@plaustrarius No, it's not. Those instruments have banjo heads and at least the dulcijo has an extra string like a banjo that doesn't extend all the way up the neck.. But thanks for playing! :)
@numbnuts234567 Because his instruments are far more expensive and don't sound as good as this one. They have a much smaller body and therefore less volume and resonance.
@KevinCNeece thanks for your reply! Of course, no sound hole - you're quite right. However, the saz, baglamas and your invention must be distant cousins, at least !
@pageponpai The saz (or, more properly, the baglama) is made up of three courses of strings, not three strings. And the fretting on that instrument is completely different - an Eastern 15-interval octave as opposed to a Western diatonic scale. Plus, that instrument has no sound hole. So, it is similar in some respects, but not as similar as it may appear.
@KevinCNeece of course the saz HAS a sound hole, usually on the bottom of the instrument, but sometimes also on the side or the front of it, like we see it on your instrument.
@TurkiyeKalbimde You're right, it can have a sound hole. Some do, some don't, I'd only seen those without when I made the comment. mid-east dot com / Info / saz dot html Thanks for the info!
I'd see if you could trademark "DumStick" Diatonic Uke-like Mando-Stick. The DumStick sounds sort of like "Drum Stick" but it also gets across the 'no wrong note' idea - aka a "Dumb" Stick. Just an idea.
Doesn't such things build a brand? Much like all stratocaster style guitars are called a "strat". And what are the most revered strats? Fender Stratocasters, of course.
The Wikipedia entry for 'dulcitar' is worth a look, oddly enough - it attributes the term to a luthier born in 1927. I first heard the term used in conversation with an instrument repairer some 30 years ago, so somewhere between those two dates it seems to have become generic. Anyway, must dash - I've just invented a circular thing that you put under stuff - four at a time is good - to make it easier to move, so I need to get a patent filed. : )
I'm baffled by all of this. I've seen instruments of this kind around for decades, all going by the generic term 'dulcitar', along the lines of other hybrids such as the banjolin. I hereby declare all concerned to be 'dulcitar makers'. Now go forth and be dulcet.
By the way, another option is removing the unwanted frets from a cheap acoustic guitar and tuning it DADDAD using appropriate string gauges. Small nations have actually been known to surrender when faced with such an instrument.
@Zax901250 Ha! I agree. Actually, I've been needing to make a video about that name for a while. I'd be interested to know where you've seen it. And I'm now going to head out and conquer a small nation. ;)
@Zax901250 Ha! I agree. Actually, I've been needing to make a video about that name for a while. I'd be interested to know where you've seen it. And I'm now going to head out and conquer a small nation. ;)
@boguspurr@boguspurr Absolutely not. The saz (or, more properly, the baglama) is made up of three courses of strings, not three strings. And the fretting on that instrument is completely different - an Eastern 15-interval octave as opposed to a Western diatonic scale. Plus, that instrument has no sound hole.
@boguspur As to it being "crudely made," I see no difference in quality between this instrument and any number of traditional folk instruments like the saz. In fact, this instrument is very well made. A saz will usually run you more and can cost ten times what this one costs. With shipping, I paid $100. And it is at least as high, if not higher quality than many instruments I could have purchased for a lot more.
@boguspur It is interesting to note the similarities between this instrument and the saz, at least in that the saz is tri-tonal and comes from a folk instrument tradition. It also shares a similar teardrop shape. But the two are quite dissimilar in every other resp and this one is far from crude.
I am so with you on this. My husband made and gifted me with "one of those" and we have no idea what to called it from a generic instrumental viewpoint! Sheesh!
The pickin stick would most certainly have been originally made and played in native Africa in one form or another, like the Kora. I dissagree that Mcanally is right to stop it. A products reputation is made by it's quality. What Mcanally wants to achieve is for people to say.. ahhh, but I have a Mcnally pickin stick!! Like a Fender, copied hundreds of times.. but a FENDER is a name reknown for it's quality.. well, it used to be !!!
Lighten up and rule by your reputation for quality !!
Kevin. Don't let McNally push you around. He doesn't actually take people to court, because he knows he will loose. His claims to have invented the strumstick are about as good as Al Gore's claims to have invented the internet. I have noticed that even his web site is backing off the claim that he "invented" the strumstick, now just claiming that he "developed" it. His trademark of "strumstick" would never hold up in court. "McNally Strumstick" would, but not "strumstick."
I just finished an Asian 3 string lute and I'm starting to feel the urge to make a second 3 string. This stick dulcimer (or whatever name bubbles to the surface) looks like fun.
This may have been developed in the U.S. as a kind of adaptation of a dulcimer, but there are many similar instruments from all over the world, the oldest may be the dotar and setar of old Persia, check out the sound of them. I love em all.
Great discussion. Why not hook up with a musicologist or two and create the new standardized family-group name for this instrument? It seems to be gaining popularity enough that it needs a name.
It's a lute though (as is a guitar) while the mountain dulcimer is a zither but that shouldn't matter so much to the playing public. Technically though, it's no more a dulcimer than a valve trombone is a trumpet; they just play similarly.
This type of instrument is also known as a dulcitar.
By the way, the trademark on the name is to prevent competitors from capitalizing on and cheapening an established brand. If another maker used that name, it's their infringement, not the buyers. People generalize trademarked names all the time (like Kleenex), it's called genericization when it becomes so common the trademark is lost. McNally is right to want to stop it (to protect his brand), but you can legally call it whatever you want.
