Forum Activity for @susie

Thanks Dusty. Yes, I think I made the right decision too, for those reasons. I ordered it yesterday. I think this smaller baritone will fit a niche in our lives, including being good for travel. The folks at McSpadden were a big help.

Well, given Nate's feedback, some info and a video from The Dulcimer Shoppe, and some thought about my playing style, I've decided to go with a standard 4 (3) string baritone. It will have some nice upgrades too. Thanks again Nate. 

I appreciate your feedback. I was wondering if that was the case. Thank you.

Any others have opinions or suggestions? 

I know there's a Baritone Group here (I belong to), but I wanted to put this here in the General Forum Discussion, hoping it would get more views/responses. I hope that's ok. 

I'm considering ordering a 6 string baritone dulcimer (likely a McSpadden). I've only found a couple videos, and they weren't the best. I currently have a Folkcraft Custom Baritone (3 string), but like the idea of the smaller McSpadden....one that can travel with us. I'm not sure which way to go.....6 string or 3 (4) string. I strictly play chord melody with a flat pick. I would probably go with a 26" vsl.

Does anyone have experience with the McSpadden 6 string baritone dulcimer or any make, for that matter? Insights? Videos? 

Thank you.

https://folkcraft.com/products/neal-hellman-dulcimer-chord-book

Sad news. He contributed so much to the mountain dulcimer community. I contemplated many times ordering a dulcimette. I kinda wish I had. RIP Ron. 😔 

A real beauty,  congratulations! 

Wow, a beautiful display! I bet it will bring joy to your heart every time you walk in the room.

I can feel the sadness in your post, because we've had to say goodbye to many family dogs. It's so very difficult. We've experienced the same emptiness. I can also understand the need to express your feelings in words. Thank you for sharing. My heart goes out to you. Take care of yourself during this difficult time. Noni was such a beautiful girl.

Some would think I'm going in the wrong direction.....I was at 7, now I'm down to 5. I had a couple dulcimers that weren't getting the play time, so I moved them on to folks who would give them the love they deserved. We did pick up a new Folkcraft for my husband, since he's decided to learn. So, the household is officially at 6.

Welcome back, with encouragement to get back to the dulcimer.  

It's always sad to hear this type of news. May Terry RIP and his family find peace.

Thanks Ken. Master Works was wonderful to work with. They make beautiful instruments. I will enjoy it. 

After selling my bowed psaltery several years ago, I decided to get back to it. I knew I wanted a Master Works, so I took the plunge. I ordered it in November and just received it about a week ago. This time, I'm learning it right....without the use of note guides. With their inlays at the C and G notes, it's going really well, and it's going to be more enjoyable doing it right. I'm loving its tone and feel. I knew I'd love a MW BP, since my sister had one years ago. This makes a nice little travel instrument too. So, here she is. Zebrawood top, Alder back, and Maple sides. 

No problem. I joined a BP Facebook group. I see Donna is a member there. I posted there asking about the forum. Thanks for allowing me to run it past you.

I've tried contacting Donna. I've also tried requesting a password reset, but that didn't work. Looks like signing up can only be done through a Google or Facebook login. I think I've done all I can.  I appreciate your ideas...I also wondered if you knew Donna or if the forum is active. I guess I'll wait and see if I hear anything. Thank you!

Lisa,

Sorry about reviving this old thread, but I wanted to ask you....Do you know if Donna is still supporting the psalterystrings.com forum? I tried logging in using Google to join the forum, and it stated that my member sign-up request has been sent, but I haven't heard anything back. 

I'd love to join that forum (if it's still active), as I pursue the BP further (giving another shot at it). I ended up selling my previous BP, but have a new one on order from Master Works.

Thanks!

Thanks Ken. Going to put this on our list of places to visit in the motorhome. Looking forward to more pics and info on it. 

No, at 15 you're having fun!

Yes, High Spirits continues to sell, and their online store is well stocked. I still get their monthly newsletter....all appears normal. My last purchase from them was in February of this year.

