Wally, here's Lois' TMB with the handle attached to the player's side:
Tennessee music box just finished
Here's a picture of the Walmart door handle I just installed on my TMB.
Because I built it with traditional 1/2 inch thick faces, the TMB weighs about 11 pounds. The handle is a big help in carrying it.
I put in on the playing side which helps in putting it on a table. My guess is that a lot of TMDs were used on tables. It also makes it less of a focus for and audience.
That TMB looks mighty good John.
Thanks, Wally! I actually DID put a metal door handle on one I built for one of our members here, Lois S Keel. She gives presentations dressed as a schoolmarm and wanted one of these to play when she performs. And it was finished with walnut stain. Looks real nice! I've painted checkerboards on the back of a couple, too.
I'll bet it sounds reel good! It looks almost authentic.
Why don't these things have screen door handles on one side? They are heavy. I've been thinkin' about screwin' one to mine.
I think the authenticity would be better if it was finished with red or black barn paint, but that can be a buyer installed option..
This music box is still available for purchase now. It's a tribute to an older time in dulcimer history.
This new solid-poplar Tennessee music box is offered for sale. This is a replica of heavy, primitive dulcimers produced just after the Civil War in south-central Tennessee. David Schnaufer was crazy about these things and made a video of several old ones, and collaborated on an article about them and their history. You can read more and see a video on my website of a guy playing one with a violin bow! knopfdulcimers.com
The list price for these is $375, but I'll sell it to you for $300 plus shipping. How's that?
