Forum Activity for @folkfan

What MAKE of strings is best?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

If you do get individual strings, be sure to know whether or not you need ball end or loop. Ball ends are more common, at least that's what I've found. All my dulcimers will take both so I'm lucky. Some dulcimer will take only ball ends and others will take only loop as the ball won't fit over the peg or nails used on the tail block. If you're in the loop only situation a ball end can be adapted for the peg by looping the end through the ball forming a loop.

Just Strings carries loop end steel bulk from .008 to .018 in the unwound and the thicker strings in the wound. It also carries several brands of packaged dulcimer sets.

http://www.juststrings.com/dulcimer.html I think the Martin set is $1.98.

What MAKE of strings is best?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Virginia,

I'm not sure about which strings are best. However since I've a number of dulcimers to restring regularly, I buy in bulk in a range of gauges from Just Strings. That way I always have strings on hand for mountain dulcimers, a pluck psaltery, and a small hammered dulcimer. I've always found the strings to be satisfactory.

How to welcome a new jammer

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I agree with Strumelia on this, Thanna. Don't be discouraged.

Having even just one other player who enjoys the same tunes you do is very nice. Before I left the group, one of the other members had mentioned to me that she too wasn't happy with the speed every tune was being handle at, and she wasn't enjoying the music the way she had hoped to when she bought her dulcimer. She to had come to the instrument from hearing the drones.

So once a week we started meeting at my place, and enjoyed an afternoon of music together. We shared an interest in pretty much the same type of music, and a simple melody/drone playing style. I miss our getting together since she moved away.

Keep looking, and I hope you find another group to share your dulcimer with.

Strumelia said:

Thanna, don't be discouraged. It looks like you perhaps just don't fit in with that group.

All it takes is to find ONE other player who likes the same kinds of tunes you do and is open to both of you exploring and learning while playing and having fun together. Could be another dulcimer player, a fiddler, a banjo player, guitar, mandolin, whatever. Just someone who wants to work together at a beginner level on some tunes in common, without being judgemental. Maybe your teacher can help further now in this new situation.

As for the club....you already have a dulcimer teacher, one who apparently has some confidence in your abilities. Don't give up how you like to play. Perhaps that club should clarify their purpose and goals.

How to welcome a new jammer

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Took me a while longer to give up on group playing. Having gone through the DAd can't play with DAA lecture from a member of the group I used to go to, I hear you. Of course, my response to the individual was to inform her of certain facts, i.e. that I was playing the same blasted notes in DAA that she was in DAd. That's when I got the chords sound better routine. ARGH!!!!!!!!

Speed of play was also a problem for me. When ever the music got too fast, "Why does it always become a race?", I'd turn my dulcimer over and drum. Usually the group stopped playing when at least half of the players were drumming, so I wasn't alone in not caring for the speed. Songs like "Simple Gifts" shouldn't be hurried, but played to a singing speed not a gallop.

So, now, as stay at home player, I enjoy the music I prefer. The only way I'd join a jam is with a shaker egg.

Thanna said:

Justreturned from my first - and very likely my last - jam with the local dulcimer club and wish I'd printed this out to take with me. I just endured a 2 hour lecture on why I should play DAD, why I should chord and how I need to play without a noter. To say that I didn't feel welcome would have been an understatement. I left at the lunch break because I'd had enough. Sad because I felt pretty good about my ability to keep up with the music itself.

Back to playing for my own enjoyment!

Happy Birthday FOTMD

OFF TOPIC discussions

Hayom yom huledet
hayom yom huledet
hayom yom huledet

Shel FOTMD

Todah Rabah, Lisa

I always sing Happy Birthday in Hebrew. It's "Tradition!" And Todah Rabah is another way of saying, Thank you, Lisa.

I've Just Bought a BANJO !!!!

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

Robin, Really enjoyed your first recording playing the banjo, looking forward to the next. Got the first tune as "Old Joe Clark", but what's the second one?

New instrument from OVG

Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions

Don't be too jealous. As it has a very high music box sound, it isn't a good all around instrument. High bouncy sounding songs like "Old Joe Clark" are good on it, but the eery murder ballads and slow soft songs just don't come out quite right. (IMO)

New instrument from OVG

Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions

Daniel, Does your Keith Young "Youngster" have round button feet on the bottom? My instrument does, and I'm finding them difficult to work with. When I tune, the instrument wobbles. I was wondering if the Keith Young instrument has the same feet since my instrument doesn't have a label inside.

