A.W. Jeffreys Dulcimer

Subject: A.W. Jeffreys Dulcimer
From: GUEST,Guest, Jen
Date: 11 Jun 03 - 04:00 PM

Several years ago I gave my daughter my dad's AW Jeffreys dulcimer. Last year we took it to a dulcimer shop to have mechanical tuners put in and they advised against it given the dulcimer's maker. I've searched the internet but haven't found any information (other than that he's deceased)about Mr. Jeffreys. What makes this instrument "special"? By the way, my daughter starts at Penn State this fall in music ed (french horn) and she surprised the horn prof by asking if there was a dulcimer class at PSU! :)

Subject: RE: A.W. Jeffreys Dulcimer
From: Willie-O
Date: 11 Jun 03 - 04:12 PM

Jen, you might want to direct your question to the queen of the mountain dulcimer, Jean Ritchie, who happens to be KYTRAD here. Join the Mudcat--it's free, easy and not a spam factory--and send her a personal message.

In any case, I'm sure you did the right thing by not modifying the instrument until you learn more about it.

Willie-O

Subject: RE: A.W. Jeffreys Dulcimer
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 11 Jun 03 - 04:21 PM

The Dulcimer Players News periodical runs articles on historically significant makers occasionally, although I don't recall whether Jeffreys was one they've reported recently.

Their site does have past issues posted, but they don't appear to have a way to search the content except by browsing individual issues. Since they're a quarterly magazine, you can cover a fairly long time span by browsing a relatively few issues. (And if Penn State can't satisfy your daughter's dulcimer cravings, a subscription might be a nice Xmas gift? - maybe she can write the article on Jeffreys.)

John

Subject: RE: A.W. Jeffreys Dulcimer
From: IvanB
Date: 11 Jun 03 - 05:23 PM

A Google search turned up a dulcimer bibliography page which had tow listings, one for AW Jeffreys and one for AW Jr. Could be father and son, or it could be one person who dropped the 'jr.' when his father died. Found here:

Dulcimer bibliography

Anyway, it gives some credence, if it's the same person as your dulcimer's maker, that he had some standing in the dulcimer world.

Subject: RE: A.W. Jeffreys Dulcimer
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 11 Jun 03 - 05:32 PM

As you've probably already learned, AW Jeffreys was a relatively "modern" persona. He is cited in a number of folk music bibliographies for his book, apparently self-published:

Tuning and Playing the Appalachian Dulcimer revised ed. Staunton, Virginia: A. W. Jeffreys, Jr., 1964

and for an article that appeared in the now defunct "Mugwumps" magazine:

"The Appalachian Dulcimer." Mugwumps, volume 1, number 2, March 1972, pp. 8-9.

"Existing" back issues of the Mugwumps magazine have been turned over to Mugwumps at Elderly Instruments, but they don't appear to have the issue containing Jeffrey's article.

Given the time period in which he was apparently active, your best hope for finding information probably is the recollection of those who knew him - or his instruments.

Since the dulcimer you have is fairly "modern" it is reasonable to assume that the wooden tuning pegs are "modern fiddle" (or maybe cello) size and taper, so a good luthier should be able to "dress" the holes, and possibly provide new pegs if needed (archive the old ones, maybe?), to make them work quite nicely. (This is a job that's easy to "botch," so you do need to look for a real fiddle luthier.)

There is a sort of "knack" to tuning with the pegs, but your daughter shouldn't have much trouble finding a friendly fiddler at Penn State to show her how. Until she's confident, it might help to put fairly light strings on, so that she's not fighting high tensions to get in tune; but she should be able to handle 'standard' weights with a little practice.

The dulcimer has a limited "chromaticity," so it's common to use different tunings for different tunes, and the pegs are favored by some players because they can be more quickly adjusted to a new tuning.

The main objection to peg tuners is from those who can't tune without an electronic tuner and think they've got to have everything within 2 cents. Especially with a dulcimer, you can get it "close enough" by ear and tell everyone "it's a modal tune" - at least until your "ear" gets better.

