Forum Activity for @mary-z-cox

Any banjo players out there?

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

Hi! Just want to post that I'm well and alive & moving around again after my knee reconstruction & still playing mountain dulcimer, banjo, guitar, and banjolele.  I even sing when I'm on the torture cycle.  I'd like to change my pix but can no longer figure it out --and that pix is not even one of my dulcimers :) 

Also doing quite a bit of quilting, walking my  basset Charley & Zumba. 

I wanted to respond to these posts--so please tell me how to post pix again. 

I have not updated my website regularly--but it still works--and have most of my music posts on Facebook which is set for public--so anyone can go on.  

Warning--you will not only see music posts but lots of pix of Charley and quilts too. 

Best wishes,

Mary Z. Cox

How Do I Attach Photos To A Post?

Site QUESTIONS ? How do I...?

Hi ! wanted to make a post that I'm still well, alive & playing & I still seem to have a page--but can't seem to update photo or videos or even post on my homepage ?  

Its like I'm blocked ? 

Best dulcimer wishes,

Mary Z. Cox

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Mike Clemmer

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

  Saw this video on FB & well worth watching--very nice documentary on Mike & Connie Clemmer :)

Any banjo players out there?

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

Jumping ?? Jumping ?? We don't jump--we levitate --why do you think we get paid the big bucks for concerts ?? We spend hours meditating & considerable yoga hours for that :)   We are training to ascend :)

Any banjo players out there?

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

My bass string was out of tune--so I walked away from the mic to tune.  Then back again to play. Cameron is my favorite fiddler & he knew my string was out--so he just held the tune and the stage. Happy Holidays :)

Any banjo players out there?

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

Lets try again :)

Any banjo players out there?

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

Here's a little banjo from Saturday night with Boston fiddler, Cameron Freer.   This is our levitation verson of dance tunes Black Eyed Susie/Forked Deer. :)

updated by @mary-z-cox: 12/08/21 05:34:52PM

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Charley @ 6 Months :)

Any banjo players out there?

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

Hi.  Once when I was playing a small banjo concert in the mountains--I also played a couple tunes on my mountain dulcimer. I demonstrated several different banjos too--I think the cello banjo, my fancy mermaild Deering, the John Bowland 1865 Fretless & the John Hartford with the grenadilla tone ring.  A lady rushed up at the end and gushed--I love all your banjos--but I love that all wood banjo the best.  (mountain dulcimer)  maryzcox.com

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Charley & Violet @ 4 months  

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Charley

How is the COVID-19 coronavirus affecting you?

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Hi !

the destribution in Florida has been excellent . Bob & I got our vaccines in February from the health department & the vaccine seems readily available to anyone who will go get it .  
Even though the media claims disparity in the distribution—a look at the income level & rates of distribution county by county are eye opening . For instance —st.John’s County—richest in the state has a 72% vaccine rate & Leon County —only 28 in income levels also has 72%  And Gadsden —one of the poorest counties —around 60 % and that’s probably because there is a younger population there .

A lot of folks want to make a political argument out of vaccine distribution & there has definitely been favoritism —especially in the early stages—but from a pragmatic POV—the lower age requirements & fast distribution to all has actually worked well for everyone except folks in isolated rural areas who may have no one to bring them in . But by getting everyone who can arrive first —it will get to the harder to reach areas sooner too . 
Actually Leon county has gone right in to all sides of town to offer all Covid services —especially the poorer sections . 
Yes—I’m pretty sure some of the richer retirement communities got theirs first —but they got in fast —got it done & moved on to the rest of us very quick :)

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Thanks for asking. Elvis passed last June at 15 (he had a tumor on his aorta & finally his back broke) but he had an excellent last year with several beach camping trips & a fall mountain excursion in which he was able to escape and join old man McCalls bear hunting dog pack for a night of intense hound excitement. (they were poaching on our land) But he was like a puppy until the last month or two.  We have been 9 months without a basset & just got Charley last week.  He is one of the most intelligent puppies I have ever seen & Bob & I feel like new parents again.

Keep picking,

Mary Z. Cox

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How is the COVID-19 coronavirus affecting you?

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Update —our little granddaughter (Violet Juniper Hyder) came 5 weeks early on Jan 23 & she is home with her parents—she is very tiny 4 lbs 11oz .and they are allowed no visitors because she is a preemie & because of the virus—but we may be allowed to see her after she gains a pound or two . Bob & I had the 2nd Phitzer vaccine last week & we are both recovering from surgeries last week —we are a little sleepy but doing just fine & we are taking gifts & supplies over to the kids on Friday even though we can’t go inside yet .

i’ve been working on a baby quilt for Violet since it’s a little cold & rainy outdoors & have been playing my dulcimer & cello banjo a little . 
As far as we have heard—Covid vaccines seem to be going well in Tallahassee & they have given out both Moderna & Phitzer & many friends & neighbors have already had 2nd vaccines . We got ours at the drive through at the health department . They gave us both right in the car—2 at a time . It was very well organized & everyone in masks & we didn’t even feel the first shot — the second one was a little heavier —but neither of us had any reactions . Everyone is still masking in Tallahassee & keeping their distance & no big events . Their are a few open places but we don’t go there right now .