And are the bridge and nut glued in their slots. Mine are and I'll have to have my brother lower the action for me the next time I see him as it's just too high for my comfort. It's two dimes high at the nut. I'm still wondering if mine is a true Keith Young or a copy.

Thanks, FF

Daniel Lewis Goad said:

Hummmm, left front paw for strumming and right rear paw for fretting. Interesting technique, Tigger.

ns that is a Keith Young "Youngster." The only difference between yours and mine is that mine has walnut back and sides.

New instrument from OVG

Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions

I should have gotten him to pose this way with the dulcimer

Daniel Lewis Goad said:

Hummmm, left front paw for strumming and right rear paw for fretting. Interesting technique, Tigger.

ns that is a Keith Young "Youngster." The only difference between yours and mine is that mine has walnut back and sides.

New instrument from OVG

Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions

Here's Tigger with Candy. He actually seem interested in this dulcimer. Usually he doesn't hang around to listen to me play, but tonight he sat a my feet staring up at the dulcimer as I bounced through Coulter's Candy, Old Joe Clark, and Dillian Bay. When I put it down he kept staring at it, so it wasn't me he was looking at.

New instrument from OVG

Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions

I just bought the sweetest little 21 inch long dulcimer. It's a 3 string cherry with a 17 inch VSL. The sound box is a trapezoid sort of shape with the bottom width being only 3 1/2 inches across and the top is the width of the fret board. There's no makers label so I can tell you who made it. I just tuned it down from DAA to CGG to see how the sound changes and it really sounds sweeter in C. It has all unwound strings, probably 16 on the bass and 12/or 14 for middle and melody

And the best thing of all is that it fits in my carry on bag, so when I go to the UK, I will have a dulcimer with me. With zither pin tuners, I'm going to have to invest in some spare clock keys in case I lose my goose neck. And the prototype possum board that Dave made years ago, is just the right size for this little baby.

Hoping to get some photos of it posted soon. Now I have to go make a carry bag for it. I think I'll use a quilted plaid I have. That some how seem appropriate.

I'm thinking of calling her "Candy" as she's a sweet little bit and really bounces through songs like "Coulter's Candy".

updated by @folkfan: 02/27/19 07:58:32PM

What kinds of tunes do you most like to play on your mtn dulcimer?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Should have added Sea Chanteys to my list.

What kinds of tunes do you most like to play on your mtn dulcimer?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Scottish, Irish, and English folk songs. Especially the old ballads and songs of historical uprisings etc.

If it mentions Bonnie Prince Charlie, it is probably in my TAB or on my to be tabbed list.

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Staying warm mentally or physically

OFF TOPIC discussions

Now that sounds tummy warming wonderful, but oh, what it would do to my diet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I guess I'll have to stick to the fannel shirt and warm oatmeal with raisins.

Dennis F. Lowe said:

I bake cookies, oatmeal-raisin, molasses-spice, chocolate chip, etc. A cup of spice cider and a flannel shirt don't hurt either.

Staying warm mentally or physically

OFF TOPIC discussions

Know the FOTMD warmth feeling.

I don't wear wool, but I do have some silk long underwear that helps on the coldest of days. Then comes regular T shirt and a sweat shirt And over that one of quilted flannel jackets that my hubby got for me this year.

Strumelia said:

I have thin base layers of very soft merino wool which really keep me warm and cozy all winter, without the itching associated with wool from years ago.

Reading FOTMD also makes me feel warm.

Staying warm mentally or physically

OFF TOPIC discussions

I should have mentioned that Sharon Jackson, a member here at FOTMD, made these lovely scented candles. If anyone wants to have a great aroma therapy session just get a hold of her.

Staying warm mentally or physically

OFF TOPIC discussions

Due to the cold, I've recently been burning a candle in the kitchen. Now a single flame doesn't give off that much heat. However the candle I've been burning has a warm scent to it and that mentally seems to warm me up.

The cinnamon scented soy candle was made by Sharon Jackson who lives down in MO. and gives me the feeling of walking into a room that has had apple pies baking. I love cinnamon in apple pies and this candle has worked at warming me up mentally. Time to get more though. I've had this one going all day.

