Forum Activity for @robin-thompson

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
11/25/12 05:23:11PM
1,512 posts

My other Hobby


OFF TOPIC discussions

That's just cool, Dana!

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
11/13/12 05:44:39PM
1,512 posts

Happier than a Hog in Slop!


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I offer $77 and John Henry will do the refurb for free!

John Henry said:

$76, and I'll do the refurb for free?

an onlooker

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
11/13/12 05:31:21PM
1,512 posts

Happier than a Hog in Slop!


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Hey, Dana, I'll give you $75 sight unseen! Hope to see pictures of your new treasure!

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
11/04/12 09:38:33AM
1,512 posts

John Stinson #2 history?


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I know what you're talking about, Robin. I don't, as a rule, play Stinson's #2 by myself-- usually play it with someone who adds those changes in part B and the two styles blend nicely.

Robin Clark said:

I was looking at the music for thistune last week as a potential one for playing in noter drone. I thought it was a little 'plain' without the modern Celtic chord changes in Part B, which seem to be the#2 tunes signature. I think I may have a go at adding back some ornamentation to Part B to make it a little more of a 'tune' for noter drone- If it works out perhaps I'll record it and post it here as John Stinson #3

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
11/03/12 07:21:05PM
1,512 posts

John Stinson #2 history?


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

You're welcome, fellas! If you find anything further, I'd be interested in seeing it.
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
10/31/12 08:23:08PM
1,512 posts

John Stinson #2 history?


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Dave, there might be a lead or two in the following link in which some history could be tracked down:

http://www.bartonpara.com/discog/missouri/stinson2.htm

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
10/19/12 07:32:09PM
1,512 posts

Encyclopedia of Appalachia


Dulcimer Resources:TABS/Books/websites/DVDs

Hey, Ken, I went to the Ollie's in Newark OH and got a copy. Wow, it's some big book and I look forward to spending time with it. Many thanks for the heads-up!

Kenneth W. Longfield said:

No problem Robin. The offer is open as long as the supply lasts. Ollies buys damaged tractor trailer loads, remainders, etc. I do not know where these books came from, but they are new and shrink wrapped. Folk music and crafts are only a small part of the Encyclopedia.

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
10/19/12 01:55:46PM
1,512 posts

Encyclopedia of Appalachia


Dulcimer Resources:TABS/Books/websites/DVDs

Ken,

If I can't get to the Ollies up in Licking County to see if they have any copies, I may just take you up on your generous offer. Would it be all right if I let you know in the next few days?

Kenneth W. Longfield said:

I think there are seven more copies at the Ollies here. I am not sure how much it would cost to send them at the media mail rate, but it would still be cheaper than the list price. I am willing to purchase a few and send them out just for the cost of the book and mailing.

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
10/19/12 12:36:48PM
1,512 posts

Encyclopedia of Appalachia


Dulcimer Resources:TABS/Books/websites/DVDs

Wow, I wish I could get to an Ollie's and buy a copy! (I've never heard of this outlet store.)

PS-I just searched and found there's an Ollie's in the county north of where I live! I just may need to take a little trip. . . Thanks for the information, Ken!

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
10/13/12 05:17:30PM
1,512 posts

He's baaaackkk!


OFF TOPIC discussions

Very cool, Ken! And, yes, make it cooler by taking along a dulcimer next time.

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
10/11/12 08:27:38PM
1,512 posts

Crock Pot Beer Chicken


OFF TOPIC discussions

Please let us know how it turns out, Dennis!

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
10/14/12 11:24:51AM
1,512 posts



Randy & all, maybe the idea of getting a feel for tunes is what serves best in the long haul.

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
10/13/12 09:49:39AM
1,512 posts



Randy, you're also hitting on how a person can join in to play on tunes you don't know when in a music jam. At least I think you might be hitting on this: where there's both by ear play and drawing on past experience as far as understanding the structure of folk or fiddle tunes and playing along with others on tunes you either haven't heard before or don't know well.