Thanks for sharing. It's fun to see/hear what people have, whether it's one or many.

I don't feel so bad about my "collection " any more.

That sounds like a dangerous thing, to have a family owned music store. But, oh so much fun!

Welcome to the forum!

Nice...."at the moment"? Sounds like plans to expand. 😉 

Reminds me of of a joke.

A violinist changes their strings, while a fiddler changes their strangs!

Nice looking site, John!

If I had to pick just one, it would be my Folkcraft Custom with a butternut top and walnut back and sides. It has the fret layout I love, a 27" vsl, and a Fishman Prefix Pro Blend pickup with a built in preamp. It has other custom features like the dolphin sound holes and a maple dolphin inlay at the 5th fret and a galax back.  It's everything I would ever want and has a beautiful tone.

Welcome Rob! 

You're going to love your new McSpadden, a great choice!

We would love to see it a picture of it, after you get it.

Yes, Richard has been posting youtube videos of the prototypes. This is the latest video, being played by Bing.

Dusty is right, giving them a call is a good idea....it's what I did last year, when I ordered a music stand (it was taking longer than Steve stated and I was getting frustrated). I think, to continue, they need to figure out a better business plan, because communication is so important. Here's what he posted on Facebook in August:

MESSAGE from STEVE BINKLEY, 
THISTLEDEW ACRES (dulcimerbaglady.com):

I am writing this to let you know that Thistledew Acres 
aka dulcimerbaglady.com is alive and moving forward 
in this dulcimer world that we love.

There is no doubt that the ‘office’ side of the business 
including communications and filling orders in a timely 
manner is not what I want it to be at this time.  I sincerely
apologize for any frustration I have caused.

With the encouragement of some treasured music friends, 
plans are in the works for extra quality help on the office 
part of my business.  In moving forward, I will be able to 
spend my time in the wood shop and at the sewing machines.  
Making product is what I love!
Sincerely,
Steve

Ken thank you, it's nice to get such good, and consistent feedback. 

Now to see what their turnaround time is. I know they are staying busy.

Super, thanks Richard. Looks like it's a go!

Thanks Ken, nice recommendation....I appreciate it!

I am considering either a single or a double dulcimer bag from The Dulcimer Bag Lady, and just wondered if anyone here has one. I'd like a little feedback first. I have 3 of her (her family's business) music stands, which I love. Great quality and design. But I've never seen one of her dulcimer bags up close, so that's why I thought I'd ask here. Anyone care to share their thoughts?

https://www.dulcimerbaglady.com/bags.htm

I do know that her daughter and son-in-law have taken over the business.

This is my feeling as well. I play (or played) several fretted chromatic instruments. The dulcimer is unique in its diatonic tradition. I find it simple, yet challenging; which in turn provides a refreshing approach to my music. 

That said, I respect others who have personal and valid reasons for choosing to play a chromatic dulcimer.

@DaveBerry, beautiful music, talented artists, and awesome video. Thanks for sharing!

Thank you for that explanation. I see that on the HS website. I understand and agree with the distinction.  That said, I think in causal conversation, when we speak of our flutes, there's no harm in calling the HS flutes, Native American Flutes. I know I do. I'm thankful for such builders who are responsible and respectful and build quality flutes. In doing so, they are still honoring the Native Americans, the instrument, and the music.

Thanks again!

I just love that. I was raised playing sports; competing; excelling; career, etc. I reached a point where I got tired of it and just wanted to enjoy doing what I loved to do, one of which was music (since 1973). Now retired, it's a nice place to be in life, with my husband, family, and doggos. 

I picked up another flute from High Spirits. I've been wanting one of their ebonized walnut flutes, so when I found a generous coupon code, I just had to get it. The turquoise cabochons really look nice too. Crow flute in the key of A. It has a beautiful, warm tone. I also picked up a second Spirit Flute earlier this year. I'm at 5 now, I think that's enough.

I was going to say the same thing, Ken...

Mine, mine, all mine!