Hey Kevin. I just discovered this instrument. I posted a video response that uses an actual strumstick. I like your notastrumstick too. We should have a strumstick/notastrumstick dueling battle some day!
p.s. The problem with the Internet Age is that everyone wants something for nothing. Thus our newspapers are collapsing along with our music industry. Pretty soon there will be no incentive to invent anything since there will be no profit in it or no way to protect you investment.
First off, McNally didn't invent this type instrument. It's been around for ages, known as the Diddly Bo, etc. But, having said that, he does have a trademark on a three-stringed device that he calls the Strumstick. So his right should be protected.
The trademark is on the name, that is true. But isn't that what the problem was? That he didn't want anyone else calling their instrument a Strumstick? If he is trying to trademark a three-stringed device, than he is completely wrong.
He made his first Strumstick over two decades ago. He's not trying to do anything except protect the trademark he has had on the name ever since. Besides, you can't trademark an invention. That's what patents are for.
Who made your "dulcitar"/notastrumstick? I bought a McNally strumstick about twelve years ago. It is a great instrument and held up very well even with the abuses of my kids and their friends. However, the sound/volume is a bit thin. I would like to know who made yours and how to contact them to emplore them to make you for me. Yours has a bigger body with a nice full sound. Oh, your playing is great, too.
Hey, sorry I missed your comment! Mine is made by Blaine Horlocker. His website is smokeymountaindulcimer(dot)com. He's a great builder. I highly recommend his instruments!
Walkabout Dulcimer is also a brand name, as is virtually every other name given to this type of instrument. Seems if it's not proprietary (even if it isn't trademarked) it carries some part of a trademarked name. No, these instruments deserve a more accurate, all-encompassing name which everyone can embrace and which does not contain residual elements of a trademark.
Bob Mcnally does hold the patent for the strumstick design, not just the trademarked name. All other instruments with similar design regardless of the name are still infringing on his intellectual and proprietary rights protected by federal law. No "strum stick" instrument of any similarity preceded his on any commercial market. Law suits cost a lot of money so Bob is not interested in taking everyone who infringes his rights but he deserves the respect of his efforts to protect his property.
There is no patent under McNally's name nor for anything called a Strumstick listed with the U.S. Patent Office, at least not that I have ever found. Perhaps he let it expire. In any case, patents, copyrights and trademarks are only as valid as the owner's willingness to defend them. If he takes no legal action against anyone, then he may as well not own such rights. But I've no concern either way about it. It's just too bad for him.
I have tried to fix them. I entered them completely. YouTube is responsible for the truncating. I don't know why it does that or how to fix it. I will try again, though.
I got a few of them working. The URLs still aren't showing up, but the links are working. It will take some time to do them all. Check back for updates.
It's a problem. Bob McNally IS a nice guy and he makes a quality instrument but... What happens when some builder registers his instrument and a "Mountain Dulcimer", or "Guitar"? I think it's a self-generated conflict when a builder uses a traditional name for his product and expects all others to stop using the traditional term. The same thing happened to the "Banjolele" (copyright). Please, Bob, it's easier for you to invent a new name than for the rest of the world to accommodate you.
I think you've misunderstood. Bob did not trademark a traditional name. He coined the word "strumstick" and has every right to trademark it. The name is his creation. The problem has come from everyone knowing the name, but not being able to use it when they build the same type of instrument. There is a resolution in sight, though. I'll be posting about it soon!
Well...not really. That is a name that is being popularized as an alternative by some, but it is still a derivative of "strumstick" (hence the "stick" part") and is no more the original or "real" name of the instrument than "strumstick" or any other derivatives. It's a decent name and the guy who came up with it doesn't want to own it and wants it to be available as a universal name. However, I think there is an accurate name that pre-dates "strumstick". When I've verified it, I'll do a video.
Really, among instruments of this type, the one I'm playing has probably the most substantial body available. It's certainly larger and more resonant than McNally's, which is one reason I chose it. Glad you like the sound!
It's doesn't seem intelligent to myself to stop someone from using your name to describe a similar instrument. If I see your "not a strumstick" and do a search on strumsticks, umm, what do you think I'm going to find?!?!? McNally, duh!
Exactly. I completely agree. If this was an invention that was patented, it would be a different story. But instruments have proliferated from builder to builder for centuries. Being the guy who started that trend is pretty cool - and gets you prestige as well as business! Of course, I went the other route. I found McNally's site and started searching for less expensive versions and found this Smokey Mountain Dulcimer version by Blaine Horlocker. Thanks for the comment!
copies. McNally only trademark the name Strumstick. He sure didn't create do re me...
I just recieved my new SMOKEY MNT 3 STRING DULCIMER from Blaine and it's the best sounding 3 strg. Dulcimer I've picked up in years and I have 8. I'm glad you enjoy yours to. Keep posting!!
A lot of people dispute McNally's claim of inventing the strumstick because it is based on extant instruments. But the idea of making a guitar-like instrument with a 3-string dulcimer fretboard does not seem to really emerge until after McNally. There were some very similar instruments, but I don't doubt that he put his own work into the design and he has inspired a lot of people. Glad you enjoy your new dulcimer! I love my Horlocker instrument and think it beats the rest! Thanks for watching!
we just called a picking sticks, at least in the Texas, Louisiana area... Mine is a strum stick, lol...McNally, though I am getting another brand with a banjo head... anyway, play on your whatchamadoogle and have fun...