Randy Adams said:

These types of threads about memorizing tunes, or the similar topics 'how do you learn a new tune', or 'ear vs tab' come up occasionally here.
I don't mean to be condescending, or to disrespect the way that works the best for others to learn how to play the dulcimer but there is a higher level to aspire to that never gets mentioned. Well sir, I'm going to take a deep breath and say it out loud.
Most folk tunes, or fiddle tunes, are simple in structure and melody. Many musicians with some experience and competence can hear these tunes once, understand how it goes, and play it. In fact many tunes are simple enough and move in such a predictable manner, they have queues that indicate where they are going, that they can be played adequately the first time through, like as the tune is being played.
How a person gets to this level is dependent on several things. How much are you willing to practice? What are your musical goals? How much innate musical talent are you blessed with?
Assuredly this is a learnable skill. Nobody just picks up an instrument and does it. But it is not only the domain of the musical genius either. Many amateur musicians I know and play with can do it.
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
10/10/12 11:28:30AM
1,512 posts



Gayle, I'm a 'by ear' player 99.9% of the time-- since I am a noter/drone player, all I have to worry about is being in the right key, getting the melody down, and most importantly, getting the rhythm right. The .1% comes in if I happen to be with a group of people and we all are trying to learn/play a specific piece of music a specific way so I struggle to read from paper; this rarely happens, though.

I'd like to learn to read SMN for playing an instrument, bowed dulcimer particularly.

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
10/13/12 05:19:45PM
1,512 posts

Play ball!


OFF TOPIC discussions

Take the ox off your Sox and you're a fan of the Reds.
Hey, I want the Yankees to lose, too.

Dusty Turtle said:

As a Red Sox fan since before I can remember, I am indeed routing for a team this year: whoever is playing the Yankees.

I know there are Yankees fans out there. But I guess some people wanted Goliath to beat David, too.

Actually, a lot of the games have been really exciting this year. And here in Northern Cal we had two teams in the run, with the As a genuine cinderella team with one of the lowest payrolls in baseball. My wife is a Giants fan, so our house is black and orange and not because of Halloween.

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
10/12/12 12:45:44PM
1,512 posts

Play ball!


OFF TOPIC discussions

You know I wanted the Reds to win the division and the Pirates to win the wild card.

Jim Fawcett said:

Well, all I can say after 20 years of having a losing season with the Pirates, Let's go Nats!

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
10/12/12 10:47:23AM
1,512 posts

Play ball!


OFF TOPIC discussions

Patty, as a Reds' fan I've been pulling for the Nats to defeat the Cards!

Patty from Virginia said:

Robin, If the Washington Nationals win Friday night, I don't know what I'll do. I'll either get excited that our area finally has a winning team (been a long dry spell; although, hockey team has been okay) or I'll faint from the shock of it all

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
10/11/12 08:12:59PM
1,512 posts

Play ball!


OFF TOPIC discussions

A most appropriate post, Carrie!

Carrie Barnes said:

Oh, somewhere in this favored land the sun is shining bright,
The band is playing somewhere, and somewhere hearts are light;
And somewhere men are laughing, and somewhere children shout,
But there is no joy in Mudville: Mighty Casey has struck out.

Leonard, this pretty much sums it up for me.................

Robin, smog?

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
10/11/12 08:12:24PM
1,512 posts

Play ball!


OFF TOPIC discussions

For your dear wife's sake, Leonard, it is good to not watch games sometimes.

I watch no Reds' games-- we don't get cable tv and live in the boondocks where few channels can be got.

Leonard Griffin said:

Robin, if we could figure that out it would not hurt so bad. Like Carrie says we Texas Rangers fans have been disappointed again for the third time. I sometimes have had to not watch games for awhile, my wife says I get to hard to live with , and my blood pressure I am sure goes up!!

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
10/11/12 07:00:18PM
1,512 posts

Play ball!


OFF TOPIC discussions

Oh, Carrie! How in the world did the Reds win the first two games of the series in SF then lose 3 at home?

