Dusty Turtle

Location:

Location: Northern California
Country: USA

My Latest Followers:

DulciPlayer RobMachin 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 dtortorich fordferguson fishface

Stats

youtube videos: 65
images: 24
events: 2
Groups: 2
videos: 8
audio tracks: 11

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 • 14 hours ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Jingle Bells:
"Cool as a cat (after a pot of coffee)!"
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • 14 hours ago • comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @randy-adams: Jingle Bells
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • 14 hours ago • comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Champagne Waltz.:
"Very pleasant and enjoyable, DJ.  You capture a nice rolling rhythm there. I learned a drinking song in the south of France called "Chevaliers de la table..."
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • 14 hours ago • comments: 5
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: Champagne Waltz.
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • 3 days ago • comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Lucy M. Long's brief history of the mountain dulcimer:
"Yes, Lucy Long's piece at Bear Meadow is excellent.  People might also be interested in her dissertation, The Negotiation of Tradition: Collectors,..."
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • 3 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Confused about strings gauge reccomendations...":
"@gerardo1000, it's a good idea to start with the luthier's recommendations about string gauge, as you are doing, but don't feel locked into those gauges...."
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • 3 weeks ago • comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @ken-longfield: Appalachian Dulcimer Museum
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • 3 weeks ago • comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Peterson Strobo Clip tuner for sale":
"I am finally looking to part with an original Peterson Strobo-Clip tuner , long considered the most accurate clip-on tuner on the market.  This model has..."
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • 3 weeks ago • comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @strumelia: Showing support for FOTMD ?
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • 3 weeks ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Caroline & Sandy Paton :
"Thanks for sharing, Robin. It's a sweet, gentle video indeed.  Hard to fathom that it was made 50 years ago!"
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • one month ago • comments: 3
Liked a youtube item created by @randy-adams: Just As I Is
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • one month ago • comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on Sweet Yellows and Pinks:
"A stunning tune, Robin, that showcases perfectly your soft, sensitive, sliding noter. And Mark's guitar is understated yet still establishes a nuanced..."
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • one month ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Just As I Is:
"This is indeed "old time dulcimer." So old, in fact, there was only only string in existence at the time. Seriously, Randy, this is a moving piece that..."
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • one month ago • comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on Fall in Cedar Falls:
"Thanks for the comment, @Randy-Adams.  The nylon strings provide a completely different tonal palette, but that doesn't convey easily in recording.  The..."
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • one month ago • comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on Fall in Cedar Falls:
"That's funny, @Dulciplayer.  I've never had a mint julep either, but I associate the drink with the Kentucky Derby, held in the springtime.  I think Fall in..."
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • one month ago • comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on Fall in Cedar Falls:
"Thanks for listening and for your encouraging comments, @Phil-Myers, @Benjamin-W-Barr-Jr, & @Robin-Thompson. Robin, I shared this tune with my online..."
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • one month ago • comments: 10
Posted a new YouTube video:
Fall in Cedar Falls (original)
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • one month ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Larry Shore Dulcimer":
"It would have been a nice find anyway, but that label just adds such heartfelt meaning.  I'm sure the dulcimer expresses a father's love for his daughter..."
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • one month ago • comments: 0
Liked a youtube item created by @randy-adams: Ralph Kohler Rag
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • one month ago • comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Galax Old Fiddlers Convention:
"Great job, Kendra!  Congratulations!"
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • one month ago • comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on DogHouse Duo at Pumpkin Fest:
"Great strumming, great harmony playing!  We want more!"
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • one month ago • comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @jessica-comeau: ONLINE: Halloween Ceili Concert, October 31, 6 PM CT on Zoom
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • 2 months ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "four string equidistant set-up":
"@lilley-pad, I would suggest first that you join the Four Equidistant Strings Group here at FOTMD.  Peruse what has already been posted, and if you still..."
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • 2 months ago • comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Barbry Ellen:
"Beautiful singing, Talia.  And I really like the Jean-style dulcimer accompaniment. It is quite pleasant to listen to you."
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • 2 months ago • comments: 8
Liked a music item created by @anne-bowman: Departure
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • 2 months ago • comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Pavane 2 experiment.:
"What an elegant tune, Anne.  Nice job!"
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • 2 months ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Cleaning a 1992 Angell Dulcimer":
"A lot of questions there, ShirinSam! Based on the string gauges, this is not a baritone. I would suggest a wound .024 on the bass, .014 for the middle, and..."
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • 2 months ago • comments: 12
Posted a new Comment on Deer at Dusk, a work-in-progress :
"Compelling. Sounds like a "song," like a melody begging for lyrics. Aren't we all works-in-progress?"
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • 2 months ago • comments: 3
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: In the Pines
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • 2 months ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Celtic dulcimer !:
"Dulcimer among the megaliths. Près de Carnac?"
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • 2 months ago • comments: 6
Liked a youtube item created by @mill-branch-dulcimores: Darlin' Corey on the Shoat Hogfiddle
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • 2 months ago • comments: 9
Liked a youtube item created by @beth-t: Belle Isle March + Gorhoffedd Owain Cyfeiliog
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • 2 months ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Judith Giddings, Rest in Peace":
"Thanks for sharing that sad news with us, Lisa.  The obituary makes it clear what a caring person Judith was."
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • 2 months ago • comments: 29
Posted a new Comment on A scheitholt with no first fret:
"I can't help explain the scheitholt, @Leo-Kretzner, but I can help with the pictures.  When you created a new discussion, you could have used the "embed..."
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • 2 months ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Dulcimerica Episode 720 - "Going To Winfield Pt. 1":
"I'm sure your tune was a hit, Bing. And I'm still convinced Karen Mueller has 12 fingers on her strumming hand."