Banjo head, eh? Wouldn't be from Blaine Horlocker at Smokey Mountain Dulcimer, would it? 'Cause he built my whatchamadoogle! If it isn't his, I'd like to know where you found it so I can add it to my list. Thanks!
yes that is the one... Now I have an acquaintance in Tx who had a banjo rebuilt as as strum...i mean a diatonic whatamadoogle and it was fun to play.....
Very cool. There's also the Dulcijo, a small, diatonic banjo with 3 strings plus a 4th sort of "half string" that looks interesting. I've never heard of someone retrofitting a banjo like that. Tell your friend he should post a video of it on YouTube! I'd love to see it! :)
Seams like the "trademark" or whatever Les Paul... it's a freakin.. Guitar...
come on...
I once posted a video called "Playing my Ibanez Artwood" and ibanez sent me an e-mail saying it was a copyright infringement... NOT!!!
What bull.. he owns the name "strum stick" so why doesnt he just sue all these magazines and other artists using and calling their isntruments by the "wrong" name
I know that, a man in a group I belong to is the one who added the string many years ago in Persia. :-) It's played much differently too, but the design is the basic same. Of course it is not a walnut carved bowl shape and blah blah blah, but its in general similar. As for the modern one, I just think he should let people call it strumstick as a general name, but they just cant call their specific creations by that name only on their product. It could be a KevinCneece strumstick, for example :-)
Well, I agree. Just like Taylor, Epiphone and Gibson or Stratocaster, it seems all these people are making versions of the same thing and should be able to use a common term. If McNally really is the inventor, then it makes sense that his name should be used. but, trademark law says otherwise.
How stupid, it's almost like saying you can't call a guitar a guitar because someone else called it that first. Basically it's just a Persian setar with a western scale. There are so many things like this instrument so I agree with your ideas but I think the guy should be honored that people call them all by his name.
Well, for the past 250 years, the setar has had four strings, not three. And with 25 to 27 movable frets, I'd say it's a great deal different from the simple, diatonic scale and 13 frets you see here. There are some similarities, though.
But, you're right. There are many similar instruments and this one simply combines the features of existing ones. But so do most instruments. Nonetheless, the name thing is frustrating and, I think, troublesome for McNally and everyone else. But, who asked me?
BTW,I am also a big bob mcnally fan, I love the economy of his strumstick design, very robust too. I recommend them all the time for the value for money. my own Stick Dulcimers are really like mini mandolins in the way they are made. I feel this way I squeeze a little more tone and volume out of the wood!
I like him too. I prefer this design to his, but if it weren't for him, I never would have found this instrument. I think better tone and volume help the instrument to be taken seriously. And it's a great design. It deserves to sound good!
I have always called them Stick Dulcimers as a generic name for the family of these instruments to avoid copyright conflict, I think that term was used even before Bob made his instrument in 1984, there is a book by Dennis waring published in 1982 called "making Folk Instruments" that has a similar instrument called a stick dulcimer.(I havent seen it for a while so I would need to double check..)
Very interesting! I'd like to see that book. I like this stick dulcimer name, but the word 'dulcimer' does not evoke a guitar-like instrument in people's minds. And strumstick is the name everyone knows. We need a common term that everyone can use - including Bob McNally.
Way to go Kevin...I have also been corrected by BOB MCN,,,,I along with 1'000,s others play a CBG...CIGAR BOX GUITAR...Wonder who invented a CBG??? Of course i realize "THIS IS NOT A STRUM STICK" THANKS.
Grand! Thanks for the comment! I need to fix the links. YouTube cuts them off for some reason. I just discovered the Strumbly not too long ago. I'm glad to hear you're enjoying it. Maybe post a video sometime!
No, I didn't invent it. It's built by a guy named Blaine Horlocker - smokeymountaindulcimer(dot)com. The claim to fame for 'inventing' this type of instrument goes to Bob McNally - strumstick(dot)com, though his is quite different from this one. Yeah, the answer to your question is pretty much in the video. And Megadeth rocks!
HEY, FOLKS. I just discovered that YouTube clipped about half of my links so they are incomplete. I guess they're too long for the space provided? Anyway, I am working on fixing it. If anyone knows how, please let me know! If you want any of the links, drop a line and I'll send them your way.
G'day Kevin So it's not a strum stick..I like that, I have made a couple A'sticks using WP design.. now I'm think of one like yours the tear drop shape looks really beaut.
Col Retired and living in the real Albany Western Australia
Well, this isn't 'mine' per se. It's built by Blaine Horlocker. You may have just meant the one I own, but just to be clear, I didn't build it or design it. Yeah, my link is screwy. It adds a space into the URL on the site, even though I didn't type one in. Look for the space, take it out and it should work.
mea culpa, I got that one wrong LOL anyway it's still a beaut looking instrument,, as I say that shape could be the next stick I make.. at the moment I'm working on a tear drop shaped instrument the design is 'after' the German stoessellaute with seven strings no neck and the body may be slightley larger than the strum dulcimers.
Wow, crazy! That sounds really interesting! Hey, if you've got a site featuring your strum dulcimer design, send it to me and I'll add it to the list!
Sorry, I shouldn't have used the word "correct." I first became aware of this type instrument through Michael King's work here in the UK and that's what he calls them. On his website he writes: "I have called these instruments Stick Dulcimers as its a copyright/trademark free generic name that anyone can use." I understand your point about calling it a notastrumstick though.
