Everyone can SEE he's Sharp.......couldn't resist......
Newbie to Dulcimers / 1978 Yeoman
Strumelia:
Looks like a nice purchase!
You should keep in mind that your 1970s dulcimer is diatonically fretted. Many modern dulcimers have an 'extra' fret or two... most commonly a 6.5 fret. Yours does not have a 6.5 fret (which is not too difficult for a luthier to add for you if you want). This simply means that if you tune to DAd and expect to follow dulcimer tabs written for DAd tuning, you may find you are 'missing' a needed note for using that tab.
There are ways to work around that. However for now I'd suggest the easiest method is to tune to DAA instead and use tab written for DAA tuning... which usually does not call for using a 6.5 fret. Or just tune DAA or CGG and start picking out simple tunes by ear. Have fun!
Thank you for the clarification on the fretboard. Dad thought it had the 6.5 fret.
Richard Streib:
Regarding your possum board. Some members have used a piece of 3/4" shelf board cut to width and length. I have always preferred to use 1/4" solid wood, usually poplar I find at the local building supply store in the craft wood section. I generally trace the dulcimer onto the board and cut the board to the shape of the dulcimer. Then I make a fitted block at each end to secure the tail piece and head stock. To avoid scratches I pick up some adhesive backed felt at the local craft store and put that on the end blocks for protection. Then as you say strap buttons on the possum board. With the feet on your dulcimer that arrangement should really sing.
So glad your Dad is joining you on this dulcimer journey. What wonderful and special memories will come from this.
A gentle warning: Dulcimer Acquisition Disorder (DAD) may come knocking at your door. It is not fatal nor debilitating. The symptoms can temporarily be treated with the addition of another dulcimer to your collection. But in time, in my experience anyway, the symptoms tend to recur, some times multiple times over the course of the months and years.
Best wishes to you and your Dad on your dulcimer journey.
I'm fully aware of Acquisition Disorder in a couple of other hobbies (Hunting, Fishing, Blacksmithing/knife making...). Thank you for the warning.
Dusty Turtle:
Good advice so far. I have always had good results with Howard Feed N Wax, especially with older wood that might have dried out a bit.
Thank you for the feedback.
Good advice so far. I have always had good results with Howard Feed N Wax, especially with older wood that might have dried out a bit.
--
Dusty T., Northern California
Site Moderator
As a musician, you have to keep one foot back in the past and one foot forward into the future.
-- Dizzy Gillespie
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."
https://wahiduddin.net/calc/calc_guitar_tension_from_size.htm
Here is a good string calculator, that also shows what percentage of breaking strength you get into with different sizes and type of strings [plain/wound etc]. I used a different one to show "whole instrument" tensions for you. For the different tuning of DAAA and DAdd you can see how the melody strings vary from about 25% breaking strength at A3 to 42% at d4.
I tend to play with these tools more when I'm trying to replace the odd missing strings on harps, but it can get to be fun trying to see what can work with different VSL s ...
Short answer.... .012 .012 .014..and a wound .024 should work fine....
John Pettreemusic:
Great job! I assume you got the case too. Easily worth twice what you paid. Seems to be in fine shape as well.
Just about everything that goes out my door is strung with 2x .012 melodies [d] 1x .014 [A] and 1x .024 [D] .
Cleaning "should" be about the same as your guitar, but I suspect the finish is shellac, so be careful with anything alcohol based as it will dissolve the finish. 000/0000 steel wool for the frets and fingerboard, a bit of oil if it seems dry.
You've got a nice piece of history to care for now, [oh how I wish they could talk] , welcome to the adventure............
Ken Longfield:
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."
John and Ken,
After talking more with my dad, he did not get the actual string gauges. The maker provided a "guestimate" of what she thought they put on the instrument.
With that in mind, the VSL is 25 and 1/8 inches (from the fretboard side of the nut to the front edge of the bridge). What would be the proper string gauges?
Thank you Ken for the information. I will report back here with updates as we make progress.
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."
Regarding your possum board. Some members have used a piece of 3/4" shelf board cut to width and length. I have always preferred to use 1/4" solid wood, usually poplar I find at the local building supply store in the craft wood section. I generally trace the dulcimer onto the board and cut the board to the shape of the dulcimer. Then I make a fitted block at each end to secure the tail piece and head stock. To avoid scratches I pick up some adhesive backed felt at the local craft store and put that on the end blocks for protection. Then as you say strap buttons on the possum board. With the feet on your dulcimer that arrangement should really sing.
