Group Discussions

String gauge for finger picking

What  string gauges do you normally start with for an instrument that is finger picked?   It will be a 26 or 27" vsl and probably be made of black...
@Bill Robison started 4 years ago - replies: 6

Building the stick banjo...what is the correct name?

I'm waiting for some part before I can finish this stick banjo. It has a 21" scale for GDG tuning. Walnut rim, mahogany neck, and torrefied spruce...
@tukanu started 4 years ago - replies: 12

Leveling a Fretboard

I have two nice pieces of 1X2 quarter-sawn maple to make fretboards.  Problem is they have about a 1/16" bend in the middle.  So here is the...
@Matt Berg started 4 years ago - replies: 4

dulcimers at National Museum of American History

It's pretty neat the instruments can be zoomed in on for a good look, too....
@Robin Thompson started 4 years ago - replies: 3

instrument George built for Jean in 1951

https://www.si.edu/object/appalachian-dulcimer-used-jean-ritchie%3Anmah_1803595
@Robin Thompson started 4 years ago - replies: 7

End Joints

Interesting youtube look at whether or not end joints are the weakest.
@Matt Berg started 4 years ago - replies: 4

String Gauge and Intonation

Hello all. Am I correct in assuming that the reason for compensating bridges is due to the thickness of the strings? Should I compensate the bridge...
@Nate started 4 years ago - replies: 5

Tips on playing fast

I’m learning Whiskey Before Breakfast to play with my family. My dad expects to play in “fiddle speed” which seems to be around 150 bpm. Being...
@traildad started 4 years ago - replies: 15

Solid Body Bass Dulcimer

We are back in Covid lock down in Auckland, New Zealand and building the above gave me a project to tackle. Built from a kauri floor joist,...
@Hobbyhorse started 4 years ago - replies: 5

Building the Celtic Strum

The strum stick, or stick dulcimer, is the kissing cousin of the mountain dulcimer. I have been thinking of building one for some time. I...
@tukanu started 4 years ago - replies: 14