I'll buy sets of strings in common gauges and packs of singles in light gauges and use whatever I have on hand for a re-string. Using all light gauge, for example, I might have a .014 for melody then .012 for the drones. I always have .022 or .024 on hand for when I want to switch-out a high drone for a low one on the "bass" side of the instrument.
Nate, I believe Randy has built, at least, an instrument or two with wooden frets.
Don plays so many wonderful old tunes, some of which he collected himself from people who have passed from this life. How I would describe what Don does is he plays traditional tunes in an innovative style which conveys both the tunes and the spirit of the tunes as he collected them. He uses the mountain dulcimer as a tool; like with any job, you want to use the tool which best fits the job. Don is a treasure!
So good to hear from you, Ken L-- I admit, I was concerned by what felt like a long absence. I pray for continued healing for you.
Hello, @winks! How exciting to have a Blue Lion on the way!
@adrianne It is nice to get to make connections such as yours with friends any time yet it feels especially important during pandemic. And welcome to FOTMD!
Mark and I go outside and walk almost daily. We drive to a couple spots not far away to get in more challenging walks and to get out of the village for a bit.
@mary-z-cox Violet Juniper is adorable!
Friends, I offer my condolences to those of you who have had loved ones succumb to the ravages of COVID-19. Dealing with the death of a loved one can be difficult any time yet dealing with the death of a loved one during pandemic is harder still. Take care.
I'm happy you enjoyed the video, Nina!
@bob I believe I've seen where some other builders made that same move. I imagine it will feel nice to build on your own timetable.
@Ariane I am eager to hear what y'all have come up with! Such a wonderful project!
You're most welcome, Nina! It can be fun just learning bits here and there of our favorite little instrument. :)
@dulcinina I listened to the interview yesterday evening-- so good! And just watched this YT video (of a song I have from one of their cd's):
Thanks, Nina-- I'll have to check it out!
Jeff Berman & Sue Powers played a little outdoor show with another group of which the are a part, Devilish Merry, in '19 and I got to see them in that yet would also love to see AppalAsia 'live', too.
I just watched this video from AppalAsia this morning and like it very much.
@traildad No, EAA is not 1-5-5. DAA is 1-5-5.
I'm not the best person to explain this because I am, really, a by-ear player. Here goes, though. DAA is 1-5-5 and I will try to demonstrate how this is. To visualize it, hold your hand in front of you, palm side up. Consider your thumb as representing D then think of your index finger as E, your middle finger as F-sharp, your ring finger as G, and your little finger as A. The D you started with (your thumb) is 1. Counting across your fingers in the order stated above, you arrive at your little finger, A, which is 5.
For what it's worth (and it might not be worth much), I tune to the key of A by beginning in a "home base" tuning of DAA then placing a small piece of wood under the bass string at fret 1 to raise the bass string to E-- using EAA to play in the key of A. I have standard dulcimers of varying VSL's and tune to any tuning I wish within the limits of what the string will take.
Oh, Ken, this is a treasure. Thanks to you and to the Appalachian School of Luthiery in Hindman!
Rest in peace, Jon Pickow.
@fishdoc I've been thinking over your request and the only mountain dulcimer player who came to mind who might have a version of easy tablature is Don Pedi. Here's a link to his Jerusalem Ridge on Bandcamp:
https://donpedi.bandcamp.com/track/jerusalem-ridge
You could contact Don here:
Here's a link with photos to a mountain dulcimer sold as a Deering:
@lisavb I offer my deepest sympathy on the death of your friend. And while I am sorry about your RAV4, it is good your house was spared.
I remind myself the plague will not last forever-- history teaches us this. There are some lovely flowers growing out of the compost pile with lots of wonderful music being made despite everything. Music can be a balm to the weary spirit. Keep enjoying that McSpadden and Jessica C's workshops! (Jessica makes incredibly good music!)
Dave, thanks a million for the links to other photos of your citera-- it's wonderful! It'd sure be fun to play around with. There was a sizable Hungarian population here in my little corner of SE Ohio, in old coal country.
@nateprentice, I liked listening to your Soundcloud link! Welcome to FOTMD!
I share my musical noise places, too, so understand. :)
Jost, don't concern yourself with the number of plays/stats on Soundcloud; I'm guessing they are really only meaningful if you are trying to make money off your recordings. If you wish, try putting your settings there back to "Public" and if your account allows it, disable public comments.
Jost, I have taken to disabling comments on SoundCloud. I, too, have experienced what you describe.
I greatly appreciate this posting, Strumelia, more than you know. My heart is broken by both overt cruelty and casual cruelty I see displayed elsewhere on social media by people I know, both friends and relatives.
FOTMD has been a music home for me since its earliest days. And I always want the best for the site-- kindness and respect and encouragement among its members!
Take care and hugs to all!
I went to the site, James-- those instruments are just doggone cool. Have lots of fun with yours!
Wow, @sgarrity! You're in for a treat. In addition to being beautiful, your Blue Lion will be smooth to play and will, I imagine, will sound as great as it looks.
Hey, go for a socket! Merle Watson used a Craftsman. :)
Bob, that critter sounds cool! Have you tried using a bottleneck slide on it?
Someone on fb shared this writing from Ralph and it seems appropriate to include it here:
Ralph Lee Smith has given the mountain dulcimer world so much! Like Ken H, I would like to have met both Jean Ritchie and Ralph yet both have now joined the ancestors.