John

Subject: RE: A.W. Jeffreys Dulcimer
From: Jen M
Date: 11 Jun 03 - 06:39 PM

Thanks for the info--as you can see I joined Mudcat but had to pick a different name! I've been using the site often for song lyrics but never got around to joining.

Subject: RE: A.W. Jeffreys Dulcimer
From: Willie-O
Date: 11 Jun 03 - 08:32 PM

Welcome to the Cat! Where we'll discuss any obscure instruments or songs until you're quite sick of the whole thing... ;)=

W-O

Subject: RE: A.W. Jeffreys Dulcimer
From: GUEST,Lyn in Colorado
Date: 07 Jun 06 - 01:53 AM

Anybody know what an A.W. Jeffrey's dulcimer would sell for these days. I bought mine in 1966. Just curious as to its value today. Thank you.

Subject: RE: A.W. Jeffreys Dulcimer
From: Arkie
Date: 07 Jun 06 - 11:55 AM

There was a time when a Jeffrey's dulcimer was about all one could get and he advertised in Sing Out Magazine, if I remember correctly.   There were a couple of other builders but nowhere like today. One rarely sees a Jeffrey's in this day and age.

Some players who use wooden pegs also use "fine tuners".   Little beads with a hole drilled in the middle are placed on the strings.   The luthier who recommended against the use of metal tuning pegs might be able to tell if that was practical on your daughter's dulcimer.

The Ozark Folk Center in Mountain View, Arkansas holds a dulcimer contest in connection with its annual Dulcimer Jamboree.   Four of the five finalists were under 20 years of age. Its kind of nice seeing young folk taking an interest in dulcimers. We might have to start junior and senior divisions to give the older folks a chance.

Subject: RE: A.W. Jeffreys Dulcimer
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 07 Jun 06 - 07:51 PM

It's nice to find this. There are fewer threads now that I want to look in on and add to.

John in Kansas,

Mr. Jeffreys' dulcimers were in the shop I was asst. mgr. of 1965-'66 & '67 in Chicago---the Old Town Folklore Center. I seem to recall they sold for around $40.00 to $60.00. They were basic but had very nice tone. A rather unobtrusive, flat finish---not high gloss. Not terribly decorative either. These had four basic heart-shaped sound holes without fancy ornamentation or beveling--almost as if cut by a cookie cutter. Also, they had a short-ish fretboard with everything reduced accordingly. At least, they were shorter than my personal favorite dulcimers back then---those made by North Carolinian Frank Proffitt. Being a couple of inches shorter, playing them took less stretching --- which was nice for smaller hands.

I do seem to recall that Jean Ritchie had some very nice things to say about Mr. Jeffreys and his instruments in her grand dulcimer history and instruction manual. That book was published by Oak Publications.

Art Thieme

Subject: RE: A.W. Jeffreys Dulcimer
From: GUEST,Emily
Date: 21 Jan 07 - 10:03 PM

I notice that some of these comments are quite old, but I have just stumbled accross this site. AW Jeffreys was my grandfather. He lived his adult life in Staunton, VA where he started a dulcimer company (the Appalachian Dulcimer Company) in the 1950s. If anyone would like more specific or in-depth information about him or his instruments, I would be happy to do what I can to get it for you.

I am glad to see my grandfather spoken of so highly.

Subject: RE: A.W. Jeffreys Dulcimer
From: bubblyrat
Date: 21 Jan 07 - 10:20 PM

Don"t know the maker,but I love the sound of the Appalachian dulcimer.Some years ago,I was impressed by a lady called Mary Eagle ,who was over here on tour in the UK.Is she still playing & singing ?? I want to marry her !! If this is not possible, then Debbie McClatchy will do just as well(I like banjos too !!)

Subject: RE: A.W. Jeffreys Dulcimer
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 22 Jan 07 - 08:15 AM

"The main objection to peg tuners is from those who can't tune without an electronic tuner and think they've got to have everything within 2 cents."