Latest Group Discussions

  All
Dusty Turtle

Raymond Melton workshop from 1974


I thought folks from this group would be interested in this audio...
@Dusty Turtle 9 months ago - Comments: 2
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 last year - Comments: 3
Dusty Turtle

Waiting for a Train (Jimmie Rodgers cover)


The classic tune by the Blue Yodeler.
@Dusty Turtle last year - Comments: 0
Dusty Turtle

Kentucky Waltz (Bill Monroe cover)


Bill Monroe is rightly known as the father of bluegrass, but he also...
@Dusty Turtle last year - 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 last year - Comments: 4
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 3 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 3 years ago - Comments: 3
Dusty Turtle

tightening a pickup jack


The pickup jack on my dulcimer is loose.   It rattles around and...
@Dusty Turtle 4 years ago - Comments: 2
Dusty Turtle

Swedish origins of the dulcimer?


Found an interesting article arguing for the Swedish origins of the...
@Dusty Turtle 4 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 4 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 4 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 5 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 5 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 6 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 6 years ago - Comments: 9
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 6 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 6 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 6 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 6 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 6 years ago - Comments: 6

Latest Audio

  All
Welsh Medley

Welsh Medley


@Dusty Turtle
11 months ago - Comments: 8
The Rose of Aranmore

The Rose of Aranmore


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

Grasshopper Sittin' on a...


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

The Ash Grove


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

Dry & Dusty


@Dusty Turtle
9 years ago - Comments: 7
The Wind that Shakes the Barley

The Wind that Shakes the Barley


@Dusty Turtle
10 years ago - Comments: 6
Fishin' Blues

Fishin' Blues


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

Westphalia Waltz on baritone...


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

Hard Times on baritone dulcimer


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

Spanish Fandango


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

Lilliburlero fingerstyle


@Dusty Turtle
12 years ago - Comments: 0

Latest Videos

  All
Fall in Cedar Falls (original)

Fall in Cedar Falls (original)


@Dusty Turtle
one month ago - Comments: 10
Spanish is a Loving Tongue

Spanish is a Loving Tongue


@Dusty Turtle
last year - Comments: 3
Loch Tay Boat Song

Loch Tay Boat Song


@Dusty Turtle
last year - Comments: 6
Safe Haven (original)

Safe Haven (original)


@Dusty Turtle
last year - Comments: 7
The Galway Belle

The Galway Belle


@Dusty Turtle
2 years ago - Comments: 6
Mountains of Mourne

Mountains of Mourne


@Dusty Turtle
2 years ago - Comments: 0
Gentle Annie

Gentle Annie


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

Tahoe Winter Waltz


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

The Strawberry Blossom


@Dusty Turtle
3 years ago - Comments: 7

Latest Photos

  All
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

Peterson Strobo Clip tuner for sale

Posted: Sunday November 10 2024, 9:12 AM
By: @Robin Thompson

squeakless nylon strings?

Posted: Tuesday October 8 2024, 8:23 PM
By: @RevDave

RIP Happy Traum

Posted: Sunday September 1 2024, 2:34 PM
By: @robert schuler

International Appalachian Dulcimer Day

Posted: Tuesday April 2 2024, 7:17 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle

How do I create a new forum discussion?

Posted: Friday February 2 2024, 5:37 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

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.