I have three Amburgeys, of which one is for sale. - that's my main business.
The oldest Amburgey is made of solid Walnut and is from 1957. Needed quite a lot of restoration, mainly to cracks on top and back. Sings sweetly, however. Read the full story athttp://revelsmusic.co.uk/gallery-2/
The later ones both have laminated walnut bodies, one from 1964, the other from 1969. The earlier one has been badly mended and sounds rather muffled. The later - one of his last - sounds better, but the decoration and woodworking have flaws consistent with someone no longer at their peak. It also has standard violin pegs, unlike the others and I have to decide whether to re-create an Amburgey-type peg or stick with the rather ill-fitting standard pegs.
If yours needs restoration to be playable, then I would suggest doing so. Unless it's badly done, it won't reduce the value and it makes a living instrument out of a dead museum piece.
Good to see a really interesting collection of dulcimers AND I see you also have a copy of the original pamphlet that Jethro sent with his 60s instruments. I've just put one up on Everything Dulcimer - as I have done for the leaflets of several previous makers (Stone, Ledford, Sanguinette etc) - so that they are readily available for collectors and researchers.
I'm interested to know what else you have. I have a Meredith Stone (but not a Mike Stone), Jess Patterson, Glenns, Presnell, Ledford and my personal favourites, two Ortheys.
William, the 3 string "old cumberland" pattern one plays like a dream. On the 4 string "new style" I think I need to change the strings to something lighter or take off the double melody. Sounds great tho'
12/25/13 08:48:08AM @karen-keane:
Hello and welcome to the site. This is a great place to share ideas and listen to music. I hope you enjoy!
Hi William, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn and exchange ideas about the dulcimer, and to meet some good people.
Welcome, William, to this little corner of dulcimer heaven. Great to have another collector here. I agree with you on the preservation of the old instruments. If they can be restored to playable condition they should sing out for future generations, not be buried in the depths of a museum. Hope you enjoy it here.
Thanks, Will! Check your email! :)
Hi William
I have three Amburgeys, of which one is for sale. - that's my main business.
The oldest Amburgey is made of solid Walnut and is from 1957. Needed quite a lot of restoration, mainly to cracks on top and back. Sings sweetly, however. Read the full story at http://revelsmusic.co.uk/gallery-2/
The later ones both have laminated walnut bodies, one from 1964, the other from 1969. The earlier one has been badly mended and sounds rather muffled. The later - one of his last - sounds better, but the decoration and woodworking have flaws consistent with someone no longer at their peak. It also has standard violin pegs, unlike the others and I have to decide whether to re-create an Amburgey-type peg or stick with the rather ill-fitting standard pegs.
If yours needs restoration to be playable, then I would suggest doing so. Unless it's badly done, it won't reduce the value and it makes a living instrument out of a dead museum piece.
All the best.
That should read Meredith Slone of course, apologies...
Morning William
Good to see a really interesting collection of dulcimers AND I see you also have a copy of the original pamphlet that Jethro sent with his 60s instruments. I've just put one up on Everything Dulcimer - as I have done for the leaflets of several previous makers (Stone, Ledford, Sanguinette etc) - so that they are readily available for collectors and researchers.
I'm interested to know what else you have. I have a Meredith Stone (but not a Mike Stone), Jess Patterson, Glenns, Presnell, Ledford and my personal favourites, two Ortheys.
William, the 3 string "old cumberland" pattern one plays like a dream. On the 4 string "new style" I think I need to change the strings to something lighter or take off the double melody. Sounds great tho'
Hello and welcome to the site. This is a great place to share ideas and listen to music. I hope you enjoy!
Hi William, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn and exchange ideas about the dulcimer, and to meet some good people.
Ben
Welcome to FOTMD William. It's good to have you aboard.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
Howdy and welcome to FOTMD!
Welcome, William, to this little corner of dulcimer heaven. Great to have another collector here. I agree with you on the preservation of the old instruments. If they can be restored to playable condition they should sing out for future generations, not be buried in the depths of a museum. Hope you enjoy it here.
Rob
Hey William. Merry Christmas and welcome aboard. Glad ya found us.