Forum Activity for @susie
Cigar Box Guitars
Adventures with 'other' instruments...
Phroedrick:
That is really neat!
Okay, I admit I have a love affair with making cigar box guitars and, especially, cigar box ukuleles. I make them and usually give them away to kids in the family or someone with an interest in learning music and not enough coin for a basic instrument. I’m including a picture of a recent uke. It’s my favorite so far, and is concert length.
updated by @susie: 07/05/19 01:41:46PM
Old Photos
OFF TOPIC discussions
Salt Springs:
Put it this way, I'm no Charlie Daniels on the fiddle.
Susie: My relatives at a wedding in Northern Michigan in the 40's. My grandpa is holding the fiddle, which I now own and play. I never got to meet him, he died before I was born, in 1959. My great grandfather is next to him.
Good photo, let's hear that fiddle.............
Old Photos
OFF TOPIC discussions
My relatives at a wedding in Northern Michigan in the 40's. My grandpa is holding the fiddle, which I now own and play. I never got to meet him, he died before I was born, in 1959. My great grandfather is next to him.
New Bowed Psaltery Day
Adventures with 'other' instruments...
Strumelia:
I agree, Lisa. I was so happy to see he's still making them. I got a walnut one too. I may pick up another, because his are the best bows out there, IMHO.
Rick Long makes the most elegant psaltery bows! I still have two beautiful walnut bows he made for me years ago when I had a redwood psaltery of his.
New Bowed Psaltery Day
Adventures with 'other' instruments...
hugssandi:
Haha! Thank you for your kind words. Since purchasing it, I got a second bow for it. I got a synthetic hair bow from Rick Long. Nice! I wanted a bow that I could leave in the case. The Psaltery came with a real horseshair bow, but you shouldn't leave those in the case, because of the little buggers that eat the hair. So, I have that one sitting out, to prevent that from happening.
Just came by to drool over it again. ~sigh~ Methinks I'm jealous! 
Show Us Your Pets!
OFF TOPIC discussions
Paul Rappell:
So sorry to hear that Paul. We understand how hard it is to lose a pet. Take care.
Sad news. The other Tuesday (4 June) we had our Sheltie, Angus, put down.
New Bowed Psaltery Day
Adventures with 'other' instruments...
Thanks, Bill! I love the sound hole rosettes that he makes.
hugssandi:
GORGEOUS!!!! Want one!!!
I shopped around a long time and settled on Jerry's, because it starts on middle C as the low note. Plus, the quality (his experience in building psalteries), the beauty (each one is unique), and the reasonable price. I have no regrets.
New Bowed Psaltery Day
Adventures with 'other' instruments...
Thank you Robin and Steven. I really appreciate you taking the time to take a look.
updated by @susie: 06/14/19 05:42:29AM
New Bowed Psaltery Day
Adventures with 'other' instruments...
New bowed psaltery day!
It's a Jerry Read Smith (Song of the Wood), 2 1/2 octave (33 string) psaltery.
The top is Bolivian Rosewood, with Ziricote binding. The back is Cherry, with my very own, unique worm hole. 
I love it, is sounds as beautiful as it looks. Jerry does great work and Heather (in the office) is wonderful to work with.
updated by @susie: 10/27/19 12:02:25PM
Choose just ONE song for all eternity...
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Leaving Lismore for me.
Folkcraft FSH or CSH Measurement Help
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
Thanks Greg, that information was exactly what I was hoping to get. I really appreciate it. I have a Craggy Mtn case for my FolkRoots baritone, so I am familiar with them, so it looks like getting another for this FSH or CSH will do the trick.
Richard, yes I agree, Richard Ash is wonderful to work with. In addition to the FolkRoots baritone, I also have a Folkcraft Custom....I just thought I could get a quick response here without bothering him. But, I appreciate your reply too.
Folkcraft FSH or CSH Measurement Help
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
I'm thinking of ordering a Folkcraft FSH or CSH in all hickory. I have a spare McSpadden case that I would like to use (I like the cases with the side walls better than the envelope style that comes with these Folkcraft models), but I need to know the overall length of either of these models (which have identical measurements) with a flat head. Can anyone provide that to me? I know the width measurements, that's no problem.
I would appreciate it, thanks!
Ducimer comission
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
That is beautiful! Two of my current dulcimers are custom.....one by Doug Berch (sassafras/walnut) and one by Folkcraft (butternut/walnut). The wait is agonizing, but well worth it! Looking forward to seeing yours completed. Who is building it?
updated by @susie: 04/29/19 09:19:04PM
Dulcimer-Guitar Style Options?
