Forum Activity for @jill-geary

Jill Geary
@jill-geary
12/21/23 12:01:30AM
28 posts

What Are You Working On?


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Robin, great to see your post! I still rely on your YT videos for 'better' noter playing! Merry Christmas!

Jill Geary
@jill-geary
09/06/23 05:51:38PM
28 posts

Poplar J. E. Thomas replica dulcimer for sale.


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

Ken Hulme:

"out to sea" -- I hope that means you're on a boat someplace, not floundering elsewise!confusey


LOL actually I'm more like "out to lunch," but, yes, I am back from being out to sea. Well, the Pacific Ocean....
Jill Geary
@jill-geary
08/23/23 09:31:41PM
28 posts

Poplar J. E. Thomas replica dulcimer for sale.


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

Ken Hulme:

Jill -- John's tuning pegs work very smoothly.  I've had one of his Thomas replicas for quite a few years, with no problems.  Every year or so I put a couple drops of Peg Dope on the shaft of each peg.

Thanks Ken! Tempting - but I'm out to sea at the moment so acquisition is delayed for now! :-)
Jill Geary
@jill-geary
08/23/23 05:29:14PM
28 posts

Poplar J. E. Thomas replica dulcimer for sale.


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

Hi John, I've been wanting to order one of your Thomas replicas for many years! I think I'd prefer peghed/geared tuners (I've had friction tuners in the past - but, I guess I'm getting lazy)!  Not quite ready to buy yet, but hopefully soon. God Bless!

Jill Geary
@jill-geary
03/10/22 02:10:39AM
28 posts

Joni Mitchell's song "River"...


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I've always loved this song - haven't we all had moments in our lives where we just want to skate away? Has anyone ever played this on the dulcimer?

Jill Geary
@jill-geary
05/29/21 02:06:03AM
28 posts

Need advice on Schaller planetary tuners tension


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


Hi friends, I have Schaller planetary geared tuners on a pre-owned dulcimer that I purchased recently. They are extremely "stiff" -  or have lots of tension when tuning/re-tuning (and right now I'm changing strings). Is there a way to reduce the tension (difficulty) in turning the tuning button? Is it with the screw on the end of the button? Do I need to loosen the nut on the inside of the pegbox as well?

Thanks! 

Jill Geary
@jill-geary
01/28/21 12:20:49AM
28 posts

What Are You Working On?


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

John W. McKinstry:

I am working on the hymn: "What a Friend We Have in Jesus". Hymnals have it in the key of F with one flat which puts it in a good singing range. I put my dulcimer into F by capo-ing on the 3rd fret while the strings are tuned C G C. I have worked out the three basic chords F, B, and C to accompany my singing of this hymn. I'll do the video of this hymn for FOTMD soon for you to hear and see what I have done.

Hi John, Have you posted the video yet? Thanks for the info! p.s. I too have arthritis - really difficult to do big stretches for chords - but the good news is that I really enjoy noter/drone playing!

Jill Geary
@jill-geary
11/14/20 01:02:46PM
28 posts

How do I get this sidebar off of my screen on FOTMD?


Site QUESTIONS ? How do I...?

Thanks Dusty and Lisa! I haven't figured out all the icons! I got it hidden now!

Jill Geary
@jill-geary
11/13/20 11:47:52PM
28 posts

How do I get this sidebar off of my screen on FOTMD?


Site QUESTIONS ? How do I...?

Hi all, Somehow I got this "no room selected" sidebar on my FOTMD page (all pages) - how can I get this to go away? (It blocks some of my name at the top.) I'll attach a screen shot. Thanks!!


FOTMD screen shot.png FOTMD screen shot.png - 601KB
Jill Geary
@jill-geary
10/30/20 07:22:26PM
28 posts

Do I really need an ebony fretboard? Talk me out of it!


