Playing in a Jam....
Playing and jamming difficulties...HELP ME!
That is if you are tuned to Dad
Forum Activity for @dana-r-mccall
Playing in a Jam....
Playing and jamming difficulties...HELP ME!
You can use a capo and capo on the 3rd fret and you would be playing in the key of G capo on 4th fret and you are playing in A. capo on the 1st fret and your in the key of E If i'm wrong someone correct me please. 
The New Folkcraft Travel Dulcimer
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
That was cute. Thanks for posting.
I heard a little Ole Joe Clark
What MAKE of strings is best?
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
I just changed the strings on my modern mtn. it has such a deep mellow sound already in cgc and I have so many dulcimers I decided to make it a baritone. I put a 16g wire on my melody a 24 wound on the drone and a 32 wound on my base tuned her to AEA and she sounds BEAUTIFUL. I love it.
YEAH!!!! I finnally got one.
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
I'm heading to Florence to pick up my Ledford. It is only about 1 1/2 hrs away thought I would rather pick it up that take a chance and have it shipped. Won't be a bad trip going to get in a little shopping with my daughter at the outlets in DryRidge. Will post pics when I get back.
YEAH!!!! I finnally got one.
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
You better not take down the Dirge for Dana it's a part of history now and I love it. I deff plan on playing the Ledford it is a little strange though. It is a prototype he did teardrop shape with 4 strings melody then 2drones close together and then base string. it has acoustic tuners on the bridge also. I thought it would be nee because it is one of a kind but I guess all his are one of a kind. It has round sound holes.
YEAH!!!! I finnally got one.
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Hey Louis, thanks I think you sent me a friend request on FB and was asking about dulcimers for sale. Sorry but I've already sold the two I had for sale. If I hear of any nice ones for sale I'll be sure and let you know. Welcome to FOTMD. Dana
YEAH!!!! I finnally got one.
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Thanks Randall, Looking forward to see and hearing you sing again soon. I'm wearing your CD out.
YEAH!!!! I finnally got one.
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Thanks Robin, been wanting one a looooong time. can't wait to get it.
YEAH!!!! I finnally got one.
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Sorry
R N Lackey said:
so you're the one that out-bid me!
YEAH!!!! I finnally got one.
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
I sure hope not they didn't put that in the discription I'll go back and look at the pic again. Thanks
R N Lackey said:
Congratulations, seriously.
However, in one of the pictures it looked like there was a small crack going down the top at the round soundhole between the 1st and 2nd strings. That may need to be checked. I was hoping it was just the angle of the camera, but I couldn't get away from it in my mind.
Robert
YEAH!!!! I finnally got one.
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Hey John Henry, I got my LEDFORD It was on ebay I stayed up till 12 to bid on it. It is a prototype he made in 86. Made for wood from a store that was over 200 years old can't wait to get it. I'll post pics as soon as I get it. Dana
updated by @dana-r-mccall: 02/17/19 10:24:43AM
My biggest 'do-over' wish in learning music
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Dorene I wish I had had you as a teacher my life might be completely different now. I might have been a headliner in Vagas! LOL Really I wish I had been incouraged in stead of discouraged. You sound like a great teacher.
OH and one more thing I had a senior moment Ms. Nimix was my home ec. teacher sorry Ms. Nimmix. Ms. Gilkey was the music teacher. I can't believe I did that.
Dorene Dennie said:
I teach choir in a middle school...I once had a girl who passionately loved to sing and was completely off pitch and loud. What an opportunity! I will make this short, but it is a long story. Bottom line is that I worked with her a lot and within a few months, she was finding pitches. By the end of two years, she went to our state's solo/ensemble competition and got gold...in the highest division. A teacher had told her to give up music before she got to me, but she didn't listen. I'm sure she's out there today somewhere and singing every day. I'm glad you found the music in your life again!! No one should ever take that from someone...especially not a music teacher!
As far as what I would do different...I wish I would have had the opportunity to learn to play by ear. I am classically trained, but I'm launching an adventure in folk music to see if I can reclaim my natural abilities to play by ear. It was pounded out of me from the very beginning. I am grateful for my career in music, but I'm also excited about exporing this whole new approach!!