Well, John, if a person can tell that a string that's off by 2 cents doesn't sound good, then the person has the right to use a tuner and get it right.

I find that when instruments are truly in tune, then the blood sings in our veins and we are very happy.

Subject: RE: A.W. Jeffreys Dulcimer
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 22 Jan 07 - 08:21 AM

"In Tune"

Pardon me, is that 'just' (no pun intended!) or 'tempered'...

that's my 2 cents...

:-P

Subject: RE: A.W. Jeffreys Dulcimer
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 22 Jan 07 - 07:36 PM

Foolestroupe -

To repeat a well known bit of dulcimer lore: "Just find a pleasant tone."

I've been working with LiK for several years on the debate about whether it's necessary to find the same pleasant tone everyone else is playing, when in a group; but haven't had much success.

As the mountain dulcimer basically is fretted for a diatonic scale and can't ¹change keys without retuning, but can move about in the modes of a given one, just tuning is perfectly appropriate; but most modern ones have the frets (what few there are) arranged as a tempered scale.

¹ The famous (or infamous to some) "six-and-a-half fret" is quite frequently added to allow a second "key" without retuning, and a few lunatics add a one-and-a-half fret for additional "versatility" (increased numbers of excuses for odd sounding "pleasant(?) notes" are thereby made available).

John

Subject: RE: A.W. Jeffreys Dulcimer
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 22 Jan 07 - 08:19 PM

JiK

I may not be as think as you fool I am...

:-)

Subject: RE: A.W. Jeffreys Dulcimer
From: GUEST,Arkie
Date: 22 Jan 07 - 09:04 PM

I am glad to see the note from Emily, A.W. Jeffreys' granddaughter. Mr. Jeffreys. I have found so many descendants of folk who helped to pass on the old songs and old ways had no interest in their heritage.   Emily, do you have any idea how many dulcimers Mr. Jeffrey's made?

Subject: RE: A.W. Jeffreys Dulcimer
From: jiljil
Date: 28 Jan 07 - 07:56 PM

Emily, I purchased a dulcimer (No. 835)at an auction in Staunton last year. It has a label inside "Made by A W Jeffreys" then "Jr" hand written in. It has a wonder tone and I would love to know more about it and it's maker.

Subject: RE: A.W. Jeffreys Dulcimer
From: GUEST,Jan Painter
Date: 03 Feb 07 - 08:43 PM

My daugher Emily sent me this website. I am Jan Jeffreys Painter - daugher of A. W. Jeffreys, Jr. - my dad starting making dulcimers in the early 1960's and we actually had a family business for more than two decades. My brother, Jay, and I were beneficiaries of dividends from the Applachian Dulcimer Corporatio for years because we actually worked! My dad and brother did 99% of the construction (I had to paste the labels and sand the soundholes!), while my mother and I took care of the office work. I made all of the denim carrying bags. Each inquiry received a personalized letter typed by either myself, or my mother. My brother and I both left home in the mid 1970's when mom (Virginia or Johnnie) and Dad (Jeff) took over all the work.

By profession my father was a clinical psychologist (thus, Staunton, VA because of Western State Hospital, where he was Chief Psychologist for 33 years). He also was a retired naval officer (good retirement benefits) and active in local theater and vocal productions (Oak Grove Theater). He died Jan 29, 1992 after a 3 year battle with cancer in his lungs (which was never clinically diagnosed, but was not typical lung cancer). I often wonder if the years working in the wood shop, without a respiratory mask didn't have a lot to do with that illness?

The dulcimer corporation was born @ 416 Parkwood Lane, Staunton and in 1965 moved to the basement of the huge home @ 232 W Frederick Street. I cannot recall, but am certain that between 3,000 and 4,000 dulcimers were hand made during those decades. Dad was very proud of having a dulcimer in every corner of the world except behind the iron curtain . . . . He wrote Richard Nixon and requested he take one on a foreign trip, but I can't remember now if he got an answer. He did make a very good friend, Taka Gofuku from Japan through the Dulcimer connection. Taka's daughter eventually came to the Valley and went to school at a girl's boarding school across the street.