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

Thanks Dusty and Susie. I never thought about the pick marks on the fretboard. I didn't know that Martin uses micarta - and I was concerned that it would expand/shrink at a different rate than real wood. Susie, your cherry Ginger is lovely. I'd like to have Jim (he's still at McSpadden for now) make one for me that is very similar. My hand issues have been annoying and I need shorter and shorter scales as time goes on. I have a lovely koa/redwood standard McSpadden that I decided to sell - scale is just too long for me these days. 

Thanks for not talking me out of the micarta LOL! Looking forward to ordering from Jim.

Jill Geary
@jill-geary
10/30/20 01:22:47PM
28 posts

Do I really need an ebony fretboard? Talk me out of it!


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


Hello friends,

I'm ordering a Ginger from McSpadden. I have a walnut/sycamore already - sold my older cherry to a friend so I'm replacing it with another cherry (different tunings between the walnut and cherry). I've always had an ebony - or at least a dark - fretboard. But on this new cherry I'm leaning toward no ebony or micarta overlay. I know ebony is a harder wood which is why luthiers like it for fingerboards. Please talk me into or out of the ebony or micarta overlay. Partially I'm not sure I like the looks of the "black" fingerboard on cherry (purely aesthetic), and partly is due to the extra cost. Thanks!

Jill Geary
@jill-geary
05/19/20 06:11:32PM
28 posts

Tips what do you bring when traveling with your dulcimer?


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

HI Robin! I bet we're the same height. Good point about the chair - I might just sit in the cockpit on a seat/bench, cross my legs, and play with the dulcimer on my lap that way. Not sure yet, but thanks (I have a nice, low, armless chair that I got at REI but I doubt I'll be taking it along - used it for playing the dobro!) 

Re: HobbyHorse - we lived aboard our sailboat (a Valiant 39) for ages and had prepared to sail long-distances until our parents/in-laws needed help. I did sail from Hawai'i to Alaska, but that's about as far offshore as I got. Our current boat is a Ranger Tugs 31 - we purchased it in February with the intention of having it delivered in March (the boat is in WA, about 1200 miles from here!) - well, you can imagine that we have yet to take delivery - waiting to see if/when we should go there? Our plan is  to cruise the Pacific Northwest for a season or two, plus Canada. Well, we'll see. Thus the dulcimer is coming along with me!!!

Jill Geary
@jill-geary
05/16/20 04:54:55PM
28 posts

Tips what do you bring when traveling with your dulcimer?


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Thanks everyone! I forgot about string cutters, although we'll have (big) screwdrivers on the boat. We'll be on/in salt water so this is definitely a concern. We have de-humidifiers and also a generator for air conditioning (also helps to dry out the boat - I can't stand mildewy musty stuff) - yes, having di-silica (sp) gel/packets would be a good idea. I know on our sailboat for long distance sailing it was always best to keep tools coated with some kind of light oil before putting them in ziplocks. I just got some extra strings so I'll go but them in ziplocks and get some of those silica get thingys. Thanks!

Jill Geary
@jill-geary
05/15/20 11:30:28PM
28 posts

Tips what do you bring when traveling with your dulcimer?


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Yes, Thanks Ken. And a capo (maybe two in case I drop one overboard LOL!) 

Jill Geary
@jill-geary
05/15/20 05:06:45PM
28 posts

Tips what do you bring when traveling with your dulcimer?


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Hi friends, I've traveled a lot - but this time (C-virus permitting!) we'll be driving 1200 miles to spend 4 months on our boat - on the water 95% of the time. I know all the obvious things (don't leave your dulcimer in a hot car, etc.), but I don't want to be gone 4 months, away from stores or shipping, and then find out, "oh, shucks, I should have brought ________ with me" (insert item here). I'm bringing extra strings, extra picks, digital and print tunes to play, and a strap. That's all I can think of! If you were traveling with your dulcimer for an extended period, is there something else you would bring? Thanks! I think that's all I need. I think....

