Dusty Turtle

Location:

Location: Northern California
Country: USA

My Latest Followers:

DulcimerPlayersNewsEditor Mary_Adelee Bvmaestro ErthLing vetrn7 Beth T Homer Ross Laurie Traylor SusanM DavisJames Lorilee CarolynF AndiBear Learning Always Larry Walton MandaPanda jost Holly Tannen ocean-daughter Mary L Lisa C traildad Wendell G Mary Arndt Cheryl W suzym Diane Mayfield Ferrator wdwolf Leny-Sue Mary Barnsdale TwoGunBob hoodoo Fredr Booglefloop dulcidom Diane R Belinda Link ZeeAviatrix VictorValente Hobbyhorse Ron Zuckerman Elvensong Exukaden Ariane fordferguson fishface Sue MacKenzie - ADK Friends D J Hamouris Wandafull1

Stats

youtube videos: 64
images: 24
events: 2
Groups: 2
videos: 8
audio tracks: 10

An educator and folk/roots music enthusiast living the good life in Northern California, I run a local dulcimer group called River City Dulcimers .  


 

♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫


 


When tyrants tremble thick with fear


And hear their death knells ringing,


When friends rejoice both far and near,


How can I keep from singing?


 


♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ 

Latest Activity

  All
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • yesterday • comments: 0
Posted a response to "How to train my ear":
"@austinpmckenzie, that's an interesting piece on functional ear training. Having just skimmed it once, I don't know for sure that I fully understand it, but..."
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • 3 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Traditional role of the mountain dulcimer.":
"In my opinion, the best (meaning accurate and short) history of the dulcimer is the piece written by Dr. Lucy Long and available at the Bear Meadow website:..."
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • 5 days ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Dona Nobis Pacem:
"Kudos to student and teacher both! And Bear Meadow was a student of Sunhearth.  How appropriate!"
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • one week ago • comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Learning "Double Thumbing":
"Ah, I get it. I would call that an alternating thumb pattern because the thumb alternates between the melody and middle strings. It is similar to a very..."
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • one week ago • comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Learning "Double Thumbing":
"John, I don't know that book, but my guess is that double thumbing is just a technique of striking a string twice with your thumb, once going out and once..."
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • one week ago • comments: 13
Posted a new Comment on In Knee-Deep Snow :
"This is absolutely wonderful, Robin.  I love the back-and-forth, the weaving of the two instruments.  It's playful but also restrained. Each instrument..."
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • 4 weeks ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
"Hi @matthewlyon and welcome to FOTMD.  Glad to hear you've come back to the mountain dulcimer again.  And certainly, playing a dulcimer with really high..."
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • 4 weeks ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Maple, and only maple, for a dulcimer?":
"You do indeed see lots of dulcimers made entirely of a single hard tonewood, most commonly walnut, but cherry and maple as well.  They are not as common as..."
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • 4 weeks ago • comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on Dry & Dusty:
"Strumelia: Scurvy? You've got actual lime/lemon/orange trees in your backyard, right?  No excuses!   True dat.  And a red grapefruit tree I planted last..."
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • 4 weeks ago • comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on Dry & Dusty:
"Ha!  Not sure about the sailors, @Strumelia.  Maybe I had scurvy when I recorded it. I learned this tune from some sheet music I found on a fiddle site..."
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • one month ago • comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on from Susie Glaze on Jean's "One I Love":
"I got your back, sister. Robin Thompson: *my apology for misspelling Susie's name in the discussion title  "
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • one month ago • comments: 6
Liked a group discussions item created by @robin-thompson: from Susie Glaze on Jean's "One I Love"
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • one month ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Basic Tuning Question":
"Brad Richard: Just out of curiosity, why is DAD tuning so popular?   I think there are two questions there, Brad. The first is why tuning to D became..."
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • one month ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Basic Tuning Question":
"Brad, I would suggest not using a chromatic template to map chords for the diatonic fretboard.  It might suffice for now as a quick reference to find a..."
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • one month ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Basic Tuning Question":
"Brad, I'm having trouble with your chord chart since you appear to be using a guitar template.  I can get past the 6 strings, but that chart shows chromatic..."
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • one month ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Spanish is a Loving Tongue:
"Thanks for listening, Rob.  And yes, I love my McCafferty.  It has a big, balanced sound and is super responsive to your fingers on the fretboard. "
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • one month ago • comments: 5
Liked a music item created by @beth-t: Y Delyn Aur
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • one month ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Play Music On The Porch Day 2019":
"@shanonmilan, try playing the banjo on your porch.  That will have the neighbors begging you to play the concertina!"
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • one month ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Basic Tuning Question":
"Brad, if you are tuned DGD, you are in what is basically an open G tuning.  It will be pretty easy to play common tunes in G. You can also play common tunes..."
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • one month ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "6 String Dulcimer Too Much For Me":
"Brad Richard: what happens when you change to a different chord in a progression, like G-C-D-G? Brad, the short answer is that in traditional drone play,..."
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • one month ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "6 String Dulcimer Too Much For Me":
"Brad, I have a six-string dulcimer that I only play with three strings now.  I much prefer the clarity of sound with the single courses. And certain..."
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • one month ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "For sale my beautiful Folkcraft Baritone custom Dulcimer (SOLD)":
"What a beauty! I'm glad this instrument has found a new home."
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • one month ago • comments: 4
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: Falling Leaves
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • one month ago • comments: 1
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: Cuckoo's Nest.
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • one month ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Help with ID of recent thrift shop purchase":
"Such a wonderful development in this 6 months-long drama! Thanks for joining, @rtemplin!"
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • one month ago • comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @downandout-00: Help with ID of recent thrift shop purchase
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • one month ago • comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Zion Ridge:
"So expressive!  Beautiful."
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • one month ago • comments: 5
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: Zion Ridge
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • one month ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
"@lily-pad, I just responded to this question in the other forum you posted in.  I would suggest you start a new discussion in the Specific Features,..."
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • one month ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "What to call your dulcimer collection?":
"Hi @lilley-pad, and welcome to FOTMD.  My main, go-to dulcimer is a McCafferty.  (It's an older one with a standard piezo pickup but without the humbucker..."
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • 2 months ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Ron Gibson Dulcimers":
"How exciting, @Lorillee! "
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • 2 months ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "How to train my ear":
"Wally Venable: "Perfect pitch" is often considered a curse. I had a friend with perfect pitch who, 60 years ago, found that almost all the pianos in a good..."
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • 2 months ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "How to train my ear":
"@wally-venable, you are right that learning perfect pitch is not a reasonable goal, but to learn relative pitch should be.  Students in most formal music..."
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • 2 months ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "How to train my ear":
"Put on some music and grab an instrument.  Try to play along.  Your first task will be to determine the key.  Then you will pay attention to the structure of..."
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • 2 months ago • comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on Mtn Dulcimer Day/SoCal Dulcimer Heritage(online):
"I just got the handouts from Joellen last night.  Looking forward to it!"

