Forum Activity for @susie

gig bag for bicycle?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Mandy, why wouldn't a typical gigbag work, like Ken suggested? I have two different gigbags, one is a McSpadden and the other is a bit larger for my FolkRoots dulcimer (it's not a Folkcraft brand, its universal). Both have backpack straps which are adjustable. You can put it over both shoulders alowing the dulcimer to be positioned vertically on the center of your back. They are very comfortable. The bags are nicely padded, too, to allow for decent protection of your dulcimer. For your purpose (riding on a bike), I really think it would work great. I'm a long distance bike rider, so I know the position you'd be in. Knowing how these gigbags work and feel, I think you should give it a try.

Rick is the only maker that I know of that makes the D psalteries. All the makers usually make chromatic versions...which have pegs/strings on both sides. The one side are your natural notes, like the white keys of a piano and the other side are your sharps/flats, like the black keys of a piano. The D psaltery would be very easy to learn, but limited to playing in the key of D. My chromatic, from Unicorn Strings is nice in that it comes with clear plastic note guides that show the note of each string. It really helps learning, put you have to know how to read music. They can be removed later on as you get better or you can leave them on, as they are not obtrusive. I love the idea of its being chromatic, so I can play in any key.

Rick makes fine psalteries. I have a Unicorn Strings 2.5 octave chromatic psaltery. They are fun to play, sound beautiful and accompany the dulcimer nicely. They are great portable instruments. Good luck in selling your dulcimer.

updated by @susie: 02/16/16 12:29:22AM

Barbara, that is cool! Thanks for sharing it.

Folkfan, love your courting dulcimer, how does it sound? It's on the order of the Sweetwoods Travel Dulcimer.

The only one I can share is a picture of a dulcimer where the sound holes are actually natural holes in the wood. Not real unusual to some, but it isvery neat.

Kantele: How Difficult to Learn - How Do You Play It?

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

Thank you, Macy Jayne. Looks like you are well on your way with your Kantele. You did a beautiful job on the instrument and learning the song. I also appreciated the link to the video where you bought yours.

Thank you, Barbara, for alerting Macy Jayne to this post.

I'd love to get additional feedback from others out there. It's a pretty sounding instrument and it's not common. That's what makes it interesting.

Kantele: How Difficult to Learn - How Do You Play It?

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

I appreciated your suggestion about Ken's video. You didn't know if I saw it yet or not. Maybe Macy Jane will post...I don't know her. Thanks for the post.

Barbara P said:

Sorry I couldn't be of any help frets alot.

Kantele: How Difficult to Learn - How Do You Play It?

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

Barbara, Yes , I did see Ken's video. But he didn't talk much about some of the things I was interested in or actually play songs on it. So, that's why I thought I'd see if I could get more information here.
Barbara P said

Have you seen this video on Youtube? I think Ken Bloom gives a nice overview of the instrument:

You can also ask Macy Jane who just built one. She's a member here and I am sure she could answer some questions.

Kantele: How Difficult to Learn - How Do You Play It?

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

I'm taking a guess that some of you dulcimer playershave alsodabbled with the Kantele. If so, does anyone want to answer a fewquestions and/or share their thoughts/experiences....

How difficult is it to learn?

How do you play it?

How many strings do you recommend?

Just curious for some input. Thanks.

updated by @susie: 10/27/19 12:02:25PM

Tuner Displaying Octave?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

My music store has the new Snark on sale for $14.95 http://elderly.com/search/elderly?terms=snark-sn8&x=0&y=0

Tuner Displaying Octave?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I have the Snark AIT and love it. Actually have more than 1.

Tuner Displaying Octave?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

It's my only guess. Maybe it wasn't what you were thinking of. Yes, $69 is a bit steep. I bet there's a better option out there somewhere for you Ken.

