Gary Roys

Gary, that dulcimer looks really good. You are doing a fine job of refinishing it.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Thanks, Ken... it's getting better.

Yesterday, I rubbed another coat on in the early morning, and another in the evening... so, four coats altogether... of Min-Wax Wipe-on Poly.  It slowly has gotten to looking like it 'has' finish on it, though even after final coat, it was hardly shiny.  This afternoon, I rubbed it all over with a crumpled-up brown paper lunch sack, which did soften & even it out further.

Probably re-fit the tuners and put new strings on it tomorrow.  I took some pics this afternoon, trying to show the state of the finish at this point..........

keepin' on... Gary

Gary, sorry for your loss. Your refinishing the dulcimer is a great way to honor her memory. May it bring you peace as you do so.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Welcome back, Gary. Best wishes on your refinishing project. I'm not much of a fan of glossy finishes on dulcimers. I think I've only done one and it was a polyurethane finish. Since then I've stuck with satin lacquer finishes or an oil finish. I look forward to seeing a photo of the refinished dulcimer.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

After a long absence, I'm back.  Slowly getting my act together in retirement [after 10 yrs] and leaning in the direction of getting back to dulcimer making & playing.

Lots of arthritis issues these days, including in hands, so I've given up on getting back to guitar playing... seems like the dulcimer's more user-friendly with that in mind.  I still have 3, including one I made for my wife, Elaine back in '88.  It has guitar tuners, so that'll make tuning easier as well.  But it never was even close to 'glossy' and I thought I'd add a few coats of wipe-on poly to give it a bit of shine.  De-strung it today, then wiped it down with mineral spirits, followed by a little rubbing alchohol... hoping to get rid of any furniture polish etc that may remain.

FWIW:  Sides, peghead & back of red elm... top western red cedar... looks like fretboard is cherry, with some pine transition pieces under the fretboard. [I experimented a lot back then.]

Refinishing work starts tomorrow... big family meal tonight.............

Welcome to FOTMD Gary. It's good to have you aboard. Glad to hear that you are getting back in to dulcimers.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Hey Gary, welcome aboard. Glad ya found us.

Howdy and welcome to FOTMD!

Hi Gary, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the dulcimer, and to meet some good people.

Ben

Welcome, Gary, to this little corner of dulcimer heaven. I'll bet over 1/2 of our members heard/saw their 1st dulcimer in Mt View. Mine was either there or Jasper, Ark. Hope you enjoy it here.

Rob