Latest Group Discussions

  All
Dusty Turtle

What is the best way to clean old fret wire?


What is the best way to clean old fret wire? There are lots of methods...
@Dusty Turtle 2 months ago - Comments: 3
Dusty Turtle

Waiting for a Train (Jimmie Rodgers cover)


The classic tune by the Blue Yodeler.
@Dusty Turtle 7 months ago - Comments: 0
Dusty Turtle

Kentucky Waltz (Bill Monroe cover)


Bill Monroe is rightly known as the father of bluegrass, but he also...
@Dusty Turtle 9 months ago - Comments: 0
Dusty Turtle

how to add extra beats in a crooked tune


I am creating tab for a crooked tune by the Québécois accordion player...
@Dusty Turtle 10 months ago - Comments: 3
Dusty Turtle

key signature for modal music


I hesitate to ask this question, for I don't want to start a debate. My...
@Dusty Turtle 2 years ago - Comments: 15
Dusty Turtle

cleaning up cruddy geared tuners


How would you suggest cleaning up nice geared tuners that were stored...
@Dusty Turtle 2 years ago - Comments: 3
Dusty Turtle

tightening a pickup jack


The pickup jack on my dulcimer is loose.   It rattles around and...
@Dusty Turtle 3 years ago - Comments: 2
Dusty Turtle

Swedish origins of the dulcimer?


Found an interesting article arguing for the Swedish origins of the...
@Dusty Turtle 3 years ago - Comments: 7
Dusty Turtle

documentary on the dulcimer from Lexington Public Library


The Lexington Public LIbrary has produced a very nice documentary...
@Dusty Turtle 3 years ago - Comments: 5
Dusty Turtle

Is a Dmaj7 too weird for this song?