My mother, Johnnie Jeffreys, lived 12 years after dad's death, dying in 2004. She was an incredible woman who was often in my father's shadow! But, I know that if it had not been for her, there never would have been a bounty of dulcimers! Her college major (business) was essential in keeping the Corporation solvent. Interestingly . . . my parents used to say they did this so that they would have money to raise children - the dividents were paid in our names, and we became financially independent very young - We both paid our own doctor's bills, bought school clothes, and all other expenses with our own check books. We were also responsible for filing our own income tax. What a wonderful way to teach financial responsibility young!

I have recently heard from a gentleman in Crozet, VA who edits articles about Dulcimer History. And, last spring a gentleman editor from Dulcimer News contacted me.

I'd be happy to answer any questions about the dulcimer heritage, though it is unbelievable that I play very little - I was a flutist! My father did make me a beautiful harpsichord, but I never learned to play that either! Sometime in the 80's dad donated a lot of his dulcimer collection to the Smithosian Institute, but we never learned if they were put on exhibit.

Subject: RE: A.W. Jeffreys Dulcimer
From: GUEST,harpgirl
Date: 03 Feb 07 - 09:49 PM

Thank you Jan and Emily. Anything else you might wish to share would be most welcome, archivally speaking!

I know that your father was very influential in spreading dulcimer music. Do you remember some of the people for whom he made instruments? Your mother and dad were a good team weren't they?

Do you remember the woods her favored? Where did they come from? Did your father play much? What songs did he do? Thanks so much for visiting here.

Subject: RE: A.W. Jeffreys Dulcimer
From: GUEST
Date: 04 Feb 07 - 11:48 AM

I cannot recall any particular people that bought the dulcimers. The offerings were: 3 string, or 4 string in walnut, cherry or butternut. He preferred the 3 string. The sound holes were heart or diamond shaped.

I'm not sure where he got his woods - I know they were laminates and that is how he shaped them into the hourglass shape. His good friend, Paul Klann (still living) was helpful in the beginning. He owned/operated an organ production company (Klann Organ) in Waynesboro, VA. They shared lots of adventures (flying - dad was a naval pilot - and boating, and traveling). I imagine that is where he located his wood.   

He did make dozens of special instruments ("zebra" wood, burly maple, etc.) These were sold to people wanting special instruments. One of those just sold on Ebay (with a handwritten letter from dad). Stupid me didn't bid high enough, but the purchaser lives close by in Crozet, VA - he and I have been in contact.

Dad played very little . . . he was more of a vocalist. But the song I remember the most was "Go tell Aunt Rhody" - he had a special friend who recorded an album for him which was sold with the dulcimer (Paul Clayton) and produced by Folkway records. Paul died an untimely suspicious death in New York City. He had a cabin somewhere near Staunton and I remember visiting . .. very simple - he gave me a quill pen . . funny childhood memories.

My parents were indeed a unique team - they enjoyed many experiences other than the dulicmer corporation. They had a second home in Spain where good friends remain today. They built two cabins in the mountains close by where they spent a great deal of time -! They adored their dogs (mostly English and Irish Setters). Both listened to NPR constantly. Dad didn't talk about his WWII experiences much, but tearfully told some stories near the end of his life (his best buddy was killed). Dad was in the naval pilot's group that was the fore-runner to today's Blue Angels. He was a wine connesieur (left an amazing wine cellar).    Sounds like an extravagant life, but they were very simply people who lived to entertain their many friends (they both enjoyed gourmet cooking!). Well . . .enough of that.

Thanks for asking !

Subject: RE: A.W. Jeffreys Dulcimer
From: GUEST,Lyn
Date: 13 Apr 07 - 08:53 PM

Hi,

I wrote back in June and asked about the A.W. Jeffreys dulcimer I purchased in 1966. Its label is #719.

I'm still curious as to how much it would be worth today if anyone knows.

