Forum Activity for @robin-thompson

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
01/24/11 08:56:20PM
1,485 posts

Jouhikko/Tagelharpa


Adventures with 'other' instruments...

Since YOUR jouhikko is already a star, your own stardom can't be far behind, Strumelia! Do you have particular ideas about how you wish to use your new instruments-- say, do you plan to focus on tunes in a particular regional tradition(s) or in accompaniment to another player's instrument(s)?

Seriously, Lisa, if I ever get to your neck of the woods, I'd love to give one of those instruments a go.

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
01/24/11 08:34:36PM
1,485 posts

Jouhikko/Tagelharpa


Adventures with 'other' instruments...

Strumelia,

Wonderful slideshow! I'd love to give a pull of the bow or two on each of your bowed lyres-- they're so lovely and your case with the leather handle, forged latches, and knitted interior are neat.

In the YouTube video on Michael's website, it looks to be your new jouhikko & case that are showcased!?

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
01/21/11 05:05:06PM
1,485 posts

Jouhikko/Tagelharpa


Adventures with 'other' instruments...

It's so neat that you have Swedish ancestors, Lisa! And bowing is a ton of fun. Except for when it isn't.

PS-The discussion about being able to drag smiles should've been able to be seen by everybody but me!

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
01/11/11 10:22:22PM
1,485 posts

Jouhikko/Tagelharpa


Adventures with 'other' instruments...

Cool, Lisa! You get a few weeks under your belt and keeping the bow perpendicular to the strings will come easier, I'd bet. I have a ball bowing (my BD's) and have learned that just feeling more comfortable, relaxed with a bow in my hand helps yield better sound. Well, most of the time, anyway. lol

I can't look at jouhikkos much because I want one and don't need to feed that monster right now.

Flint, I'm listening to sample music from Nordisk Sang right now-- really fine. Thanks for the recommendation.

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
01/09/11 04:19:11PM
1,485 posts

Jouhikko/Tagelharpa


Adventures with 'other' instruments...

Lisa, I use an underhand grip on the bow for BD and have used my middle & ring fingers to make some tension adjustments.

I'll keep my eyes open for a progress report from time to time. It's a mostly wonderful experience to be a beginner.

Randy, I love fiddle music and know I couldn't play a fiddle due to neck problems. Darn trouble's curtailed my music playing-- especially MD-- over the last several weeks.

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
01/09/11 03:47:08PM
1,485 posts

Jouhikko/Tagelharpa


Adventures with 'other' instruments...

Lisa, I'll wait-- got nothin' but time.

Glad Randy started the thread because I was wonderin', too. You probably haven't had it long enough to tell much about the horsehair strings. . . Are the hairs twisted? Do they have to be replaced often? Can you buy hanks of horsehair and make your own strings?

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
01/07/11 04:09:43PM
1,485 posts



You're right, Dusty. There is practical, rational explanation for 'magic'. lol

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
01/07/11 11:23:33AM
1,485 posts



This has been enlightening to me, too. I didn't even own a mountain dulcimer when I got my biggest introduction to fiddle tunes at Old-Time Week at Augusta (at Davis & Elkins College in WV)-- I was there to take an autoharp class. (My husband Mark took a guitar class.) Before going to Augusta, Mark had been playing a few fiddle tunes and I'd been chording/playing rhythm behind him on the autoharp and this is how we were playing when I began to think about getting a mountain dulcimer.

Now, my autoharps are much-neglected because dulcimers (mountain & bowed) have exerted some sort of magical power over me. :)

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
01/06/11 11:50:18AM
1,485 posts



Hi, David!

I like the sound of lots of the fiddle tunes-- they just grab me. Trying to describe why I like them would be sort of like trying to describe why I like chocolate cake. :) I'm a big fan of old-timey Appalachian music and am a 'by ear' player who doesn't play out of a fiddle songbook (although I did pick up a used one at Half Price Books last year).