Yeah, I just found Michael King! It's so funny you would mention him. I've updated my instrument list to include his site. Looks like he makes good stuff. Thanks for the response.
I've seen one guy who calls it a longneck. It's in my instrument list. I like that name too. If you know of others who use it, please let me know. And you're right, the whole concept is essentially a 3-string lap dulcimer with the "lap" body taken off and a smaller, guitar-like body added on. McNally's is small and thin, but Horlocker's is nice and big with good resonance and tone.
That's a name I've heard a couple of places. It's not really the "correct name," it's just one of many invented names. But I agree that it sounds good and if "strumstick" was not used, that one should be. My point in calling it a Notastrumstick was to address the fact that it is originally called a strum stick by the builder, but I'm not allowed to call it that.
Actually, this is the short version. Well, it's not the shortest version, but there is a lot I left out. The shortest version would be me saying, "Hey, for legal reasons, I'm calling this a 'Notastrumstick'! Any questions? I don't care!" But as popular as my last video introducing the instrument was, I wanted to make sure nothing was misrepresented and that likely FAQ's were addressed, otherwise I'd possibly be saying this stuff repeatedly in e-mails. And yes, I'm also long-winded. :)
Be careful not to call a piece of chicken a drum stick......
lawdog89 1 month ago
OR U COULD CALL IT A STRUM GUITAR
sidjaimes 5 months ago
U COULD CALL IT A STRUMMER
sidjaimes 5 months ago
Is it not a dulcijo or a banjimer?
plaustrarius 6 months ago
@plaustrarius No, it's not. Those instruments have banjo heads and at least the dulcijo has an extra string like a banjo that doesn't extend all the way up the neck.. But thanks for playing! :)
KevinCNeece 6 months ago
Why don't you buy a real 'Strum Stick' made by the guy who copywrited the name and then you could call it a 'Strum Stick'?
numbnuts234567 6 months ago
@numbnuts234567 Because his instruments are far more expensive and don't sound as good as this one. They have a much smaller body and therefore less volume and resonance.
KevinCNeece 6 months ago
@KevinCNeece thanks for your reply! Of course, no sound hole - you're quite right. However, the saz, baglamas and your invention must be distant cousins, at least !
pageponpai 7 months ago
looks like a saz ...
pageponpai 7 months ago
@pageponpai The saz (or, more properly, the baglama) is made up of three courses of strings, not three strings. And the fretting on that instrument is completely different - an Eastern 15-interval octave as opposed to a Western diatonic scale. Plus, that instrument has no sound hole. So, it is similar in some respects, but not as similar as it may appear.
KevinCNeece 7 months ago
@KevinCNeece of course the saz HAS a sound hole, usually on the bottom of the instrument, but sometimes also on the side or the front of it, like we see it on your instrument.
TurkiyeKalbimde 7 months ago
@TurkiyeKalbimde You're right, it can have a sound hole. Some do, some don't, I'd only seen those without when I made the comment. mid-east dot com / Info / saz dot html Thanks for the info!
KevinCNeece 7 months ago
Less chat, more hat! Just play "Eruption" on it or something!
actionsauce5 8 months ago
Skipper in jaws
fms51 10 months ago
I'd see if you could trademark "DumStick" Diatonic Uke-like Mando-Stick. The DumStick sounds sort of like "Drum Stick" but it also gets across the 'no wrong note' idea - aka a "Dumb" Stick. Just an idea.
moucon 1 year ago
Doesn't such things build a brand? Much like all stratocaster style guitars are called a "strat". And what are the most revered strats? Fender Stratocasters, of course.
TheBigMclargehuge 1 year ago
The Wikipedia entry for 'dulcitar' is worth a look, oddly enough - it attributes the term to a luthier born in 1927. I first heard the term used in conversation with an instrument repairer some 30 years ago, so somewhere between those two dates it seems to have become generic. Anyway, must dash - I've just invented a circular thing that you put under stuff - four at a time is good - to make it easier to move, so I need to get a patent filed. : )
Zax901250 1 year ago 2
I'm baffled by all of this. I've seen instruments of this kind around for decades, all going by the generic term 'dulcitar', along the lines of other hybrids such as the banjolin. I hereby declare all concerned to be 'dulcitar makers'. Now go forth and be dulcet.
By the way, another option is removing the unwanted frets from a cheap acoustic guitar and tuning it DADDAD using appropriate string gauges. Small nations have actually been known to surrender when faced with such an instrument.
Zax901250 1 year ago
@Zax901250 Ha! I agree. Actually, I've been needing to make a video about that name for a while. I'd be interested to know where you've seen it. And I'm now going to head out and conquer a small nation. ;)
KevinCNeece 1 year ago
@Zax901250 Ha! I agree. Actually, I've been needing to make a video about that name for a while. I'd be interested to know where you've seen it. And I'm now going to head out and conquer a small nation. ;)
KevinCNeece 1 year ago
I might build myself a ChordTwig just for spite.
anon540 1 year ago
@anon540 Hahahaaaa! Brilliant. I busted out laughing when I read that. I'll be sure to build a similar instrument, which I will call a NotaChordTwig!
KevinCNeece 1 year ago
It's a crudely made saz.
Probably cost twice as much as a real Turkish saz of twice the quality.
boguspurr 1 year ago
@boguspurr @boguspurr Absolutely not. The saz (or, more properly, the baglama) is made up of three courses of strings, not three strings. And the fretting on that instrument is completely different - an Eastern 15-interval octave as opposed to a Western diatonic scale. Plus, that instrument has no sound hole.
