Ken Longfield

Thanks for the welcome Ken. Looking forward to some informative discussions.

I would send Strumelia a message and ask.

I was surprised to see that my profile was no longer existing here I wish I can find out if I could find some of my old photos and videos

All the newer music you mentioned is covered by copyright laws which makes their use and distribution expensive for dulcimer people. To make a tab of, let's say, a Simon and Garfunkel song you need permission from the owner of the copyright; either the composer/lyricist or publisher or both. Once you obtain permission, you will be required to pay a royalty on the use of the song; e.g., ten cents for each copy distributed. There are some folks who have followed this route and published tab for newer songs. There was someone who did a Johnny Cash songbook for dulcimer. Tull Glazner offers some newer music. They are out there, but they are not free. Asking for help in finding tab for a particular song is a regular occurrence on dulcimer websites. Let folks know what songs your are interested in, and see if any of them know where to find what you want.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

I like a lot of the older songs, but having trouble finding tab for some newer music. 50, 60,& 70 popular and Christian. Any help would be appreciated.

All I can say about Ron Ewing is that he is an excellent builder who makes fine dulcimers. You won't be disappointed with his work. As for the wood choices, they will make a fine instrument. Both will give a warmer sound than, say, walnut, cherry, or spruce.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Ken:  thank you for the prior comment on the older McSpadden M12-S

Thanks for the warm welcome Ken.  So much to learn and just don't know where to begin, but looking forward to this new adventure. 

Hi Ken, I just saw the message you sent in February about the time I was traveling down to Florida and then driving back to Maine.  I went by 81.  Stopped by a place in West Virginia that I am hoping to come back to later this year.  So much was closed due to COVID.

Ben

thank you glad to be here

Hello Ken:  I am a brand new member and Jim Fawcett suggested I contact you regrding a 2001 McSpadden M12-S that I'm considering.

I contacted McSpadden and they gave me the following specs:

The M12 series dulcimers used a laminate back with solid wood otherwise.  You are correct that this dulcimer is made of walnut except for the top which is spruce.

The overall length of this dulcimer is 36 inches.  The width at the upper bout is 5 ¾ inches, the lower bout is 7.  The VSL is 28 ½.  The depth of the body is 1 ¾ and the fretboard stands 1 inch above that.

It looks in great shape from pics (see attached photo) but it's about 5 hours away.  I'm somewhat concerned that it has a laminated walnut back and it appears that it has 20 frets (including what looks like "0", 6-1/2 and 13-1/2 frets).  Any comments on laminated back and fretting or other comments would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, John

Thank you for your warm welcome.

Ken, thank you SO much for your thoughtful donation to keep FOTMD running!

Strumelia 

Thanks for the welcome, Ken!  I look forward to the music and the community in the day us ahead!

Hello Ken!  Sorry I didn't respond to your message earlier.  I'm still getting used to navigating around this forum.  I have pictures I can send you and would love to be on your list of people who have older dulcimers.  How should I send the pictures to you?  Privately or on the forum?  I am certainly not a computer wiz! LOL!  

Thanks for the welcome, Ken!

Thank you for your welcome I have only just worked out how the board works!

Thank you, Ken, for the warm welcome. I'm looking forward to participating in this group; I have a lot to learn and it seems there are a lot of people who know a lot! The dulcimer may be called a "simple instrument," but once one gets into different tunings, modes, additions of frets, and styles of playing, it goes beyond "simple" very quickly. I really look forward to progressing and enjoying playing.

I notice you post a lot of very helpful knowledge and suggestions. Thanks; I'm sure you're going to be a real help to me. Hope to advance to the place where I can "give back" to other new players! Thanks again.

Fumble Fingers (aka Mary)

Thanks for the warm welcome!

Hi thanks Ken I have send you a private message to see if you still have the Walnut Valley brochure I saw you mention to someone else about 3 years ago, and if you would be able to email me it please. I have just bought a vintage Walnut valley Smokey River series model, just waiting for its arrival.

I'm new to dulcimer but I do play guitar and sing so looking forward to a different instrument.