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
10/08/12 04:25:05PM
1,512 posts

Play ball!


OFF TOPIC discussions

Anybody cheering for a team in baseball's post-season?

Robin "Go, Reds!" Thompson


updated by @robin-thompson: 01/13/19 05:09:18PM
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
10/07/12 08:11:57PM
1,512 posts

My first Mountain Dulcimer Competition


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

My hat's off to you, David!

My husband and I also have played 'out' to help in overcoming stage fright. It helps.

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
09/03/12 03:23:44PM
1,512 posts

D-A-C tuning


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Cool, Dennis!

DAC can give just that right haunting sound to some tunes.

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
09/08/12 04:30:55PM
1,512 posts



Stephanie, that dulci-bow built by John Hen-- um, I mean a "certain member from the UK" gives a really neat sound on that electric Yocky!

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
09/07/12 09:08:07PM
1,512 posts



Stephanie, cool sound! That's your Jim-Bow?

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
09/01/12 10:15:23AM
1,512 posts



Thanks for posting that link, Jeff! When I got to YT and saw it was a video of Butch Ross. . . well, I'm embarrassed that I neglected to mention Butch. Mark and I love Butch!

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
08/23/12 07:37:22PM
1,512 posts



Gayle, I'm an old-time music dulcimer player. However, I like lots of different dulcimer music! A couple of my favorite "electric" players are Bucko Futreal (his videos can be seen here at FOTMD) and Jerry Rockwell.

EDIT: Both Michael "Bucko" Futreal and Jerry Rockwell play more than one instrument. They're two players who come to mind when I think of "electric" dulcimer music, though. Also, I need to smack myself in the head . Bing Futch plays great music on electric dulcimer.

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
08/22/12 10:12:48PM
1,512 posts

Funky Dulcimer


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

Geekling,

I wasn't clear about how I used to hold a mountain dulcimer upright to bow it. When I did this, the instrument was nowhere near the floor-- the lower bout was held/balanced between my knees.

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
08/22/12 05:30:36PM
1,512 posts

Funky Dulcimer


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

Hey, friends, this same instrument is attracting attention on another FOTMD thread, too.

http://mountaindulcimer.ning.com/forum/topics/funny-ebay-listing

It's a cool piece of folk art. The fretboard does appear to have a radius to it. I suppose someone could've bowed it, holding it upright the way I hold my bowed dulcimers; I used to bow a mountain dulcimer this way. From the looks of it, though, I'd just call it a mountain dulcimer.

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
04/12/14 01:58:09AM
1,512 posts

Cherry River Line - Lester McCumbers on fiddle & Kim Johnson on banjo


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Don, I caught a tiny bit of Kim and Lester's set at the WV State Folk Festival at Glenville in'06. I hated it that I had to leave that afternoon concert because I felt unwell. Though I have Kim's delightful cd "Keepers", I've not heard her and Lester play Cherry River Line 'live' and would like to!

Don Kemper said:

I've heard these two live a few times, always a treat. Thanks for posting.

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
09/18/12 07:53:38PM
1,512 posts

Cherry River Line - Lester McCumbers on fiddle & Kim Johnson on banjo


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Oh, I love Lester's fiddle play! Lester's 90 or better and I believe he was at Clifftop this year.

According to the liner notes in Kim Johnson's cd, Linda McCumbers (Lester's late-wife) used to sing Cherry River Line.
Have fun learning this cool tune, Phil!

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
09/14/12 11:19:29AM
1,512 posts

Cherry River Line - Lester McCumbers on fiddle & Kim Johnson on banjo


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Here's my translation of the tune to lap dulcimer. Tuning is DGG. Any mistakes in my translation are mine. :)

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
08/14/12 09:19:37PM
1,512 posts

Cherry River Line - Lester McCumbers on fiddle & Kim Johnson on banjo


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Great ear, Stephanie-- you heard Reuben in it! (Mark heard something from a tune he knows as Lonesome Reuben. . .) Thanks a bunch for the links-- they really add a lot to a thread!

