Stick Dulcimer review No.2 Smokey Mountain Dulcimer

[retius]

I bought one of his Electrics, and I loved it... At first.

After about a week, the wood had warped and pushed out the fretwire to the point that it didn't play any more. I called Mr. Horlocker, and he basically yelled at me, and told me to take off the strings and hammer the frets back in.

I tried, but I've been unable to re-string it since, due to the holes not going all the way through like they do on a McNally. I've basically had to call the whole purchase a loss.

Would NOT recommend.

[michaeljking]

This happened because the instrument was made at a higher humidity than your current environment(I go to great lengths myself to control humidity, its a never ending battle), But once it has happened any maker should be prepared to take back an instrument and fix it, Was it a poplar neck? If you email me a picture I can advise you what to do about the strings, but I would try diplomacy again with mr Horlocker, its in his interest to fix it and you can comment here.

[retius]

It happened because he had it stored in his garage, which got flooded in a hurricane or tropical storm-- I forget which-- and then sent it to me. I had it at a very high humidity level, and none of my other instruments (ukuleles, mostly shipped from Hawaii-- very humid) have had any problems.

Mr. Horlocker was not helpful when we spoke, he just kept saying how long he's been doing this. I got the impression he had gotten his money and wanted to be left alone.

[retius]

Also, I appreciate your offer-- however, as the thing has been unstrung for over a year, I'm afraid I've misplaced the bridge.

I think I'll just get a McNally one of these days, when I have the money, and use this for parts. Or firewood.

[michaeljking]

The McNally is worth it, great quality, kiln dried paduak, (a very stable wood! ) Mr Horlocker has admitted responsibility, I know times are tough but everyone has a better side, I don't know him but I am sure if you keep to the facts and press upon his long history.....send him this video, maybe he will suprise you! Otherwise you could just cut your losses, sell the other instrument on ebay and list what needs doing, you may recover something, Sorry I cannot help more!

[ip22oo]

nice

[owenniblock]

Hello Michael! I didn't realise you'd done videos on here. Nice work. You can see a video of me playing the instrument you made on my YouTube at the moment :o)

[michaeljking]

Thanks Owen!! glad to see your still playing it!! sounds great, I am doing a series on how to make one just like yours here on Youtube, though tuned to Dad.

[tinyguitars]

GRIEF! That thing is horrible! People pay $80 for that? Imagine something being more simple and rustic than the McNally!!

[michaeljking]

Yes, you are right, I adjusted the bridge but the middle string is a few cents flat still.  I could fix it with wider compensated bridge. It depends what you play with it,

[randomwritings]

Interesting - you can certainly tell the difference. I have just bought a piece of tulipwood for a project. Was it me or did it sound a bit off when you played higher up the neck at 3 mins 30?