Hey folks.  I am arranging an old lullaby called "A La Ru" that...
@Dusty Turtle 3 years ago - Comments: 4
Dusty Turtle

changing the font size of chord names in Tabledit


Hi all.  In Tabledit I use the Text Manager function to indicate chord...
@Dusty Turtle 4 years ago - Comments: 2
Dusty Turtle

Surfer Girl on mountain dulcimer


Here's my three-stringed take on the Beach Boys classic.  Southern...
@Dusty Turtle 4 years ago - Comments: 7
Dusty Turtle

article and video on San Diego dulcimer ensemble


Hey Golden Staters.  Our brethren in San Diego got some positive press...
@Dusty Turtle 5 years ago - Comments: 0
Dusty Turtle

material to enter public domain this New Year!


On New Year's Day 2019, anything published in 1923 will enter the...
@Dusty Turtle 5 years ago - Comments: 8
Dusty Turtle

name that (partial) chord: 5-6-6+ in DAd


This is not a game, but a genuine question. I am working on an...
@Dusty Turtle 5 years ago - Comments: 9
Dusty Turtle

Margaret Wright's dulcimer ministry in the Baptist Press


Members of this group might be interested in this article from The...
@Dusty Turtle 5 years ago - Comments: 4
Dusty Turtle

teaching multiple versions of a song


I have had a lot of success teaching beginning dulcimer players by...
@Dusty Turtle 5 years ago - Comments: 3
Dusty Turtle

Smithsonian Folkways on Appalachian Women Heritage Fellows


I thought fans of Jean might find this short article from Smithsonian...
@Dusty Turtle 5 years ago - Comments: 2
Dusty Turtle

four notes in place of three


In a duple meter such as 2/4 or 4/4, when three notes take the place of...
@Dusty Turtle 5 years ago - Comments: 6
Dusty Turtle

MFA Boston exhibit on zithers


The Museum of Fine Arts in Boston has a collection of musical...
@Dusty Turtle 6 years ago - Comments: 3

Latest Audio

  All
The Rose of Aranmore

The Rose of Aranmore


@Dusty Turtle
2 years ago - Comments: 9
Grasshopper Sittin' on a Sweet Potato Vine

Grasshopper Sittin' on a...


@Dusty Turtle
8 years ago - Comments: 10
The Ash Grove

The Ash Grove


@Dusty Turtle
8 years ago - Comments: 15
Dry & Dusty

Dry & Dusty


@Dusty Turtle
8 years ago - Comments: 7
The Wind that Shakes the Barley
Fishin' Blues

Fishin' Blues


@Dusty Turtle
9 years ago - Comments: 0
Westphalia Waltz on baritone dulcimette

Westphalia Waltz on baritone...


@Dusty Turtle
9 years ago - Comments: 11
Hard Times on baritone dulcimer

Hard Times on baritone dulcimer


@Dusty Turtle
10 years ago - Comments: 4
Spanish Fandango

Spanish Fandango


@Dusty Turtle
11 years ago - Comments: 0
Lilliburlero fingerstyle

Lilliburlero fingerstyle


@Dusty Turtle
11 years ago - Comments: 0

Latest Videos

  All
Spanish is a Loving Tongue

Spanish is a Loving Tongue


@Dusty Turtle
2 months ago - Comments: 2
Loch Tay Boat Song

Loch Tay Boat Song


@Dusty Turtle
2 months ago - Comments: 2
Safe Haven (original)

Safe Haven (original)


@Dusty Turtle
9 months ago - Comments: 7
The Galway Belle

The Galway Belle


@Dusty Turtle
last year - Comments: 6
Mountains of Mourne

Mountains of Mourne


@Dusty Turtle
last year - Comments: 0
Gentle Annie

Gentle Annie


@Dusty Turtle
2 years ago - Comments: 17
Tahoe Winter Waltz

Tahoe Winter Waltz


@Dusty Turtle
2 years ago - Comments: 7
The Strawberry Blossom

The Strawberry Blossom


@Dusty Turtle
2 years ago - Comments: 7
Danny Boy (Londonderry Air)

Danny Boy (Londonderry Air)


@Dusty Turtle
4 years ago - Comments: 27

Latest Photos

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Bill Taylor quilted maple.jpg
DT with saz.jpg
dulcimer wall with Wayne's Kandinsky pic.jpg
Dusty in HoDPodcast shirt small version.jpg
DT at BDG Faculty Concert May 2016.jpg
moss covered tree in Muir Woods.jpg
Dusty singing at Gold Rush Days.jpg
Dusty harvesting bamboo noters small version.jpg
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harlot limberjack.jpg
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Latest Forum Discussions

  All

International Appalachian Dulcimer Day

Posted: Monday March 27 2023, 7:31 PM
By: @Robin Thompson

How do I create a new forum discussion?

