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!
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. :)
Cool, Sheryl! A quill makes a really nice sound on strings.
There's just something about an old friend that's extra nice. Lovely work!
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.
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!
Thanks for the information, Sam! I may need to try this on a noter or two whose wood isn't very hard.
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!
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
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. ;)
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
DAA, Robin, and EAA for mixolydian. In fact, I believe I've gone up to DAc for a little minor action
I would think they'd be fine, Robin. I've used similar gauges and the instruments have been fine.
