Married 60+ years and counting, raised 4 great kids, enjoying 2 grandkids. Always had a love for music as it was encouraged by my parents as we grew up. I love to design and built what ever strikes me. Recently finished my 5th dulcimer. I also like the Jews Harp which I started playing in the 70's. Lost track of it for several years and added it back to my retirement agenda. to sum it all up. I love life.
Latest Activity
All
@shopdad
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
"I have family scattered around the mountains in North Carolina. We often visited the area known as Little Switzerland. this is a small town on the Blue..."
@shopdad
• 6 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
"You are welcome to move it to central Florida. As far as I know there are no dulcimer groups close by. I'm on my own here as far as dulcimer is concerned."
@shopdad
• 6 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
"Here's my take on that. A history lesson on the dulcimer may not interest everyone. I believe it "should" be available and encouraged. The more a person..."
@shopdad
• 6 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
"What a history lesson in itself Richard. I was also introduced to the dulcimer at Disney Village a few years prior. I was tempted with the kit he had for..."
@shopdad
• one week ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
"Both #4 and $9. The similarity of the Jews harp is amazing in pic 9. Interestingly, it refers to a Swedish Jews harp.
I'm curious about the position of the..."
@shopdad
• one week ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
"Wow! Ken, loads of info in your past. I hope it's all on record to pass on.
Nate, I believe that is one of the first questions I get too. "From where did it..."
@shopdad
• one week ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
"Very interesting viewpoint Wally, I agree, I play guitar, well, still in the working mode instead of play. I have never considered digging into the history..."
@shopdad
• one week ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
"Thankyou Robin. I will mark that date on my calendar. This may be one of those connection sites that Ken was speaking of. Any effort to keep the Dulcimer..."
@shopdad
• one week ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
"I would like to hear (see) some other stories or examples of FOTMD group to post what else is being done to promote and encourage the dulcimer "
@shopdad
• one week ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
"I believe the tradition will continue as long as there are folks like you guys keeping us "newbees" educated.
I belong to an airboat club here is central..."
@shopdad
• one week ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Playing a dulcimer at a ham radio flea market":
Posted a response to "Playing a dulcimer at a ham radio flea market":
"Hey Pete I know the feeling. For many years the only thing I could play was the radio. Being at a Ham Radio event I suppose there are a few people like me...."
@shopdad
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Porch Music ":
Posted a response to "Porch Music ":
"Ouch ! I went through that several months ago. Not a nice experience. I was told to drink plenty of water with the meds. Like 80 to 100 ounces a day...."
@shopdad
• 4 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Porch Music ":
Posted a response to "Porch Music ":
"Congrats Ken. Not many couples can say that anymore. After a while it seems that each of us can tell when something is up, or down. My wife and I are working..."
@shopdad
• one month ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Porch Music ":
Posted a response to "Porch Music ":
"I Googled it and signed up for it. Thanks"
@shopdad
• one month ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Porch Music ":
Posted a response to "Porch Music ":
"Homer, I Just read the Folk Craft news letter. Richard Ash just mentioned the "Play Music on the Porch Day{. The date is Aug 29 as you mentioned."
@shopdad
• one month ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Porch Music ":
Posted a response to "Porch Music ":
"That sounds like fun Ross. I'll check it out and watch for it."
@shopdad
• one month ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "favorite fiddle tunes to play SLOWLY":
Posted a response to "favorite fiddle tunes to play SLOWLY":
"Tonyg, That's the way I describe the sound of the dulcimer when I play for a group of visitors. Just picture neighbors gathering on the front porch. Some..."
@shopdad
• one month ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "favorite fiddle tunes to play SLOWLY":
Posted a response to "favorite fiddle tunes to play SLOWLY":
"Wow! Dusty, There are two songs that I enjoy playing that may fall into that category. When I first heard them on You Tube, while looking for some new music..."
@shopdad
• one month ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Happy Birthday America":
Posted a response to "Happy Birthday America":
"You got that right Richard. My time in the Coast Guard made some life changing habits for me as well.
Strumella, My dad used to say, "everything has a place..."