Tuner Displaying Octave?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Was this it?

http://www.amazon.com/Korg-OT-120-Octave-Chromatic-Orchestral/dp/B000GFCYPS

Barbara, I have 2 dulcimers, both have the same fret configuration, with the 1+, but each has its unique voice. I love playing dulcimer, but I also play many other fretted instruments. Guitar was and is still my first love. so, I have to spread out my $$$ to all my instruments. I currently have 13 instruments. Barbara, btw, I bought a custom Deluxe Olympia Walkabout Dulcimer about a year ago and absolutely love it. If you search YouTube for Curtis Walkabout Dulcimer, you'll see it. Kevin (the builder) did a video of my instrument before shipping it out to me. He also sends you progress pictures of the build process. You should consider one. Being a guitar player, I love the guitar-style orientation of the Walkabout. I also love the challenge of playing dulcimer tab inverted.

I also agree with Marc and recommend MusEdit. I use it for all my SMN and dulcimer tab. Its learning curve probably isn't any different than other software. You can use MusEdit for basic SMN or tab, or you can use the software to its fullest extent and really make it look extremely professional. I learn something new with the software each time I use it. I've really gotten into writing my own tab from existing songs (I play chord/melody style) and am having alot of fun doing it, thanks to this software. I've always gotten good feedback when contacting Doug. I haven't had to contact him for awhile, though. I think my work looks pretty sharp thanks to this software (it actually looks better than some tab that I get at dulcimer festivals ). Oh, you can also change the tab options for writing tab for different fret configurations....for example, if you have a 1+ fret.

The New Folkcraft Travel Dulcimer

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

The T-shirts are nice.

The New Folkcraft Travel Dulcimer

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

I didn't realize they were doing it either, until I got the instrument, and the instructions letter said that they were doing T's as a "thank you". I'll take it....it's a nice thing to do on their part.

John Keane said:

So...I guess you realize that I didn't know that I was passing on a free shirt...

Susie said:

Oh....and I'm getting a free T for auditioning one. Since I already own a FolkRoots dulcimer, it will be nice to have.

The New Folkcraft Travel Dulcimer

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

Oh....and I'm getting a free T for auditioning one. Since I already own a FolkRoots dulcimer, it will be nice to have.

The New Folkcraft Travel Dulcimer

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

Surprise, surprise......I got notified by Folkcraft and got the FolkRoots Travel dulcimer on Friday to try out for a few days. My sister also got one. I'll be giving them my feedback...mostly good, but a couple suggestions. Nice that Richard followed through with the auditions. Neat little dulcimer...nicely made. I'll be sending it back, though, because I have another dulcimer on order.

The New Folkcraft Travel Dulcimer

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

I wondered the same thing, Dusty. Oh well, if they still want to send me one, I'd love to try before I buy, if I end up liking it. Sounds like that's still Richard's intention. Maybe they feel they owe it to those of us who signed up. Richard took a couple to a show/festival in Feb. and had good response. He sold those too.

Dusty Turtle said:

I stopped waiting. I just figure maybe someday I'll hear from Richard that they're ready. But until then, I'm not holding my breath. I also thought we were supposed to be the beta testers before they sold the model, but they're already selling the model! I don't really understand why they need testers anymore.

The New Folkcraft Travel Dulcimer

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

I talked to Richard about a week ago and heard the same thing, John. However, I've been hearing that they are "almost ready" for a few months now. I know they are really busy at Folkcraft, and regular orders take precedent. I'm with the rest of you....I'm really anxious to try the new dulcimer out, but I've kind of tried to crank up my "patience" meter a bit. They've been selling them too, which I'm sure is having an effect on the number of dulcimers that they can get ready to send out to us. My music store has 2 on order. So, maybe I'll end up trying one at the store before I get one sent to my house. I'm glad that Folkcraft is real busy, though...shows business is going well for them.

The New Folkcraft Travel Dulcimer

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

So, has anyone out there in FOTMD-land purchased one of these little guys yet? Any feedback for those of us who are anxiously waiting to try one out?

The New Folkcraft Travel Dulcimer

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

Last I heard, they were trying to fill orders for "regular" dulcimers. I talked to Richard, and he said that they've been swamped, and these orders take priority (understandably). They get to the travel dulcimers when they get the time. It also sounds like they will have a group of "trial" dulcimers that they'll send out, then get back, then send out again to the next group of auditioners. So, I kind of got the impression and there will be waves of trials, instead of a one-to-one ratio of trial instruments to auditioners. I'm just saying what I've heard, and its not necessarily gospel. I'm anxious to try it out, maybe early next year we'll get that chance.