Until Jan mentioned that she made the denim cloth bags, I had forgotten that mine had one when I bought it. I saw the ad in Sing Out Magazine and ordered from the address listed. If I recall correctly, the cloth bag had a white string tie closure. It has been missing many, many years, but it was such a neat surprise to have that part of my memory revived with the mention of Jan's making the bags.

Hope to hear from someone soon. Thank you.

Lyn

Subject: RE: A.W. Jeffreys Dulcimer
From: katlaughing
Date: 13 Apr 07 - 11:27 PM

Thanks Jan and Emily! How wonderful you have come here and shared with us.

kat

Subject: RE: A.W. Jeffreys Dulcimer
From: GUEST,Spencer Jarrett
Date: 06 Apr 08 - 07:03 PM

I became the proud owner of one of Mr. Jeffrey's dulcimers (no. 550) back in the sixties. It originally had a grey cloth case. It has a spruce top, possibly Sitka spruce, and walnut laminate back and sides. I have an old letter from Mr. Jeffreys where he mentions Richard Farina. He fixed the instrument once. He also asked if I would consider parting with it as many people were asking for early models. I tried to visit him in Staunton around '76 (I was working as a forest ranger across the border in West Virginia). His family told me he was off at a rehearsal for a performance.
The dulcimer is extremely clear and loud for its size. It's evident it was made with love as well as exceptional craftsmanship.

Subject: RE: A.W. Jeffreys Dulcimer
From: dulcimerjohn
Date: 06 Apr 08 - 07:32 PM

Dulcimerjohn has a dulcimer museum/collection in sperryville va (about an hour plus from Staunton) I was lucky enough to get one of his small but bright sounding offerings. Probably the smallest of my 20 plus dulcimers and a pleasure to have/play. Would love to be in contact w Emily sometime. Dulcimerrily, dulcimerjohn ps. Farina is God

Subject: RE: A.W. Jeffreys Dulcimer
From: GUEST
Date: 05 Jun 08 - 11:54 AM

Just recently came across an A.W. Jeffreys Dulcimer in a local thrift shop in Siler City NC. It has the # 1,066 written in it. Does anyone know if this has any value. KLC

Subject: RE: A.W. Jeffreys Dulcimer
From: katlaughing
Date: 05 Jun 08 - 12:22 PM

There was one on ebay, last month, #1540, which went for $129.00, which I'd say was a heck of a deal, considering a semi-decent new one, not even made by someone notable like Jeffreys, goes for $160 or so.

Subject: RE: A.W. Jeffreys Dulcimer
From: bathouse
Date: 22 Nov 08 - 11:29 PM

I bought an AW Jeffreys Dulcimer in 1973. It was a 3 string with spruce top and walnut sides and back. It was stolen from my car in Rawlins, Wy several years later. A very sad day. I played that dulcmer almost everyday wearing out several noters. I have had several dulcimers since then and have yet to find one that sounds as sweet as the Jeffreys. I would love to find another one. Jan, your family's business brought me alot of joy. Interesting that your dad passed away on my birthday - Jan 29th. Thanks for sharing your family history

Subject: RE: A.W. Jeffreys Dulcimer
From: GUEST,RDMadison
Date: 01 Dec 08 - 11:30 AM

Thank you for hosting this wonderful discussion. My Jeffrey was #814, purchased for about $78 around 1966. My initial inquiry was answered with a letter containing a glossy photograph that I gazed at for hours on end before mine arrived.

Sandy and Caroline Paton suggested using TV lead-in wire (the old flat kind) with the copper cut back for a dulcimer pick. That was great, since my father was a TV repairman and we had an unending supply.

My dulcimer attended several Newport Folk Festivals: at one, I had shinnied up a telephone pole to get a better view of someone, and when I came off, I landed on the pegbox. No damage. I did manage to split the soundboard in a couple of places in later encounters.

The wooden tuning pegs were sweet: I performed with this instrument often and changing modes was instantaneous. My pegbox had a modest scroll: the openings were diamond, and the body wood was walnut.