If you read this—let me know where you are located & if you have got your vaccines yet?

Love & blessings,

Mary Z Cox

M

How is the COVID-19 coronavirus affecting you?

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Hello All,

The fruit tree post was wonderful . Our 3 Meyers Lemon Trees are heavy this year & so is our pink grapefruit tree :) I’ve been busy in the kitchen & put up 12 pints of Lemon marmalade . It takes almost a full day for only 6 pints . We have tried to encourage our neighbors to pick—but most of our usual pickers are staying indoors because it is cold & rainy. Also everyone in our neighborhood is having a bumper year for lemons —so it is difficult to find them homes :)

My good dulcimer news is I’ve been having fun experimenting in EAA & working out many A old time tunes  —having fun with Grub Springs Waterbound Shenandoah Falls  & Crockets honeymoon :)

Also had some frets pulled on my black walnut MMD & greatly enjoying playing it again :)

Here is some of our good news for this year (not going to mention any troubling or sad news because we all got plenty of all that )

1. Bob & I are finally going to be grandparents —Violet Juniper Hyder is due in February . This is our Daughter Natalie & Husband Will’s miracle baby & is the only grandchild on either side of the family . So far she is growing well, active & healthy & looked good in the genetic testing too —she’s already 4 lbs & the size of a cauliflower :)  and Bob has quit drinking so he will be allowed to hold her—which is improving his health too :)

2. Bob & I have been fortunate in we live in Tallahassee which is easy to stay inside & to also have outdoor activities that are isolated in natural beauty —so we have not caught the virus . We got our first vaccines last Saturday from the local health department & have our follow up on the 30th :)

3. Looking forward to camping & festivals this summer & hope we’ll all be out & about & picking again :)

Hope everyone here is safe & well & picking a few new happy tunes too :)

Love & blessings,

Mary Z. Cox

How is the COVID-19 coronavirus affecting you?

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Tallahassee is pretty shutdown--FSU gone remote, public schools closed, bars, clubs closed, restaurants--take out only. Groceries open but shelves getting empty.  Spending a lot of time cooking, writing a new mountain dulcimer book, getting ready for a new mountain dulcimer recording, learning some new tunes and songs.

My local gym is closed--so I've become the fitness director for Elvis (my 15 yr old basset hound) He walked 4 miles yesterday --but only 2 today.  I miss my zumba classes--so have a plan to teach him zumba in the kitchen while I'm cooking.

Yesterday--I made Meyers Lemon marmalade--because I still have lots of Meyer's lemons on my trees and it turned out wonderful.  :)

Trying to update some of my profiles on pages that haven't been updated in years & updating pix.

Zumba??? Now you want me to Zumba? I'm not going to pose with that dulcimer again--not enough milk bones in the world for that :) If you make beef stew again--can I lick the crockpot ?

updated by @mary-z-cox: 03/18/20 10:35:24PM

Your "Dream Dulcimer?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Okay--I've got many dream dulcimers & this is my newest one--love the wormy chestnut and of course the old man carved head--I really do like the little carved heads on dulcimers

www.maryzcox.com

Actually--just learn Spinal tap's "Gimme Money"--put out your hat and play it over and over :)

Pound notes, loose change, bad checks--anything!

:)mzc

12 is plenty--actually 2 is enough --one fast and one slow--just play each one for a long time--people are walking by and will seldom pause for even a whole tune :)

I think I'm In trouble here! Bought yet another dulcimer

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Congrats on your new dulcimer. IMHO--it is very normal to enjoy playing your new dulcimer. Everytime a new dulcimer arrives at my home--it gets lots of playing and attention. :) Fortunately, I don't have an additive personality--but instead, I'm very active in dulcimer, banjo, and guitar rescue--a compassionate and humanitarian calling

mzc

My favorite is ebony. Faster, smoother, resists wear :)Best. Wishes,Mary Z Cox

Have you met other FOTMD's in real life and become friends?