The New Folkcraft Travel Dulcimer

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

The New Folkcraft Travel Dulcimer

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

Ken,

After seeing your reply, and that you are #59 on their list, I got real curious as to where I am on "the list". I just talked to Richard and I'm #27. Sounds like they are just so swamped with orders, they've gotten behind on this travel dulcimer project. But, that's a good thing for them.

The New Folkcraft Travel Dulcimer

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

Thanks Ken. That helps alot!

Ken Hulme said:

Frets4Fun -- it's Real Soon Now! Expect yours when you get an email from Folkcraft and the FedX guy shows up at your door.

Last I heard from Richard they were still finishing the instruments and in fact had to make a second batch of trial instruments. Some of those testing the 1+/8+ fret versions will have to wait longer -- for the second batch. Those testing the modern 6+/13+ versions may get theirs sooner as there are fewer of us and they have enough instruments in the pipeline. On Nov 15th he told me "mid-to-late December". I am #59 on the list of testers. He also said:

" I'll email once an instrument is ready for you (it seems that most folks are taking the instrument with

the 1 1/2 and 8 1/2, so yours might be sooner rather than later - we made up a number of each,

but demand is higher than anticipated for the current "modern" extra frets

(as opposed to the 20-30 years less-modern extra frets of 6 1/2 and 13 1/2)."

The New Folkcraft Travel Dulcimer

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

So, has anyone got the "official" word of when we'll be contacted and the dulcimers will get sent out to us? I'm reading conflicting claims (mid-Dec., end of Dec., etc.). Just curious.

The New Folkcraft Travel Dulcimer

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

I sure would like to visit Dulcimerville one of these years. What did you think of it?

John Keane said:

Sounds like a plan. I really liked the Folkcraft instruments that I tried at Dulcimerville last summer, so I'm looking very forward to this!

frets4fun said:

John, maybe those of us here can compare notes on this forum. This summer I purchased a FolkRoots butternut/walnut dulcimer and absolutely love it. I'm really enjoying the 1+ fret. The folks at Folkcraftdo great work. Should be fun.

The New Folkcraft Travel Dulcimer

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

John, maybe those of us here can compare notes on this forum. This summer I purchased a FolkRoots butternut/walnut dulcimer and absolutely love it. I'm really enjoying the 1+ fret. The folks at Folkcraftdo great work. Should be fun.

The New Folkcraft Travel Dulcimer

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

I signed up to audition one of these Folkroots Travel Dulcimer reissues. I'll probably go with the standard-plus with the 1+ and 8+ frets. I'm really excited to see it and try it out, but it's beena longer wait than expected. From the ED website, sounds like there were several reasons for the delay.

Reviving an old topic here. Like I needed another instrument to dive into, I picked up a tenor uke last Saturday. In the first week, I've really gotten to know it. My first love is guitar, and that's helping immensely. It's a fun little instrument. The dulcimer festivals that I attend have uke jams and workshops. I'm looking forward to attending those with my own instrument. I joined a uke forum wich is as much fun as the instrument itself. To quote a member of that forum, "I uke, therefore I laugh". I agree with everything Dennis said in his original post about the uke.

To put it simply.....personal preference.....no right or wrong here.

Respect everyone's choices when it comes to fret markers....either way.

I play many different types of fretted instruments and have seen all sorts of things on fretboards. You have to do what's right for you, and just play!

Dusty, yes, please post some pictures. Sure it will be for your daughter

I'm looking forward to seeing the dolphin sound holes on a Beede.

Thanks, so do I

Leila Maier said:

I like it!!

Here's a picture of my FolkRoots with dolphin tone holes. My dolphimer!

Robin Thompson said:

Hey, frets4fun-- feel free to share pictures when you get the dolphimer! :)

I ordered a custom FolkRoots with dolphin tone holes. Should look great (haven't received it yet) and be alot of fun. It will be my dolphimer!

Favorite accessories to go with MD

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

My favorite accessory isn't really an accessory, but it's something I'm proud of. My husband built me a solid oak cabinet for all my instruments. I prefer to keep them in their cases and that is how they fit in the cabinet. He also built me a mini-cabinet that fits in our motor home closet. I call this my "entertainment center". I love my hubby.