Dana R. McCall said:When I was in Jr High I wanted to be in the chorous ok I no spelling sorry. I loved to sit in my room and sing along to the little GE record player mom had gotten me. So when in music class (Ms. Nimmix) the baine of my existance said there were going to be tryouts I was thrilled. She had us all line up and we were to sing a song can't remember what, as she walked along and sorted us in to different groups alto, suprano, tenor or whatever. I was whatever. She kept moving me from one end to the other and back again. I have the same prob today changing keys to much starting in one and jumping to another. Finally she threw the hands up and gave up on me. She said in front of everyone she just didn't think music was my thing. I was devestated. I really did give up on music didn't even listen to the radio much. My kids would get mad because I didnt like to listen while I was driving in the car. Then I found the Mt. Dulcimer Music is once more the happiness in my life. The kids get upset now because they can't shut me up. LOL Ms. Nimmix
Sorry forgot the point. If I could do it all over again I wouldn't have listened to Ms. Nimmix and give up I'd kept on then till I found my nitch . Never give up!
My biggest 'do-over' wish in learning music
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
When I was in Jr High I wanted to be in the chorous ok I no spelling sorry. I loved to sit in my room and sing along to the little GE record player mom had gotten me. So when in music class (Ms. Nimmix) the baine of my existance said there were going to be tryouts I was thrilled. She had us all line up and we were to sing a song can't remember what, as she walked along and sorted us in to different groups alto, suprano, tenor or whatever. I was whatever. She kept moving me from one end to the other and back again. I have the same prob today changing keys to much starting in one and jumping to another. Finally she threw the hands up and gave up on me. She said in front of everyone she just didn't think music was my thing. I was devestated. I really did give up on music didn't even listen to the radio much. My kids would get mad because I didnt like to listen while I was driving in the car. Then I found the Mt. Dulcimer Music is once more the happiness in my life. The kids get upset now because they can't shut me up. LOL Ms. Nimmix
Sorry forgot the point. If I could do it all over again I wouldn't have listened to Ms. Nimmix and give up I'd kept on then till I found my nitch . Never give up!
Check out Laura Elders Video on here of The Blackest Crow that is being played AEA on her baritone.
Charles E. Jones said:
Hello Dana,
I haven't been anywhere yet where I could hear different dulcimers. I have read some about the barritones. I'd like to hear one. I hope to make it up to Black Mountain or Boone NC soon and visit the shops there. Thanks for the info.
Dana R. McCall said:Charles my group plays everything in CGC you play it just like DAD tab. Chords are all the same. If you really sing low you might want to get you a baritone dulcimer later. You can tune to AEA it is really low and mellow. Some dulicmers you can put heavier strings on and tune to AEA . AEA plays just like DAD and CGC DAD tab works for each of these tunings.
Charles E. Jones said:
Thanks. Are you able to play everything in CGC that you could play in DAD?
folkfan said:I'm with everyone else on this. For singing go lower. CGc would be only one step down from your DAd tuning, and does make for easier singing. I don't even tune up to D anymore as I always want to sing with my instrument. I'm in CGG or lower for everything.
Charles my group plays everything in CGC you play it just like DAD tab. Chords are all the same. If you really sing low you might want to get you a baritone dulcimer later. You can tune to AEA it is really low and mellow. Some dulicmers you can put heavier strings on and tune to AEA . AEA plays just like DAD and CGC DAD tab works for each of these tunings.
Charles E. Jones said:
Thanks. Are you able to play everything in CGC that you could play in DAD?
folkfan said:I'm with everyone else on this. For singing go lower. CGc would be only one step down from your DAd tuning, and does make for easier singing. I don't even tune up to D anymore as I always want to sing with my instrument. I'm in CGG or lower for everything.
I bought a used one on ebay needless to say dulcimer doctor has it. Needs a new nut. strings are laying on the frets. Cant wait to get it back to play.
Bill Davenport said:
New Instrument Alert.......Got a new Banjammer from Mike Clemmer at the LDS Gathering.
Whoo Eeee what a blast to play this thing.
Guess Who's Coming to Christmas Dinner~From Tumble Creek Tales
OFF TOPIC discussions
That was to funny! Better than Jerry Clower and I love his Ledbetter stories.
John Henry..thought I'd share
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John Henry!!! So glad to see you are on the road to recovery. Really miss talking to you. I always look forward to our little banters back and forth. Rest up and take it easy for now. Your friend, Dana
John Henry said:
To all at FOTMD
I am home, after an exciting early morning ambulance ride nearly three weeks ago to the ccu in our local hospital, where, after due deliberation, and much prodding and poking, it was decided that my old ticker needed a couple of modifications and a bit of a tune-up. Not the best way to avoid doing the Christmas Shopping, but I am assured that I shall be as good as new now, I hope that someone has told my wife, LOL.
My grand daughter has tried to keep me informed of happenings on this site, and I was surprised and gratified to hear of the comments made by my friends, thank you, I will be in touch as some as I get back in the swing, just feel a bit drained as of now.
