Location:
Country: USA
My Latest Followers:
Stats
I enjoy studying Classical Guitar and take lessons. For many years I have listened to the music of Central Appalachia. My husband and I enjoy sing-a-longs. I have had fun watching and listening to Sally Rogers and Claudia Schmidt playing their mountain dulcimers in concert. We were in Berea, KY last month and a handmade mountain dulcimer spoke to me. I have lots to learn and am looking forward to peaceful sounds.
DEC 2019 update. I was able to buy a Folkcraft dulcimer which belonged to Steve duFour. The dulcimer was modified by David Marks. It is a Galax 4 string Folkcraft.
JULY 2024 update. We moved for our health to a one floor home. It has a porch and back deck perfect for playing music. I hope I can make time to learn the mountain dulcimer.
Felt picks.. don't know anything be about them, but will look. Thank you.
Ann, I'm certainly no expert on picks, but reading your comment about wanting to play with a soft approach made me wonder if you've ever tried felt picks? I don't always want the percussive sound of a pick and the felt pick is another option besides finger picking. You mention not wanting to destroy your fingernails because of your guitar playing. I found guitar playing far rougher on my nails than the dulcimer.
Ann, it's really hard to keep from wearing out the nails fingerpicking on steel strings. I have to keep them a little shorter than I did for classical guitar but with the "aggressive" style I use they still wear more than I hoped they would. Have you ever tried Alaska Piks? A student of mine gave me some but I haven't tried them yet. They fit differently than traditional fingerpicks so it might be a good option. Oh yeah, and you trim them to the finger. I hated using metal or plastic fingerpicks on steel string guitar, too, so I've dealt with weird and excess wear for many years now. Keep a good, extra fine emory or diamond file handy and be ready to shape them up daily instead of weekly.
Thank you all for welcoming me. I have so much to learn. I have really been inspired by Judith Giddings' playing. All suggestions welcome. I am studying Harmonious Dulcimer by Linda Brockinton. Her book has answered many questions. Hello, new friends...
Welcome to FOTMD, Ann. It's good to have you aboard.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
Hello Ann.
Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Since you like Amazing Grace you may want to consider joining the Hymn and Church Song Players group. We're glad you are one of us.
Welcome, Ann, to this little corner of dulcimer heaven, from one classical guitarist to another. Hope you enjoy it here.
Rob
Hi Ann, 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 Ann, welcome aboard. Glad ya found us.