Ken Longfield

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! 

Thanks!

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.

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? 

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.

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

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

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 

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

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

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?

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.

Thanks

Thank you, Ken!

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.

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.  

Thanks for the welcome.

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

Thanks for the warm welcome, Ken!  

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!