Forum Activity for @tumbleweed

Read the list.

My favorites are

Hog Fiddle and Harmony Box

Hi everyone,

Haven't posted in a while due to other stuff going on.

I went to the Harvest Festival this past Saturday. It was awesome as usual. As usual I was late because nobody gets anywhere on time in So. Cal. unless you leave the day before. The first class that I went to was beginning Autoharp. I turned out to,be the only attendee so, even though I was 10m late I had ONE ON ONE attention. We covered a little more advanced iterms since I had a little knowledge. Thanks Dana

Next I went to Leo's simple chord class for dulcimer. Loved it.  Had a great time.

Third class was the Irish bodhran. The instructor's wife played fiddle as back up. Dave the instructor was also awesome.

Last class was back with Leo and the harmonica. Another fun class.

Have to say this was one of the best festivals I have attended. Sadly it was my last as we are moving next year a few states away.

Hope they have festivals like this in my new home area. Oh and we are moving to North East Texas. If anyone knows of any please let me know.

Hi Nimrod:

I have a four string dulcimer and for a while it was a 3 string because I broke a melody string and was too lazy to put it back on.  I eventually put it back on but then about a week ago purposely took it off because I want to learn to finger pick.  Question: do you plan to play with a noter? Not sure if it makes a difference using a noter if three or four strings are better.  May need to consult with players more expert than I.

Happy shopping!

TW

......you spent your child support on a new McSpadden.  

I work for our local C/S agency.  Thought I had heard all the excuses until this one. Made me smile.  As a dulcimer redneck I probably would have to excuse the interest on the arrears. After all we talking McSpadden!

TW

I may have to wait a bit longer.  Hubby just bought me a Fender bass guitar and we are taking a trip at the end of the month to see Mom-in-law in Ft Worth, Tx.  It may have to wait until we retire in a couple  of years because I will have to devote a lot of time playing it so I can get real good and take my tin cup out on tour to pay for it. 

Hubby = male species that messes up around the home and expects Wife = long suffering female species to clean it up.  But he's cute and has a job and loves me bunches so I will keep Hubby.

Jan Potts:

"I always wanted to play the banjo, but discovered that it wasn't physically possible due to arthritis and other issues.  But I CAN lay the Ban-jammer on my lap and play it--so I get the ease of the dulcimer and the sound of a banjo--the best of both worlds!"

Hi Jan:  I have always wanted to learn the banjo too but have some hand issues like yours. I didn't think about it until you posted this.  I love the sound of a banjo and the ban-jammer is an awesome alternative.  Thanks for the thought.

TW

Hi Dusty:

Funny you should post this because I just got a bass guitar this past Friday.  It is electric. Hubby bought it for me just because. I have small hands too and find using the pinkie isn't easy but I was told by a friend at my local GC that a strong pinkie is an asset much like the little pink line that pops up on these posts while I am typing because I couldn't remember how to spell "asset" The spell check is an asset.  However, I have been watching videos and have a few books on the Bass and mostly what is comfortable for a musician is basically ok.  

TW

Wow Lisa Lisa that was GREAT!

If you can't find beeswax there is the Product Gorilla Snot.  Drummers use it to hang on to their sticks.  It comes in a small jar.  I know the name is a little rough but it has that stickin quality.

Hi Strumelia:  This might be a helpful suggestions or a complete miss but when I started to learn the bones and I am by no means great at it I would take them with me when I walk my babies.  The cadence of my pace helped me find my rhythm.

I remember one day I had to pick my car up at the local national brand name auto repair shop.  I got my pep up to meet the boys..... I mean the mechanics and get my car back.  Well the walk is a 1/4 mile stroll which takes me about 10 minutes.  I was clicking away when I came upon the crossing guards for the local school.  Since being a former professional clown I have no problems looking absolutely foolish in public.  So while I waited for the personal excort (always want to set a good example for the kidos) I just kept clicking away.  The guards were fascinated and I got to share my limited new talent. 

How about Demitrius  Bones, Or Dem Bones for short.

I was at a Renaissance faire years ago and saw people parading playing the bones along with bodhran players  It was cool but I didn't think I would ever play either. It looked way too complicated.  Several years to the future, I have both now and play ok.  I saw Dom's videos on the bones and bought two pairs of rosewood bones. I carry them with me everywhere, kind of like a talisman. When I walk my kids (canine versions) I play. They hate it and howl at me.  I think because I am scaring the jack rabbits away they like to chase.   I too, like Jan, have castanets. I bought a small pair from the locate nation brand name music store.  I also carry them everywhere.  I don't play them like traditional Mariachi.  I play them slower. They make a great companion to bllue grass traditional music.  I tried the spoons but because I need two hands where I don't with the bones and castanets I don't use them as much.  Anyone wanting to learn to play the bones should watch Dom's videos.  They are very helpful.

I only have one. It is a Dulcimer Factory. It has ivy sound holes so I named her Ivy Pearl.  Pearl is for Elma Pearl my mat. grandmother. If I ever get another one I will name her Jewel after my pat. Grandmother.  Kind cool both my grannies have gemstones for names.

K,  Thanks Stumelia.  I thought I could fill my calendar with the cool stuff that comes up.  Guess I will have to keep my little green notebook and I mean old fashion iwth pages of paper in it and no stylus but just a good old fasion pencil.

TW

My girl Shylo tried to play my dulcimer.  I set it on the floor for a minute and she pawed at the strings.  After my heart rate slowed down. I told her she did a good job.  Didn't want to hurt her feelings.

I tried yesterday and again just now.  It isn't working.  I want to attend the 21st Annual Harvest Festival in Costa Mesa, CA in October.  I clicked the " Attending " but and the screen blinks but that is all it does.  I checked my calendar but nothing showing.      Do I have to be a follower first?

I have a question.  Is there a way I can put an existing event on my calendar?

Hi Monica

I have the same problem with my local music stores and it didn't matter if I asked for dulcimer strings or guitar strings or asked by gauge. I couldn't get what I need. I need loop ends and in my area they just don't carry them. I was even told by one store there is no such thing, wow. I have to order them off the internet.

TW

I only have an hourglass but if I buy another dulcimer I would want the teardrop. I would tune them different and be able to remember which is which.

TW

Ok now I have a new question:

I know sharing publicly on this or any other website written tab for a song is a big NO NO if it is still registered with ASCAP or BMI but if I figure out on my own MD tab for a newer song and share it through private email with another MD player friend is that going to send me to the calaboose?

Hi Everybody:

I have search the site and read a few posts but I still have a question that I am sure has been asked many times before so here it goes:

I understand the difference between keys and modes but don't have a lot of music theory. If I am tuning to DADD am I in the key of D? If I am tuned to CGCC am I in the key of C? I like to learn new songs in noter style and sometimes have to figure it out by ear as there are no tabs for newer songs that I want to play. Once I am proficient I like to spice it up with chords. I am doing alright mostly until I get to just one little note in one area of a song and can't seem to find the right note. If I tune to another key would I fix the problem? Sometimes I have to dip down but this doesn't always solve it. Any responses will be appreciated but I don't have a lot of music theory terminology in my vocabulary so y'all may need to speak in simple terms for me. Thanks for reading.

TW

I just bought one from an estate sale in Florida and the harp itself is in great condition but will need a good tuning etc. I am sure it has been in storage for awhile and the case will need to be replaced. The musty smell from the case is on the harp but not as bad. I have read about putting it out in sunlight but I live in a desert area and it is August, not a good idea this time of year. I have also read to put sage or cedar chips in the sound hole but not sure if I would be able to get it all out. I am open to suggestions on how to clean it up safely and to get the stink out. Thanks