So glad your Dad is joining you on this dulcimer journey. What wonderful and special memories will come from this.
A gentle warning: Dulcimer Acquisition Disorder (DAD) may come knocking at your door. It is not fatal nor debilitating. The symptoms can temporarily be treated with the addition of another dulcimer to your collection. But in time, in my experience anyway, the symptoms tend to recur, some times multiple times over the course of the months and years.
Best wishes to you and your Dad on your dulcimer journey.
Thank you to each of you that replied.
Thank you for the information on tuning to DAA or CGG.
I checked my guitar cleaning stuff and I’ll have to pass on them. I read somewhere in this site that people use Howard’s Feed and Beeswax for cleaning and polishing???
My dad was able to have a conversation with Ellen Yeoman today. Bryan Mumford connected them. She said it was originally strung with .010, .012 and .024. However, I will run with the suggestion from @john-petry unless there is an obvious reason otherwise.
The base string pin has developed a slightly oblong hole and with the string off is a tad loose. I am considering using woodworking glue and mahogany dust to fill and re-drill the hole. Again, unless there are other recommendations.
Next step will be to look for or make a possum board to make it easier for dad to hold and also avoid drilling holes for strap buttons on the body.
I will post the string length later tonight or tomorrow.
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."
Looks like a nice purchase!
You should keep in mind that your 1970s dulcimer is diatonically fretted. Many modern dulcimers have an 'extra' fret or two... most commonly a 6.5 fret. Yours does not have a 6.5 fret (which is not too difficult for a luthier to add for you if you want). This simply means that if you tune to DAd and expect to follow dulcimer tabs written for DAd tuning, you may find you are 'missing' a needed note for using that tab.
There are ways to work around that. However for now I'd suggest the easiest method is to tune to DAA instead and use tab written for DAA tuning... which usually does not call for using a 6.5 fret. Or just tune DAA or CGG and start picking out simple tunes by ear. Have fun!
--
Site Owner
Those irritated by grain of sand best avoid beach.
-Strumelia proverb c.1990
Congrats on your new to you dulcimer. It is interesting to note that it has feet on the back. That was somewhat standard in Appalachia long ago. Many people played with the dulcimer on the table standing as they played. The table top acted as a sound board and rendered a louder sound. Some people use bamboo or river cane for a noter. The strings likely need changing. Regarding care for the dulcimer, the advice I have always received and followed is to avoid any product with silicone in it. John's suggestion of string gauges is a great starting point. Enjoy your dulcimer.
Great job! I assume you got the case too. Easily worth twice what you paid. Seems to be in fine shape as well.
Just about everything that goes out my door is strung with 2x .012 melodies [d] 1x .014 [A] and 1x .024 [D].
Cleaning "should" be about the same as your guitar, but I suspect the finish is shellac, so be careful with anything alcohol based as it will dissolve the finish. 000/0000 steel wool for the frets and fingerboard, a bit of oil if it seems dry.
You've got a nice piece of history to care for now, [oh how I wish they could talk], welcome to the adventure............
On Monday I purchased a mountain dulcimer at a local antique store. I was able to find a little information on the make and model, but I was hoping to find a bit more here.
The label indicates it was made by Ellen Yeoman of Mixolydian Musical Wood Works in Summerland, CA, in 1978. I did a quick Google search and found an old page connected to Bryan Mumford, which also included a phone number. Amazingly, Bryan Mumford answered the phone, and I was able to send him some pictures. He confirmed it was one of the ones they made and that it has a solid spruce top with Mahogany back and sides (the the back appears to be plywood).
He did not remember what size strings they used on these instruments and was uncertain of the value. Since it was the first used one I had seen locally, I took a chance, bargained a bit, and purchased it for $120.
Here are my questions:
1. Was my purchase price in the ballpark?
2. What size strings would be appropriate for this instrument?
3. It needs a cleaning, and since I play guitar a bit, would using those products be safe?
I've already poked around this site a bit and have some ideas for a noter and picks (I can make those). I've also found some ideas for tuning, but I'm still open to suggestions for the easiest method.
The plan is to learn to play it. My 86-year-old dad also wants to learn, so we are going to embark on this together. Both of us have interests in Appalachian, Bluegrass, and folk music. He also makes and plays Native American-style flutes.
The more I dig around this site it appears it has a plethora of information and friendly folks.