KevinCNeece 1 year ago
@boguspur As to it being "crudely made," I see no difference in quality between this instrument and any number of traditional folk instruments like the saz. In fact, this instrument is very well made. A saz will usually run you more and can cost ten times what this one costs. With shipping, I paid $100. And it is at least as high, if not higher quality than many instruments I could have purchased for a lot more.
KevinCNeece 1 year ago
@boguspur It is interesting to note the similarities between this instrument and the saz, at least in that the saz is tri-tonal and comes from a folk instrument tradition. It also shares a similar teardrop shape. But the two are quite dissimilar in every other resp and this one is far from crude.
KevinCNeece 1 year ago
No knock on Bob, at all. love this video. Let's think of other cool names;
A. 3 string strumming dulcimer
B. strumstrumstrum
C. 1 string stick which one can strum
D. hurray to strum!
you're a good sport. I hope you keep posting one-string dulcimer videos.
gurdonark 1 year ago
Kinda looks like a Persian "setar". Not to be confused with the Indian "sitar"
wildmantis1 1 year ago
Kinda looks like a Persian "setar". Not to be confused with the Indian "sitar"
wildmantis1 1 year ago
I love how you positioned the tuners like that!
A classical take on modern tuners!
williamthomasmi10 2 years ago
I am so with you on this. My husband made and gifted me with "one of those" and we have no idea what to called it from a generic instrumental viewpoint! Sheesh!
womanatwittsend 2 years ago
That's an awesome STRUMSTICK!!
essolounnik 2 years ago
Skinny Dulcimer
stonebirdsmusic 2 years ago
You may have said this, but I missed it,
Why isn't it a strumstick?
Johndunbar116 2 years ago
The pickin stick would most certainly have been originally made and played in native Africa in one form or another, like the Kora. I dissagree that Mcanally is right to stop it. A products reputation is made by it's quality. What Mcanally wants to achieve is for people to say.. ahhh, but I have a Mcnally pickin stick!! Like a Fender, copied hundreds of times.. but a FENDER is a name reknown for it's quality.. well, it used to be !!!
Lighten up and rule by your reputation for quality !!
SONGSTICKS 2 years ago
I prefer the term "strum wand."
tyrelg 2 years ago
Kevin. Don't let McNally push you around. He doesn't actually take people to court, because he knows he will loose. His claims to have invented the strumstick are about as good as Al Gore's claims to have invented the internet. I have noticed that even his web site is backing off the claim that he "invented" the strumstick, now just claiming that he "developed" it. His trademark of "strumstick" would never hold up in court. "McNally Strumstick" would, but not "strumstick."
1donagin 2 years ago
you take a long time to get to the point.
kamalmanzukie 2 years ago 7
I just finished an Asian 3 string lute and I'm starting to feel the urge to make a second 3 string. This stick dulcimer (or whatever name bubbles to the surface) looks like fun.
Hikikomori013 2 years ago
This may have been developed in the U.S. as a kind of adaptation of a dulcimer, but there are many similar instruments from all over the world, the oldest may be the dotar and setar of old Persia, check out the sound of them. I love em all.
7Matahari7 2 years ago
you talk to much but nice strumstick
crabtrap 2 years ago
Great discussion. Why not hook up with a musicologist or two and create the new standardized family-group name for this instrument? It seems to be gaining popularity enough that it needs a name.
It's a lute though (as is a guitar) while the mountain dulcimer is a zither but that shouldn't matter so much to the playing public. Technically though, it's no more a dulcimer than a valve trombone is a trumpet; they just play similarly.
How about 'Mountain Lute" or some such?
CoachTMBSC 2 years ago
This type of instrument is also known as a dulcitar.
By the way, the trademark on the name is to prevent competitors from capitalizing on and cheapening an established brand. If another maker used that name, it's their infringement, not the buyers. People generalize trademarked names all the time (like Kleenex), it's called genericization when it becomes so common the trademark is lost. McNally is right to want to stop it (to protect his brand), but you can legally call it whatever you want.
WurdBendur 2 years ago
your work is awesome!
johnmcnair 2 years ago
Thanks! I'm diggin' yours too!
KevinCNeece 2 years ago
Hey Kevin. I just discovered this instrument. I posted a video response that uses an actual strumstick. I like your notastrumstick too. We should have a strumstick/notastrumstick dueling battle some day!
iamanasterix 2 years ago
Ha! That might be fun. Thanks for dropping by!
KevinCNeece 2 years ago
Comment removed
SWBBC 2 years ago
damb awsome
soggytoast89 2 years ago
p.s. The problem with the Internet Age is that everyone wants something for nothing. Thus our newspapers are collapsing along with our music industry. Pretty soon there will be no incentive to invent anything since there will be no profit in it or no way to protect you investment.
SWBBC 2 years ago
First off, McNally didn't invent this type instrument. It's been around for ages, known as the Diddly Bo, etc. But, having said that, he does have a trademark on a three-stringed device that he calls the Strumstick. So his right should be protected.
SWBBC 2 years ago
The trademark is on the name. That is all.
KevinCNeece 2 years ago
Comment removed
SWBBC 2 years ago
The trademark is on the name, that is true. But isn't that what the problem was? That he didn't want anyone else calling their instrument a Strumstick? If he is trying to trademark a three-stringed device, than he is completely wrong.