Anyone else have a trick for warming up mentally, or even physically???? Share please....
updated by @folkfan: 02/27/19 02:01:41PM

Kathy was asking about a particular model of the Blue Lion dulcimers. Not all of us have experience with that particular model. I owned a Blue Lion once for a short while many years ago. I didn't find the sound right for me so I sold it. But it wasn't one of the Jean Ritchie models.

bob atkinson said:

may i comment howsurprisedi was apart from one kind member on the lack ofresponse to the subject Blue Lion.Was this perhaps in the wrong forum ?Living thousands of KMs away from the USA choosing a MD becomes almost an act of faith as we can only see a photo at best and if we are lucky a small sound track of the MD we wish to purchase.This is how FOMD is a great source of advice and knowledge .Any advice welcome.

My biggest 'do-over' wish in learning music

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I wish I'd discovered the dulcimer earlier since it is an instrument that I can play in spite of the way my brain is wired. In grade school, I pretty much gave up on the idea of actually learning to play an instrument and now there isn't enough time to learn all the songs I'd like to learn, but I do enjoy what I have learned.

With the dulcimer and modal tunings, you can play any tune using the same note relationship. A DAd tuning is a 1-5-8 relationship. The 1 is the first note of the scale (a D), the 5 is the 5th note of the scale (an A/as in DEF#GA) and the 8 is the octave higher d or the 8th note of the octave (DEF#GABC#d). Any other 1-5-8 tuning is played with the same tablature and fingering. CGc, AEa, GDg, EBe are the keys of C,A,G, and E in a 1-5-8 tuning. This tuning is commonly called Mixolydian mode, which isn't quite accurate as many Ionian mode tunes are played in this tuning as well.

I use a CGG which is an Ionian mode tuning. The note relationship of this tuning is 1-5-5 with the melody string being tuned to the same note that the middle string is tuned to. The scale starts at the third fret and I would use DAA tab not DAd. DAA, CGG, GDD, AEE, EBB are all 1-5-5 tunings in the Ionian mode (no half frets used).

A simple example of the difference in the two tunings is Brother John. In a 1-5-5 tuning, I'd play 3453, 3453, 567,567, 787653, 787653, 303, 303.

In a 1-5-8 tuning I'd play 0120, 0120, 234,234, 454320, 454320, 0-0middle-0, 0-0middle-0.

In either tuning (CGG, or CGc) I'd be playing exactly the same notes CDEC, CDEC, DEF, DEF, FGFEDC, FGFEDC, etc.

The only tunes that I can't play when tuned in CGG are true Mixolydian mode tunes with a flatted 7th note of the scale and are played on the 6th fret (NOT the 6+) in a 1-5-8 tuning. Old Joe Clark is an example of a true Mixolydian tune. It has to be played in a 1-5-8 tuning and uses the 6th fret. The only difference is between the Mixolydian scale and the Ionian scale is that one flatted note. That's why so many tunes are now tabbed in DAd, as you can play two different modes with the same tuning since most modern dulcimers have 6 and 6+ frets which gives you the correct note for either scale.

Charles E. Jones said:

Thanks. Are you able to play everything in CGC that you could play in DAD?

folkfan said:

I'm with everyone else on this. For singing go lower. CGc would be only one step down from your DAd tuning, and does make for easier singing. I don't even tune up to D anymore as I always want to sing with my instrument. I'm in CGG or lower for everything.

I'm with everyone else on this. For singing go lower. CGc would be only one step down from your DAd tuning, and does make for easier singing. I don't even tune up to D anymore as I always want to sing with my instrument. I'm in CGG or lower for everything.

Going back to DT's first post, got me to thinking.

I came to the dulcimer from a background of listening to Irish and Scottish folk music being sung by singers like Tommy Makem, the Corries , and listening to the 60's folk songs, The Chad Mitchell Trio, Joan Baez etc. Nary a fiddle tune in the bunch to my knowledge.

Probably 98 % of my media library is made up of folk song books, CDs, LPs, cassettes and they're all vocals, so it's natural for me to head in that direction rather than trying to learn a bunch of fiddle tunes or any tunes at all for that matter. My mind associates music primarily with vocals to the point where learning a tune not a song is almost impossible for me.

Even the dulcimer records I have from before I started playing the dulcimer are basically solo vocal albums. After I bought my dulcimer I began to gather some TAB books of tunes and performances by David Schnaufer, Stephen Seifert, etc. That's when I became aware of fiddle tunes.

I'm not sure that all dulcimer players do like fiddle tunes. Personally, I don't. My preference is for Scottish, Irish, and English folk music with a mixture of Israeli songs thrown in for good measure.

As for the fiddle, it's not a favorite instrument to listen to, for me, either. I like lower sounds like the cello or a mellow bowed dulcimer.

