Modify a Dulcimer

[KenH]

Dennis; If you really want a Warren May-made HourDrop design dulcimer with all those mods you're suggesting, why not just call Warren and order one rather than modifying a dulcimer that someone else would love to use just as it is?

[dtmd]

Love to, who wants to buy it for me?

Dennis

PS, I was able to get this Warrn May for a lot less then buying a new one. I appreciate everyone's input. Now I will just have to wait see how I like my new instrument. find out what I do not like about my new instrument. Then make a decision on what I want to do.

[rendesvous1840]

It all comes down to this: A camel has lips like a rabbit, one or two humps on it's back, and really strange wide feet. It's kinda like a horse, but designed by a committee. The best advice is to play it a bit, and decide what you want it to be capable of before making changes. Then, damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead. Well, maybe not full speed, go slow enough to not cut your self!
Paul

[dulcimerbird]

My Advice, as someone who does not have money to throw around, is to play it for awhile and then get it modified to suit yourself. I assume you did not get it as an investment. I hate the thought of musical instruments sitting on walls or in environmental chambers. A musical instrument is meant to be played. What do you need to make it enjoyable for you to play.

[ptgolfer]

I have a 1+ fret but found that in practice I don't use it, in theory thought it would be good. However, I would like to remove it, seldom get back to where I purchased it. How difficult / easy is the task?

I am playing more chords now and the fret is in the place that is most comfortable for my finger and wished I would not have added it. Any advise?

[harpmaker]

Pulling a fret is easy. But pulling it without damaging the surface around it isn't. The tang of the fret (the part that goes into the fret board) has little barbs on it that help prevent the fret from rising up out of the board, which unfortunately is exactly what you are trying to do. So when you pull it up the barbs will often cause the edge of the slot to splinter or chip. How much will vary depending on the wood; ebony splinters a lot, walnut and cherry less. Here is how I do it:

I start by using the tip of a wood burning tool to heat up the fret being careful to avoid getting it so hot as to scorch the wood around it. I then let it cool and repeat the process several times. This causes the tang to expand and contract in the slot and loosens it a bit. Next, I carefully apply masking tape to the surface of the fret board on each side of the fret, leaving just a tiny bit of the wood exposed. Next step is to take a pair of wood chisels that are at least as wide as the fret board and with the bevel side down I work them in under the edge of the fret. Then by slowly raising the handles of the chisels up toward each other I can work the fret out while at the same time applying pressure on the edge of the slot to keep it from chipping out. It does require some rocking back and forth and wiggling the chisels around, especially as the barbs clear the edge but if you are patient and take your time you can keep the chipping to a minimum.

You should fill the slot afterward to keep it from chipping and having debris collect in it. If you are not worried about an invisible repair you can simply glue in a thin piece of wood and sand it smooth. If you want a more invisible fill let me know what wood you have and I can walk you through it.

[rendesvous1840]

An alternative to removing the fret is to go out of your way to learn a few songs that use it. Try some modal songs like Shady Grove, or Cold Frosty Morning. Try some blues, swing or rock. I believe I have seen a book or two on 1+ fret songs. Once you start learning to use it, you may be glad you have it. I must confess I don't have one, my dulcimers predate the 1+ fret boom, so I tend to play those songs in tunings that don't require it, or on banjo or guitar. But since you have it, maybe a little intentional exploration is in order. The fret shouldn't be in your way when playing the 2nd fret, you really do want to place your finger close to the fret you are playing to prevent buzzing. In this way, a slight error in finger placement will not usually cause a buzz. Placing the finger to far away leaves little or no room for error in placement. Particularly on faster tunes.
Paul
Edit: Our own dulcidame has written a book on the 1+ fret. Her web site is here: http://www.shelleystevens.com/ There may be others as well, but I thought I had seen one by Shelley.

[dtmd]

I received the dulcimer on Friday. When I opened the box the dulcimer was in pristine condition. Even the case looked brand new. I started to tune the dulcimer and immediately broke the bass string. The wooden pegs are so beautiful I am having a difficult time thinking about changing them out. I might have to try Strumelia's suggestion and try the peg stuff! The extra frets ???? I DON'T PLAY IN DAA! Well I am going to give it a try. After replacing the bass string I was able to tune the dulcimer and when I strummed the richest sound came out. The dulcimer is so light weight it feels like I am holding a feather. My wife has an Angel Wing Harp tuned to DAA. We are going to learn a couple of songs - the harp uses the same dulcimer tab - and play the two instruments together and see how that goes.


Dennis

www.dulcimerxing.com

Sweet Strings

[ptgolfer]

Thanks for your suggestions

[Robin the Busker]

I received the dulcimer on Friday. When I opened the box the dulcimer was in pristine condition. Even the case looked brand new. I started to tune the dulcimer and immediately broke the bass string. The wooden pegs are so beautiful I am having a difficult time thinking about changing them out. I might have to try Strumelia's suggestion and try the peg stuff! The extra frets ???? I DON'T PLAY IN DAA! Well I am going to give it a try. After replacing the bass string I was able to tune the dulcimer and when I strummed the richest sound came out. The dulcimer is so light weight it feels like I am holding a feather. My wife has an Angel Wing Harp tuned to DAA. We are going to learn a couple of songs - the harp uses the same dulcimer tab - and play the two instruments together and see how that goes.


Dennis

http://www.dulcimerxing.com

Sweet Strings

Wow Dennis - it sounds like you have a wonderful instruments there! Enjoy your new playing experience

Robin

[pristine2]

Here is the instrument I was alluding too. It is a Warren May Dulcimer made in 1995. I have spoken to the store and they said there would be no problem to change out the tuners or to add the frets. They told me a lot of Warren May owners are doing that from that time period. They said it does not affect the value of the instrument.

Dennis

That's a lovely instrument, and Warren May is an important and respected builder.

It is your instrument and there's nothing wrong with you making any modifications you wish. It's a modern-era dulcimer and there should not be any real concerns about historical integrity, etc.

But in my view swapping out the tuning pegs for geared tuners on an instrument like this will indeed diminish is re-sale value. If you do decide to do it, try to hold on to the pegs.

Also, Mr May's earlier instruments were not in equal temperament. His later ones are. The mid-1990s is about the time when he adjusted the fret pattern. Adding extra frets to a dulcimer that does not sing in equal temperament in the first place may be a dubious exercise.

Incidentally, the builder is still alive and building. He's approachable and a brief phone call might be enlightening.

Just an opinion. Enjoy your dulcimer.

Richard

[Lazy River]

Beautiful instrument. I'd be happy with it as is. Besides, one is never enough!