Jill Geary
@jill-geary
02/11/20 05:13:43PM
28 posts

Finger picks that don't sound like finger picks!


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions


Thanks Dusty! I do have Gorilla Tips - and when I use them on my fretting hand I wear a thin silk glove over them so I'm able to slide. I've not heard of the guitar gloves - I'll look them up! Another thought you reminded me of - when I (try to) play the harp, (same hand issues), I tape my fingers with paper tape. I'll try that on the dulcimer and see if I can finger pick that way. Thanks so much!

UPDATE: Just ordered the Guitar Glove. Will see if that is an option for my picking hand....


updated by @jill-geary: 02/11/20 07:10:24PM
Jill Geary
@jill-geary
02/11/20 02:19:51AM
28 posts

Finger picks that don't sound like finger picks!


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions


Hi all,

I love to fingerpick with my fingers/pads - but my hands have "issues" and they rebel. Are there any fingerpicks that don't sound like finger picks?  That sound like bare fingers? 

Thanks!

Jill Geary
@jill-geary
02/11/20 02:15:38AM
28 posts

L Wright covers D Schnaufer on a Mose Scrivner little md


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Thanks Robin! I saw this somewhere the other day - I LOVE LOVE LOVE his playing!!!! Check out his CD with Stephen Seifert!

 

Jill Geary
@jill-geary
01/26/20 09:58:02PM
28 posts

Anyone own a Beede bass dulcimer?


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Thanks Dusty. Yes, I have a few fretless Ubasses and used to play the 'cello and violin. I've played "skinny" instruments before and sometimes they are really tricky to hold. I don't know how Aaron can hold that at his normal angle - you'd think it would be awkward? Maybe if it's held flat, or on a stand, it would be just fine. I like the poly strings (the tone) - but the price sure went up lately!

Jill Geary
@jill-geary
01/26/20 06:37:11PM
28 posts

Anyone own a Beede bass dulcimer?


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Hi all. Does anyone have experience with the Beede bass dulcimer? Would love to know your opinion. Because it's so narrow it looks like it would be 'unstable' if held on your lap? Have you compared the fretless model vs. the acu-fretless? Thanks!

Jill Geary
@jill-geary
01/26/20 06:32:16PM
28 posts

Beede Bass Dulcimer


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

Does anyone have experience with the Beede bass dulcimer? Would love to know your opinion. Because it's so narrow it looks like it would be 'unstable' if held on your lap? Thanks!

Jill Geary
@jill-geary
08/28/19 12:48:24AM
28 posts

Play Music On The Porch Day 2019


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I don't have a porch either...got a patio tho! I don't know if I have the nerve to play out front for people....maybe some fiddle tunes with a noter?

Jill Geary
@jill-geary
08/25/19 07:46:31PM
28 posts



Robin Thompson:

Hey, @jill-geary-- the thread can be deleted.  First, though, I want to tell you to feel free to post photos of the new-to-you JRitchie model when you get the chance.  :) So glad you're able to get one! 

Thanks Robin! It is about 18 years old, looks brand new, and of course it sounds better than new!!! Unbelievable that Janita helped me out :-) Well, knowing Janita, it's actually not unbelievable! Still trying to figure out how to play the tunes on your most recent CD!

Jill Geary
@jill-geary
05/01/18 11:54:14AM
28 posts



Thanks Greg! I have a standard BL (also custom) that is an amazing instrument - love it. But I would like the longer scale, slimmer body, for my noter/drone. Yes, it's hard to find a used BL :-)

Jill Geary
@jill-geary
04/30/18 04:52:32PM
28 posts



I'm looking for a Jean Ritchie BL dulcimer to purchase. Maybe someone on this thread knows of one for sale?  (needs to be a non-smoker, please. I bought a dulcimer years ago from a smoker and the fingerboard was horrendous - could never get the odor out of it :-(

Thank you!

