Forum Activity for @dan-goad

I've never had that problem.  I'm lucky I guess.

Getting back to your original question, David, the best books that I have found are Steve Seifert's "Join the Jam" series (one book in DAd and one in DAA having the same tunes in each.  Another is Bill Schilllings "Dulci-more Folk & Traditional Musicians Public Domain Songbook"  Bill's book is almost entirely DAA.  Steve's books are available on his website and I bought Bills book from Elderly Instruments.

Here's the place to be for the famous (infamous?) ramp

http://www.richwooders.com/ramp/ramps.htm

The ramps up home in WV should be coming in soon.  Kevin and Rob can answer you better than me.  I ain't found no ramps in AL yet.  I sure miss them.

That's a good article, Kevin.  Good job with the interview.

Noah, that looks very much like the headstock of a Hughes Dulcimer.  I have 2 that I believe are Hughes kit dulcimers.

I forgot to add the skunk pot pie to the menu.

Possum on the half shell, a big ol' crawDAd boil, Dew claws, ramp salad, with a jug o' corn squeezins.  Yum, Yum!

Good one, Charles.  We also sleep in the key of "Z"

It's probably best the we in the dulcimer community stick with the geese and turkeys.

I know that it is illegal for a non-native American to have a Bald Eagle feather in their possession, I'm not sure about a Golden Eagle feather.

I have never suffered any problem what so ever with my shoulders.  I did have some hand, wrist and elbow pain in my strumming arm (I'm a righty) until my arm got used to the idea.   I think they call that 'muscle memory.'  I make my own picks from plastics from household items or packaging from various products.  The only commercial pick i would use is the Fender triangle (large).  At least that is the only one i have used that I way comfortable with.

I have the tab in my files but haven't printed it or tried playing.  John Blosser did it in DAA on his "Coyote Speaks" CD with a young lady with a lovely Irish voice singing it.

Why don't you contact Tull through his website.  I'm sure he would be glad to help you with this question.

http://www.folkcraft.com/p_1482_cat_7000234_hdr_7000292_sort_cattitle_pg_1.html

You will probably want the one for the travel dulcimer.

Believe it or not, a pencil and rubber band works well as a capo until you can find a suitable one.

Ozarklady, can you post the URL so that we can look at it.  I've never heard of Global so I'm extremely sceptical of this offer.

Marg, the link you posted if dated 2013.  Dulcimerville was a festival organized by Lois Hornbostel and others.  I believe that they ceased doing Dulcimerville after the 2013 event.  Someone please correct me if I am wrong.

Right on, what K n said.  LOL

Old Joe Clark is my pocket tune and in the backpack are Mississippi Sawyer, Hangedman's Reel, Grey Cat on a Tennessee Farm, Bile Dem Cabbage (of course) and when I feel adventurous I slap on the capo for Huntin' for the Buffalo.  The 'wanna learn' list, still written on stone tablets, is Mes Parents, Going to Boston, June Apple and Ragtime Annie.

Marg, the fret to be capo'd should be printed at the top of your tableture.  I will probably be written as Capo 1, Capo 2, etc.

 Vicki, Marc is a member here on FOTMD.  Go to his page, hit Follow and send him a short message.  I'm sure that Marc willl respond quickly unless he is on the road performing.

I wouldn't put an adhesive strip on any of my dulcimers.  I don't want anything hanging off them at all.  My picks go into a small pouch on my belt or in the watch pocket of my jeans. My capo goes on top of the scroll or below the bridge if space allows. Otherwise it is in a pocket.

Marg, I don't like that idea at all.  I'm not at all sure that I like the thought of the steel strings digging into the sides of the peghead around the peg holes.  As often as we 'tweak' the tuning (often caused by environments changes) I don't think this method would be of much use.

That was some really tasty sauce on those noodles, Robin.  Looking forward to the full course.

http://fotmd.com/pristine2/youtube/389/how-to-adjust-a-movable-bridge-on-a-mountain-dulcimer

This video should explain it, marg.

You're very  welcome.  His video opened my eyes to the floating bridge too.  I found it really helps with the longer VSL's.

With a floating bridge you are able to tweak your tuning a bit.  Pristine2 has a video posted showing the technique.

The size sounds ok for a baritone.  The slots in the nut and bridge will probably need to be widened a tad to accomodate the thicker Bass and Middle strings.  I would personally stay with a floating bridge.

Nikolas, have you tried increasing the string gauges on your dulcimers?  This should reduce the pitch of the notes to a 'mellower' tone.  Just a thought.

I'm wondering if the hearing aid is the culprit rather than the dulcimer.  Have you explored any other options with your audioligist or ear specialist?

Marg, if you suffer from a lot of hand pain or arthritis then wooden pegs are likely not for you.  One of our members who is only about 40 sold his beautiful McSpadden  vintage 3 string because of his arthritic hands.  I'm 69 and fortunately do not suffer any hand problems (counting my blessing for that for sure).  I wish this had come up earlier in this diiscussiiion.

I like that word "kinaesthetic", Robin.  It is very satisfying when you coax the strings into tune.  It gives one the feeling of accomplishment.

The peg drops I use are "Regal Peg Drops" sold by Regal Music, Ely, MN. I got it thru Ebay and I think it cost about $5.00 for a 2 oz. bottle.  I have 5 dulcimers with pegs and have used about 1/4 of the bottle in 5 years.  Just a drop goes a long way.

I think that you will find that walnut will fit you're needs very well.  In the meantime, don't be in a big hurry.  Ask questions, listen and watch the sound files and videos here on FOTMD.  We are all willing to share our experiences and knowledge with our newer players.  Several of our members are builders as well as good players. I've been on my own dulcimer journey for six years and have enjoyed every moment (aside from a few ill advised purchases on Ebay).  We all enjoy sharing our adventures during our journey and welcome you and look forward to hearing yours too.

Jane, CGC is one step lower than DAD and may suit you needs.  "Warm Rich" sound is a very subjective phrase.  What sounds warm and rich to you're ears may not sound that way to mine.  You are presently using larger guage strings on you're melody and middle strings than I have used on my dulcimers with the same VSL.  What woods were used on your dulcimer and who built it?  If that person is still building and has a website they may be able to give you better information.

"

Jane, you can still use you're DAD tab if you tune down to CGC.

Yes, David.  I retired from the USCG in 1989.

I've never heard of a complaint about the TK Obrien before, David.  What is your playing partners problem? Maybe we can fix it, we are pretty good about doing that.

I don't have any experience with either of those makes.  My rule of thumb is deep sound box with larger strings produces a lower more 'mornful' tone.  Others may disagree but that is just my own opinion.