Group Discussions

Robin Clark

Fret Calculations for Just Intonation and its Effect on Modes


As we all know, traditionally the dulcimer was a drone instrument where a fretted melody string was played against drones. And traditionally the...
@Robin Clark started 9 years ago - replies: 101
tonileewj

Peg tuners


Installing and repairing peg tuners
@tonileewj started 2 months ago - replies: 31
NateBuildsToys

false bottoms = added mass?


Hey folks  I've been thinking lately about false bottoms. Mainly about how possum boards deliberately suspend a dulcimer from the headstock and...
@NateBuildsToys started last year - replies: 26
Homer Ross

Fan Frets


Has anybody built or seen a dulcimer with fan frets? If so what our thoughts on playability, tone etc?
@Homer Ross started 4 months ago - replies: 9
Homer Ross

Japanese Saws


I have never used a Japanese saw but have been interested in trying one out. I'm wondering if anyone has had any experience using one for any wood...
@Homer Ross started 5 months ago - replies: 5
Cottage Timbre

The Physics of Sound as it Pertains to Dulcimers


I am new to this forum as well as new to dulcimers and making them. So this may be a topic already covered somewhere on this site. I am working on...
@Cottage Timbre started 5 months ago - replies: 20
Liquidtouch

Wood types


I'm just about to start making my first dulcimer. I've previously made a mahogany ukulele from a StewMac kit and a Cajon from scratch. For the...
@Liquidtouch started 6 months ago - replies: 18
NateBuildsToys

What are the tedious parts of dulcimer building?


Hello skilled craftsmen, I've heard some people say that it takes them very long amounts of time to build a dulcimer in interviews. Often in the...
@NateBuildsToys started 5 months ago - replies: 8
Homer Ross

Fret Saw Sharpening


Has anyone tried to sharpen a fret saw? If so how did it go? Thanks for your feedback.
@Homer Ross started 5 months ago - replies: 6
NateBuildsToys

Gluing resonant objects inside soundbox?


Hey folks I was hoping someone might have some insight on a thought I had. I've been thinking about trying to glue things like cookie tins to the...
@NateBuildsToys started 6 months ago - replies: 9
Dale A Penrose

Possum boards


Thinking about trying a dulcimer with a possum board. What kind of wood does one use for the back? How thick is the actual possum board. 
@Dale A Penrose started 6 months ago - replies: 5
NateBuildsToys

String physics question


Hey folks. Some of my dulcimers have a lot of string length that is outside of the VSL. I have one that has a 23" vsl, with about 8" of additional...
@NateBuildsToys started 6 months ago - replies: 3
kathleen

buzz in low D on ginger


Hello!  I have a new ginger setup in DAD (that I love) but…it has a buzz in the low D.   Ideas?
@kathleen started 7 months ago - replies: 3
Homer Ross

Luthiers Mercantile


Just noticed an email from Luthiers Mercantile saying they were closing the doors this fall. 
@Homer Ross started 7 months ago - replies: 12
NateBuildsToys

Choice of Wood for Fingerboard?


Hello craftsmen of FOTMD! I was hoping for some opinions on if the choice of wood for the fingerboard affects tone very much. If so what woods do...
@NateBuildsToys started 7 months ago - replies: 8
NateBuildsToys

How Much is my Weird Dulcimer Worth?


Hello craftsmen of FOTMD! I built a dulcimer from "upcycled" materials that turned out kind of lame, but the intonation on it is good.  I figured...
@NateBuildsToys started 7 months ago - replies: 5
Molly McCurdy

Fret slot spacing


I’m having trouble finding a fret slot calculator that goes beyond 24 frets. Do any of you know where I can find one? If they don’t exist, how do I...
@Molly McCurdy started last year - replies: 14
Ken Hulme

Free Wood


Builders within driving distance of Fort Myers, FL -- We're having a large mature Mahogany tree and a Hong Kong Orchid tree cut down today and the...
@Ken Hulme started 10 months ago - replies: 0
NateBuildsToys

An Upside Downcimer


I have built a very strange dulcimer. I would appreciate some input and insight on the weird traits of this dulcimer. I am not aware of any...
@NateBuildsToys started 11 months ago - replies: 21
David Williams2

What kind of staple


I've taken an interest in the style of Dulcimer made using staples for frets. What brand or size of staple are you using? I have a home built...
@David Williams2 started 11 years ago - replies: 20
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