About twenty-five years ago I passed the instrument on to a friend, where I hope it entered a new life. I suspect I could pick up one of these today, with a piece of lead-in wire and a squared-off 20d nail, and dive right in: "Oh, I once loved and courted, a most fair . . . "

Subject: RE: A.W. Jeffreys Dulcimer
From: GUEST,Mary
Date: 31 Jan 09 - 07:18 PM

I have a walnut 3-string dulcimer with spruce top #1936 made by A.W. Jeffreys, Jr. I do not remember the date of purchase, probably in the 1970's. It is wonderful to play, especially for an old lady with small hands. I might add, that it "likes" lower tuning, such as CGG. The pegs seem to hold the tuning best this way.
Having read this thread, I wonder if it was made by Jay Jeffreys, brother of Jan Jeffreys Painter. She did not say that her brother had
a label of his own as well. Jan's letters were wonderful and very informative to read, especially for owners of Jeffreys dulcimers. Thank you.
Mary

Subject: RE: A.W. Jeffreys Dulcimer
From: Ptarmigan
Date: 01 Feb 09 - 01:15 PM

Surprised nobody directed you to the HOME of Dulcimers on the Net:

Everything Dulcimer

Subject: RE: A.W. Jeffreys Dulcimer
From: GUEST,drbmorgan
Date: 06 Jun 09 - 09:17 AM

In 1963, as a young college student who was enamored of Joan Baez and Pete Seeger, I traveled to Staunton, Virginia, from my home in New York City to buy an A.W. Jeffreys dulcimer. My high school history teacher, Dr. John Anthony Scott, who taught the American and Civil Wars through folk music (I still remember dates and events, as a result!) got me into playing the dulcimer with a group of students and touted me on A. W. Jeffreys as the premier dulcimer maker at the time. I still own the 3-string, walnut dulcimer I bought, #315, dated and signed by Jeffreys in 1963. It is in excellent condition, albeit missing one peg which a local musician says he can make for me as a replacement.

Now to my question - does anyone know what this dulcimer might be worth? I am a Board member of a local symphony, which like everyone, everywhere, is experiencing financial, hard times. We are holding an auction to raise funds for the symphony and, while it has great sentimental value to me, I have decided to donate the dulcimer because I haven't played it about 40 years and it is just gathering dust. We need to assign a minimum bid for the dulcimer in the auction. Does anyone out there have any thoughts as to its value??? I hope someone sees this quickly and will respond since the auction is at the end of this month! Thanks.

Subject: RE: A.W. Jeffreys Dulcimer
From: GUEST,pgoolishian
Date: 31 Aug 09 - 02:56 PM

My father, also a clinical psychologist, and mother were dear friends of Johnnie and Jeff. My father passed away in 1991 and I inherited #236. It hasn't been played in years since it is missing 2 tuning pegs. This instrument is beautiful yet simple in design. It is one of the main reasons I became a guitar player. One thing I have noticed about this particular dulcimer is the hearts appear to be upside down compared to pictures of other JW Jeffreys dulcimers.

I am trying to find replacement tuning pegs so I may re-string her and play it again. I am hesitant to display my email here for obvious reasons but a visit to my personal website is a way to contact me. http://home.comcast.net/~machinetheband/

Peter Goolishian
Ponte Vedra Bch FL

Subject: RE: A.W. Jeffreys Dulcimer
From: PeterGunn
Date: 31 Aug 09 - 02:59 PM

OK, I joined. My handle is PeterGunn.

Subject: RE: A.W. Jeffreys Dulcimer
From: GUEST,CD
Date: 21 Dec 09 - 02:21 AM

I recently purchase one of Mr. Jeffrey's dulcimers. Very nice sound. It doesn't have a date in it but does have a label stating No. 2063 and his initials, plus the standard info. From this can one tell when it might have been made?

CD

Subject: RE: A.W. Jeffreys Dulcimer
From: PeterGunn
Date: 22 Dec 09 - 09:36 AM

I couldn't say for sure but it must be '63 or '64. I have SN:236 and it has a date on the label of 1962. The date is on the upper left hand corner of the label.

