Ken Longfield

Location:

Location: Reedsville, PA
Country: US

My Latest Followers:

mjlipari188 Micki RobMachin seaswmr AppalachiaSky Moon Dancer MelSabol Mary_Adelee Chaplain Peter SJMawhee87 Kris Paul 1 dronehound Homer Ross mac bhodaich Kenneth Woolley III dreadnought28 Dulcimerlady JDH54 AndiBear Susan Ann MandaPanda NancyH Dulcianne Quigley John Desaulniers Jr Wendell G dchenaul syoung Big Bubba chiselerinwood Wally Venable KnobbyNotes Blackhawk13 Emjay Noah Cline hstulips haydee025 Ballad Gal Exukaden Ariane sbarnett524 Debbie Kopp Simpkins Sue MacKenzie - ADK Friends sweetbriar jcurtis55 cairney Tennessee Jed Billy T Lucky Dave

Stats

youtube videos: 1
images: 77
events: 5
Groups: 1
audio tracks: 1

I am retired and live in the Appalachian Mountains of Pennsylvania. I built my first mountain dulcimer in 1974.  I continue to build mountain dulcimers, hammered dulcimers and do repair work on them as well as guitars and banjos. I enjoy old time music, bluegrass, and folk music from before and after the folk scare of the 1950s and 1960s.