SWBBC 2 years ago
He made his first Strumstick over two decades ago. He's not trying to do anything except protect the trademark he has had on the name ever since. Besides, you can't trademark an invention. That's what patents are for.
KevinCNeece 2 years ago
Kevin,
Who made your "dulcitar"/notastrumstick? I bought a McNally strumstick about twelve years ago. It is a great instrument and held up very well even with the abuses of my kids and their friends. However, the sound/volume is a bit thin. I would like to know who made yours and how to contact them to emplore them to make you for me. Yours has a bigger body with a nice full sound. Oh, your playing is great, too.
kieviekie 2 years ago
Hey, sorry I missed your comment! Mine is made by Blaine Horlocker. His website is smokeymountaindulcimer(dot)com. He's a great builder. I highly recommend his instruments!
KevinCNeece 2 years ago
How about the Dulcimeric Non McNally May or May Not Be Strummed According To One Taste Stick. Love The Videos.
ericbigmanbrien 3 years ago
Ha. I'll keep that one in mind. Maybe shorten it to DNMMMNBSATOTS. :)
KevinCNeece 2 years ago
I think its called a "walkabout dulcimer"
essentially a mountain dulcimer thats easy to play standing up......strumstick is just like a brand name like gibson or fender
Mandoman111089 3 years ago
Walkabout Dulcimer is also a brand name, as is virtually every other name given to this type of instrument. Seems if it's not proprietary (even if it isn't trademarked) it carries some part of a trademarked name. No, these instruments deserve a more accurate, all-encompassing name which everyone can embrace and which does not contain residual elements of a trademark.
KevinCNeece 3 years ago
Bob Mcnally does hold the patent for the strumstick design, not just the trademarked name. All other instruments with similar design regardless of the name are still infringing on his intellectual and proprietary rights protected by federal law. No "strum stick" instrument of any similarity preceded his on any commercial market. Law suits cost a lot of money so Bob is not interested in taking everyone who infringes his rights but he deserves the respect of his efforts to protect his property.
canjoejohn 3 years ago
There is no patent under McNally's name nor for anything called a Strumstick listed with the U.S. Patent Office, at least not that I have ever found. Perhaps he let it expire. In any case, patents, copyrights and trademarks are only as valid as the owner's willingness to defend them. If he takes no legal action against anyone, then he may as well not own such rights. But I've no concern either way about it. It's just too bad for him.
KevinCNeece 3 years ago
Most of the links to other manufacturers are truncated and unusable. Could you please fix them?
tanizaki 3 years ago
I have tried to fix them. I entered them completely. YouTube is responsible for the truncating. I don't know why it does that or how to fix it. I will try again, though.
KevinCNeece 3 years ago
I got a few of them working. The URLs still aren't showing up, but the links are working. It will take some time to do them all. Check back for updates.
KevinCNeece 3 years ago
shas1814 3 years ago
I think you've misunderstood. Bob did not trademark a traditional name. He coined the word "strumstick" and has every right to trademark it. The name is his creation. The problem has come from everyone knowing the name, but not being able to use it when they build the same type of instrument. There is a resolution in sight, though. I'll be posting about it soon!
KevinCNeece 3 years ago
nice sound. whatis it tuned to?
markmckaytnt 3 years ago
Thanks! It's tuned to D-A-D.
KevinCNeece 3 years ago
how abot the stick string?
bassin419 3 years ago
Yeah... No. But, thanks for playing!
KevinCNeece 3 years ago
you have some good videos and this is a good way to tell people and not only you some things to look out for. good job
efoster69 3 years ago
Thank you!
KevinCNeece 3 years ago
its not a strum stick its an Stick Dulcimer
mrgreengenes19 3 years ago
Well...not really. That is a name that is being popularized as an alternative by some, but it is still a derivative of "strumstick" (hence the "stick" part") and is no more the original or "real" name of the instrument than "strumstick" or any other derivatives. It's a decent name and the guy who came up with it doesn't want to own it and wants it to be available as a universal name. However, I think there is an accurate name that pre-dates "strumstick". When I've verified it, I'll do a video.
KevinCNeece 3 years ago
LOL, love the way you got around the problem! :-)
hedgewytche 3 years ago
I try. :)
KevinCNeece 3 years ago
hey, this thing has so little resonance room but on the video it sounds great.
Changer01 3 years ago
Really, among instruments of this type, the one I'm playing has probably the most substantial body available. It's certainly larger and more resonant than McNally's, which is one reason I chose it. Glad you like the sound!
KevinCNeece 3 years ago
Nice strum stick.
LGrey8 3 years ago 13
less talking more playing
fluffyp0nyoo2 3 years ago
less talking more playing
janasnosh 4 years ago
I agree. In fact, I said that. In this video. So...right on!! More playing coming soon.
KevinCNeece 4 years ago
cool ill be wathcing
janasnosh 4 years ago
It's doesn't seem intelligent to myself to stop someone from using your name to describe a similar instrument. If I see your "not a strumstick" and do a search on strumsticks, umm, what do you think I'm going to find?!?!? McNally, duh!
tinyguitars 4 years ago
Exactly. I completely agree. If this was an invention that was patented, it would be a different story. But instruments have proliferated from builder to builder for centuries. Being the guy who started that trend is pretty cool - and gets you prestige as well as business! Of course, I went the other route. I found McNally's site and started searching for less expensive versions and found this Smokey Mountain Dulcimer version by Blaine Horlocker. Thanks for the comment!
