Forum Activity for @robin-thompson

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
09/30/15 10:05:34PM
1,512 posts

And here's a callus and there's a callus..


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

D Chitwood, have you determined what about your play is giving you the callus on the side of your thumb?  

PS- i didn't even notice anything about a misspelling!  Even if I had I wouldn't have cared.  ;)

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
09/27/15 11:08:29AM
1,512 posts

Oddities hanging on your walls


OFF TOPIC discussions

The cross is really lovely, Charles.  It's neat you know what the various elements symbolize.  

 


updated by @robin-thompson: 10/27/15 09:18:53AM
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
09/24/15 07:31:22AM
1,512 posts

Federal Judge rules Happy Birthday to You no longer copyrighted


Dulcimer Resources:TABS/Books/websites/DVDs

Don't forget the alternate lyrics--  my favorite lyrics at one time.  I assume these were never copyright protected.   :) 

Happy birthday to you

You live in the zoo

You look like a monkey

And you act like one, too!   

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
09/10/15 09:27:08PM
1,512 posts

Positive game-changers in your progress


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

A positive game-changer for me was when I realized Strumelia and a few other experienced players were right when they emphasized the importance of being solid with rhythm.  A wrong note isn't going to throw a jam off the rails but being off with rhythm can throw things all out of whack.  Once this sunk in, it caused me to try to pay particular attention to rhythm. . . I always need to work at it.  It's fun work, though! 

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
09/07/15 10:20:23PM
1,512 posts

Hello and a little info


OFF TOPIC discussions

You've had another successful fest in Winchester, Dana!  Way to go! 

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
09/03/15 08:12:09PM
1,512 posts

Hello and a little info


OFF TOPIC discussions

Dance a jig at the Ledford fest, Dana!  

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
08/14/15 07:15:30AM
1,512 posts

Playing the Bones


Adventures with 'other' instruments...

I'm glad you got that private bones lesson from Dom, Lisa!  I'd like to get to play in a duo of Appalachian dulcimer with a bones player someday.  (Hint, hint) And also with fotmd member Abby Spoon Lady who is a master of the spoons.  :)

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
08/12/15 09:57:24AM
1,512 posts

Have you met other FOTMD's in real life and become friends?


OFF TOPIC discussions

Hey, Ken, you met some of my FOTMD/in-person friends!  And I can attest to Bev's skill in the kitchen. thumbsup

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
08/10/15 10:42:39AM
1,512 posts

Using a mic for recording a song?


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I like to keep things as simple as possible.  :)

You could record with the microphone on your computer, save the file to convert to mp3, then attach the file to an email to your daughter. 

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
08/05/15 11:12:40AM
1,512 posts

Types of tuners


Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions

John, you covered the topic nicely!  I'd like to add a brief mention about how using a false nut (small piece of wood or other hard material) under the drone strings makes re-tuning a lap dulcimer with zither pins fairly easy. 

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
07/29/15 07:52:42PM
1,512 posts

MEET THE MODERATORS...


Site QUESTIONS ? How do I...?

So glad to have Bob, Jan, and Sam be a part of the Mod Squad! 

PS- A bit of trivia: FOTMD's own Ken Bloom was one of the musicians who performed the music for the pilot of The Mod Squad television series. 

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
07/27/15 07:32:48PM
1,512 posts

Dulcimer Celebration


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

It sounds like a great time was had by y'all had there in NC!  Friends, food, and good music are all tops in my book. :)

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
07/20/15 06:32:38PM
1,512 posts

Number of dulcimers


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I have 7 Appalachian dulcimers here at home and two out on loan.  A few are diatonic instruments and a few have the 6.5 and 13.5 frets also.  I use a variety of tunings; my box dulcimer is always strung with light gauge strings and tuned to ddd.  Each instrument has a unique voice-- and I like that! 

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
07/20/15 04:56:21PM
1,512 posts

Peacock Quills


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I just pick up quills (that look to be of the sizes I like) when out walking.  though most of them have, likely, been attached to a turkey, I think not all I collect are turkey feathers.  And I'm not too particular. :)

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
07/19/15 02:50:59PM
1,512 posts

Peacock Quills


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Cool, Sheryl!  A quill makes a really nice sound on strings. 

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
07/12/15 02:20:37PM
1,512 posts

Rebuilding an old friend


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

There's just something about an old friend that's extra nice.  Lovely work! 

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
07/07/15 09:08:21AM
1,512 posts

Carrot Creek Dulcimer, 2007, Made by Steve Miklos


Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions

What a beautiful instrument, Jerry!  

Though I don't recall where I read the comment, it seems I've seen someone stating how they'd not seen an open headstock on a dulcimer. . . I don't know I have until now. 

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
07/07/15 07:30:27AM
1,512 posts

Private messaging system questions...?


Site QUESTIONS ? How do I...?

Hi, Sheila!  

Click on your own name at the upper right side of the page-- your name is next to the magnifying glass search icon.  In the pulldown menu under your name, you will find a link for sending private messages.  

Hope this helps!

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
07/03/15 08:08:36AM
1,512 posts

Squeeze It Honey (compressing noter wood)


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Thanks for the information, Sam!  I may need to try this on a noter or two whose wood isn't very hard.  


updated by @robin-thompson: 01/30/16 12:15:20PM
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
07/02/15 07:34:09AM
1,512 posts

Any Feedback on Dulcimers by JR


Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions

Tom, a second dulcimer is handy.  The instrument you built has such a nice sound!  And it was always a treat to hear you & Melissa make music.  