Subject: RE: A.W. Jeffreys Dulcimer
From: GUEST,Greg
Date: 27 Jan 10 - 07:43 PM

I have KD No 138 with no date on label. Is there any kind of catalog for the inquisitive?

Subject: RE: A.W. Jeffreys Dulcimer
From: GUEST
Date: 27 Jan 10 - 09:36 PM

DEFLATION - current value 50 USD.

Learn to play. It will give you MUCH more than an honest man's half-day of wages.

Subject: RE: A.W. Jeffreys Dulcimer
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Jan 10 - 10:22 AM

I have one dated 1968, and have owned two or three more. They are nice little instruments, with a very traditional sound.

They sell on Ebay occasionally, and the family sells new ones from their inventory occasionally.

I had one that was built 17 years ago, but was still in it's original box, unopened. I think I paid something like $150.00 for it. They sell on ebay, used, for anywhere from $75.00 to $200.00. It just depends on who sees them at the time the ad is running, and how much they want one.

If I were going to play iot regularly, I would not hesitate to put geared tuners on it, to make it easier to tune. If you want to preserve it's historical quality, then leave the peg tuners in, but count on some aggravation in trying to keep it tuned.

Take care,
   Bill

Subject: RE: A.W. Jeffreys Dulcimer
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 28 Jan 10 - 11:36 AM

Have you ever heard how Jewish mothers see their kid put a coin in the mouth and say, "You don't know where that's been."    ?

The same applies to used instruments. An instrument that's been stored in the attic, garage or barn is less valuable than one that's been kept in the house, especially if the house has air conditioning and central heat.

I have a friend who tunes and sells pianos. She says that the piano tuners have a rule of thumb. If the piano's been in the garage, it's probably worthless by now.

Drbmorgan, in my opinion there is only one way you can sell the dulcimer to someone and do it ethically. You must get it into playable condition and play it for a while. Does it stay in tune? Does it buzz? You have a month. Trouble is, in that month you may fall in love with it.

A good time to play is right after breakfast on a weekend morning. Shove the coffee cups aside and play your latest tune for your sweetie. What a wonderful way to deal with the stresses of the past week.

(I play, and I have about 180 pieces on my list of things to play.)

Subject: RE: A.W. Jeffreys Dulcimer
From: GUEST,Greg
Date: 28 Jan 10 - 07:58 PM

I wasn't really looking for a value. I got it from my brother who boght it new. I was more interested in a date of build.
This one's been out of the bag, it came in a green bag, for a long time. There's a couple holes in the head and butt stock from mounting a strap. Kenny Loggins borrowed it and used it for a while. Don't know if he toured with it or not.
I learned to use it long ago but never became accomplished.

Subject: RE: A.W. Jeffreys Dulcimer
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 29 Jan 10 - 11:14 AM

Hello, Greg.

I was addressing a drbmorgan, who was thinking of donating an old dulcimer to an auction.

Subject: RE: A.W. Jeffreys Dulcimer
From: GUEST,Vicki
Date: 11 Apr 10 - 08:05 PM

Recently I purchased a Dulcimer with the label A.W.Jeffreys Jr -.#2032
It has metal tuning pegs and is the hourglass shape with traditional 4 hearts. It was cheap - a friend bought it at a yard sale in pretty good condition., and passed it on knowing I was looking for one or 2 for 2 teenaged grandchildren. It is strung differently than my dulcimer (it has 3 (all the same - light weight strings.) I expect I will need to have it restrung with different strings.
My question: Is - Is that wise on a vintage instrument?
Vicki

Subject: RE: A.W. Jeffreys Dulcimer
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 11 Apr 10 - 10:14 PM

If it has currently lightweight strings, fitting heavier strings will probably destroy it - unless someone fitted lighter strings in the past.