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
08/14/12 05:32:25PM
1,512 posts

Cherry River Line - Lester McCumbers on fiddle & Kim Johnson on banjo


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Love this tune from Lester & Kim! I encourage you to check out the notes on YT; this was a banjo tune that Lester brought to fiddle.

Wondering whether anyone plays it on mountain dulcimer?


updated by @robin-thompson: 04/13/18 05:24:14AM
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
08/12/12 10:41:17AM
1,512 posts



Gayle, I used to play recorder a bit but haven't given it a go in years. I look forward to hearing your mix with dulcimer and recorder!

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
08/12/12 10:04:38AM
1,512 posts



It's good to have you be a part of FOTMD, Gayle!

Websites tend to have, for lack of a better word, personalities. I have met many wonderful folks both here at FOTMD and at another site where I'm a member, Everything Dulcimer. I think there's an indescribable something about the mountain dulcimer that draws many folks to it who just happen to be friendly.

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
08/02/12 01:41:00PM
1,512 posts

Mixed, compatible tunings.


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I heartily agree, Skip-- it's great to hear variety in the play of a tune! When I'm playing fiddle tunes with friends, I like to play through the tune several times, varying something here or there. Fortunately, I have musician friends who also like to play through fiddle tunes several times and they vary their play also.

Skip said:

Robin;

Watched your video's, we liked them. That is generally where I am aiming to go.

Folkfan; I agree with that. [Except for the modes part, which really doesn't mean as much to me as note availability. I leave that up to the writers/TAB producers and assume they know what they're doing.] The 'everyone would sound alike' is the part which bothers me, it's so sterile sounding [and ultimately boring] to hear everyone playing exactly the same thing. It's part of the reason for the original post.

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
08/02/12 01:34:20PM
1,512 posts

Mixed, compatible tunings.


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Oh, got ya, Skip! It was my fault for not understanding-- I'm an idiot about music!

Skip said:

Robin;

The question is based on Paul Certo's post about a player playing a DAA tabbed tune in DAdd. That player was 3 frets off of the SMN notes. In other words, when the tab indicated a DAA 3 {d} on the melody, the player was playing a DAdd 3 {g, s/b 0 [d]}. That's why it seems to me you should pay attention to the notes even if using TAB [Tab positions the fingers to the fretboard, not the notes].

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
08/02/12 12:02:53PM
1,512 posts

Mixed, compatible tunings.


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

PS-Skip, I point you to a couple videos my husband and I did and they can be found on My Page here at FOTMD. You're under no obligation to watch. If you'd like to see someone playing simple harmonies/back-up, look for "I'm Troubled" and "Down the Road". I apologize for the examples being my own play yet that's all I know, really.

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
08/02/12 11:59:35AM
1,512 posts

Mixed, compatible tunings.


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Skip,

I don't have a good grasp of modes; my ear is my guide. I only play noter/drone and, occasionally, get to jam with dulcimer friends who are chord/melody players and we blend fine.

I'm not sure I understand your last paragraph. (. . . can't you play a mixo tune in DAA [tuned DAdd] as long as you play the notes, not the fret numbers [TAB], and all of the notes are available? Am I forgetting the effect of the drones? )

I'll take a stab, though. As long as you have the notes available, I don't see why not. Give it a try and let your ear be your guide, bearing in mind the drone effect . Modern ears aren't used to the drone effect .

Skip said:

Won't some of this depend on the style of the player, xxx/chord vs xxx/drone? Most of the folks I play with chord or fingerpick the melody, a few fingerdance. A couple of them can do harmonies, in DAdd.

I don't think many of them, maybe a couple, even know what a mode is. I know, technically, what they are, but don't really understand them. Probably because I play the separate notes as shown in SMN [or TAB].

I suppose the only way I can find out for sure, with my group, is to try it.

I'm probably wrong, but can't you play a mixo tune in DAA [tuned DAdd] as long as you play the notes, not the fret numbers [TAB], and all of the notes are available? Am I forgetting the effect of the drones?

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