Posted: Thursday October 13 2022, 8:38 PM
By: @Strumelia

baritone guitar

Posted: Thursday April 28 2022, 10:41 AM
By: @Dusty Turtle

Rosin the Beau and recycling melodies for...

Posted: Monday October 4 2021, 11:53 AM
By: @Dusty Turtle

50th anniversary of Joni Mitchell's "Blue"

Posted: Thursday June 24 2021, 1:34 PM
By: @Robin Thompson

How is the COVID-19 coronavirus affecting...

Posted: Saturday June 12 2021, 11:28 PM
By: @B. Ross Ashley

Leonard Bernstein explaining the...

Posted: Friday May 28 2021, 3:51 PM
By: @Steven Berger

Randy Wilkinson tab book for Elizabethan...

Posted: Sunday May 16 2021, 6:13 PM
By: @Lisa C

Lego Microtonal Guitar

Posted: Friday April 2 2021, 12:47 PM
By: @Robin Thompson

music and the pleasure center of the brain

Posted: Wednesday March 31 2021, 10:12 AM
By: @Ken Longfield

Where have all the beginners gone, long...

Posted: Sunday February 21 2021, 7:05 PM
By: @Strumelia

How to add a new Discussion in a Group

Posted: Thursday January 28 2021, 7:00 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle

Giving Thanks

Posted: Thursday November 26 2020, 6:01 PM
By: @Strumelia

The Mountain Minor movie

Posted: Wednesday October 28 2020, 11:36 AM
By: @Dusty Turtle

If I Had a Hammer (dulcimer) but no left-hand

Posted: Wednesday September 16 2020, 8:33 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle

North Carolina dulcimers getting media...

Posted: Saturday January 11 2020, 6:31 PM
By: @Robin Thompson

Holiday Music Recommendations

Posted: Tuesday December 10 2019, 3:44 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle

online sources for traditional music

Posted: Wednesday August 21 2019, 12:13 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle

Si Bheag Si Mohr dulcimer duet

Posted: Wednesday June 21 2017, 8:14 PM
By: @Ken Hulme

What's your favorite FOTMD smiley?

Posted: Tuesday March 7 2017, 9:19 AM
By: @Strumelia

Where are all the dulcimers by Gary...

Posted: Saturday August 27 2016, 8:37 PM
By: @D. chitwood

Dulcimer Week at Cigar Box Nation!

Posted: Tuesday July 19 2016, 9:31 PM
By: @Patty from Virginia

Oh Fiddlesticks!

Posted: Friday June 10 2016, 10:15 AM
By: @Bob Reinsel

pocket tunes and maintaining the backpack

Posted: Friday March 4 2016, 9:55 AM
By: @Skip

Joni explaining and playing the dulcimer

Posted: Friday February 26 2016, 12:58 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle

acoustic bass guitar

Posted: Wednesday November 18 2015, 1:23 AM
By: @Dusty Turtle

Celtic Tunes Commonly Played on the Dulcimer

Posted: Sunday April 5 2015, 11:36 AM
By: @john p

help me name that fiddle tune -- please!

Posted: Tuesday January 20 2015, 11:14 AM
By: @Janene Millen

RIP Pete Seeger

Posted: Wednesday May 14 2014, 10:57 AM
By: @Doug Jones

Common Dulcimer Jam Tunes

Posted: Tuesday May 6 2014, 10:38 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle

Comments

Lowell Moore
02/13/23 08:23:47AM @lowell-moore:

Hey Dusty, I messed up my courting dulcimer post on the classified forum. I flipped the pictures and did not realize it now looks left-handed, which it is not. Can I get those pictures removed from the post so I can add the unflipped, right-handed, versions?

Thanks,

Lowell


wdwolf
02/06/20 06:18:43PM @wdwolf:

do you have a tab for your surfer girl?


Bill S
06/22/19 08:27:21PM @bill-s:

Really liked Surfer Girl.  Lovely rendition.


MacAodha
07/10/18 05:48:26AM @macaodha:

Dusty, recorded a couple of video clips recently on Achill Island, was wondering if Vimeo and Youtube were the only way of posting Videos here on FOTMD. Val.


