But....but.....then it wouldn't be a dulcimer.....[or would it?] ..ahh, the circle continues....
no need for replies...just kill'n time between mowing in the heat...
Black Thomas replication
Not to mention a table saw, bandsaw, jointer/planer, drill press, belt/disc sander, etc., etc... And electricity, of course.
Thank you, Dan, for the bit of history and insight. "guarded secrets" reminds me of my old trapping days swapping recipes for beaver lure....
I know it's been discussed elsewhere...but I really do think that if little Johnny living in the mountains had access to baltic birch plywood, machine tuners and shellac....he'd a used 'em....
Have a Happy Independence Day!
john
John Pettreemusic:
Very nice Dan! haven't heard the "dance" in quite a few years. Thanks for the trip.
A few questions if I may...
1. the fret spacing "seems" to wander back and forth. Is this a mater of the angle the photos were taken? if not, is there a reason or rule to be followed? Looks "older, doesn't matter as long a the fret is under what it needs to be , etc?
2.is there a "dulcimore" rule to dictate what direction a carved heart points? Or is it strictly artisan choice?
3. If it is not a guarded secret....what is the formula used for the finish?
...asking for a friend
....
Thank you for asking John,
1) the staples are set by hand so there will be a little variance, yes the proper VSL at that staple is what is important
2) the Thomas pieces had the hearts pointed that way as did most early pieces (Edd Presnell made reference to "hands and hearts to God" was the reason they pointed them that way)
3) there are a thousand YouTube videos about this...
- skim milk to white vinegar 8/1 let set in warm place over night (makes quark)
- rinse quark through cheese cloth three times to remove the acid
- slake hydrated lime and mix with quark about 4/1 quark/lime
- let this set in fridge over night
- warm to room temperature and add color pigment (depends on the color pigment?)
- I use an electric stirrer to keep the mix from settling
You don't have to let the mix set over night. Some folks mix it up and go with it right then but I like to give it time to wet out properly. Yes I have some guarded secrets in my mix and method beyond this recipe!
Some folks take issue with the methods I use. I have electricity, they didn't. I take issue with folks who take liberty with modern materials and call it traditional. I have heat and air conditioning in the Dulcimore Den but the materials in my replications are authentic! I'm very proud of this...
Very nice Dan! haven't heard the "dance" in quite a few years. Thanks for the trip.
A few questions if I may...
1. the fret spacing "seems" to wander back and forth. Is this a mater of the angle the photos were taken? if not, is there a reason or rule to be followed? Looks "older, doesn't matter as long a the fret is under what it needs to be , etc?
2.is there a "dulcimore" rule to dictate what direction a carved heart points? Or is it strictly artisan choice?
3. If it is not a guarded secret....what is the formula used for the finish?
...asking for a friend
....
That is awesome Dan. Great sound
Way cool, Dan. I like the KY hourglass shape lots.
What an understated beauty, Dan!
--
Site Owner
Those irritated by grain of sand best avoid beach.
-Strumelia proverb c.1990
