mr79
Well-known member
Last week I got a Seagull Merlin, which I reviewed here
As I mentioned, I already have a better stick dulcimer, so it got me to thinking what I could change on the Merlin to overcome the niggles I had with it, and add a new instrument to my stock... after much monkeying around with strings I opted for ADF# (what the cigar box guitar people call Devil's tuning). However, the much fatter strings meant the Merlin needed a higher action, so I removed the fitted large fret that did serve as a nut, and replaced it with a bone one. While I had my saw out I also added 5 new frets, giving me a full chromatic 12 frets. I also added a new ebony and bone saddle, made from offcuts I keep in a box (doesn't everyone have a box of bone and wood fragments?!).
While everything was removed I gave the whole instrument a sanding down, and then three coats of solvent free Danish oil (I got mine from Suffolk Pigments, and is the nicest wood finish I've ever used).
All in all, I'm quite pleased! This was my first attempt at fitting and finishing frets, so was a little nervous! But I took my time, and have no buzzes or sharp edges. The ADF# sounds great, a bit Seasick Steve-ish, but I'm still playing around (ADF# does make a lot of chords available, but it loses some of the bright banjo-ish twang the Merlin does so nicely)
Anyhow, here are some pics:
The only thing now is what to call it... I don't think it's a dulcimer anymore!
As I mentioned, I already have a better stick dulcimer, so it got me to thinking what I could change on the Merlin to overcome the niggles I had with it, and add a new instrument to my stock... after much monkeying around with strings I opted for ADF# (what the cigar box guitar people call Devil's tuning). However, the much fatter strings meant the Merlin needed a higher action, so I removed the fitted large fret that did serve as a nut, and replaced it with a bone one. While I had my saw out I also added 5 new frets, giving me a full chromatic 12 frets. I also added a new ebony and bone saddle, made from offcuts I keep in a box (doesn't everyone have a box of bone and wood fragments?!).
While everything was removed I gave the whole instrument a sanding down, and then three coats of solvent free Danish oil (I got mine from Suffolk Pigments, and is the nicest wood finish I've ever used).
All in all, I'm quite pleased! This was my first attempt at fitting and finishing frets, so was a little nervous! But I took my time, and have no buzzes or sharp edges. The ADF# sounds great, a bit Seasick Steve-ish, but I'm still playing around (ADF# does make a lot of chords available, but it loses some of the bright banjo-ish twang the Merlin does so nicely)
Anyhow, here are some pics:
The only thing now is what to call it... I don't think it's a dulcimer anymore!