Group Discussions
Elliptical Dulcimer Build
Having completed (sort of, it's getting coats of tung oil) my strum stick dulcimer, I got back onto the elliptical dulcimer. Now I don't know...
@Dumor3D started 6 years ago - replies: 11
Building the dulcimer/mandolin based on Musicmaker's plans
I recently case across a set of free mandolin plans from Musicmakers. I was attracted to the elongated teardrop shape and the simplicity of...
@tukanu started 6 years ago - replies: 5
Bridge To End Pins Distance: How Critical?
Does the distance between the bridge and the end pins matter that much? This story probably sounds familiar, but I was building what I thought was...
@Jimmy Lamar started 6 years ago - replies: 4
What Pick-Up To Buy?
For the builders who use pick-ups, what brand, type, and model have been successful for you? The purist in me wants to keep this build acoustic...
@Jimmy Lamar started 6 years ago - replies: 4
Help Selecting from Available Mtn. Dulcimer Hourglass Plans
I am in the middle of one dulcimer build using a free plan I found on the internet. I suppose it is a teardrop except both ends are symmetrical. I...
@Dumor3D started 6 years ago - replies: 14
The Capo?
How do you folks use a capo if the fretboard is not hollowed out? Is there a special capo for MDs, or do they only work when the fretboard is...
@Jimmy Lamar started 6 years ago - replies: 6
My fancy dulcimer build - in progress
I spent some time on Thanksgiving day working on my first dulcimer build! It's awfully rectangular , and I am embarrassed over my lack of clamps...
@Davesterino started 6 years ago - replies: 8
Home-Made Peg Shaper
I have only built a couple instruments with wooden pegs because getting the tapers to match is a major pain in the butt, and although peg hole...
@Ken Hulme started 6 years ago - replies: 4
Non-toxic Finishes for dulcimers?
Hello Everyone! Is there any non-toxic finishes you would recommend using for a dulcimer? I was thinking of trying out shellac but I’ve never used...
@haleymuse started 6 years ago - replies: 8
Ban-jammer build questions
I am currently in the process of constructing a ban-jammer in the pattern of the Clemmer model. I was just wondering if anyone that had experience...
@Collier Frederick started 6 years ago - replies: 7
Hickory Haven Dulcimers - So, a Hickory Build
Our residence, located in the country, is called Hickory Haven. A local lumber mill which produces 2" x 2" x 48" billets for making tool...
@Kusani started 6 years ago - replies: 6
Relative bridge location to Tailpiece block
I have about 80 dulcimers that I have built, and recently run into a "situation " that has me rethinking some of my ideas. The las dulcimer I...
@Bill Robison started 6 years ago - replies: 9
optimum wood thickness
what do you as builders prefer the wood thickness to be on your dulcimers? I realize the type of wood and the grain has some bearing on it
@Bill Robison started 6 years ago - replies: 3
Bocs Cân Idris – A new traditional instrument!
I'm running a fretted zither making project at present in our village and have around half a dozen local folks designing...
@Robin Clark started 6 years ago - replies: 24
Clamps for building
I want some suggestions for clamps for dulcimer building...where to buy them, how many dnd which ones
@Lorraine started 6 years ago - replies: 12
"Glory" in all her glory
Now heading for Durango is "Glory", a Melton-style Galax dulcimer made of cherry.
@John C. Knopf started 6 years ago - replies: 10
First Cedar Build
I have used cedar before for the soundboard, but this is the first time I have used it for all parts; with the exception of adding African...
@Kusani started 6 years ago - replies: 1
Suggestions for fixing a fretboard
Hello again! I ran into several problems while making the fretboard for my dulcimer: 1) I had some trouble fretting it. The fret saw I ordered...
@haleymuse started 6 years ago - replies: 11