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There are a lot of wonderful folks that I know that are on fomd -- but I met them all first somewhere else :)I did meet a total stranger on fb and we ended up loaning him our mountain cabin, then my husband and I stayed with him in his home for 2 weeks in Quimper , France and he stayed with us again thIs year for 2 weeks in Tallahassee, and now he is getting ready to retire to Martinique in a year or two -- and of course, we are invited for an extended stay :) I've also met some great folks on banjohangout, and have stayed with them in their homes and become good friends. :)We are so lucky to meet so many wonderful folks wherever we go and have had the double fortune to remain friends for many years :)Happy Holidays :)

Ho Ho Ho and here I go again- buying another dulcimer!

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Cedar and walnut sounds very nice :) Nothing like a new dulci under the tree!

:)MZC

Throw in a few more bucks and you can order one of the mid range McSpaddens and select your own favorite woods. Also, David at Modern Mountain Dulcimers, makes a regular sized dulcimer where the back and sides are some kind of red wood -- that sounds and plays really nice.Also, several folks on this list and myself have all ordered dulcimers from Mike Clemmer and although you will pay a few more bucks-- you will get to choose your woods and style which lets you have a more special dulcimer. Also-- I have two of Paul Conrad's intarsia dulcimers-- which play and sound good too-- take a look and listen to some of my video clips here to hear and see them. Getting to know Paul is worth the extra bucks :)Hope this helps,Mary Z CoxPs. IMHO 300 buys a good beginning dulcimer, 400--700 an excellent intermediate dulcimer, 700 + -- you get into pro models and very special dulcimers :)

Crock Pot Beer Chicken

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That sounds really good. Think we used to make a similar recipe like that years ago and it was really good. We also used to make that beer bread-- and it was so yummy because the beer tasted like yeast in the bread. :)

Sassafrass is awesome-- got two dulcimers with sassafras :) one is cherry & sassafras, the other walnut & sassafras. If the sassafras is new, you will also have the pleasure of your dulcimer smelling like root beer until it ages :)Best wishes,Mary Z CoxPs. IMHO I!d much rather have the Clemmer dulcimer over the folk craft :)

D-A-C tuning

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Love this tuning & keep one of my Simmerman's in dac all the time. If you find that one of your dulcimers really sounds good in this tuning-- if you just keep it in this tuning-- it just kind of sinks in and always sounds good :) mzc

Yes this is true-- but you do need to do the upkeep on the instrument too-- have it set up-- keep fresh strings on it and do repairs as needed (refretting etc.)Best wishes,Mary Z Cox

Stand for Modern Mountain Dulcimer

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

Gary Sager at Prussia Valley builds a beautiful wooden stand-- adjustable and folds for travel. I love mine.Also, John Stockard makes a very sturdy adjustable metal stand. I've used mine for years and still works great :)Hope this helps,Mary Z Cox

Have a couple dulcimers with built in pic ups, but haven't used them that much although they sound perfectly fine and very acoustic. Just got a uke with built in pick up & cutaway body that I think I may start using on stage. Like the dulcimer, the uke needs some kind of amplification if it is playing with another instrument in order to be heard :)

Cherry River Line - Lester McCumbers on fiddle & Kim Johnson on banjo

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Whoah -- way-- way different than the Cherry River line we've added to our set this year. Ours is a modified version of the West Virginia vocal that we added a couple verses with Copperhill & Duck Town :)Mzc

Hey -- have you tried DAA -- but an octave above? Dropping that one string down would get rid of that highest D without losing that dulcimette sound. If you want a bass sound-- get a baritone :)It may be fun to try. The AEA sounds like an idea worth trying too :)Mzc

Mine is tuned in DAD, but an octave higher than a standard dulcimer. It has a lovely sweet tone :)mzc

Photos Dulcimer Factory c. 1995 DF-4

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

But does it smell like root beer ? :)

Photos Dulcimer Factory c. 1995 DF-4

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Sassafrass usually only smells until it is aged. My cherry/ sassafras dulcimer smelled like root beer for about 5 years -- wonderful. :) my walnut/ sassafras never had the smell, but suspect it was older aged wood. Have a Spanish curly cedar/figured mahogany that kept the Spanish cedar smell for several years-- it was kind of a peppery wood smell-- but so many folks smelled it-- they finally just sucked all the smell out of it :)Really loved the root beer smell on the sassafras, though :)

Starting a weekly jam session, please give me some tips.

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Here's a fun jam session :) And you can even hear the dulcimers :)

A very wonderful Christmas gift...

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Lovely! What a fun surprise :)

Best wishes,

Mary Z Cox

www.maryzcox.com

New Timber Hill Butterfly dulcimer arrived today !

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

I just love it too! Here it is under the Meyer's lemon tree. The rumble is the wind--it is breezy and wonderful outside today. :)

updated by @mary-z-cox: 06/08/16 09:24:05PM