Group Discussions
How Do You Sign Your MD?
I am getting close to gluing on the bottom of my first build. The top will be ready shortly after that. How do other builders sign their...
@Jimmy Lamar started 6 years ago - replies: 7
Traditional Friction Tuners
All you traditional dulcimer builders who use friction tuners. What is the best way to tune and tighten the pegs to where they are not slipping ?...
@Glenda Hubbard started 7 years ago - replies: 21
any tips on making a replacement bridge
for a beat up old hughes kit dulcimer ?...thank you
@RavenMadd Garcia started 6 years ago - replies: 8
Hughes kits
Hi, i see a lot of Hughes Kit dulcimer for sale for reasonable prices, and read in previous threads that while rustic looking, they have good...
@Lisa started 6 years ago - replies: 3
Let’s Discuss Volume
I am mostly addressing the builders here. Maybe I should have posted this over at the Builder’s Group Page. If so, pardon me. I’m still learning...
@Jimmy Lamar started 7 years ago - replies: 44
Finish wearing on fretboard
I have a Walnut Valley dulcimer I purchased second hand in October 2018. The instrument is immaculate and it appears to have never been played. I...
@Richard Streib started 6 years ago - replies: 12
Neck placement, box width
Hi everyone I'm thinking about building a wood box for my cardboard dulcimer. Does the neck have to go down the middle, or can it be offset a...
@Lisa started 6 years ago - replies: 8
Spruce On Top, Or Spruce On The Back?
A recent discussion coalesced in a thread below, which I thought deserved its own tread. I’m in the middle of two builds, which are my first two...
@Jimmy Lamar started 6 years ago - replies: 7
Scallop Fretboard Sound effects
I’m now aware they are not called arches but scallops. Thanks you Strumelia Ken: Please forgive my ignorance for the use of the term (fret bar)...
@Paparazzi started 7 years ago - replies: 23
Tennessee Music Box Plans?
Anyone have any resources for plans, etc. for building a TMB?
@Jimmy Lamar started 7 years ago - replies: 11
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 7 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 7 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 7 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 7 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 7 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 7 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 7 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 7 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 7 years ago - replies: 8