@shopdad
• one month ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Happy Birthday America":
Posted a response to "Happy Birthday America":
"Sorry to hear about your wife. Hopefully she's on the mend and back to normal. Prioritize is the key. You did well. Many of my projects a wife (working on 62..."
@shopdad
• one month ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "What Are You Working On?":
Posted a response to "What Are You Working On?":
"About a year ago I heard a group playing Fancy Gap Breakdown. I sniffed around and heard several other groups play it and figured I needed to learn it. While..."
@shopdad
• one month ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Happy Birthday America":
Posted a response to "Happy Birthday America":
"Thanks Ken, My Dither project has taken a back seat for a while. I'm waiting for some wood to dry out before making the panels. Between the kids and wife I..."
@shopdad
• 2 months ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Happy Birthday America":
Posted a response to "Happy Birthday America":
"Right now it's on the dinning room wall. As soon as I get the hooks solid enough on the outside wall, in the courtyard, it will hang out there. It has..."
@shopdad
• 2 months ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Happy Birthday America":
Posted a response to "Happy Birthday America":
"The Betsey Ross 250 anniversary flag, Just finished in time before the end of July. The torch-burned center piece makes it appear old and tattered. The..."
@shopdad
• 2 months ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
"That's a cool story. I grafted an avocado tree. I kept two and gave one to a friend. His grew nicely with plenty of fruit. Mine didn't take and became nice..."
@shopdad
• 2 months ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
"Hello dusty, I'm just catching up on some past posts. I miss FOTMD and get busy with so many other things. I haven't heard of the expression either (two in a..."
@shopdad
• 2 months ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Happy Birthday America":
Posted a response to "Happy Birthday America":
"I usually enjoy making something in my shop to express or celebrate any occasion. I made a Betsey Ross flag for the 250th celebration.
Oops! its a video too..."
@shopdad
• 2 months ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "How are you dealing with the HEAT WAVES?":
Posted a response to "How are you dealing with the HEAT WAVES?":
"I'm in central Florida, it's hot. A normal day is upper 90's around 2 or 3 PM then cools off into the low 90's. That's a perfect set up for afternoon storms...."
@shopdad
• 2 months ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Sources: strings in bulk":
Posted a response to "Sources: strings in bulk":
"That's awesome. What kind of wood did you use? I posted a picture an original instrument which was later described as a Scheitholt. I thought it was about..."
@shopdad
• 2 months ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Sources: strings in bulk":
Posted a response to "Sources: strings in bulk":
"LOL John. Almost as long as the car. AI brings a lot of smiles."
@shopdad
• 2 months ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Happy Birthday America":
Posted a response to "Happy Birthday America":
"Thankyou John, Hats off to your dad and I salute him for his courage. Yes, and I believe the best is yet to come"
@shopdad
• 2 months ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Sources: strings in bulk":
Posted a response to "Sources: strings in bulk":
"You guys are way ahead of me. John K. I was just kidding about the 6 ft. dulcimer. That picture of an 8ft. dulcimer made my day. Thanks for sharing."
@shopdad
• 2 months ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Happy Birthday America":
Posted a response to "Happy Birthday America":
"Happy 4th to all FOTMD friends. I'm loving the comments. Let's keep them going. God Bless America and America the beautiful sound great on my Cedar Creek..."
@shopdad
• 2 months ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Sources: strings in bulk":
Posted a response to "Sources: strings in bulk":
"John, I looked on that site. That's a good price for strings. Unless I start making 6 ft. VSL dulcimers, it would last me a lifetime."
@shopdad
• 2 months ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Sources: strings in bulk":
Posted a response to "Sources: strings in bulk":
"Yes, I have used Folkcraft also. I use them for tuners as well. Great people to work with also."
Latest Group Discussions
AllLatest Photos
AllLatest Forum Discussions
AllThe use of hammer-on, pull-off and slide.
Posted: Monday February 2 2026, 7:27 AM
By: @Shopdad
By: @Shopdad


Yes, You are correct. I seem to be a bit confused at times as to where I should answer or respond to comments. I had trouble finding the thread on the Sheitholt discussion in forums. I went to group discussions and found the link. So the new comment on my profile by Davis is just to me? So I respond to him by "comment back" and it remains between the two of us. If I want to share it with the group that has been part of the thread I comment on Group discussions or forums.
