KWL

Very nice work. Those are good looking dulcimers. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song.'

When I play it, the thumb is on the first string, ring finger on the middle string, and my index finger on the bass. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Here is a link to a news report on the Hindman Dulcimer Gathering: https://www.wymt.com/2021/04/10/2021-dulcimer-homecoming-held-at-hindman-settlement-school/ I wasn't able to attend the whole festival, but enjoyed the parts I was able to get to. I hope some of you will plan to attend next year; either online or in person. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Yep.

I thought some folks might enjoy reading this article: Article Ken, "The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

I can't answer your question on the Bear Meadow. I have never looked that closely. As tow which way is better, I see little difference between them. The dulcimer I play most often is a Folkcraft that has a scalloped fret board like the Bear Meadows. It is the only dulcimer I have like that. All my other dulcimers and the ones I build have non-scalloped fret boards. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

You can sign up for free at: https://troublesomecreekguitars.com/shop/hindman-dulcimer-homecoming-virtual-ticket/ Celebrate 150 years of Dulcimer History Uncle Ed Thomas built dulcimers from 1871 thru 1931. He lived around Hindman. (Big Doubles) Uncle Ed is credited with creating the hourglass shape for the dulcimer. He influenced many dulcimer builders. At this festival, we will celebrate Uncle Ed's contributions to the development of the Mountain Dulcimer. We dedicate this event to two Friends who have left this world way too soon. Mike Slone,

Wow, Andy, I am so sorry to hear of Larkin's brain tumor. You sound like all of you are handling this well. Although I built my first dulcimer in 1974, I purchased Larkin's book after it came out. I think I wore out the cassette. Please keep us posted as things progress and know that Larkin holds a special place in our hearts. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Welcome Woodchuck. Glad to hear that you are beginning your dulcimer journey. I started playing back in 1974 and turned 74 three months ago. Just let us know if you we can answer any questions for you. Best wishes for your learning progress. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Berea Traditional Dulcimore Gathering 2021When: June 3 – June 6Where: Berea College, Berea, KYCost: $20 Pre-Registration feeapplied to your total lodging bill, otherwise Free Because of the events of the past year we must insist on a few conditions this year:1. PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIREDWe, and Berea College, need to know IN ADVANCE how many people will be attending. Do not just show up and expect to attend. Even if you live in Berea you MUST Pre-Register to attend any of our activities. The Registration goes towards your On-Campus lodging bill. Not staying on Campus? Your Registration

I think a 16/15 or larger is a good choice. For fiddle tunes you probably want a dulcimer with less sustain so that you don't muddy the sound. I think this will work well for the melodic pieces as well. A longer sustain is good for ballads and contemplative tunes. I can't suggest a specific instrument, but as you look ask about sustain and listen to the instruments. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

It looks very nice. You did a good job. I'm sure this dulcimer will provide you with many more hours of enjoyment as you play it. Have fun with it. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

There are advantages and disadvantages to both tunings. With the DAA tuning you seldom have to play any melody notes on the middle string as the "D" scale begins on the third fret. With the DAD tuning you can play chord/melody style in a more interesting manor than in DAA. You can play noter/drone style in both tunings but in the DAD you sometimes need to get your noter on to the middle string to get the melody note you want. Chords are not as rich and full as you find on guitar since they are often only two notes; sometimes you will get three notes in the chord. Have fun with you dulcime

That's great. Enjoy! Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

It is looking good. I have considered building a Go-bar deck for gluing on the top and back. My luthier friend uses one on his guitar builds and I think it can be transferred to dulcimer building. I always attach the peg head before gluing on the top and bottom. This is because in my dulcimers the top and bottom attach to peg head. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song."