I am LOVING this site. I've played the dulcimer for maybe 30 years....and not only do I learn lots more here, but feel good about my still loving playing in Daa. and with my little stick and pick. As i read all this, can recall doing these things to other dulcimers that have lately come into my hands. wonderful advice....THANKS LOADS.
Wood is still living. You'd never leave your baby or pet animal in the car all day....so the same goes for your dulcimers. I suggest you get an exception to bring it into your work place. they could use a few tunes at lunch, I'd say!! Nothing wrong with asking.
Dusty, and Mary, VERY THOUGHTFUL POSTS.....THANK YOU MUCHLY. Yes, I have a very talented brother that when he saw my first 4 string banjo, he had to make one too, he turned the bowl on his lathe. When we were in College together, we did the folk songs so differently...like you and your mom...but still when we do get together, we sing and play whatever is handy. ahhhhhhh, love all music and the interpretations thereof. and singing with MEANING....to reach the deeper part of the "inside orchestras" that are within us all. aloha, irene
woah, I love this thread.....thank you so much for writing so much of what I've loved through the years. Years ago I got into playing M.D.(no one played that in Hawaii 35 years ago) and then when we were having our last of 14 children....I joined an early early music group at U. of Hawaii. love all the odd rhythms and learned other instruments during those 5 years and recorders and etc. and yes, Joan Baez and others, LOVED THEIR STUFF. (yep, gives the age away, I'm 75) I'm happy to say still building dulcimers, bowed psalteries and harps and whatever I'm in the mood to do. when I learn how to post photos on here, I'll post some. Thank you all the Lisa's out there for taking this site on and commenting on it. I used to go to a lot of harp conventions, but since we've moved to Illinois, not been to one convention as I sold my fav. car of all time, 1988 VW CAMPER. I loved the folks I met at these conventions. Now we live in Nauvoo, Illinois and so I'm looking for a FORD TRANSIT MINI CARGO VAN so I can make a place for us to sleep and go to s a few gatherings around here. Folk music is FOLK MUSIC because so many different FOLK play it differently. I also want to thank so many folks on posting their photos of their instruments....I've gotten so many ideas & put some of those on my lastest M.D........yeahsville. love the musical selection up here. I'll see if I can get that album. aloha, irene
Personally, I really enjoy just playing the dulcimer ON THE LITTLE T.V. TABLE with my little 4 feet on the bottom of the dulcimer. In the early books on dulcimers, Jean Ritchie has many photos of folks playing them on tables....but mostly she played her on her lap. Makes more sound on the little table...looks ready to play all the time sitting on my little table. yeah, and I play it often. While I'm in the shop working as I am today, I'm thinking what songs I'm going to play on my dulcimer when I get back in the house. ha. (How can I keep from singing) in the tune that's going on in my head today.
yep, I've got two "rescued" dulcimers that I've found and fixing the seconed one up now. Loved the little feet on them, GREAT SOUND....I've made 18 dulcimers and so this last one I put little knobs on the back....great sound again. If I knew how to put photos on here, I'd post 'em. I'll learn. ha. as I've got photos I want to put up. I've learned so much from this site. I mostly make harps and bowed psalteries...but play these with my husband that plays autoharp and guitar. Pictures coming when I can figure it out. Thanks so much for responding. I like the folding table you have. aloha, irene
I have found for years just using a cheap $8.00 or so T.V. tray.....then I got a black (good grief plastic) bigger adjustable one that is larger to accomadate a "found dulcimer" at an antique store....that had 4 little wood pegs on it. wayyyyyyyyyyy more sound and easy. I think I got that for $13.00 at Walmart. I keep these at various kids houses as i take my dulcimer and play for the families that I visit. Truely, the old style had 4 little pegs or something to set these on tables. you can get a cute little table and cut the legs off and be comfortable playing your dulcimer at home and with others. playing them on the lap really does dull the sound. That's why you see soooooooo many various ways of making them louder....love looking at all the photos on this site. THIS IS A FANTASTIC SITE....glad to learn one more thing about "possum boards".
woah, I live on Sycamore Haven Drive in Nauvoo, Illionis and there are soooooooooooo many Sycamore trees here. hummmmmmmmmmm. I'll be learning more about that wood FOR SURE. thanks for the photos.
