Forum Activity for @susie

Thanks Ken. Going to put this on our list of places to visit in the motorhome. Looking forward to more pics and info on it. 

No, at 15 you're having fun!

Yes, High Spirits continues to sell, and their online store is well stocked. I still get their monthly newsletter....all appears normal. My last purchase from them was in February of this year.

Thanks for sharing. It's fun to see/hear what people have, whether it's one or many.

I don't feel so bad about my "collection " any more.

That sounds like a dangerous thing, to have a family owned music store. But, oh so much fun!

Welcome to the forum!

Nice...."at the moment"? Sounds like plans to expand. 😉 

Reminds me of of a joke.

A violinist changes their strings, while a fiddler changes their strangs!

Nice looking site, John!

If I had to pick just one, it would be my Folkcraft Custom with a butternut top and walnut back and sides. It has the fret layout I love, a 27" vsl, and a Fishman Prefix Pro Blend pickup with a built in preamp. It has other custom features like the dolphin sound holes and a maple dolphin inlay at the 5th fret and a galax back.  It's everything I would ever want and has a beautiful tone.

Welcome Rob! 

You're going to love your new McSpadden, a great choice!

We would love to see it a picture of it, after you get it.

Yes, Richard has been posting youtube videos of the prototypes. This is the latest video, being played by Bing.

Dusty is right, giving them a call is a good idea....it's what I did last year, when I ordered a music stand (it was taking longer than Steve stated and I was getting frustrated). I think, to continue, they need to figure out a better business plan, because communication is so important. Here's what he posted on Facebook in August:

MESSAGE from STEVE BINKLEY, 
THISTLEDEW ACRES (dulcimerbaglady.com):

I am writing this to let you know that Thistledew Acres 
aka dulcimerbaglady.com is alive and moving forward 
in this dulcimer world that we love.

There is no doubt that the ‘office’ side of the business 
including communications and filling orders in a timely 
manner is not what I want it to be at this time.  I sincerely
apologize for any frustration I have caused.

With the encouragement of some treasured music friends, 
plans are in the works for extra quality help on the office 
part of my business.  In moving forward, I will be able to 
spend my time in the wood shop and at the sewing machines.  
Making product is what I love!
Sincerely,
Steve

Ken thank you, it's nice to get such good, and consistent feedback. 

Now to see what their turnaround time is. I know they are staying busy.

Super, thanks Richard. Looks like it's a go!

Thanks Ken, nice recommendation....I appreciate it!

I am considering either a single or a double dulcimer bag from The Dulcimer Bag Lady, and just wondered if anyone here has one. I'd like a little feedback first. I have 3 of her (her family's business) music stands, which I love. Great quality and design. But I've never seen one of her dulcimer bags up close, so that's why I thought I'd ask here. Anyone care to share their thoughts?

https://www.dulcimerbaglady.com/bags.htm

I do know that her daughter and son-in-law have taken over the business.

This is my feeling as well. I play (or played) several fretted chromatic instruments. The dulcimer is unique in its diatonic tradition. I find it simple, yet challenging; which in turn provides a refreshing approach to my music. 

That said, I respect others who have personal and valid reasons for choosing to play a chromatic dulcimer.

@DaveBerry, beautiful music, talented artists, and awesome video. Thanks for sharing!

Thank you for that explanation. I see that on the HS website. I understand and agree with the distinction.  That said, I think in causal conversation, when we speak of our flutes, there's no harm in calling the HS flutes, Native American Flutes. I know I do. I'm thankful for such builders who are responsible and respectful and build quality flutes. In doing so, they are still honoring the Native Americans, the instrument, and the music.

Thanks again!

I just love that. I was raised playing sports; competing; excelling; career, etc. I reached a point where I got tired of it and just wanted to enjoy doing what I loved to do, one of which was music (since 1973). Now retired, it's a nice place to be in life, with my husband, family, and doggos. 

I picked up another flute from High Spirits. I've been wanting one of their ebonized walnut flutes, so when I found a generous coupon code, I just had to get it. The turquoise cabochons really look nice too. Crow flute in the key of A. It has a beautiful, warm tone. I also picked up a second Spirit Flute earlier this year. I'm at 5 now, I think that's enough.

I was going to say the same thing, Ken...

Mine, mine, all mine!

You are right, I spoke with him last summer to place an order through his store and he was so pleasant and kind. It was his nature. Similar to my dad, fighting a battle, but strong!

Enjoy that special dulcimer! 

Like Robin, I knew of his health issues. Gary was such a pleasant person, whether seeing him at festivals or conducting business with him through his store. I'm sad to hear of his passing. We lost another great one.

Total agreement that David has recognized this is what he needs. I commend him on his decision and wish him nothing but a bright future.

Thank you for sharing, what a great program. 

https://troublesomecreekguitars.com/

Well said, Sam. 

This is my approach to music and all my instruments.  Explore and play for yourself and don't try to fit inside a box created by others. 

ErthLing, have fun!

Welcome Mivo. You have a beautiful McSpadden and it sounds like you are well on your way. I agree to take the time to find your style. There are many paths to follow; all are good. 

Regarding fingerpicking vs flatpicking, I have a similar background.  I've been fingerpicking guitar since 1973, and also fingerpick banjo, both with fingerpicks. However, I've chosen to follow the chord-melody route on dulcimer, with a flatpick. I am enjoying  that, despite my fingerpicking experience.  It's all about you and your own choices.  

Milo and Frankie are real cuties!

Daffer and Annabell....gotta love the goats!

Brilliant!

Neat, congrats! Would love to see pics when you have time.

"Always the best hello, but also the hardest goodbye" ... says it well.

We lost our beautiful Cody on January 5, 2022, just before his 14th birthday. 

A sensitive, loving, and funny boy. 

As you all know, losing a pet is very difficult. They live on in our hearts. We got this canvas print, which was so appropriate for him.

He IS handsome!

As Dusty said, this is a common solution. When I first started playing dulcimer, I took this approach. It worked well. The warnings given already about not storing the material against the wood of the dulcimer are valid. Eventually, I did move on to using straps, which works better for me now. Don't rule them out, maybe it's something that will work for you later. If not, using the non-slip liner is just fine. Another case for straps is at festivals when people are moving around you. A strap helps secure your dulcimer in the event of an accidental hit. 

Such a cutie!

Welcome to the forum! Thanks for sharing your dulcimer collection!

Awesome!

Thanks Ken! It does sound really nice. BTW, it's only #7, I surely don't expect a #8.