Group Discussions
Restoring a Dulcimer
Hi, Everybody! I’m restoring this old dulcimer and have a question. Why would the frets not go all the way across the fret board? Does the bass...
@Molly McCurdy started 2 years ago - replies: 5
First time build
(Have pics of my build but can't see how/where to upload)Half way through my first dulcimer, and found this forum whilst researching sound holes....
@DouglasCoates started 2 years ago - replies: 8
Considering updating the tuning pegs
Hello all, I am considering replacing the friction pegs on my Keith Young dulcimer (see profile picture) with Grover tuning pegs. I need...
@DulcimEllen started 2 years ago - replies: 26
Non removable ID on copies.
I was wondering earlier today if builders of replicas of collectible MDs add some physical, non removable mark or feature to aid collectors in...
@Skip started 2 years ago - replies: 6
Clothes Iron Wood Bending
I recently read that the "Linen" setting on a clothes iron raises the temperature of the iron to 445 degree fahrenheit. That seems hotter than...
@Matt Berg started 2 years ago - replies: 9
Hughes hourglass kit
A few months ago my brother gave me a walnut dulcimer kit from the Hughes Dulcimer Company. Yesterday a friend cut out the scroll pieces for me,...
@TheresaSC started 2 years ago - replies: 8
Custom fret templates
One of the things I do for other makers of fretted stringed instruments is build precision fret templates to any specified scale length. I've...
@Dwain Wilder started 2 years ago - replies: 0
A "Little Guy" dulcimer
Here's a prototype of my "Little Guy" dulcimer, with a 22" VSL and DAA tuning. It's made of black walnut with a buckeye top. It's shown next to...
@John C. Knopf started 2 years ago - replies: 2
To vault or not to vault.
I am still working on the six dulcimers and I am curious. The ones I have made in the past have had a channel grooved in the bottom. I have...
@Don started 3 years ago - replies: 19
Fixing old dulcimer
New to the forum! I was just given a mountain dulcimer by Samzie Adams, made in 1972. A friend pulled it out of a junk pile on the floor of his...
@Suzette started 2 years ago - replies: 16
Number and Size of Sound Holes
The standard dulcimer has four sound holes. As some of you know, I experiment with many different configurations. If any of you have tried...
@Matt Berg started 2 years ago - replies: 6
Building Dulcimers Cheap
Hey all, when I first started building dulcimers it was a very inexpensive process. Tied on fishing line frets, eyehole screws for tuners, anything...
@NateBuildsToys started 3 years ago - replies: 5
Latest build: Electric dulcimer with hum bucker pickup
Just finished my first electric dulcimer. I had some extra parts and thought "Why not"? It is a 23 inch scale with 1+, 8+, 6+, and 13+ frets. I...
@Shelton started 3 years ago - replies: 2
T - 6
This is my sixth teardrop dulcimer. The shape comes from plans by Scott Antes and the peg head from a Popular Woodworking article. Many years ago...
@Ken Longfield started 3 years ago - replies: 12
New Professional Model Overview
I wanted to post this overview first and foremost to give members of this site ideas and potentially inspire builders to try new designs as I was...
@Collier Frederick started 3 years ago - replies: 4
Building the Celtic Strum
The strum stick, or stick dulcimer, is the kissing cousin of the mountain dulcimer. I have been thinking of building one for some time. I...
@tukanu started 3 years ago - replies: 14
Unidentified MD
Hi this is on EBay in the UK. Is anyone able to hazard a guess as to the maker? thanks eric
@Banjostray started 3 years ago - replies: 6
Creating a triangular mountain dulcimer -seeking help
G'Day all. In a posting on Pinterest “Lumberjocks” briefly illustrates a simple triangular mountain dulcimer he made for his wife, based upon 2...
@John Dunn started 3 years ago - replies: 4
PERSIMMON lumber
I was gifted several short (4 foot) persimmon logs around 24 inches in diameter. Several hours later, a couple chain saw blades, I now have...
@Dale A Penrose started 3 years ago - replies: 4
Need some helpful advice on fret markers
I have been building stringed musical instruments since 1976. I was building dulcimers before 6 1/2 and 13 1/2 became a "thing". I was going to...
@Don started 3 years ago - replies: 20