Black Dog Bess

Hi Everyone! Last year I had told you all about the dulcimer demo a friend and I did at the Winona Strawberry Festival in Winona OH. Neither of us are performers and I was a little nervous about exhibiting my very limited dulcimer skills. As it turned out, our problem was not having enough dulcimers for people to try! We actually had a waiting line for the chance to try a dulcimer.

We got invited back for this year and we are ready for them! I had experimented with buying old beaters from Reverb but was not really satisfied because some had zither pins, some had no 6.5 fret, some did, and it was going to be tough to show anything that would work for all members of this motley group. Then I discovered cardboard dulcimers and was shocked at how good they are. They sound good in both DAA and DAD, are easy to play, and can take a beating. This way I can lend out a dulcimer to someone and not be worried about losing it.  

So if you want an inexpensive dulcimer you can lend out or use for demos, I really recommend them.

Barb

Anyone going to the Central Ohio Folk Festival in Columbus OH this weekend? There are a couple dulcimer workshops on Sunday.

Barb

I saw your message. You don't want an instrument that has rusty pins. If you are interested in that type of instrument you may be interested in a bowed psaltery. Works about the same but there are more out there used and new that will probably be in better condition than that violin uke. Just beware of anything used. I'm currently interested in a bowed psaltery. I'll either put together a kit or buy one. Just not sure which way to go yet. 

I enjoyed meeting you too!!! 

Rob, Kevin Messenger and my self started this gathering about 3 years ago, Barb. Beginners are what we really like to have show up. Frank and I started the beginners group last year so that everyone can be involved. 

It's just one big jam session, where we sit down laugh and have a good time with old and new friends.

Where abouts in Pittsburgh do you live? Right in Allegheny County?

Glad you're coming down! There is no set schedule other than the official start time is 10 a.m. though some of us will be there earlier. The end time is when everyone leaves. We'll be in the Lodge on the 2nd floor. Since a few (at least) are staying at the lodge it may go on all night.  Yes, we have things for beginners; Jim Fawcett and Frank Ross are planning that.  We have 2 large rooms so the others won't "bother" y'all.  There will be between 20 and 40 folks from at least 4 states there, I'd guess.  Come on, we love beginners.  (we were all beginners once!)

You're welcome.

That's awesome, but do bring your dulcimer. I also have played a stick dulcimer - I got bewitched by the video of the tune in some inexpensive one and bought one. (I have a video of it here somewhere). Yeah, I have trouble playing guitar but can still play, so it's guitar, ukes, all the recorders, singing, and a bit of kantele. Seriously, you'll regret not bringing your dulcimer - dulcimer folks are incredibly giving and helpful and I'm sure you'll have fun with anything you can learn there. Please please do bring it...noter/drone for example - oh you must! It's too fun.

Welcome to FOTMD, Bess!  You might be particularly interested in some of our Groups here. I look forward to hearing more from you on the site!

Greetings from Vermont BlackDogBess and welcome to the site. I'm a guitar/uke/a few other instruments player as well and it sounds like you've now discovered the multi-layer beauty of the dulcimer. You are in for a great ride believe me. This haunting 3 or  string instrument will keep you enthralled believe me. I had fun one day tuning DA then on the 2 melody strings dA playing around with Three Blind Mice and got a very modern sound indeed. I think the video is still on here. You have a great journey.

Howdy and welcome to FOTMD!

Welcome to FOTMD Bess. It's good to another Pennsylvanian aboard.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Welcome, Black Dog Bess, to this little corner of dulcimer heaven. A lot of Western PA folks join our WV players group and come to some of our gatherings here.  In fact, we have one coming up April 9.  Hope you enjoy it here.

Rob

Hi Bess, 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

Hey Bess, welcome aboard. Glad ya found us. From one PA'er to another. I live below ya in Westmoreland County.