It's sort of like Robin saying that she likes chocolate cake, and a lot of people do. But there are a lot of us that would rather have pie or another flavor of cake instead of chocolate. Personally Key Lime Pie is my favorite and if I eat cake I wouldn't pick chocolate. Carrot or Spice is more up my alley. :-)

My cat, Tigger and my tab files. In fact, the storms have had me going over my tab, and retyping it into the computer so I can get them all backed up. Lost a major portion of them a few years ago, and though I've been backing up my new ones about 80% of my work was lost, except for paper copies.

John Henry..thought I'd share

OFF TOPIC discussions

It's been said by many already, but can't hurt to repeat. "Get Well Soon and Best Wishes"

Giving Thanks

OFF TOPIC discussions

Thanks to everyone here for making this a nice place to come and chat with friends about music, dulcimers, and life in general. Have a good day wherever you are?

Show us your sound holes!

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

That's a poplar top. Some poplars develop the most amazing colors. Something about the soil that they grow in, I believe. Had a top once that went from cream yellow green blue purple red to brown. Called that instrument, "Joseph's coat".

carol anderson said:

Show us your sound holes!

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Barbara, That's a piece of poplar. Sometimes the chemistry of the soil will produce the unusual color combinations that you see on my top. Dave did one for me years ago that I called "Joseph" because of the amazing coloration that the wood had. It was cream, and brown, and green, and blue, and red and purple and pink!! Just like a Joseph's coat.

Barbara Maas said:

FolkFan .. the sounds holes are so unique and lovely. The top wood on the instrument with the leaves is incredibly beautiful. It really fits the simple elegance of the leaf shape.

Your favorite dulcimer case!

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Basically I have 4 main gig bags, and no hard cases. Three of my gig bags are by Lee Felt. I have 2 doubles and one single. And I love them.The other case was an early Colorado Case Co. bag, I believe. I got it years and years ago from Dave as they had made up a sample case for him, but it really was too short for his dulcimers. It fits my shortest instrument, a Black Mountain, and also is used to carry my box dulcimer.

***THREE CHEERS for Robin Thompson !!!***

OFF TOPIC discussions

Can't do cartwheels, and I don't have a race track to ride around in, but I can say "Hip-hip-hooray for Robin".

Paul, I couldn't agree with you more. Trying to play through pain is only asking for more problems. Problems which might not be repairable if a person allows the damage to become too great.Who ever came up with the phrase "No Pain, No Gain" didn't do the world a favor by coining it. Too many people have taken it up as a phrase to live by. SHUDDER!!!!!!!! Paul Certo said:

There's a very common expression-"No pain, no gain." Whoever coined that phrase never asked a Doctor for their opinion of it. The truth: Pain is your body's way of telling you to STOP whatever causes the pain. Some things may be mildly uncomfortable at first, but don't play so long it becomes seriously painful. Real pain means stop now and find out what is wrong. You may be doing something the wrong way. Don't try to play through significant pain.
Paul

Sometimes we have to learn to improvise to play. Fortunately the dulcimer is an instrument that can be played and enjoyed by people who have problems with their hands.Sometimes I can only use my ring finger and end up sliding my whole hand like a noter. When it comes to picking there are days when I can't hold a pick at all and end up taping one to my right hand so I can strum. You just do what needs to be done. But what ever you do, if you begin to feel pain developing in your fingers or wrists, see a doctor about what you need to do to keep it from getting worse. John Henry said:

Thanks for that Folkfan, I worked in construction for many years, played Rugby Football for far too long, and for a while when in the army also 'boxed', so my poor old frame has had its share of misuse. Its only now in my so called 'golden years' that I have started trying to play in earnest, and will have to make do with whats left to work with LOL
take care
JohnH

To Sam and John Henry, When I started playing melody drone with my hand, I'd already been told by my doctor not to use my thumb due to osteoarthritis that was already starting in the base joint of the thumb. My injuries were due to catching myself with my hand during falls. I hadn't smashed the fingers of the left hand just landed with my hand out stretched and on the ball of the thumb.Many people due use their thumbs to play, but some of us can't. All I can say is if it doesn't hurt then your ok, but if using your thumb causes pain in the wrist, or sharp pains up to your shoulder, then don't use it. It's a difficult joint to replace and surgery isn't always successful. I have to be careful in how I pick things up for fear of irritating my thumbs. John Henry said:

Hello Sam, if you are an oddball then you are not alone, when not using a noter, I too mainly use my thumb. I am told by some that it is a bad habit, and I can see that point of view, but if those who are telling me had smashed their L.H.fingers in one way or another as many times as I have,they might tend to play in the same way. If playing in the manner that you do keeps you playing your dulcimer, go for it, but don't be afraid to try other ways, you might just develop into a true 'chord playing member' LOL
my regards
JohnH

Sam said:

Great question, great thread. My musical background parallels yours ... I have none. Got interested in the dulcimer and have been doodling with it for some weeks now. I've tried a noter and like the sound. It's different than with fingers. Fingers? Guess I'm an oddball. I use my thumb, the side of it. I put my left index finger against it like I was holding on to a penny (something us older folks are akin too I'm afraid) then use my thumb like a noter. If I shouldn't be doing this, somebody needs to tell me to quit it!

