Location:
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Country: US
Country: US
My Latest Followers:
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youtube videos: 3
Old-Time Music is in my blood. I enjoy playing (and listening to) Irish, Scottish, Appalachian Mountain, and Piedmont Blues. Beyond Folk Music, I enjoy Classic Rock and Country.
I play Mountain Dulcimer, Harmonica, Irish Bodhran, and Bones. I’m a member of the Rhythm Bones Society and Phoenix Old Time Music Society. I host a live music gathering known as Barn Jam, and am also a member of Black River Barn Band and Ice Machine.
Playing music with friends is a true passion. I play by ear and do not read music. I have about (7) dulcimers which I have in various tunings. It’s fun to try different strings combinations, using custom-made nuts and bridges.
Latest Activity
All
@barnjam
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"@nate Thanks! Yes, that is correct on the string configuration. I'm hooked on that drop D for droning...really reminds me of a bagpipe.
I'm not familiar with..."
@barnjam
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"I'd like to thank each of you for your great ideas, tips and advice. Rather than purchase another dulcimer, I decided to experiment with my 8-String Milford..."
@barnjam
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"@nate Thank you. It’s a wonderful group of folks and we have a great time playing together. The famous Dom Flemons, The American Songster, is from Phoenix..."
@barnjam
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"I learned Sal’s from the Phoenix Old Time Music Society. Here are three recordings we’ve done with various instruments and tempos, if you’re interested in..."
@barnjam
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"Yes, that is exactly right. That makes sense that the open D string would sound “better” than the fretted D on the A string. I like low action on the melody..."
@barnjam
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"@strumelia Thanks for that tip. I can see how the noter would fit more easily between close frets. I like the speed and tactile feel I get from my bare..."
@barnjam
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"I refreshed my memory on playing melody jn DAA, and the results are as follows. I truly enjoy the rich tonal quality of playing on the lower octave. The..."
@barnjam
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"Thanks for moving this to the proper category. Interestingly, Richard Ash at Folkcraft has a great write up on the subject of hands, fingers, and VSLs...."
@barnjam
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"I never expected my question to make the rounds, but a lot of great information and ideas are being shared. John Knopf to had some great ideas as well. One..."
@barnjam
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"I've found the experts! I'm impressed with all the good ideas and knowledge amongst you. I find this musical journey to be quite fascinating. There are so..."
@barnjam
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"More good information to consider. I think some combination of DAA tuning with a wider fretboard would be the best solution, without getting into expensive..."
@barnjam
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"Yes, I do prefer to only play on the melody string although I have fun playing melody on the bass string sometimes. I have a chromatic Weissenborn, and I..."
@barnjam
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"That makes perfect sense. The open string note is the lowest a string can be. I'm overthinking it for sure. The solution then is to tune in DAA and add more..."
@barnjam
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"Thanks for the responses, all. John, that "Uncle Eddie" is insanely cool. That's a great suggestion on the long neck banjo. I've reached out to John Knopf..."
@barnjam
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 355
Posted a new Comment on @richard-streib:
Posted a new Comment on @richard-streib:
"Thanks Richard. I'm glad to be part of the group.
Mike"
@barnjam
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Created a new forum topic "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"This is a question regarding dulcimer build limitations. Is it possible to make an extended range dulcimer? I am envisioning a longer fretboard that would..."
@barnjam
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @barnjam:
Posted a new Comment on @barnjam:
"Thank you, Ken. I’m glad to be part of the group. There looks to be a wealth of knowledge in this community.
Mike"
@barnjam
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Willafjord Reel (Milford Blevins 8-String Dulcimer):
Posted a new Comment on Willafjord Reel (Milford Blevins 8-String Dulcimer):
"Thank you. I purchased this Dulcimer from a wonderful player named Stephen Kenney. I really had to search to find anything on the maker, the late Milford..."
@barnjam
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Click Old Hen (AAC Dulcimer Tuning):
Posted a new Comment on Click Old Hen (AAC Dulcimer Tuning):
"Thank you. The minor tuning suits the dulcimer, I think."
@barnjam
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on The Haven of Rest:
Posted a new Comment on The Haven of Rest:
"Beautifully played and sung. Thank you."
@barnjam
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 6
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: The Haven of Rest
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: The Haven of Rest
@barnjam
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 3
Posted new YouTube video(s):
Willafjord Reel (Milford Blevins 8-String Dulcimer)
Willafjord Reel (Milford Blevins 8-String Dulcimer)
@barnjam
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 2
Posted new YouTube video(s):
Click Old Hen (AAC Dulcimer Tuning)
Click Old Hen (AAC Dulcimer Tuning)
Latest Group Discussions
All
Comments
10/06/25 09:09:46AM @benjamin-w-barr-jr:
Hi Barnjam, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the dulcimer, and to meet some good people.
Ben
10/05/25 04:50:37PM @richard-streib:
We are glad you joined Barnjam and look forward to your activity here. Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Let us know if you have questions. We'll do our best to find you an answer.
10/05/25 12:53:02PM @barnjam:
Thank you, Ken. I’m glad to be part of the group. There looks to be a wealth of knowledge in this community.
Mike
10/05/25 10:50:49AM @ken-longfield:
Welcome to FOTMD, Barnjam. It's good to have you aboard. I look forward to your participation here.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