PS-It's not universal, I think, that dulcimer players as a whole have a preference for fiddle tunes. ;)

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
10/20/11 10:41:33PM
1,485 posts



James Paul,

I'll join you in hoping you can keep mobility for a long time! And although you aren't able to get out much, I'm imagining music brings you joy.

So glad you've joined us here!

Robin

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
03/30/11 11:52:00PM
1,485 posts



Was a joy to read your post, Dusty. You'd be welcome to come form a jug band at our place!

A spirit of encouragement is one of the things (that's not really a thing) that makes FOTMD special.

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
03/30/11 10:38:59PM
1,485 posts



Gosh, thanks, Dana!

I'm happy with whatever level of play I can achieve with any instrument I take up because it's so doggone much fun. It's important not to underestimate the enjoyment homemade music can bring to life. Paul's got it right.

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
03/30/11 09:25:45PM
1,485 posts



I wish people would stop tempting me with getting new instruments!!! I'm sick and tired of being a mediocre player because I dabble too much.

Making music at home is waaaay too much fun! Ought to be illegal!

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
01/04/11 12:17:42PM
1,485 posts



Autoharps, mountain dulcimers, bowed dulcimers, guitars-- we're overrun with instruments here in our house. And we have all kinds of fun!
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
12/28/10 06:01:12PM
1,485 posts



Kyle,

I'd be interested in learning what you find in your research if you have opportunity to post any of it in future.

Good luck-- hope you learn lots!

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
12/28/10 10:27:27AM
1,485 posts



Kyle,

A point I neglected to include in my earlier posting:

Lily McGee Ward Swick's (Kendra Ward's grandmother) dulcimer had been made for her about 1895. To quote from the Grimes Collection work: "So John Wright may have been the earliest known maker in this tradition." (61)

Here's a link to a 1955 photo of Mrs. Swick holding her dulcimer (posted by Kendra on EverythingDulcimer) that's included in the Grimes book:

http://everythingdulcimer.com/discuss/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=14334&p=183850&hilit=Kenneth+Ward#p183850

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
12/27/10 08:54:36PM
1,485 posts



Welcome, Kyle!

Although I am not not particularly knowledgeable about dulcimer history, the best source of information I know of on WV dulcimer history (and one with which you're likely familiar) is Gerry Milnes's Play of a Fiddle.

FOTMD member Kendra Ward's family has lived in Gallia County OH, an Ohio county bordering the river near Huntington, and she may be able to point you to some helpful source(s). On a related note, in Stories from the Anne Grimes Collection of American Folk Music, two southern Ohio makers are mentioned in a chapter that includes information on Kendra's father and grandmother-- the makers are a man named George Butcher who modeled his dulcimers after those of an earlier maker from Eno OH named John Wright.

Good luck and it's good to have you here, Kyle!


updated by @robin-thompson: 02/16/16 05:38:45AM
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
12/24/10 07:18:15PM
1,485 posts

Guess Who's Coming to Christmas Dinner~From Tumble Creek Tales


OFF TOPIC discussions

Sam,

When I got to the part about Foo Foo being, uh, born breach, I laughed so loudly it caught my husband's attention. And it's still funny! And don't be making too much fun of Aunt Holly's moustache-- I'm working on growing a fine one. ;)

Like Paul said, a yarn can go on. . . :)

Have a good one, fellas!

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
12/24/10 01:56:45PM
1,485 posts

Guess Who's Coming to Christmas Dinner~From Tumble Creek Tales


OFF TOPIC discussions

"Foo Foo was a breach!!!" LOL

Sam, I enjoyed the tale-- thanks for the posting. An entertaining Christmas dinner is a treat!

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
12/18/10 01:53:19PM
1,485 posts

John Henry..thought I'd share


OFF TOPIC discussions

Is it good to see you, John Henry! I confess to being jealous that you've been made good as new. :)

Take care and heal well, friend.

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
12/14/10 03:36:58PM
1,485 posts

John Henry..thought I'd share


OFF TOPIC discussions

Thanks for letting us know, John S! Our friend will be in my thoughts.

Good to have the address-- thank you, Rod.

