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Location:

Location: Reedsville, PA
Country: US

My Latest Followers:

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 • 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 • 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 • 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 • 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 • 3 days ago • comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: Tis the Gift to be Simple

@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 • 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 • 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 • 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 • 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 • 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 • 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 • 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 • 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 • 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 • 2 weeks ago • comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @dave-boyt: Southwest Missouri Dulcimer Day

@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 • 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 • 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 • 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 • 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 • 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 • 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 • 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 • 3 weeks ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on My Dulcimers:

"I found this old web post:..."

@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 • 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 • 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 • 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 • 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 • 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 • 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 • 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 • 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 • 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

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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

T - 6

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

Latest project - Prichard

I started to build a C.N. Prichard reproduction, but made a mistake...
@Ken Longfield 3 years ago - Comments: 9

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

Current build

Here are some photos as I near the completion of this project. The...
@Ken Longfield 3 years ago - Comments: 15

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

Wood Choice - Food For Thought

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

The Ugly Dulcimer - A Story

Somewhere and at sometime someone decided to build a mountain dulcimer...
@Ken Longfield 5 years ago - Comments: 8

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

PA German Zitter

Here are some photos of PA German zitter reproduction I'm making. There...
@Ken Longfield 6 years ago - Comments: 17

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

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

Stanley Hicks article

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

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

PA German Zitter

As I understand it, Jean Ritchie saw a PA German Zitter in the...
@Ken Longfield 8 years ago - Comments: 0

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

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

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

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

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

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Oh Lord, What A Morning

@Ken Longfield
one month ago - Comments: 7

Latest Videos

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Landis Valley Zitter

@Ken Longfield
5 years ago - Comments: 17

Latest Photos

All

Latest Forum Discussions

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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

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

Thank you!

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.

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

Thank you for welcoming me.

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

Thanks for the kind words!

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

Thanks for the welcoming message, Ken!

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

Thank you for the nice welcome!

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

Thank you!

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

Thank you!

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

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) :)

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

Thank you Ken for the kind welcome.

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

Thank you for the welcome, Ken!

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?