A.C. Fairbanks Whyte Laydie #2, 5 String Banjo Plan

I bought this set of plans and have started my build. I curious as to what turners you recommend for it . I noticed that the is a big selection on your web page. I will update this review at the completion of my build.

The drawing itself is fine, drawn to full scale, the down side is it has a limited number of views on a single page. I would prefer to have a scale taper drawing showing the view of the side in pre-bent also a separate top and back brace view. In past guitar drawings I have received an electronic PDF file so that I can print multiple copies and use them physically cut the drawing to assemble things like bending fixtures, patterns for body sides or neck profile. That said the drawing will provide what I need to build to it's dimensions.

Perfect!

After ordering the Simple Mountain Dulcimer plan I received a copy of "Antes Stump Hollow' Style mou[ntain dulcimer, MDP-05, which is a tear drop shaped instrument. I really wanted to try an hourglass shaped instrument so I specifically ordered 'Mountain Dulcimer Hourglass Style', MDP-01. The plans are nice full size drawings but not as detailed as I had hoped for. Using the plans as well as information gleaned from the internet resulted in finishing a dulcimer that sounds very good to my ear. Both of the plans include basic instructions for making a 'scroll' type head. However, I was unable to find compatible tuners so I made a 'guitar style peg head' using information form the internet. The tuners readily available at Folkcraft worked great as did the nut/ bridges, strings and pins, (the 'nails which anchor the strings at the end of the fret board). I used a #49 twist drill to make pilot holes for the pins and #50 drill to make pilot holes for the tiny screws that secure the tuners.) Loop end strings from Folkcraft were used. STD-4-LOOP-BW strings and Tuners Open Chrome (Bone) Four 57-39-09 were used. I made three dulcimers, one for my daughter, one for my son and one for me. The two plans include different Vibrating String Length specifications. The teardrop shaped one uses a 28 inch open string length and the hourglass uses 27 inch. The fret placement numbers included are listed to the thousandth inch marks as in 2.953 (or 75.00mm). I bit difficult to measure with a ruler perhaps, but ideal for use on a CNC machine. 18 fret positions are listed including one at 6 1/2. The resulting pitches seem very accurate. Overall, the plans were very useful and combined with a bit more information enabled me to make some dulcimers that I think are useable. An additional instruction sheet about where to find tuners, strings and so on and what sort to use would, to my way of thinking, be helpful. Also expanded information about what woods are recommended, finishes to use, recommended glues, maybe some notes on clamping and joining would be useful to the first time builder.

Although I've played various instruments for 40 years, I'm new to dulcimers and one of those people who has to have a few of the same instrument. I've purchased a few dulcimers from private professionals, but I have to say that Folkcraft's is the best quality I've put my hands on so far. The fit, finish, overall beauty and sound is by far my favorite. I have a full walnut custom teardrop that was on their "ready to ship" list. I looked at it for weeks before deciding to spend a little more than I planned, but I'm so glad I did. I also do woodworking, so I bought their plans to build my own. I've discovered a new source to help satisfy my musical needs! Thank you Richard and team.