John Shaw said:

I've just been to see John Henry in hospital this afternoon. He's very cheerful - but rather bored! His operation which was due last week was delayed because of equipment failure, and has been rescheduled for tomorrow. He was tickled pink by the interest and concern of his friends on this site, and would love to hear from them.

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
12/12/10 01:01:56AM
1,485 posts

John Henry..thought I'd share


OFF TOPIC discussions

Yes, a swift recovery for John Henry! (I've missed him!)

Thanks, friends, for passing this along.

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
12/12/10 02:42:09PM
1,485 posts

Turnup's Christmas Card


OFF TOPIC discussions

Oh, Sam, thanks for sharing this! Yes, a laugh at poor Turnup's expense. Pet kitty for me, please. :)

Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
07/13/11 01:45:32PM
1,485 posts

Show us your sound holes!


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Your dulcimer and that smiley must be twins who were separated at birth, Strumelia!

Strumelia said:
Here are my sound holes....
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
12/22/10 01:44:21PM
1,485 posts

Show us your sound holes!


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Lori, I love your flowers-- really cool!
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
12/19/10 10:25:40PM
1,485 posts

Show us your sound holes!


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Sam, I must give a tip of the hat to the luthiers-- MD made by Paul Conrad of Timbre Hill Dulcimers and BD is by Ken Bloom. Paul knew my taste was for a simple sound hole design (this design can be seen in the beautiful, fancier intarsia back on the instrument) and the sound holes on the bowed dulcimer is Ken's standard sound hole.

It's pretty cool that the poplar top on the MD was once exterior siding (that had gotten covered over at some point) on Paul's house that was built in the 1840's.

Sam said:

Striking;

The Mountain Dulcimer is exquisitely understated. Both instruments are just beautiful.


updated by @robin-thompson: 06/30/15 10:19:58AM
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
03/22/14 09:12:08PM
1,485 posts

Your favorite dulcimer case!


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Great solution, Dusty! You can always stuff socks and other small articles of clothing in the case, too.
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
10/28/10 06:19:21PM
1,485 posts

Your favorite dulcimer case!


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

TK O'Brien padded gigbag. Cost: $34.95 Although the color is different, I believe the case at the bottom of this page from Prussia Valley Dulcimers-- where I've bought the 4 cases I own-- is the same case:
http://www.prussiavalley.com/TKOBrienMountainDulcimerCases.htm#TKO009

The O'Brien is a good bag for toting to festivals. If you want a great, highly-padded custom gigbag, I recommend one of Lee Felt's (Thistledew Acres) cases:
target="_blank"> http://dulcimerbaglady.com/
I own two of Lee's cases in which I carry my bowed dulcimers-- the bowed instruments being more fragile than my mountain dulcimers.

The TK O'Brien case is a Corolla--basic and relatively inexpensive-- and the Thistledew Acres case is a Land Cruiser. Lee Felt's cases are definitely worth the money should you want greater protection in a gig bag.
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
10/20/10 10:36:33AM
1,485 posts

***THREE CHEERS for Robin Thompson !!!***


OFF TOPIC discussions

I know, Bobby, it' hard to believe.
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
10/19/10 10:48:33PM
1,485 posts

***THREE CHEERS for Robin Thompson !!!***


OFF TOPIC discussions

Thanks, ladies! There have been few occasions in my life where I've been applauded for being chatty.
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
10/17/10 06:56:00PM
1,485 posts

***THREE CHEERS for Robin Thompson !!!***


OFF TOPIC discussions

Thank you, Sam, and I'm glad you're part of this great community!

Jane, I got such a kick out of your 2nd(?) post on ED. On what may have been your first posting you posed a question and I saw it, apparently, right after you wrote it and replied immediately. In turn, your quick response went something like, "Blimey, were you sat atop the computer?" LOL I responded that I was.

