KWL

Hi Lori. I don't think Lost Valley is building dulcimers anymore. Here is a link to a tuning diagram for a 12/11 dulcimer: http://www.kitchenmusician.net/pages/hdtune.html Here is a link to Master Works that sells a string set for 12/11 dulcimers: https://masterworksok.com/product/replacement-string-sets You might find this information on hammered dulcimer strings from Dusty Strings helpful: https://manufacturing.dustystrings.com/hammered-dulcimers/strings Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song,"

Dulcimaniac, of course you can play diatonic songs on a chromatically fretted dulcimer. If you play noter style, then are going to sound differently because the slides from one note to another will be interrupted by the chromatic fret. If you finger dance or play chords you will probably not notice any difference. It sounds to me like you want a chromatically fretted instrument. Don't overthink it. Just go for it.

It all depends upon your repertoire. Do you play mostly contemporary music? Do you want your dulcimer to sound like a guitar? Then go for the chromatic. Do you enjoy playing the old time modal tunes of the mountains? Are you able to retune your dulcimer to play in different modes? Do you enjoy the rich history of America's instrument? Then go with a diatonic fretboard. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

If your ebony fretboard is unfinished (not varnished) which is most likely, you can clean it naphtha and then use any commercial guitar fretboard oil on it. I would avoid using lemon oil as the dye in it will color the fretboard over time. Most all fretboard conditioners are mineral oil based. I have a bottle of Fender Fretboard conditioner that I've been using for a few years now. A bottle lasts me a long time as I don't have many instruments with ebony or rosewood fretboards. Under heavy use conditioning twice a year is sufficient. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

I would us Titebond Original. You will have a glue joint stronger than the wood itself. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

I'll miss having you there Ken. At this point I don't think we are planning to do this again next year. We need to get our heads together and discuss where we head from here. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Hi Laurie, my suggestion is not to use the wood putty. I would use a 1/4 inch drill bit and carefully drill out the pilot hole. You may find a brad point drill bit better use than a regular twist drill bit. I would then glue a plug into the hole made from a piece of !/4 inch dowel rod. This will make a much sturdier place for attacking a strap button. The button should cover the dowel, but if not you can stain the dowel to match the wood of your dulcimer. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Registration is now closed for this year's Gathering. We have 24 participants registered, so it looks like we will have a good group in Berea. I look forward to seeing everyone in just 23 days. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

I am as confused by your question as Noterman. I'm not sure what you mean by "dulcimer type." That could apply to several instruments. I understand bow (I think, like a violin) but sticks is confusing. How are the sticks used? Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

I haven't used hickory yet. I do have a friend how plays a hickory dulcimer and it sound really nice.If I had some hickory I'd be using it to make some dulcimers. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweets song."

You're welcome. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Just a reminder that registration closes on April 25th. The Gathering takes place May 19 - 22 at Berea College. There is no cost for the Gathering other than room and board and whatever you want to spend in and around Berea. This is an all volunteer led festival. We do collect a $20 registration fee which goes either toward your room charges or (if not staying in the dorm) is a gift made to the college. To begin registration send your name, address, and phone number to: dulcimoregathering@yahoo.com The emphasis is on traditional dulcimores and noter style playing along with the history of the instrument, builders, and players. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Thank you for the kind comments. Yes, she was very pleased with the repair. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

There is a club that meets in Woodburn at the Folkcraft dulcimer shop. It's on the other side of Fort Wayne from you and I'm not sure how long it takes for you to travel there. That's the closest dulcimer activity that I know of in the northern part of Indiana. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song."