Its good to be back tho'
JohnHenry
John Henry..thought I'd share
OFF TOPIC discussions
Does anyone out there have John Henry's address? I love to send him a Get Well card.
John Henry..thought I'd share
OFF TOPIC discussions
Thanks Rod I was wondering where he's been. I hope it's nothing to serious? Here's wishing him a speedy recovery.
Show us your sound holes!
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Hello just saw the post. No mine was made by a guy in Zacarhia KY He was a Durbin.
Terry Lupardus said:
I have one too.. Is yours made by Jim Goode at Mastertone Dulcimers in West Virginia?
Dana R. McCall said:This is one I have with walnut sides and back and a cedar top with walnut soundholes
Show us your sound holes!
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
This is one I have with walnut sides and back and a cedar top with walnut soundholes
Show us your sound holes!
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Here is one more that I love but it is a little fragile I think. I love the Ambrosia Maple
Show us your sound holes!
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
I love natural knot holes for sound holes and have several dulcimers that way. I don't think it make any difference in the sound they are just pretty.
***THREE CHEERS for Robin Thompson !!!***
OFF TOPIC discussions
Thank you Robin for such a nice compliment. I can't wait to get the one I'm working on now done so I can post it. It's called Mountain Lullaby.John Henry I'll have to see what I can come up with to barter. LOL But Jim is a real good worker. Yesterday was our 34th anniversary so I guess I've had him this long I better keep him. LOL
***THREE CHEERS for Robin Thompson !!!***
OFF TOPIC discussions
Well we are going to have to get a wheel barrel for Robin to wheel her head around in after all this praise. LOL But u deserve it Robin you have been a wonderful friend on FOTMD and I think my first friend on hear. I love the way you play and envey you having a musical husband. I love mine dearly and wouldn't trade him for anything(well maybe a Homer Ledford dulcimer) but I wish he could play something like your husband. Mine has trouble tuning the radio. LOL Love ya Robin
FUNNY songs you sing & play on your dulcimer
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
My grandmother used to sing that song to me all the time. I love it. His fingers were as long a a cane in the break and he had no eyes for to see, and he had no teeth for to eat the hoe cake so he had to leave the hoe cake be. Is that the same song. Michael Vickey said:
Uncle Ned. Sometimes with "politically correct" lyrics.
FOTMD one year anniversary on July 29th, 2010 !
OFF TOPIC discussions
I love this site. I enjoy checking in everyday and seeing how everyone is doing and what's new. I love having a place to share my stories and learn on all the wonderful forums and groups that have been started that answer just about any question you could possibly come up with. I know it makes my day and I sure a lot of others as well . Thank you so much for your insite into starting a place so great for people to cometogether in friendship and a common love of music and the Mountain Dulcimer. A big THANKS Lisa.
Every teacher I have had has said take the extra string off. I was a die hard and held on to it for ever. I paid for the darn thing so I was going to use it. But when I finally gave in I went and took it off all my dulcimers it is so much easier to play, finger picking exp. put strumming and back picking to.
Julia Poor said:
I don't like double melody strings. I take one off and I'm a happier strummer.
However you feel most comfortable is what is important. If you persevere, you might like them, but if you already don't like them, take one off. There is no right way to play a dulcimer.
How many dulcimers do you own... lets see the lists..
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
I always look at it As long as I got a blank space on the wall there is room for another dulcimer. My husbands just glad he doesn't have to pick one up to sit down anymore. LOL
How many dulcimers do you own... lets see the lists..
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
I just added number 9 to the list. Got me a Clemmer Ban-jammer on ebay last night can't wait to get it home. I've been wanting on for a while. Still looking for a Homer Ledford to add to the list and then maybeeee I'll stop. LOL
How many dulcimers do you own... lets see the lists..
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
1Cherry hour/drop (Warren May)1walnut hour/drop baritone (Warren May)1 dark walnut hour glass (Warren May)1 Cherry hour glass (Durbin)1 Cedar top hour glass (Durbin)1 6 string hour glass (unknown)1 Cherry hour glass (Hensley)1 Walnut oblong (Mark Ubank)1 Ambrosia Maple and purple heart hour glass (Jared Weaver)Next I want a Clemmer Banjammer and a Homer Ledford on my wish list.
Naming Dulcimers
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Was this name brought on by all the rain captain.
Donato De Santis said:
The flood gates have been opened .... my dulcimer decided to tell me its name is "Nemo" ( go figure! )
Naming Dulcimers
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
LOL not a bug or a cat
it's a Boston Terror. HAHA
Paul Certo said:
That ain't no BUG, it's a CAT! I've seen those kinda critters before.
Paul