Friends, I'm going to risk sounding overly sentimental to say that you all have given me roses while I'm living, cheering me on. And if I could, I'd give each of you a hug.
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
10/17/10 11:01:41AM
1,485 posts

***THREE CHEERS for Robin Thompson !!!***


OFF TOPIC discussions

Congratulations to you & Jim, Dana! 34 years? I think it'll last. And I'll keep my eyes open for Mountain Lullaby. (Little Dulcimer Darlin' is wonderful!)John Henry-- 57 for you & Mrs. John Henry-- a belated congratulations! It'll be awhile before I even turn 57 so I know that's a good long time to be married.
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
10/16/10 08:25:26PM
1,485 posts

***THREE CHEERS for Robin Thompson !!!***


OFF TOPIC discussions

Dana, when you're as big a star as I am, you hire somebody to wheel around your head in a wheelbarrel! John H, one of Dana's originals would be a treasure.Though Strumelia and I may no longer be kids, we're tough dulcimer players-- slappin' and poundin' away. Again, thank you!
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
10/16/10 11:28:22AM
1,485 posts

***THREE CHEERS for Robin Thompson !!!***


OFF TOPIC discussions

Did I really say that ? LOL What I say and what I mean can sometimes be two different things.



Strumelia said:
Robin Thompson said:
PS-Strumelia, your percussive slaps inspired my fat felt pick pounding.

And where else but on FOTMD would one ever read a sentence like that, I ask you?
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
10/16/10 10:49:46AM
1,485 posts

***THREE CHEERS for Robin Thompson !!!***


OFF TOPIC discussions

Friends, your kind words are touching. You all have given me much, made my life so rich. . . There's just something about music and the friends I've met through music that's special.PS-John Henry, Bobby usually starts it !
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
10/16/10 12:00:08AM
1,485 posts

***THREE CHEERS for Robin Thompson !!!***


OFF TOPIC discussions

How lucky I feel to be a part of FOTMD and have you folks as friends! Not so many years ago, I never would've dreamed to have friends I've never met-- individuals for whom I hold great affection. You've been an encouragement to me in more ways than I can express.

And what a surprise-- a pleasant one, to be sure-- to come home after being away this evening and find this thread! Many thanks to you all.

Strumelia, you started FOTMD and it truly is a place for friends. And my brother Bobby.

PS-Strumelia, your percussive slaps inspired my fat felt pick pounding.
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
10/01/10 06:05:51PM
1,485 posts

"John the Balladeer" Stories


OFF TOPIC discussions

I never heard of John the Balladeer until your posting, Flint. Thanks for the link-- I've bookmarked it!
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
09/18/10 01:10:59AM
1,485 posts



Paul,Good-- no, great advice!Just to piggy-back on Paul's comments about listening; be diligent about learning to tune your dulcimer and listening for when it may be out of tune. Hearing when I'm out of tune is a skill I'm always working to hone. Paul Certo said:
Whatever playing style you choose, listen to as much music as you can. Dulcimer music,yes, but not exclusively. The type of music you want to play on your dulcimer is important, whether others play it on dulcimer or not. Listening is one of the most important things you can do to learn music. It let's your ears help teach your hands. No matter how many tabs, or books you use, your ears will tell you when you hit a wrong note. After you have trained them what the song is supposed to sound like. The mistakes you make in reading, your eyes may not catch,but if you've listened to the song repeatedly, your ears will catch those mistakes. Your ears have been in training since your Ma first sang to you as an infant. Every radio you ever heard, every commercial jingle, all have asserted themselves into your mind. And when someone whistles one of these pieces, you recognize it. So help your ears by listening to what you want to play. Then let your ears help your hands.
Paul
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson
09/16/10 11:25:40PM
1,485 posts



Jim H,Hi-- you've picked a wonderful instrument to take up!I can't say what would be easier because I've played with a noter since taking up the dulcimer; I like it and enjoy it. Thus, I would encourage any beginner to play with a noter (on the melody string only)-- stick with this for a few months, anyway, to get the hang of hearing/playing melodies-- then try other styles of play. After you've had a chance to feel your way around, so to speak, you can go with the method that brings you the greatest pleasure. (Basically, I just repeated what Paul said. )
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