Yes, You expressed it in a helpful way. My only hope is to respond in the best possible manner that is most beneficial.
I play a scheitholt made by Jack Ferguson.Love the thing,I believe he did a lot of research before beginning to build...I'm sure he would be your best source to contact,regarding replication.
Shopdad, i see yiou are posting comments on people's profile page 'comment walls', and you just now posted a comment on a Group's 'comment wall'.
Posting comments on comment walls is a much less effective way of getting wider member attention (and then responses) than posting in forum discussions and in Group discussions.
Comments on comment walls and profile comment walls (like this one here on your profile page) are less likely to be noticed by other members than posts in threads or discussions. This may be one reason you are getting frustrated by "not getting any replies to your questions". Try participating in the actual threads and discussions in Forums and Groups, rather than just leaving comments on comment walls. I hope I'm expressing this clearly in a helpful way.
Your descriptions are suggesting to me that you are having trouble knowing whether you are actually logged in or logged out. Myself, i just leave me logged in all the time since it doesn't hurt anything and is less of a bother.
Perhaps you had not been logged into FOTMD for a period of time, and you were required to LOG IN first in order to see and respond to posts? I think members are logged out automatically if they have not visited in quite a while.
I'm not sure what "Brave" is.
If you were clicking on old emails as a way to get back on the site, you'd still have to log in again first in order to see some things such as private messages or Group replies.
One other tip i can give is that if a member is having trouble accessing or logging in on FOTMD, they will have an easier time navigating the problem from a larger screen- a tablet, laptop, or desktop... rather than a little phone screen where all the menus are stacked within sidebars etc. That's just a general suggestion since i don't know whether you were doing this from a phone or not.
I am able to view these comments now. I don't recall clicking on "unjoin", but could have by accident, I believe they call it a senior moment.
As far as a link is concerned. When I realized I hadn't heard from FOTMD in a while I went back on some past correspondence and clicked on Shopdad. I got the message that I was not permitted to get on the site. That's the first issue I had.
I went on Brave and entered FOTMD and went to the "sing up" to receive or join. Shodad was there and that's how I was able to enter some comments about the issues. Even then I did not see any replies to my questions. I got on the site a few times this same way and entered similar posts without being able to read any replies.
If I went on my email and searched FOTMD and clicked on any previous response that's when I got the note I don't have permission.
I see I'm getting responses (12) but when I click on them I get a notice, the page is not available.
Hi @Shopdad. Can you provide me with a link to a couple of the comments you are clicking on and getting that 'not available' notice? I'm not sure what type of comments or where that are giving you problems.
(Are you sure it's not in Groups that maybe you belonged to in the past and commented in... and later if you un-joined the group, you will no longer be able to see the comments or responses in that group, because you no longer are a member of that group. That sometimes happens).
Please give me a couple of actual examples/links to comments that you find you are not allowed to see. That will help me figure out what is wrong for you.
Glad to see you back!
It's good to have you back. Can't help with the problems you are experiencing. I look forward to seeing some more of our instrument building.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
I see I'm getting responses (12) but when I click on them I get a notice, the page is not available.
Well, looks like I'm still having problems with FOTMD site. I can get on occasionally (like now) but not receiving any feedback or post from others. I miss the comments from others and certainly the helpful info I get.
Any suggestions?
I'm back, I had some problems getting on the site. A note said I didn't have permission/ Probably an operator problem.
Anyway, It's been a busy few weeks here in Florida. I trust all have had a great Christmas and New years with family and friends.
I have had a lot of "string time" and found out how enjoyable my music has been since I have had some experience with hammer-ons; pull-offs and slides. It has put a new and fun twist to my music. Trust me, I'm no pro yet but someone said "practice makes perfect". Still looking for the perfect hidden somewhere in the practice.
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.
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.
Looking good and an award winning pup to boot!
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.
Nice history and connections with the past in making these instruments, Shop Dad.
Wow, Shopdad, those look great. Can't wait to see what more you come up with.
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.
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."
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."