I just wanted to add that Ken's description of starting with the index finger on the frets to sound out the melody is exactly how I started. It just seemed natural for my middle and ring finger to get into the action as I began to learn my fret positions. It was as if they just naturally wanted to play or dance along.Many times you'll find that while your index finger is fretting one note the ring or middle finger is right over the next fret you need to hit and all of a sudden your other fingers are in the action and you're finger-dancing. Ken Hulme said:

Although I've played noter & drone for over 35 years, the easiest method, IMHO is to start picking out songs using just your index finger to pick out songs. Then over time advance to using multiple fingers on the melody string(s) - called Melody Drone or Fingerdancing style. This does require developing a callus on your index and/or other fingers, though.

Once you get proficient with your index finger, you can try substituting a noter for that finger. You can read the article I wrote on EverythingDulcimer called Get Noterized by Ken Hulme. Lisa also has a couple of good YouTube vids...

Hi, I'm a melody drone player who uses just three fingers on my left hand. Years ago my doctor told me not to even try to play chords due to arthritis. I like the sound of the drones so giving up chords was no problem, but I'd gotten use to having my fingers on the fretsPlaying a noter requires a certain set of skills that develops through diligent practice. I found playing with my fingers feeling the frets a simpler style of play. I've also found it easier to play an instrument that has a certain VSL or fret scale. Since all of my instruments have the same scale, the fret boards all feel the same under my fingers and my muscle memory has developed for that distance. Playing a longer or shorter VSL means that I have to look at my fret board more often for finger placement. Drives me crazy.

Using Common Sense Caution when buying or selling

FOR SALE:instruments/music items/CDs/Wanted to Buy...

"Caveat emptor" (Let the buyer beware.) Always good advice.It's also good for the seller to beware and bank the check before mailing the merchandise.

FUNNY songs you sing & play on your dulcimer

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

The Ballad of William Bloat. Funny in a dark wayI think I first heard it sung by the Clancy Brothers and Tommy Makem

Dulcimer Strings

Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions

I'm with Ken when it comes to buying strings in bulk. I get mine from "Just Strings" too. Since I tune in CGG with about a 26" VSL, I usually go 24-14-14. With these gauges I can easily go up to DAA if there is any need to. To go to DAd though I'd want a lighter gauge on my melody string.As to the phosphorus bronze, I use them all the time. I don't hear any difference between Nickel wound or phosphorus bronze. The only difference that I can see is the color. Some people like to have their strings all the same silvery hue, but it doesn't matter to me. Sue Simms said:

Thankyou Ken for your input. I noticed mine are 12 and 22. I will check out the others also.

Ken Hulme said:

I've not found the phosphor Bronze to be any different in my playing than any other strings. I usually go to www.juststrings.com and order a dozen sets of inexpensive strings at a time. I tune primarily DAA and prefer 12s for the melody string(s) , 14 for the middle drone, and 22wound or 24wound for the base.

Carry on baggage/dulcimer and ND related

OFF TOPIC discussions

In July my husband and daughter took an overseas trip with just carryon luggage. One bag, under the seat size and one smaller than normalcarry on for the over head bin. When they got to the gate they foundout that they had to check the larger bags as the bins were alreadyfull on the Chicago to Philadelphia leg of the journey. Fortunatelywhen they switched planes in Philly they got to carry their luggage onfor the second leg of their journey. Airlines don't have to guaranteethat your carry on luggage will go carry on.

You can be the first one at the gate, but the order in which you get on as a passenger is set up by seating. So you can arrive early, be last boarded and find no room for your things.

So just to remindanyone who is planning a trip and perhaps thinking of carrying on adulcimer, you could be facing the same over stuffed bin situation. Besure your dulcimer is packed for check in, as even standard carry onluggage may end up in the belly of the plane.
updated by @folkfan: 01/13/19 05:09:18PM