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Location: Palm Bay. Florida
Country: Brevard

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@shopdad • 2 days ago • comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Shop Dad pics:

"OK, I wasn't aware that my shop attic would be warm enough. It gets really hot up there. Always very dry so that would work. I can do long pieces up to 12..."

@shopdad • 2 days ago • comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Shop Dad pics:

"Ken, That's a cool story too. It sounds like you and I are on the same page with DIY interests. All the history wood on my instruments may not sound better..."

@shopdad • 3 days ago

@shopdad is now following @ken-longfield

@shopdad • 3 days ago • comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Shop Dad pics:

"Ha! Ken, I was wondering what that sloshing noise was. I looked back on some past comments a while back on this site but didn't find anyone nearby. I get..."

@shopdad • 3 days ago • comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Shop Dad pics:

"Thanks Strumelia. The small fish tail antique is the one I own. The man in the pic is the owner of a Dulcimer shop in Tenn. I took it up for him to give me..."

@shopdad • 3 weeks ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Shifting bridge and nut":

"Wally, Wow! that's pretty precise fret work. The black marker process is a great idea. I will use that on two of my instruments. I have filed frets before..."

@shopdad • 3 weeks ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Leveling of frets - why?":

"Very useful information. I found out about frets and fret boards the hard way. I purchased a kit that was partially built. The owner lost interest (if you..."

@shopdad • 3 weeks ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Shifting bridge and nut":

"Thanks Ken. That may well be the reason for the buzz. My strings are set much higher. I have tried several different remedies. I learned one thing. You can't..."

@shopdad • 3 weeks ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Shifting bridge and nut":

"There seems to be some differences of opinion on bridge and nut height from fret board to string. One builder says 3/8s" One of my dulcimers is tuned AEA and..."

@shopdad • one month ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "How Many Dulcimers Do You Own? ":

"Five. One is a kit dulcimer by Cedar Creek. It all began when I ordered an antique Fishtail Dulcimer by Hughes in the mid 70's. The next three are home..."

@shopdad • 2 months ago • comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on @shopdad:

"Still having vibration difficulties (noticeable loud humming). I changed the melody string, and lowered the bridge, I have a brass bridge, and thought that..."

@shopdad • 2 months ago • comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on @shopdad:

"I just finished the tear drop. the eagle took almost as long to do as the whole thing. I do have a vibration on the melody string. I will try a different..."

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10/10/25 09:52:35AM @shopdad:

Still having vibration difficulties (noticeable loud humming). I changed the melody string, and lowered the bridge, I have a brass bridge, and thought that might be the problem so I slipped a piece of oak next to it but that didn't help either. When I strum a note it sounds fine but the vibration starts a few seconds later. I can only move the nut up about an inch before it reaches the strum hollow. It would look weird if I put it in front of the hollow. suggestions certainly welcome. This is the third dulcimer I have built and never had this problem before.

10/06/25 12:34:09PM @shopdad:

I just finished the tear drop. the eagle took almost as long to do as the whole thing. I do have a vibration on the melody string. I will try a different string then go to adjusting the bridge and nut height. I'm thinking the string will do the trick because the other strings don't have a problem.

You're right about the resonation. Wow! so much more than the hourglass. Every time I build one, I learn something new.

What's the advantage of DAAA tuning? I think DAD is a bit high for for me to sing as I play. It was suggested to tune to CGC. I haven't tried it yet.

Dulcimer Patriot tear drop.jpg • 119KB

dulcimer eaglehead.jpg • 76KB

Dulcimer two builds.jpg • 181KB

10/06/25 09:21:41AM @benjamin-w-barr-jr:

Looking good and an award winning pup to boot!

09/17/25 10:08:33PM @benjamin-w-barr-jr:

I have at least one tear drop (I should know whether I have more than one, but it's late) and I enjoy it. That one is set up as a DAAA tuning and has a nice sound and resonates very well.

09/17/25 10:07:00PM @benjamin-w-barr-jr:

Nice history and connections with the past in making these instruments, Shop Dad.

08/08/25 10:14:09AM @benjamin-w-barr-jr:

Wow, Shopdad, those look great. Can't wait to see what more you come up with.

08/05/25 05:27:18PM @richard-streib:

Welcome shopdad to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. So glad you were introduced to the mountain dulcimer. There is a lot of information here. Let us know if you have questions.

08/01/25 08:46:16PM @ken-longfield:

Your strum stick looks very nice. You did a fine job on the tail piece. Your rebec restoration is going to be a piece of cake.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

08/01/25 09:16:15AM @ken-longfield:

Welcome to FOTMD, Shopped. It's good to have you aboard. I look forward to your participation here.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

08/01/25 08:44:58AM @benjamin-w-barr-jr:

Hi Shopdad, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the dulcimer, and to meet some good people.

Ben