Latest Activity

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Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • yesterday • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Judith Giddings, Rest in Peace":
"Although I already saw this sad news on Facebook I appreciate your sharing it here Lisa. I did not know Judith but as Dusty notes she was a caring person..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 2 days ago • comments: 29
Posted a new Comment on A scheitholt with no first fret:
"Steve, a zitter I examined at the Landis Valley Farm and Museum had a very thick nail that served as the bridge. It was hammered in to the head stock and..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 2 days ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @revdave:
"Welcome to FOTMD, RevDave. It's good to have you aboard. I look forward to your participation here. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 2 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @md-swede:
"Welcome to FOTMD, MD_Swede. It's good to have you aboard. I look forward to your participation here. Have fun exploring this site. Let us know if you have..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 2 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @maya-hudson:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Maya. It's good to have you aboard. I look forward to your participation here. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 2 days ago • comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on Is this simply a type of hummel, or something else??:
"I like that, Leo, a kretzither. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 2 days ago • comments: 29
Posted a new Comment on A scheitholt with no first fret:
"On the two zitters I have both the nut and the bridge have a wire which goes across the top of each one. It could be that the brass wires at the nut and..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 4 days ago • comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on Is this simply a type of hummel, or something else??:
"I do hope Wilfied Ulrich see this and can provide an answer. I think because of the drone strings in sets of three It might be called a kratzither. Here is..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 4 days ago
@ken-longfield is now following @leo-kretzner
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 4 days ago • comments: 29
Posted a new Comment on A scheitholt with no first fret:
"Hi, Leo, most Pennsylvania German zitters are made by amateurs and not by musical instrument makers. To the best of my knowledge there is only one identified..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 4 days ago • comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on A Little Zither History:
"That's a wonderful photo, Salt. It is a little difficult to see the zither, but to me it appears to be a hummel type instrument rather than a concert..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 4 days ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @ukemama:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Ukemama. It's good to have you aboard. I look forward to your participation in these discussions. Have fun exploring this site. Can't wait..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 4 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @stefan:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Stefan. It's good to have you aboard. I look forward to your participation in these discussions. Have fun exploring this site. Ken "The..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 6 days ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @dulcillini:
"I remember you. That case is still providing protection for a couple of instruments. It certainly comes in handy when I travel with my collection of..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • one week ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @dulcillini:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Dulcillini. It's good to have you aboard. Have fun exploring this site. I look forward to you participation here. Ken :The dulcimer sings a..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • one week ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @jersey-jeff:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Jersey Jeff. It's good to have you aboard. I look forward to your participation in these discussions. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • one week ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Drifting Thread...":
"I'm glad to hear that you are/were safe during the hurricane. Stay safe. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • one week ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Drifting Thread...":
"I'm speechless after watching that. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • one week ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @crazylegs-75:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Crazylegs75. It's good to have you aboard. This is a wonderful place to find help as you begin your dulcimer journey. Have fun exploring..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • one week ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "How do I put a new posting in "The :Positive Thread?"":
"Wonderful story, John. Thanks for sharing it. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 2 weeks ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "1977 Robert Mize":
"Like Nate said, geee is not a dulcimer tuning. The dulcimer you have was meant to be tuned DAAA, but that doesn't mean it has to be tuned in that way. You..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 2 weeks ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @capewavedancer:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Capewavedancer. It's good to have you aboard. I'm also a septuagenarian, but this is my 50th year in the dulcimer community. Let us know if..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 2 weeks ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "1977 Robert Mize":
"Olddog75, I saw your second post after I posted my reply. The 0.10 strings should be good for the d strings. For the A string you probably want something..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 2 weeks ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "1977 Robert Mize":
"Olddog75 has provided good information.  A good source of strings is juststrings.com . You can make up your own sets. If you find that you don't like..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 2 weeks ago • comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Quick Bundt Dulcimer:
"Thanks, Nate. That is a better explanation. Still not sure what you were hoping to achieve or demonstrate. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 2 weeks ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "My 40 year old box of harmonicas":
"What a nice find, Jim. It's fun to be reacquainted with things you've enjoyed in the past but forgot about. Have fun with harps. I'm not familiar with Sonny..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 2 weeks ago • comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Quick Bundt Dulcimer:
"I'm not sure what you were trying to achieve. An octave on a diatonic dulcimer is eight frets or seven if you start with an open string. How do you get an..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 2 weeks ago • comments: 11
Posted a new Comment on Traveling Mercies - a work-in-progress, for PMOTPD :
"That's a beautiful melody and well played by both of you. Thanks for sharing. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 3 weeks ago • comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on @herbwilson:
"Welcome to FOTMD Herb. It's good to have you aboard. You will find lots of playing tips here. If you can't find what you are looking for by searching the..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 3 weeks ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @gayle-hock:
"Welcome to FOTMD Gayle. It's good to have you aboard. You will find many folks to love here. Have fun exploring this site. You will discover a great..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 3 weeks ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @annestl:
"Welcome to FOTMD Anne. It’s good to have you aboard. You are diving in to a deep pool of information about mountain dulcimers here. Have fun exploring this..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 3 weeks ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @craig-ohmart:
"Welcome to FOTMD Craig. It’s good to have you aboard. Have fun exploring this site. You’ll find a lot of good information about dulcimer building and playing..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 3 weeks ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @johncart:
"Welcome to FOTMD Johncart. It’s good to have you aboard. I look forward to your participation here. Ken “The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 3 weeks ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @akituko:
"Welcome to FOTMD Akituko. I can't imagine Eminem on mountain dulcimer, but to each their own. Have fun exploring this site. Let us know if have any..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 4 weeks ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @paula-trojahn:
"Welcome to FOTMD Paula. It's good to have you aboard. I hope you find some dulcimer players in Mayfield. I hope you will continue to participate here. I look..."

Latest Group Discussions

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Ken Longfield

Another Tabledit question


Yesterday I updated my Tabledit for Mac to version 3.03 a4a. I can no...
@Ken Longfield last year - Comments: 10
Ken Longfield

T - 6


This is my sixth teardrop dulcimer. The shape comes from plans by Scott...
@Ken Longfield 3 years ago - Comments: 12
Ken Longfield

Latest project - Prichard


I started to build a C.N. Prichard reproduction, but made a mistake...
@Ken Longfield 4 years ago - Comments: 9
Ken Longfield

Making wood tuning pegs


For those of us who make wood tuning pegs, what finish do you put on...
@Ken Longfield 4 years ago - Comments: 3
Ken Longfield