Jill Geary
@jill-geary
02/20/17 01:54:55AM
28 posts

New Airlines' Rules Affect Those Traveling with Instruments


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Thanks, Jan. I knew the different airlines were talking about these changes but haven't flown lately.... Good to know. There are also new regulations (Federal? International?) regarding traveling between countries with rosewood (endangered). I had a luthier tell me to have a receipt with me for any instrument that I travel with, out of the country, that has rosewood or its cousins (fingerboard, bridge, etc). - the receipt proves I purchased it within the United States and I did not buy the instrument 'out of the country' and then am bringing it into the U.S. illegally (without paying the penalties). Sorry I don't have all the details on hand at the moment...but something to look into if you're going out of the country.

Jill Geary
@jill-geary
02/20/17 01:42:26AM
28 posts

What songs were you taught in kindergarten/grade school?


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Cute, John! I don't think I knew that many songs at that age?? You seem to have control over the group LOL!

Jill Geary
@jill-geary
04/11/16 06:23:18PM
28 posts

What festival should I go to next summer (2016)?


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Finally made the decision - my sister and I will go to KMW!  Question, how can I contact a member on FOTMD? I am taking one of John Keane's classes at KMW and I have a question for him. I tried to figure out a way to message or email him through FOTMD but I can't figure it out!

 

Thanks, Jill

Jill Geary
@jill-geary
11/24/15 03:07:08PM
28 posts

What festival should I go to next summer (2016)?


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Jan - it was so wonderful to meet you at Warren A May's in Berea last week! Thanks for your lovely playing and for the fellowship over lunch. I hope to get to KMW next year!

Jill

Jill Geary
@jill-geary
11/01/15 12:33:24AM
28 posts

What festival should I go to next summer (2016)?


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Thanks John, and Jan. All great information, and very much appreciated! I'm leaning toward KMW, primarily because I could drive there from my sister's in Berea (KY), and maybe treat her to some classes as well. No matter where I go it's a bit of a challenge (air fare, rental car) - but I have such wonderful memories of my time at Dulcimer U (WCU) that I have to make it a priority to get to another festival!

Is KMW primarily dulcimers? From what I can find online it looks as if they cater to dulcimers, but also offer whistle, etc

Jill

p.s. BTW Jan, I'll be in Richmond/Berea about mid November. Hoping to bring my Ginger.

Jill Geary
@jill-geary
10/31/15 02:48:31AM
28 posts

What festival should I go to next summer (2016)?


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Thanks Dusty! (I used to live in Alameda :-) I just might do that! Usually I'm busy with work/school in the beginning of May - but 2016 might be different. Taking the train would be fun!

 

J

Jill Geary
@jill-geary
10/30/15 06:23:46PM
28 posts

What festival should I go to next summer (2016)?


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Hi  rob-n-lackey ,

Yes, I have David's/Butch's album. It's wonderful! The baroque period is my favorite - please arrange baroque for the MD and let me know! I know what you mean with Festivals - so many great teachers and options it can be overwhelming!

John K, I'm not familiar with your festival (but I am familiar with your music!). Thanks.

Jill

Jill Geary
@jill-geary
10/30/15 04:25:53AM
28 posts

What festival should I go to next summer (2016)?


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Hi everyone,

I would like to start thinking and planning for a good MD festival next summer (2016). I'd appreciate your thoughts. I went to WCU to Larry and Elaine Conger's about 5 years ago - my first. Loved it! But it's really a challenge for me to get to WCU from San Diego! I have family in Kentucky - any thoughts on Kentucky Music Week? What about Swannona (sp)? I particularly enjoy Celtic and harp-like playing, but I'm also starting to learn Old Timey music on the MD as well. For what it's worth I have a background in bluegrass (mandolin) - and also play classical mandolin as well. But I'd like to focus on the MD this year and I probably can only get to one Festival.

Thanks for your help!

Jill Geary

San Diego