Forum Activity for @steven-berger

That dulcimer looks like a keeper! Congratulations and enjoy!

Those are some beautiful woods, Kusani...you built a sharp looking dulcimer there!

Bill Berg makes 5-string dulcimers with an interesting set-up...doubled melody strings, single middle, doubled bass tuned an octave apart...makes for a fuller sound, not necessarily louder. I love mine; one of my favorites. I equally love my 3 and 4 string dulcimers. I can only speculate (which I won't do here) why a luthier would insist a beginner buy a 5-string, though. 

Looks like you got a winner there, Gail!

Neat photo of the trio, Charles! I agree with Robin...it looks to me like Albert (?) Hoffman.

Irene, is your second choice for a mournful song possibly "Henry Martin"?

"There were three brothers in Merry Scotland,

In Merry Scotland there were three.

And they did cast lots for to see who should go,

Should go, should go,

And turn robber all on the salt sea.

"The lot it fell upon Henry Martin,

The youngest of all of the three,

That he should turn robber

All on the salt sea, salt sea, salt sea,

For to maintain his two brothers and he."

etc, etc.

I love this song, and play it on the dulcimer (tuned DAC).

"Little Margret", "The House Carpenter" - spooky

"Old Black Joe", "The Wreck of the C&O" - mournful

My wife didn't mind the dulcimer, but when I got a bowed psaltery....

On the TV show, "The Waltons", one episode featured the dulcimer. One episode (right word?) of the TV show, "Rainbow Quest", hosted by Pete Seeger, featured Jean Ritchie; another episode featured Richard and Mimi Farina (Richard played dulcimer). In the early '60's, I recall seeing John Jacob Niles once or twice on TV.

"Lincoln and Liberty"...made lots of goofs learning it...still make lots of goofs playing it now (after 30 years, go figure)!

"Too many" (7)...but I just ordered a new one, so I guess there are never too many dulcimers!

I can't do it! I just can't do it!......OK, if someone was holding a gun to my head, I'd choose my Uncle Will Singleton built by John Knopf. But, I'd have to find a way to smuggle in my other dulcimers! 

I enjoy playing Stephen Foster songs, which was popular music back in the day.....way back.

I use an unwound bass string (18 ga. if I  remember correctly) on my Will Singleton (3-string) dulcimer. I did some experimenting before arriving at what I like. The other 2 strings are 12 ga. for the melody, 14 ga. for the middle.

Steven

If Fred Flintstone played the dulcimer, he might feel right at home using your pick. Nice finds, Charles!

Steven

Try Herdim picks...Folkcraft sells a small (?) one shaped like yours (I believe they used to sell larger ones of the same style). Good luck!

Steven

Government Health Warning: Playing limberjacks may become addictive. Please use with caution.

Steven

For a while now, I've really enjoyed playing the "Tavern Song" from the Israeli movie "Sallah Shabati"...it's quite a workout playing it noter/drone.

Steven

That's  great, Gail! Congratulations!

Steven

Great little film, Rob! Thanks for sharing. 

Steven

That's a sweet-looking dulcimer, George!

Steven

Rest in peace, Brian.

Steven

I like a 27" vsl the best. 28 1/2" is also good. I play noter/drone and I find these to be the most comfortable for the way I play.

Steven

I bought a limberjack from Prairie Wind Toy Co. They're not expensive, the quality is quite good, and they even sell a kit you can build. Their website is prairiewindtoys.com.

Steven

There are so many to choose from, but my favorite is ...well, no, I think it this one ...nah, I changed my mind, it's this one ...no, not that one either...maybe this one...oh, heck! I'm so !!! I think I'll go and have a few !!!

Steven

I think I'll hitch-hike ...but, seriously, I stopped using flying as a means of transportation about 20 years ago due to overcrowding, restrictions, and general discomfort. And things haven't changed much with the airlines except now there  is (are)  MORE overcrowding, restrictions, and general discomfort!

Steven

How about violin tuning pegs? IMHO, they would look real nice on that dulcimer. StewMac has them for $2.99 each.

Steven

Nice looking dulcimer! Good luck with the "restoration"...I'm sure it will play and sound great!

Steven

I seem to remember "I've Been Working On The Railroad", "This Old Man"...probably more...it's been a very long time ago (3 years!).

Steven

Thanks, Marg, I really am enjoying it! Hard to believe such sound and quality can be had for less than $200...with free shipping, too!

Steven

Thanks, Ken!

Steven

Received my new Bill Berg dulcimer the other day! It's an all sycamore 5-string long scale elliptical. It sounds wonderful, and looks great! Real nice people to deal with. Well, back to playing it!

Steven

I use my phone...which ain't all that good, but is simple.

Steven

Thanks, Charles...it was the sound of you playing yours (and showing the website) that decided me to get one! Can't wait to get it!

Steven

Thanks, Marg!

I just purchased a Berg 5-string elliptical (all sycamore) last Sunday...I'm eagerly awaiting delivery! I'm glad you like yours! 

Steven

Nice find, Dana! Funny, I thought I heard some dulcimer playing in the distance...

Steven 

Nice combination,Bob!

Steven

Interesting. Thanks, Ken!

Steven

My condolences to you, John and Paul, and to your family.

Steven