Current build


Here are some photos as I near the completion of this project. The...
@Ken Longfield 4 years ago - Comments: 15
Ken Longfield

Tuning peg knobs


I have a customer who is having the tuning pegs replaced on two of his...
@Ken Longfield 5 years ago - Comments: 23
Ken Longfield

Wood Choice - Food For Thought


I came across this experiment for classical guitars and found it...
@Ken Longfield 8 years ago - Comments: 13
Ken Longfield

The Ugly Dulcimer - A Story


Somewhere and at sometime someone decided to build a mountain dulcimer...
@Ken Longfield 6 years ago - Comments: 8
Ken Longfield

Repairing a Diamond Dulcimer


While this is not a build, we do not have a specific area to show...
@Ken Longfield 10 years ago - Comments: 17
Ken Longfield

PA German Zitter


Here are some photos of PA German zitter reproduction I'm making. There...
@Ken Longfield 7 years ago - Comments: 17
Ken Longfield

Not a Mountain Dulcimer


A few folks here at FOTMD know that I was working on a hammered...
@Ken Longfield 11 years ago - Comments: 9
Ken Longfield

A New "Old" Project


Back maybe 20 to 25 years ago, my sister was wandering through a yard...
@Ken Longfield 7 years ago - Comments: 2
Ken Longfield

Stanley Hicks article


Although not dulcimer specific, Stanley Hicks played a significant...
@Ken Longfield 8 years ago - Comments: 8
Ken Longfield

The Story of the Dulcimer, Second Edition


This is just a notice that it is available for pre-ordering on Amazon.
@Ken Longfield 9 years ago - Comments: 14
Ken Longfield

PA German Zitter


As I understand it, Jean Ritchie saw a PA German Zitter in the...
@Ken Longfield 9 years ago - Comments: 0
Ken Longfield

Old-time West Virginia bands


County Sales currently has these two CDs on sale for $7.00 each if...
@Ken Longfield 9 years ago - Comments: 1
Ken Longfield

Wartz Tab Book Corrections


In the Wartz tab book for the DAA "Leaning On The Everlasting Arms," the...
@Ken Longfield 10 years ago - Comments: 2
Ken Longfield

My First Prichard


It is not quite finished, but I thought I would share a photo of my...
@Ken Longfield 10 years ago - Comments: 14
Ken Longfield

J. E. Thomas Dulcimer #1465 played by Joe Collins


Here is a link to a video of Joe Collins playing my James E. "Uncle Ed"...
@Ken Longfield 10 years ago - Comments: 6
Ken Longfield

String tension calculations


Over at the Banjo Hangout I saw a posting for a string tension...
@Ken Longfield 10 years ago - Comments: 5

Latest Audio

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Oh Lord, What A Morning

Oh Lord, What A Morning


@Ken Longfield
last year - Comments: 7

Latest Videos

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Landis Valley Zitter

Landis Valley Zitter


@Ken Longfield
6 years ago - Comments: 19

Latest Photos

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Latest Forum Discussions

  All

Something Old with a new surprise

Posted: Thursday July 18 2024, 8:42 AM
By: @Ken Longfield

Folklife in Ohio

Posted: Wednesday July 17 2024, 11:07 AM
By: @cairney

Pete Seeger

Posted: Sunday June 2 2024, 6:17 PM
By: @Jim Yates

Dulcimer Players News demise

Posted: Saturday May 4 2024, 7:52 PM
By: @Ken Longfield

Something to watch

Posted: Wednesday April 24 2024, 9:42 AM
By: @Ken Longfield

Robert N. Lackey, rest in peace

Posted: Wednesday March 6 2024, 11:45 AM
By: @Dusty Turtle

Just For Fun - sayings regarding the...

