistant string dulcimer in banjo tunings playing noter/drone style.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
Brian, those are wonderful instruments and I'm sure a pleasure to play. Have fun with them, which I am sure you will.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
