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First 6 string and 2 stick dulcimers

Posted by Myron Joe Hickel on November 3, 2019 at 8:55pm in Building Secrets, Tips, Advice, Discussion

Lots of fall chores so I changed my habits and work hobbies in the morning. Chores after lunch one of the things I needed to get was firewood. This is the first year that I have used aspen as a firewood. When it was delivered he started throwing the wood off of his truck and I heard a nice tone from the aspen. Not the thunk of fir or pipe but a nice ting as they hit each other. And began to wonder if it would make a sound board for a  stringed instrument. I cut a few pieces and made a stick dulcimer with a large body and it turned out real bassy. I made another but used only western red cedar neck and all. About than then I started to want to make a 6 string I had every intent to make it out of this nice padron box I have. But decided to try a cedar body with a aspen top. It turned out nice:

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Replies

  • Taffy Evans November 4, 2019 at 8:29pm

    Hi Myron, its all been said above and I agree, nice work well done.

    Taff

  • BrianQ. November 4, 2019 at 5:16pm

    They should put in a two thumbs up button on here, those are some real clean builds! 

    • Myron Joe Hickel > BrianQ. November 4, 2019 at 6:07pm

      Thanks Brian

      The eyes flow over them and don't stop. That's a good thing but I touch them and built them I know they are good but not clean. There are some pencil marks I didn't find until after the finish, some visible glue lines. But I am a builder not a seller so they are good enough for me.

  • Poorness Studios November 4, 2019 at 9:20am

    Excellent. All 3 look great. Top notch stuff from what I can see.

    • Myron Joe Hickel > Poorness Studios November 4, 2019 at 3:14pm

      P S,

      Good, but not top notch couple visible glue lines, some soft wood dents from not being careful in my handling of them and always rushing the build to see them done. I figure that will change as I learn about the woods and their draw backs and pros and cons. But I sure do enjoy makin' them.

      Thanks for the compliments

      Joe

      • Tom T > Myron Joe Hickel November 4, 2019 at 4:28pm

        If you ever figure out how to avoid that "Final Steps Rush" please pass it along. I think everyone on this site could use the cure.

        Keep after it.........

        • Myron Joe Hickel > Tom T November 4, 2019 at 5:14pm

           Big smile,

          red pill blue pill

          I'll let you know what color.

          Joe

  • Tom T November 4, 2019 at 8:00am

    Beautiful work!

    I see that the six string is a lefty. Nice design and great execution. How's it sound?

    • Myron Joe Hickel > Tom T November 4, 2019 at 3:04pm

      Tom

      It sounds great. I can only do the start of batman and some notes and chords if I look at a chord chart:)  2 volumes 2 tones one 3way switch. Harmonics are good the notes go slightly sharp if I press hard. Still not bad for a body made out of firewood.

      All of them are lefties cause I'm that kind of guy. Build wise they are my 12 13 and 14 top to bottom. 

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