Posted: Thursday February 22 2024, 3:55 AM
By: @shanonmilan

Everythingdulcimer.com

Posted: Sunday July 16 2023, 1:58 PM
By: @Strumelia

Gary Sager

Posted: Thursday March 23 2023, 9:43 AM
By: @Robin Thompson

John Crocker

Posted: Thursday March 9 2023, 5:02 PM
By: @Ken Longfield

Mike Clemmer

Posted: Friday December 17 2021, 9:41 AM
By: @Skip

Don Pedi honored

Posted: Thursday September 16 2021, 6:11 AM
By: @Susie

Joni Mitchell and Mountain Dulcimers

Posted: Thursday August 26 2021, 8:38 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle

Zoom group invitation

Posted: Sunday May 23 2021, 6:24 PM
By: @Ken Longfield

An Interesting News Story from West Virginia

Posted: Thursday April 15 2021, 8:15 PM
By: @Ken Longfield

Bonnie Carol

Posted: Saturday April 3 2021, 6:54 PM
By: @Ken Longfield

Newspaper Article

Posted: Saturday March 13 2021, 10:38 AM
By: @Robin Thompson

Jon Pickow's last performance

Posted: Saturday January 23 2021, 10:07 PM
By: @Ken Hulme

Sad News -- RIP Ralph Lee Smith

Posted: Thursday December 31 2020, 3:05 PM
By: @Robin Thompson

Dr. George Orthey, Mountain dulcimer and...

Posted: Thursday November 26 2020, 12:07 PM
By: @Robin Thompson

Anyone bidding"

Posted: Thursday September 17 2020, 5:49 AM
By: @Susie

The New ED

Posted: Sunday April 19 2020, 10:50 AM
By: @Ken Longfield

Guitar project

Posted: Tuesday January 28 2020, 9:13 PM
By: @Susie

Sad News

Posted: Tuesday January 15 2019, 8:16 PM
By: @jeffrey charles foster

Capritaurus Dulcimer - Oh My!

Posted: Thursday November 22 2018, 7:56 AM
By: @Robin Thompson

Hindman Dulcimer Homecoming

Posted: Monday February 26 2018, 12:56 PM
By: @Jan Potts

Ukulele construction

Posted: Thursday September 14 2017, 9:42 AM
By: @Ken Longfield

Hindman, Kentucky

Posted: Saturday November 26 2016, 9:14 PM
By: @John C. Knopf

Wayfaring Strangers

Posted: Thursday February 4 2016, 8:56 AM
By: @Ken Longfield

Clifford Glenn

Posted: Sunday July 26 2015, 10:17 AM
By: @Ken Longfield

Comments

MD_Swede
10/02/24 06:28:44PM @md-swede:

Thank you very much for welcoming me. Im very happy to have found FOTMD,  its a goldmine for me to find so much information. Mountain dulcimer is a very rare instrument in Sweden so this is great! 


RevDave
10/02/24 01:14:33PM @revdave:

Thanks!


dulcillini
09/27/24 11:52:00PM @dulcillini:

Ken:  Nice to hear from you.  We met in Indiana a few years ago when I sold you a double dulcimer case.  All the best to you.


todd metcalf
08/20/24 11:12:31AM @todd-metcalf:

Thanks Richard....so the 4th melody string is a duplicate to on of the 3, so as to create more of that same note? Correct? 


Richard Streib
08/19/24 07:25:32PM @richard-streib:

Yes, many of the 4 stringers have a doubled melody set of 2. To play with 3 strings simply remove one of the two. Some people do play 4 equidistant strings.


todd metcalf
08/19/24 06:57:34PM @todd-metcalf:

Ken I really appreciate your thorough response. As a beginner this gives me the detail I need. I was AWOL for a bit but am now following your advice with these makers and shopping on EBay. Im looking for simplicity so learning is easier. There seem to be a lot more 4 stringers for sale than 3 strings. I'm drawn to the 3 for ease and simplicity. Why are there 4 stringers ? Are 2 strings duplicates? Please give me your feelings and opinions as a seasoned player. Again, I appreciate your assistance very, very much.