Brian McC
06/05/18 11:03:38PM @brian-mcc:

Just coming back to playing after too long a lay off. Opened the case and "POP" went the string... I am so very glad you posted the info about the Smother;s string calculator, Must wanted to say THANK YOU!!


MacAodha
03/02/17 04:54:15PM @macaodha:

Again Dusty thank you, what you say about true use of chords answers that very clearly.


MacAodha
03/02/17 04:05:47PM @macaodha:

Thank you Dusty for you very prompt and easy to understand reply. So would I be right in saying that back in the day when the ladies and gents were sitting on their porches playing ND or melody drone, whether they new it or were playing melody and chords? and does this mean that the Dulcimer is not just a melody instrument but also a chordal instrument?


MacAodha
03/02/17 09:11:19AM @macaodha:

Hello Dusty, Was going to put this question out there then thought you would be one of many who could answer it. Firstly from a young age I was a whistle player so playing melody was my thing, the jigs, reels etc. Left others to worry about chords. When I started playing Dulcimer I was playing mainly melody drone and at that time mainly in Dad. That was down to lack of knowledge of other tunings. I still play melody drone but now have a few more tunings. The tunings I use mostly are Dad, Dgd, Ddd, Dac and Ddc. The question I want to put to you is, in any of those tunings, playing melody drone and starting to strum at the first fret and working my way down the fret board is there a chord or part of a chord being played? It might be a silly question but have my reasons for asking which I will explain later. I have no interest in getting in to chord playing at my age, but in songs and slower tunes I do play chords not knowing what they are but if they sound good to me they go in. The answer to my question may not be a simple yes or no. You do not have to go into too much detail in your answer. Look forward to hearing from you Val.


Karel Votanek
06/14/16 02:14:03PM @karel-votanek:

Hi Dusty,

thank you very much for your nice comment.

Karelmusic


David Pedersen
05/03/16 05:50:44PM @david-pedersen:

Thanks for the latest tab "Fair Flower of Northumberland" .


Strumelia
03/21/16 11:00:51PM @strumelia:

Dusty, this is just a test post- ignore!  :)


Susie
11/14/15 03:01:33PM @susie:

Hey Dusty, how do you like your (daughter's) Eede Beede? Is it something for an adult to consider for travel?


alan kolman
11/08/15 05:50:22AM @alan-kolman:

hi dusty - have enjoyed your playing since i found this website - just wish your reggae video continued to the end of the song. i see that you play a probst dulcimer in 3 of your vids - could you tell me how you like it? sounds very balanced, but hard to tell on youtube. thanks, and keep posting -lots of fans out here!   alan


David Pedersen
10/25/15 10:40:28PM @david-pedersen:

Dusty, still can't figure the PM bit. However, I do have a 1+ so can play John Henry. Still working on it. Thanks for showing Polly wolly ... did'nt need that at this time. Like it also.

You mentioned Walter Lay, did'nt see any dulcimers on web site. Bonnie Carol--way up there. What are you playing that you favor at present, cause you have some good sounding Dulcimers.

 

I play a Jenny Lind from Ron Gibson and my fingers catch on some fret bars. Kinda hurts on John Henry slides.  Its a Black Walnut.

Tried following instructions for PM but did"nt work.

By the way, I do like my Jenny Lind.  Just want to upgrade.

 


David Pedersen
10/24/15 10:33:12PM @david-pedersen:

Hi Dusty, can we PM I had some questions on a Dulcimer comment you made to me and wanted more info. Thanks.  Dave


David Pedersen
10/15/15 10:06:37PM @david-pedersen:

Hey Dusty,  Been watching your youtube from 1yr ago of John Henry. Fairly addicted to it at this time. Told my wife give me 3 weeks and I'll have it. Might do it in 10 days. thats all I play.

Loving it. Such a gruve on it. 


Nancy Garrett
09/23/15 04:57:46PM @nancy-garrett:

Dusty, I do like how you played Booth Shot Lincoln! I've learned it from Bing so it will be interesting to compare your tab to how he plays it in A. I'm back here in WI.


Mill Branch Dulcimores
06/19/15 11:06:44PM @mill-branch-dulcimores:

Thanks Dusty!


Cynthia Wigington
06/19/15 03:24:12PM @cynthia-wigington:

Dusty, can't figure out how to send you a message, but thank you. All are purr-fect.


Karen Keane
05/24/15 10:09:11PM @karen-keane:
Hey Dusty, I thought we were already friends. Glad you caught this.