Ken Longfield

Location:

Location: Reedsville, PA
Country: US

My Latest Followers:

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 steve c. Tennessee Jed Billy T Lucky Dave Mary MacGowan Kevin R. TLKelly hugssandi Repp

Stats

youtube videos: 1
images: 77
events: 3
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

  All
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • yesterday • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @liquidtouch:
"Welcome to FOTMD Liquidtouch. We have a great bunch of builders here who can help if you have any questions about building a dulcimer. Have fun exploring..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 2 days ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @mandolady:
"Welcome to FOTMD Mandolady. I'm glad you found us here and that you are getting back to playing the mountain dulcimer. You will find a lot of good and..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 3 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @celia-a-s:
"Welcome to FOTMD Celia. I'm glad you found this site. We are happy to help you renovate you dulcimer. There are many experienced builders and restorers here..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 3 days ago • comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Coffee cans and plywood:
"Looks like an interesting construction. Can't wait to hear it. I enjoying seeing the things you come up with. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 3 days ago • comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: Tis the Gift to be Simple
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 3 days ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on The Fox:
"That was delightful John. I enjoyed watching this video. Good job. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 6 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @greenchicken:
"Welcome to FOTMD Greenchicken. The tangleharpa sounds like an interesting project. Let us know what help you need or ask questions. We are happy to help in..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 6 days ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @claire:
"Welcome to FOTMD Claire. It is good to have you aboard. You will find many resources here to help you along on your dulcimer journey. There are many online..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • one week ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Swedish Hummel:
"I don't know if this will help you, but scroll down to Scandinavian dulcimer...."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • one week ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Nickel allergy--nylon strings on an octave dulcimer?":
"I found a good bit of discussion about nickel allergy on guitar player websites. I found many alternatives including plain stainless steel strings (although..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • one week ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Fiddle":
"I took violin lessons when I was in 5th and 6th grades and then stopped when I started 7th grade. Sometimes I think it would be fun to start up again, but..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • one week ago • comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Possum boards:
"John has provided goof information for an "after market" possum board. It is merely a device to elevate your dulcimer to allow the back to vibrate freely. On..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 2 weeks ago • comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on @bill-g:
"Welcome to FOTMD Bill G. It's always good to have another Pennsylvania on board. Hopefully you will the information for which you are looking either on this..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 2 weeks ago • comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on @neil-elliott:
"Welcome to FOTMD Texas Nell. If it information you want about the mountain dulcimer, this is the place to find it. If you can find the information for which..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 2 weeks ago • comments: 105
Posted a new Comment on Beginner players:
"There are so many variables here it is difficult to give an answer. Two of my dulcimers have under saddle (bridge) pickups. One I ordered with the pickup..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 2 weeks ago • comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @dave-boyt: Southwest Missouri Dulcimer Day
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 2 weeks ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @velma-christine:
"Welcome to FOTMD Velma Christine. You will find a great deal of information about the mountain dulcimer here. Have fun exploring the site. If you have any..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 2 weeks ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @lukestone:
"Welcome to FOTMD LukeStone. It's good to have you aboard. This is a great place to learn about the mountain dulcimer and connect with other dulcimer..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 3 weeks ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @bonnie-doon:
"Welcome to FOTMD Huron. There is a wealth of information here on the mountain  dulcimer. I hope you enjoy exploring this site. If you have any questions,..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 3 weeks ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @dnorthcutt:
"Welcome to FOTMD Dnorthcutt. It's good to have aboard. Let us know if we can help you along on your dulcimer journey. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 3 weeks ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Jethro Amburgey audio from Appalshop:
"Sweet! Thanks, Robin. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 3 weeks ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @vicki-h:
"Welcome to FOTMD VickiH. It's good to have you aboard.This is a great place to learn about the mountain dulcimer as well as find encouragement for learning..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 3 weeks ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on My Dulcimers:
"I also wish it had been longer. I was surprised at how many David Honea hits I came upon. I wondered if one of the obituaries was his, but none of them..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 3 weeks ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Accompaniment":
"The only time I've played with a concertina was in a jam, but I was playing guitar, not dulcimer. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 3 weeks ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on My Dulcimers:
"I found this old web post:..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 3 weeks ago • comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on My dulcimers:
"Both instruments look good. I'm sure you have fun playing. Elvis looks good as well! Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 3 weeks ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "What to call your dulcimer collection?":
"What fun to revive this thread. I remember many years ago going to Bryan Bowers concert and he walked on stage with a stack of autoharps all tuned for..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 3 weeks ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @grysbok:
"Welcome to FOTMD Grysbok. There are many resources and much information here to help you as you begin to learn to play. Have fun exploring this site. If you..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 3 weeks ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @kat:
"Welcome to FOTMD Kat. I'm glad that you are getting back in to playing your mountain dulcimer. Have fun exploring this site. Let us know if you have any..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 3 weeks ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @claudia-watson:
"Welcome to FOTMD Claudia. Post a photo of your dulcimer and ask folks if they recognize it as of C.S. Jennings instruments. I'm not familiar with him or his..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 3 weeks ago • comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on @lauren-webster-gunton:
"Welcome to FOTMD Lauren. This site will help you learn about the mountain dulcimer. If you have any questions, just ask. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 3 weeks ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @exerstuff:
"Welcome to FOTMD Exerstuff. You've found the right place to connect with mountain dulcimer people. I look forward to your participation here. Ken "The..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 3 weeks ago • comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on @bluesky636:
"Welcome to FOTMD Bluesky636. John Calkin is an experienced luthier who builds very nice instruments. I'm sure you will enjoy your dulcimer. Ken "The dulcimer..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 3 weeks ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @patty-beckham:
"Welcome to FOTMD Patty. I hope you make the connection you are looking for. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 3 weeks ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "John Calkin Dulcimer ":
"You can send him a message here. He is jcalkin. Do a search under members for him and then click on send a message. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""