 Kindly, Todd Metcalf


William
08/07/24 05:09:20PM @william:

Thanks! I have been jamming with groups in Houston and a couple in College Station, but am spending half my time in Waco now. It would be nice to find someone in that vicinity. Or maybe someone would want lessons...

William


todd metcalf
07/26/24 11:49:39PM @todd-metcalf:

Thank you so very much for all of this super helpful info.  I want to keep it simple so will start with 3 strings. This is just the sort of info I've needed. Can't wait to try a few but it's 200 miles to L. A. to a gathering. May have to bit the bullet and go as I want to get one that "feels good" in my lap and tot the touch, and sounds sweet and pretty. Any other input is welcomed !!! Thanks again!, Todd 


todd metcalf
07/26/24 01:06:52PM @todd-metcalf:

Thank you ! what do yourecommeed as a good beginner's Dulcimer ?


Gen
07/17/24 04:47:26PM @gen:

I received this email today from Howard Rugg and perhaps it can shed some light on our conversation:

'Hello Genevieve

D100S is Solid mahogany sides and back with a spruce top.  About the value, I am unable to help and don't know who can.  Try Google

 Howard"

What do you think? See photos too. I hope they are clear enough.  Thanks again, Gen


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Gen
07/17/24 04:25:55PM @gen:

Thank you for responding so quickly! The dulcimer model no. is D100S not 1000...probably just a typo. I doubt it, but would that have made any difference in your answer?


idle strummer
06/27/24 02:58:26AM @idle-strummer:

Thank you Ken.

As a 76 year old complete starter I shall sit quietly in the background gaining knowledge but I do have a lot of questions.


GailR
06/23/24 05:45:52PM @gailr:

Thanks


DulciPlayer
06/18/24 09:52:26PM @dulciplayer:

Thank you, Ken!


jerrytro
06/15/24 12:55:44PM @jerrytro:

Yes, aware of how McSpadden has all of their craftsmen sign.  Still, it was great to meet Richard when I was there.  I believe he’s in his early 80’s and still working his craft.  And I do have a few of the Folkcraft ancestors:  a Capri-Taurus by Howard Rugg, a Rugg & Jackel Folkroots, and I also have a David Marks older teardrop walnut Folkcraft.  Those two makers, McSpadden and Folkcraft, make great instruments.  Of course there are other nice makers as well.  I’ve never heard a Blue Lion but understand they are very nice.  Or a Warren May. I do have a new Ron Gibson hourglass, which I would recommend to anyone.  Thanks for all the comments.


jerrytro
06/14/24 11:41:01PM @jerrytro:

Aside from the fact that I've gotten some very nice instruments (and at pretty good prices too!), I've really enjoyed researching the history of these various dulcimer makers.  I play them all, sometimes each one every day.  Going to Mt. View to meet the folks at the Dulcimer Shoppe was great fun.  The new one I bought there was signed by Mr. Richard Stolz.  Richard also signed the McSpadden I initially bought dated 2000.  I got to meet him and he said that he'd been there since 1975 or 76.  We took a Facebook photo together.  The McSpadden I have on order - I asked that Richard sign that one too.  Since I have all the Folkcraft "ancestors" maybe I'll get a new Folkcraft later this year.  


ottertail
06/06/24 09:02:58PM @ottertail:

Thanks for the welcome.


iwbiek
06/02/24 02:26:22PM @iwbiek:

Hey, Ken, I appreciate that. Yeah, I've been a few places over the years. I just posted my question in the forums. Thanks.


misaacka
05/30/24 10:57:41AM @misaacka:

Thanks for the warm welcome, Ken!  


Helen
05/13/24 10:22:28PM @helen:

Between $300-$700 would be my budget.  I'm not experienced enough to retool an inferior instrument so I'm okay with paying as long as I know for sure I'll be getting a quality product and supporting the builder.  Thank you for any insights you can provide!