Forum Activity for @ellen-rice

Ellen Rice
@ellen-rice
10/14/13 07:20:48PM
49 posts

Newbie goes shopping
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Ah, THANK YOU. I spent a nervous hour this afternoon wondering if I should dash back to the shop and then decided that due diligence is due diligence and I hadn't done that yet.

A few years ago I went with my (then) teen son to look at a used car. It was a souped up sporty model. I insisted on a mechanic's check and it ended up being well worth the trouble of getting the mechanic's advice. It was funny to see my son's face as the mechanic began going down the list of the problems the glowing machine had (At that age he would not have heard this news from me).

It wasn't just my son who learned a great deal that day. Bargain hunting is best done by the super knowledgeable. Those of us who are less knowledgeable need both ears going to take in advice.

The hunt continues . . . Ellen

Ellen Rice
@ellen-rice
10/14/13 05:58:12PM
49 posts

Newbie goes shopping
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Excellent points. The Walnut Valley Dulcimer company of Burns, KS seems to be out of business. I tried the 800-633-9477 number Carrie gave and it connects me to a "you have won a chance to go on a cruise" opportunity.

Here is a link to an ad from Birmingham (AL??) that shows a similar instrument:

http://birmingham.ebayclassifieds.com/musical-instruments/alexandria/handcrafted-high-quality-dulcimer/?ad=19468005

That seller says "of beautiful exotic woods" --

The instrument available locally says it is "Model SR" --- and, again, thank you for your help on this!

Ellen Rice
@ellen-rice
10/14/13 04:53:55PM
49 posts

Newbie goes shopping
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Today I went to see a Walnut Valley dulcimer. It is beautiful to look at -- but the strings were in sad shape, so it was a bit hard to really understand what it would sound like (I suspect it will have a 'bright' sound). But it wasn't $150 -- it was $280. The sales lady said the wood was "walnut' -- Goodness, this is hard to evaluate.

Opinions and testing hints much appreciated -- And I do very much appreciate the many kind words of welcome here.

E

Ellen Rice
@ellen-rice
10/13/13 11:53:10PM
49 posts

Newbie goes shopping
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I'll let you know what I find -- we have a trip to Seattle next week so I'll see if DH will humor me with a stop at the string shops. How do I find an innocent face when I'm plotting a major purchase? We'll see if my wily ways are up to snuff. His antennae is already quivering . . . dagnab it, he sure is smart!

Ellen Rice
@ellen-rice
10/13/13 03:59:33PM
49 posts

Newbie goes shopping
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I am an absolute neophyte beginning the process of selecting a first instrument. As I look around locally (Olympia, WA) I have found:

A "Walnut Valley" dulcimer listed at a local music store for $150. I will definitely go look at it but it sounds like it has old timey pegs for tuning. I'm concerned it may be from a kit and I don't know how to evaluate that.

A store that sells McSpadden instruments in Seattle ("Dusty Strings") which start at (for me) a breathtaking $375 to $450

A store in Seattle (Lark in the Morning) that has a variety of offerings from $180 up -- a $200 choice made of rosewood appeals.

I could also try a Flat Creek student dulcimer that is $110 and has an engraved fret board -- but is boxy.

Words of advice would be appreciated. I know that there are many different opinions out there and I am glad to hear from different mindsets.

Me? I am a middle aged being with a few years of high school band a gazillion years ago. I have champagne tastes on a beer budget. I adore instant gratification (and chocolate ice cream with fudge chunks). My "instant gratification" side says "go with the Flat Creek student model -- my "Ohh, I adore the classy" side thinks I should save up some shekels and get a more glorious instrument that I would cherish.

Hmm, The Dr. Jeckyll, Mr. Hyde of dulcimer shopping has arrived. Opinions, please!


updated by @ellen-rice: 02/21/19 10:20:59PM
Ellen Rice
@ellen-rice
10/14/14 01:52:32AM
49 posts

What's your favorite mournful, spooky, or lonesome song to play?
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Could it be this:

October is a gypsy queen
In dress of red and gold.
She sleeps beneath the silver moon
When nights are crisp and cold.
The meadows flame with color now,
which once were cool and green.
Wild asters and the goldenrod
Bow low to greet their queen.
When she is tripping through the wood
With song so clear and sweet,
The autumn leaves come sifting down
And rustle 'neath her feet.
Winifred C. Marshall

Ellen Rice
@ellen-rice
10/12/14 03:01:53PM
49 posts

What's your favorite mournful, spooky, or lonesome song to play?
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

too funny


Richard Venneman said:

Every song I play is mournful and spooky, at least according to my wife. :-)
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