Latest Group Discussions

  All
Ken Longfield

Another Tabledit question


Yesterday I updated my Tabledit for Mac to version 3.03 a4a. I can no...
@Ken Longfield 4 months ago - Comments: 10
Ken Longfield

T - 6


This is my sixth teardrop dulcimer. The shape comes from plans by Scott...
@Ken Longfield 2 years ago - Comments: 12
Ken Longfield

Latest project - Prichard


I started to build a C.N. Prichard reproduction, but made a mistake...
@Ken Longfield 3 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 3 years ago - Comments: 3
Ken Longfield

Current build


Here are some photos as I near the completion of this project. The...
@Ken Longfield 3 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 4 years ago - Comments: 23
Ken Longfield

Wood Choice - Food For Thought


I came across this experiment for classical guitars and found it...
@Ken Longfield 7 years ago - Comments: 13
Ken Longfield

The Ugly Dulcimer - A Story


Somewhere and at sometime someone decided to build a mountain dulcimer...
@Ken Longfield 5 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 9 years ago - Comments: 17
Ken Longfield

PA German Zitter


Here are some photos of PA German zitter reproduction I'm making. There...
@Ken Longfield 6 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 10 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 6 years ago - Comments: 2
Ken Longfield

Stanley Hicks article


Although not dulcimer specific, Stanley Hicks played a significant...
@Ken Longfield 7 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 8 years ago - Comments: 14
Ken Longfield

PA German Zitter


As I understand it, Jean Ritchie saw a PA German Zitter in the...
@Ken Longfield 8 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 8 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 9 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 9 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 9 years ago - Comments: 6
Ken Longfield

String tension calculations


Over at the Banjo Hangout I saw a posting for a string tension...
@Ken Longfield 9 years ago - Comments: 5

Latest Audio

  All
Oh Lord, What A Morning

Oh Lord, What A Morning


@Ken Longfield
one month ago - Comments: 7

Latest Videos

  All
Landis Valley Zitter

Landis Valley Zitter


@Ken Longfield
5 years ago - Comments: 17

Latest Photos

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Latest Forum Discussions

  All

Just For Fun - sayings regarding the...

Posted: Tuesday September 12 2023, 1:38 PM
By: @John W. McKinstry

Dulcimer Players News demise

Posted: Tuesday July 18 2023, 12:45 PM
By: @Robin Thompson

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

For Old Time Music Fans

Posted: Friday April 3 2015, 1:07 PM
By: @Ken Longfield

Folk Music Resources

Posted: Wednesday February 11 2015, 1:18 PM
By: @Ken Longfield

A photo for Patty from Virginia

Posted: Thursday January 15 2015, 8:28 PM
By: @Patty from Virginia

The Dulcimer in Eastern Kentucky Videos

Posted: Thursday December 11 2014, 5:41 AM
By: @Rob N Lackey

2014 National Mountain Dulcimer Champions

Posted: Sunday September 21 2014, 7:35 AM
By: @John Keane

Comments

Liquidtouch
10/01/23 04:31:48PM @liquidtouch:

Thank you! 


Bill G
09/26/23 08:56:31PM @bill-g:

Thank you for the link you provided. I haven't yet had time to read the article, but it looks very interesting, and I am looking forward to doing so.


Bill G
09/20/23 07:07:37AM @bill-g:

Thank you for welcoming me.


Vicki H
09/13/23 07:15:53PM @vicki-h:

Thanks for the kind words!


Aldorwhit74
08/23/23 04:13:35PM @aldorwhit74:

Thanks for the welcoming message, Ken!


Bebe
08/20/23 12:06:01PM @bebe:

Thank you for the nice welcome!


Michelle Kaasa
08/17/23 10:36:47PM @michelle-kaasa:

Thank you!


Marcia Lee
07/25/23 03:26:18PM @joy-m:

Thank you!


swerner
07/16/23 04:46:32AM @swerner:

Hello Ken,  Thank you for welcoming me to FOTMD and for your good wishes in my selling the dulcimer.  Sincerely,  Susan  Werner


olddog75
07/08/23 02:38:27PM @olddog75:

Thank you, Ken. I hope to learn from the site and make some friends. My name is Jay Testa. the "olddog" moniker comes from me being an old dog (75) trying to learn a new trick (mountain dulcimer)  :)


Angie
06/07/23 12:01:35PM @angie:

Thank you Ken for the kind welcome. 


Crystal-B
05/18/23 07:32:48PM @crystal-b:

Thank you for the welcome, Ken!


banjobeth
04/17/23 08:46:24PM @banjobeth:

Hello Ken. Thank you for the warm welcome. I am already enjoying the site and listening to some great videos. I found some great online lessons as well. I'm a quick study when learning new instruments so I expect to be playing soon. I'm hoping to go to Evart  Festival in Michigan this summer. Do you go to this?


Bluefish
04/03/23 03:56:41PM @bluefish:

Thank you.


DJMalus
03/31/23 11:43:29AM @djmalus:

Thank you Ken! 


Chaplain Peter
03/18/23 10:34:23AM @chaplain-peter:

Thank you, Ken!  It's perfect for playing "songs without words," as well as for accompanying a singer.


TriciaL
03/13/23 07:26:25PM @tricial:

Thank you so much. I look forward to learning a lot on here.


Sharon G Key
03/12/23 12:02:23PM @sharon-g-key:

Thank you for the kind welcome. 


angelm
03/12/23 09:49:44AM @angelm:

Thanks for the nice welcome! 


Rickyt
03/06/23 10:11:18PM @rickyt:

thank you..