Subject: RE: A.W. Jeffreys Dulcimer
From: Arkie
Date: 12 Apr 10 - 04:55 PM

Normally the third string, the one farthest from the player would be a wound string. The first step might be to check the notches on the nut, the wooden bar nearest the tuning pegs to see if the third notch is just a little wider than the the first two notches. My guess is that the dulcimer is strung with banjo strings.

Subject: RE: A.W. Jeffreys Dulcimer
From: GUEST,Jan Jeffreys Painter
Date: 28 May 10 - 04:52 PM

I've just stumbled back into this thread. I am A W Jeffreys daughter (my posts are way back).

Strings: we used banjo strings (2nds and 4ths if I recall correctly?)

I have had many requests for info in the last several months. Much of my memory is poor, but I am certain there is written history of my dad's dulcimer experiences. I am a teacher and have little time to myself at the end of the day, but this summer I hope to wade through my mother's possessions (she died in 2004) and see what I can come up with.
My email is: [e-mail] . . . If you want to know what I come up with this summer, just email!

Subject: RE: A.W. Jeffreys Dulcimer
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 28 May 10 - 08:32 PM

Jan - thanks you very much for contacting us!

Subject: RE: A.W. Jeffreys Dulcimer
From: GUEST,Kevin
Date: 06 Feb 12 - 06:11 PM

I found this thread while searching for information on A. W. Jeffreys. I just received KD#143 in a trade and love it. Beautiful clear voice. Any idea on the year of manufacture?

Subject: RE: A.W. Jeffreys Dulcimer
From: GUEST,Robert Rowe
Date: 12 Feb 16 - 10:33 PM

I really like my A.W. Jeffrey's dulcimer. Bought it for 75.00 several years ago in an antique store. Nice to learn more about the man and the dulcimer.

Subject: RE: A.W. Jeffreys Dulcimer
From: GUEST,GUEST Ben Mack
Date: 05 Feb 17 - 01:18 AM

for sale right now via Shop Good Will...

A. W. Jeffreys, Jr. Appalachian Dulcimer No. 489
https://www.shopgoodwill.com/viewItem.asp?ItemID=36797132

I hope it finds a loving home. Thank you for educating me about this beloved luthier.

Subject: RE: A.W. Jeffreys Dulcimer
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Mar 18 - 02:58 PM

Are there any listings of the serial numbers that date individual instruments?

Thanks,
Steve

Subject: RE: A.W. Jeffreys Dulcimer
From: GUEST,Susan
Date: 31 May 18 - 02:15 PM

I bought a used a w Jeffries dulcimer in 1970. The friction pegs were a bear to keep in tune so I didn’t play it much. When rheumatoid arthritis deformed my hands a luthier suggested substituting violin pegs. I now attend an annual dulcimer festival with classes and love playing it tuned to DAA. My dulcimer is numbered 453 and one of Jean Ritchie’s sons sampled it and commented it had the very traditional sound.

Subject: RE: A.W. Jeffreys Dulcimer
From: leeneia
Date: 01 Jun 18 - 02:52 PM

That sounds really nice, Susan. I play D-A-A too.

Subject: RE: A.W. Jeffreys Dulcimer
From: GUEST,Guest Screaming Lord Dutch
Date: 20 Oct 18 - 12:16 AM

Oct. 19 -2018 /11:51 PM . Bought a A.W. Jeffreys Dulcimer approx. 1969 -early 70 [ first read about Dulcimer makers in The Whole Earth Catalog ] .Still have it ! The only dulcimer that is still my 'personal'favorite [ have plenty others and traded/sold even more, but that 'just temperament' fretting , the three strings, no 6 and -a-half -fret and that soft ,silvery voice all adds up to 'My Girl ' ].The walnut string mount 'nut ' at the bottom finally broke from decades of pressure and use; and I'm going to take it to a proper luthier to get it repaired someday [ it's a pretty 'wall dulcimer 'now ]. Everything worth playing on a dulcimer I first learned on that Jeffreys dulcimer [ including a lot of singing support /inspiration too ] . Sometimes, it's really true when somebody tells you ' They just don't make them like that anymore '...