KevinCNeece 4 years ago
Hey Kevin, How are you doin? I been strumming
on old family strings for many years. The 3
string Dulcimer is as old as Appalacian Mnt.
Music. No one invented it. There all making
copies. McNally only trademark the name Strumstick. He sure didn't create do re me...
I just recieved my new SMOKEY MNT 3 STRING DULCIMER from Blaine and it's the best sounding 3 strg. Dulcimer I've picked up in years and I have 8. I'm glad you enjoy yours to. Keep posting!!
irishghetto 4 years ago
A lot of people dispute McNally's claim of inventing the strumstick because it is based on extant instruments. But the idea of making a guitar-like instrument with a 3-string dulcimer fretboard does not seem to really emerge until after McNally. There were some very similar instruments, but I don't doubt that he put his own work into the design and he has inspired a lot of people. Glad you enjoy your new dulcimer! I love my Horlocker instrument and think it beats the rest! Thanks for watching!
KevinCNeece 4 years ago
we just called a picking sticks, at least in the Texas, Louisiana area... Mine is a strum stick, lol...McNally, though I am getting another brand with a banjo head... anyway, play on your whatchamadoogle and have fun...
MrSteve55 4 years ago
Banjo head, eh? Wouldn't be from Blaine Horlocker at Smokey Mountain Dulcimer, would it? 'Cause he built my whatchamadoogle! If it isn't his, I'd like to know where you found it so I can add it to my list. Thanks!
KevinCNeece 4 years ago
yes that is the one... Now I have an acquaintance in Tx who had a banjo rebuilt as as strum...i mean a diatonic whatamadoogle and it was fun to play.....
MrSteve55 4 years ago
Very cool. There's also the Dulcijo, a small, diatonic banjo with 3 strings plus a 4th sort of "half string" that looks interesting. I've never heard of someone retrofitting a banjo like that. Tell your friend he should post a video of it on YouTube! I'd love to see it! :)
KevinCNeece 4 years ago
Seams like the "trademark" or whatever Les Paul... it's a freakin.. Guitar...
come on...
I once posted a video called "Playing my Ibanez Artwood" and ibanez sent me an e-mail saying it was a copyright infringement... NOT!!!
What bull.. he owns the name "strum stick" so why doesnt he just sue all these magazines and other artists using and calling their isntruments by the "wrong" name
redking15ca 4 years ago
I know that, a man in a group I belong to is the one who added the string many years ago in Persia. :-) It's played much differently too, but the design is the basic same. Of course it is not a walnut carved bowl shape and blah blah blah, but its in general similar. As for the modern one, I just think he should let people call it strumstick as a general name, but they just cant call their specific creations by that name only on their product. It could be a KevinCneece strumstick, for example :-)
Aetherus7 4 years ago
Well, I agree. Just like Taylor, Epiphone and Gibson or Stratocaster, it seems all these people are making versions of the same thing and should be able to use a common term. If McNally really is the inventor, then it makes sense that his name should be used. but, trademark law says otherwise.
KevinCNeece 4 years ago
How stupid, it's almost like saying you can't call a guitar a guitar because someone else called it that first. Basically it's just a Persian setar with a western scale. There are so many things like this instrument so I agree with your ideas but I think the guy should be honored that people call them all by his name.
Aetherus7 4 years ago
Well, for the past 250 years, the setar has had four strings, not three. And with 25 to 27 movable frets, I'd say it's a great deal different from the simple, diatonic scale and 13 frets you see here. There are some similarities, though.
But, you're right. There are many similar instruments and this one simply combines the features of existing ones. But so do most instruments. Nonetheless, the name thing is frustrating and, I think, troublesome for McNally and everyone else. But, who asked me?
KevinCNeece 4 years ago
BTW,I am also a big bob mcnally fan, I love the economy of his strumstick design, very robust too. I recommend them all the time for the value for money. my own Stick Dulcimers are really like mini mandolins in the way they are made. I feel this way I squeeze a little more tone and volume out of the wood!
michaeljking 4 years ago
I like him too. I prefer this design to his, but if it weren't for him, I never would have found this instrument. I think better tone and volume help the instrument to be taken seriously. And it's a great design. It deserves to sound good!
KevinCNeece 4 years ago
I have always called them Stick Dulcimers as a generic name for the family of these instruments to avoid copyright conflict, I think that term was used even before Bob made his instrument in 1984, there is a book by Dennis waring published in 1982 called "making Folk Instruments" that has a similar instrument called a stick dulcimer.(I havent seen it for a while so I would need to double check..)
michaeljking 4 years ago
Very interesting! I'd like to see that book. I like this stick dulcimer name, but the word 'dulcimer' does not evoke a guitar-like instrument in people's minds. And strumstick is the name everyone knows. We need a common term that everyone can use - including Bob McNally.
KevinCNeece 4 years ago
i'd call it a Strumcimer. Honors to Bob but he just put a dulcimer Fretboard on a Cigarebox guitar :S No rocketsience there
FraJa1980 4 years ago
Hey, you said it, not me.
Strumcimer. Interesting...
KevinCNeece 4 years ago
Ghehehe, its true though. He's lucky Martin doesnt sew him for the shape of his version, looks like the bodyshape of The backpacker
FraJa1980 4 years ago
Oh, Martin won't sue him. He developed the backpacker and sold it to Martin. Hence the similar body style.
KevinCNeece 4 years ago
I stand corrected, i didnt know that i just recognised it from the guitar version.
