Forum Activity for @robin-clark

That "loop through the ball" system just sounds way too simple a solution to work !!!! - I've must give it try as it would make life so much easier! My only concern (untested) would be how well the string would stabalise and hold pitch. But if it does work - well, problem solved!I've tried lots of different methods of removing the balls - twisting, cutting, smashing and not had much success. The quickest has been to simply cut the ball off and re-wind a loop (then put a plaster over the holes in my fingers!) Wray said:

Have you tried inserting the string end through the ball to make a loop end (of sorts) out of a ball end string?
Also, if you unwind the string just a smidge you can take the ball out without having to cut the ball.You might have to hold the string above the ball very lightly with a pair of needle nose pliers to be able to unwind it. It only takes a turn or two.

A W Jeffreys Jr.

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

I'm a bit late coming in on this thread looking at how long it has been running!!!!

In my opinion, the Jeffrey's I have (standard 3 string 70s version)is a great little workhorse. It has a lovely articulated tone - and his scale is pretty sweet (and much nicer to play than the modern curse of equal temperament )

There are just soooo many old dulcimers with a flattened 3rd and flattened 6th of the scale that we can no longer ignore that this fretting pattern is the sound of theearly instrument. It simply requiresus to re-learndifferent/earlier playing styles to get the best from these wonderful instruments. After all, these more natural fretting patternsproduced the sounds you would have heard ringing around those West Virginia Hills

Yep, acoustic busking is the way to go - if possible! If you are quieter then folks feel happier coming closer, and tips are more likely. Also, I like to work closer in the same way that Lisa mentioned the intimacy of playing off-stage.I've yet to busk with my MD (although I've played it at gigs and open sessions loads of times). I play Galax style with a noter - so getting the volume from my MD is not a problem. Also, I'm not sure if I would be too inclined to work solo with an MD, as my playing method only tells half the musical story, I need another instrument to complete the sound. Hence the plan to work with Chris this summer to play as a Galax dulcimer and mandola/tenor guitar duo.If I was playing MD solo in chord/melody then maybe I would consider a small battery amp (one of the good quality ones) just to fill the sound out a little.There are regulations in some areas against amplified noise - but acoustic busking is OK.The only time I have used an amp while busking was when we went out as 4 piece one afternoon to the local high street to get some practice time in before an evening gig!!! On that day we used a 15 watt battery amp placed behind us (for balance) just for a vocal mic to lift the voices a bit across 3 resonator guitars and a double bass! The singers would have been straining to get above the instruments in the open air - not good when you have a gig later that day. Carson Turner said:

some people would say that playing a dulcimer through an amp is nothing short of blasphemous.

Well done Vicki !!!!!I believe that doing what you did was a very adventurous act - and it will help you build the skills to play in public. And the experience will make you a better musician and performer without you even realising just how much you are learning.Good on you!!!Robin Vicki Miles said:

I busked this afternoon. Well, is it busking if you don't get any tips?! ~8-)

I had 20 minutes between my music lesson and picking up my grandson. I went to the riverwalk, sat on a bench and played. It was a very difficult thing for me to do. I've never played solo, in public. I took a deep breath and started playing. The world did not end, I did not throw up and no one noticed when I made a mistake.

Most people just walked by, some smiled and nodded. One little girl asked what I was playing...she thought is was some kind of violin. I told her about my dulcimer. In those short 20 minutes, I grew more as a musician than I have in years of playing in private or a group.

As for blocking traffic, I didn't. (People were exercising so they didn't stop, but they may next time. If they do, there is plenty of room to get off the trail). If they didn't like it, all they had to do was move a few steps away to be out of earshot.

My dulcimer was much quieter than the thumping music in the parking lot, the noisy motorcycles or crying kids. I'm going back...soon...but I'm taking a tin cup. ~8-)

My friend Chris and I are working up old fiddle and dance tunes (Appalachian and Celtic) for a MD and tenor guitar/mandola busking and coffee house duet once the weather starts to warm up and the tourists arrive.RobinBTW - My registered company is Busker Limited !