Last summer, I bought a used dulcimer through Craigslist-- the seller and I met in a public place to conduct business.  Perhaps you would have good luck buying used locally?  

It'd be an honor and a treat to hear you two playing Quittin' Time!  

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
07/01/15 07:30:57AM
1,512 posts

Any Feedback on Dulcimers by JR


Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions

Hi, Tom!  

I've only seen one of JR's instruments and it was at a luthier's shop in need of a repair of some kind.  As I recall, it was a heavy, sturdy instrument (as opposed to being a light build).  I didn't play it so have no idea about how it played or sounded.  

Hope you are well!  Warmest wishes,

Robin

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
06/19/15 07:42:45AM
1,512 posts

Tunings you like to use on your dulcimer


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

An idea that confused me a lot when I first began playing was when a tuning and a mode were equated. . . Once I realized that a tuning and a mode are not the exact same thing I had not quite a "lightbulb" moment yet it was rather like a dimmer switch being turned up.  :)

I play lots using DdA tuning, key of D, fret 3 as tonic, Ionian mode.  From this tuning, easily, I can re-tune the A to a G and play in the key of G and Dminor (I think) and I don't know what mode I'm in with those two keys unless I look it up or ask somebody.  ;)

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
06/18/15 12:56:53PM
1,512 posts



CD, I know Strumelia has spent countless hours over the past many months working for this much-needed move. . . I know I am grateful for all she's done!  

 

Back when Deputy Mo was Strumelia's right-hand man, the two of them worked together to be sure FOTMD was a friendly, welcoming place. . . Rod will never be forgotten

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
06/10/15 10:31:22PM
1,512 posts



I'll keep my eyes open for the video, Tom!
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
06/10/15 07:11:05AM
1,512 posts



Nice-looking small instrument!
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
05/31/15 08:52:59PM
1,512 posts



My favorite banjo joke could be adapted:Two musicians and a banjo (mountain dulcimer) player walk into a bar. . . :)
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
05/24/15 08:37:36PM
1,512 posts



Dillon, if the right person sees your instrument I'm guessing it could fetch $650. Keith Young built nice instruments and your is especially stunning looking.
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
05/24/15 09:37:51AM
1,512 posts



Sure is a beauty, Dillon!My KYoung dulcimer was built in '77 and it's a treasure!
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
05/23/15 10:44:06AM
1,512 posts

electronic tuners people use


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I like my Peterson clip tuner. It was pricey and I mainly bought it for use on my bowed dulcimers yet use it on all my instruments.
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
05/18/15 08:36:14AM
1,512 posts



It's a beauty, for sure!
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
05/17/15 03:49:07PM
1,512 posts

So if Jesus came to dinner, what would you play?


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

After Hangman's Reel, I'd play Jesus an original tune or two that Mark & I put together. So I wouldn't have to change tuning to change keys, I'd offer our Quittin' Time at Essex Mine since it's also in the key of A and tell Jesus how each of Mark's grandfathers worked at Essex Mine at one time or another.PS- Not that I think our original tunes are so great-- it'd just be fun to play them for Jesus! :)
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
05/16/15 11:12:03AM
1,512 posts

So if Jesus came to dinner, what would you play?


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I'd be playing Jesus some fiddle tunes! Likely, I'd tune to the key of A and play Hangman's Reel for starters-- it's such a fun tune and I like the AABBCCDD structure.
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
04/26/15 04:28:58PM
1,512 posts

Mountain Dulcimer Cd's you like to listen too.


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Bill Graves- Sugar in the Coffee (lap dulcimer makes up a portion of the recordings)Jean Ritchie- The Most Dulcimer (nice vocals, too)
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
03/29/15 09:10:04PM
1,512 posts

.024-.016-.014--- Sounds good but too heavy?


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Wow! Thanks for the info, Rob. I like all those tunings.

Rob N Lackey said:

DAA, Robin, and EAA for mixolydian. In fact, I believe I've gone up to DAc for a little minor action

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
03/29/15 07:22:05PM
1,512 posts

.024-.016-.014--- Sounds good but too heavy?


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Rob, I can go to DAA yet like the sound of CGG with this set-up. How high have you tund with similar gauges?

Rob N Lackey said:

I would think they'd be fine, Robin. I've used similar gauges and the instruments have been fine.

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
03/29/15 03:46:20PM
1,512 posts

.024-.016-.014--- Sounds good but too heavy?


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Hey, friends--My dulcimer's just been strung with, bass to treble, .024- .016-.014 and the sound's good in CGG. I've never gone this heavy with the gauges across the whole fretboard before and am wondering whether I can do my lap dulcimer harm by going this heavy?Thanks for your thoughts!Robin
updated by @robin-thompson: 06/11/15 07:42:55AM
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
05/13/15 12:41:42PM
1,512 posts

Hello and a little info


OFF TOPIC discussions

High fives from us, Dana!
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
04/30/15 10:12:07PM
1,512 posts

Hello and a little info


OFF TOPIC discussions

Dana, I hope all continues to go well with treatment. You remain in my thoughts!
  27