FraJa1980 4 years ago
Way to go Kevin...I have also been corrected by BOB MCN,,,,I along with 1'000,s others play a CBG...CIGAR BOX GUITAR...Wonder who invented a CBG??? Of course i realize "THIS IS NOT A STRUM STICK" THANKS.
WILLARDJ 4 years ago
Aren't you glad no one has a trademark on the word 'guitar'? ;) Thanks for the note.
KevinCNeece 4 years ago
It was a civil war soldier who played a cigarboxviola wat started it all, or so the legend goes.
FraJa1980 4 years ago
That's what I love about these offbeat instruments. They represent such creativity and people's desire to make music one way or another!
KevinCNeece 4 years ago
I agree, ive seen someone play Junkyardfever on a old tea case turned into a contrabase!!
Fantastic what some people can do with evryday things
FraJa1980 4 years ago
Hey, thanks for all the information -- especially for the list of 3-stringer-critters (aka 3-Stringers). I have a Strumbly, and I love it! :+)
cielcarter 4 years ago
Grand! Thanks for the comment! I need to fix the links. YouTube cuts them off for some reason. I just discovered the Strumbly not too long ago. I'm glad to hear you're enjoying it. Maybe post a video sometime!
KevinCNeece 4 years ago
awesome. you realy invinted that?
MEGADETHshred 4 years ago
No, I didn't invent it. It's built by a guy named Blaine Horlocker - smokeymountaindulcimer(dot)com. The claim to fame for 'inventing' this type of instrument goes to Bob McNally - strumstick(dot)com, though his is quite different from this one. Yeah, the answer to your question is pretty much in the video. And Megadeth rocks!
KevinCNeece 4 years ago
Hi Kevin I have tag on a couple of short clips..
Nr 1 Sound clip of number one son having a jamming out on my A'stick.
Nr 2 Silent clip of A'stick and Electric'stick.
Col
PS if for any reason you don't want these clips on this thread.. please remove them. I will understand
gonedigital 4 years ago
Thanks for letting us know about your instrument! It's great to see what people are building and playing. Looks Great!
KevinCNeece 4 years ago
HEY, FOLKS. I just discovered that YouTube clipped about half of my links so they are incomplete. I guess they're too long for the space provided? Anyway, I am working on fixing it. If anyone knows how, please let me know! If you want any of the links, drop a line and I'll send them your way.
KevinCNeece 4 years ago
G'day Kevin So it's not a strum stick..I like that, I have made a couple A'sticks using WP design.. now I'm think of one like yours the tear drop shape looks really beaut.
Col Retired and living in the real Albany Western Australia
PS the link for your web site won't work
gonedigital 4 years ago
Well, this isn't 'mine' per se. It's built by Blaine Horlocker. You may have just meant the one I own, but just to be clear, I didn't build it or design it. Yeah, my link is screwy. It adds a space into the URL on the site, even though I didn't type one in. Look for the space, take it out and it should work.
KevinCNeece 4 years ago
mea culpa, I got that one wrong LOL anyway it's still a beaut looking instrument,, as I say that shape could be the next stick I make.. at the moment I'm working on a tear drop shaped instrument the design is 'after' the German stoessellaute with seven strings no neck and the body may be slightley larger than the strum dulcimers.
gonedigital 4 years ago
Wow, crazy! That sounds really interesting! Hey, if you've got a site featuring your strum dulcimer design, send it to me and I'll add it to the list!
KevinCNeece 4 years ago
Hi Kevin I will try and make a short silent clip of my 'not strum sticks'
gonedigital 4 years ago
Sorry, I shouldn't have used the word "correct." I first became aware of this type instrument through Michael King's work here in the UK and that's what he calls them. On his website he writes: "I have called these instruments Stick Dulcimers as its a copyright/trademark free generic name that anyone can use." I understand your point about calling it a notastrumstick though.
flaxton1 4 years ago
Yeah, I just found Michael King! It's so funny you would mention him. I've updated my instrument list to include his site. Looks like he makes good stuff. Thanks for the response.
KevinCNeece 4 years ago
Another common name is "long neck duclimer." Basically it is a Mountian or Appalachian dulcimer with a fret board that extends beyond the body.
HilroyBinder 4 years ago
I've seen one guy who calls it a longneck. It's in my instrument list. I like that name too. If you know of others who use it, please let me know. And you're right, the whole concept is essentially a 3-string lap dulcimer with the "lap" body taken off and a smaller, guitar-like body added on. McNally's is small and thin, but Horlocker's is nice and big with good resonance and tone.
KevinCNeece 4 years ago
The correct name is a "stick dulcimer" which is what we should all be calling them. keep up the good work
flaxton1 4 years ago
That's a name I've heard a couple of places. It's not really the "correct name," it's just one of many invented names. But I agree that it sounds good and if "strumstick" was not used, that one should be. My point in calling it a Notastrumstick was to address the fact that it is originally called a strum stick by the builder, but I'm not allowed to call it that.
KevinCNeece 4 years ago
ever heard of a long story short
jeb3535 4 years ago
Actually, this is the short version. Well, it's not the shortest version, but there is a lot I left out. The shortest version would be me saying, "Hey, for legal reasons, I'm calling this a 'Notastrumstick'! Any questions? I don't care!" But as popular as my last video introducing the instrument was, I wanted to make sure nothing was misrepresented and that likely FAQ's were addressed, otherwise I'd possibly be saying this stuff repeatedly in e-mails. And yes, I'm also long-winded. :)
KevinCNeece 4 years ago