Thanks for the replies. I think I like his idea that I saw posted about his leather strap that goes around the leg area instead of the normal strap around the back. His idea looked pretty good. I'll have to look up some leather worker I guess in my area. Haven't seen one for awhile though.
Forum Activity for @patriotic
New Pledger Dulcimer
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
Sound like a great looking Dulcimer. Got any pictures to post?
Opinion on the best beginner books to start with
Dulcimer Resources:TABS/Books/websites/DVDs
Just a follow up for those that responded on this forum to me. I purchased off Amazon "You can teach yourself Dulcmer" by Madeline MacNeil and just don't like it. To me isn't really beginner friendly and I just don't like it. I sent my check off today to Anne Lough for her book like John has suggested and will try that. I've decided that I'm not going noter style, but like to "walk my fingers" so probably will concentrate on that method. From various Internet sites and Strumelia's videos I've been working on strumming techniques and a tune or two to work in some finger exercises. I've also read all the material suggested here and downloaded the PDF's which were very helpful. Thanks everyone for all your help with this!
Opinion on the best beginner books to start with
Dulcimer Resources:TABS/Books/websites/DVDs
John I found the book at Anne Lough's book on I guess her web site. Looks like I can order from her direct and will do so. Ken I've read your paper/book and it was very informative and a great thing for a new person to read for sure. Rob my musical background is that I love music. ha ha. Actually my father played guitar and Hammond Organ and my brother has played guitar since he was 12 in the early 50's. He's played all kinds of music but now mostly jazz and still plays professionally a couple times a week. I took organ lessons for awhile when I was 18, a long long time ago but the music school I was going to kept changing teachers on me and of course each teacher always wanted you to forget what the other teacher told you to learn his or her way. Got frustrated and Quit. My music taste is vast from oldies 60/s 70's to 1920's music, some 40's and some jazz. I also listen to some country. I listen to what I'm in the mood for. I have a place I go to in the mountains of Georgia and often over the years have visited the Bryson City NC area of the Blue Ridge. Love those mountains! I contacted a local Dulcimer group in the next city over and was advised that they tune in DAA and the coordinator suggested TK O'Briens Guide to playing Mountain Dulcimer, Fun with the Dulcimer and You can teach yourself Dulcimer by Madeline MacNeil. She also suggested "The Dulcimer book" by Jean Ritchie. At this point I'm sure not going to buy all of them, but I did order You can teach yourself Dulcimer by Madeline Macneil so far. Haven't got it yet but it should be here this week. Will probably also order what John suggested the Anne Lough's book too and see if I can get started with these first. I really appreciate all the help.
Mike
Opinion on the best beginner books to start with
Dulcimer Resources:TABS/Books/websites/DVDs
Thank you all for your reply. I too read Strumelia's blog and I think I've watched all her videos as well as many others on You Tube. I will also check out the books mentioned.
Opinion on the best beginner books to start with
Dulcimer Resources:TABS/Books/websites/DVDs
I just was given a Dulcimer last week. It came with no books. Over the weekend I've been watching videos on You Tube and would like everyone's opinion on the best or must have books to get me started playing this thing. I know that many of you started with all types of books, but if you had to start with one or two which one would you pick? Also has anyone started with Steven Siefert's "Dulcimer School" online and what were your experiences with that. There is a local Dulcimer club in the nearby town, but I will not be able to get over to their sessions until August probably. Would like to get started on something before then.
updated by @patriotic: 02/19/20 10:58:22AM