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
I had the Olympia Walkabout Dulcimer for quite a few years, until I sold it to fund another instrument. Kevin Jones is great to work with and will build it to your specs. They are a little more, but you are getting a classy instrument that isn't tinny or toy-like. 3 2-course sets of strings, makes a beautiful, full sound.
https://olympiadulcimercompany.com/products/
In fact, here is a video of MY specific Olympia.
updated by @susie: 04/16/19 05:55:03AM
Tiny mahogany dulcimer thingy just made
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
I love it John! Let us know when they are available for sale. 
updated by @susie: 03/24/19 08:57:40AM
New player / New purchase / Wellborn dulcimer
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Looks really nice, congrats!
Oddball double fretboard dulcimer
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
Was that purchased locally in the U.P.?
Very interesting and unique.
Introduce Yourself!
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Hi Lisa, I'm in Gaylord. If you ever have the time, you should consider attending the Evart Dulcimer Fest (ODPC Funfest) in July. It is full of workshops for all levels and all instruments. I offered to meet another new player there many years ago, to help her along, and now we are great friends. If you choose to go, my sister and I will be there this year. BTW, I'm about your age, I'm 55. I play many instruments, including the Native American Flute. There are usually several workshops for NAF at Evart too. If you have questions, feel free to PM me.
updated by @susie: 01/04/19 09:11:45AM
Show Us Your Pets!
OFF TOPIC discussions
She's cute! When I was just out of college, there was a tiny fawn that was in the same situation, right down the street from where we now live. They had the permits to take it in and care for it. So, I got to bottle feed her. Her name was Angel.
Show Us Your Pets!
OFF TOPIC discussions
Strumelia:
Yes, you are right. We love doing it for them, because when they run and chase each other through the maze, it's quite entertaining for us.
Wow @susie , those dogs are livin' the life !
Show Us Your Pets!
OFF TOPIC discussions
We get a lot of snow in Northern Michigan. So, our dogs get a custom race track (maze) out back each year.
I
updated by @susie: 12/11/18 07:38:14AM
Bowed Psalteries
Adventures with 'other' instruments...
black-dog-bess, making my own note guides like the Unicorn Strings note guides is something I've considered. I will probably do that, making the letters with my P-touch label maker. I also thought of using a plastic sheet (clear report cover) as the base for the note letters. I have learned/played so many instruments in my 45 years of playing music. So learning the note placement on a Psaltery is definitely doable. However, at this point in my life, I see the note guides as a quick way to play songs and enjoy the instrument (which is what I was doing, until I sold it). By playing, the learning will happen. Thanks for your post, it is consistent with my thinking. Then, the suggestions of the others posters here can also be done.
Bowed Psalteries
Adventures with 'other' instruments...
Thanks for the responses and ideas, I appreciate it. Love hearing about others' instruments too. There are many options out there for makers. I contacted Master Works and found out a little more about wood choices with theirs. Decisions! 
Bowed Psalteries
Adventures with 'other' instruments...
I found an old discussion about bowed psalteries, but thought I'd start a new (current) one. I owned a psaltery a few years ago and really enjoyed it. I ended up selling it as I got into other instruments. Now I'm jonesing for another. I know there's a forum specific to psalteries, but I wanted to stick around here for this discussion.
I'm leaning towards a Master Works 30 string psaltery. My sister had one and I liked everything about it. My previous one was a Unicorn Strings. It was real nice and sounded good. I liked their plastic note guides for learning. I wish I still had those, because they were handy. Has anyone ever made their own note guides to help learning the note placement? I read music, so that really helps in learning. We travel a lot in our motor home, so the size of the instrument makes it handy for traveling. Plus, some dulcimer festivals also have psaltery workshops that can be fun.
Any dulcimer players out there who also play a psaltery?
Any discussion on the topic you'd care to share?
Looking for a 1.5 fret chords diagram
Playing and jamming difficulties...HELP ME!
Happy to help! Glad to hear my 1.5 fret chord chart was what you were looking for. You're gonna love that extra fret.
Looking for a 1.5 fret chords diagram
Playing and jamming difficulties...HELP ME!
I have put together a 1.5 fret chord chart (the various fingerings for the 1.5 fret chords). If you pm me your email address, I would be happy to email it to you.
NDD - McSpadden 26 vsl (thumbs up)
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
Now that I've learned how to embed a pic into my post (thank you Strumelia), and I didn't post a pic of my new McSpadden earlier, here you go! Still lovin' it!
updated by @susie: 11/23/18 04:39:01PM
Dusty Turtle:
I have several wonderful dulcimers, and they serve different purposes. A tune that shines on one does not necessarily work so well on another. However, at any given time I usually consider one of them my "numero uno." Right now that would be my cherry/redwood McCafferty with a 25" VSL. It works equally well for fingerpicking and flatpicking. But ask me in a few months and my answer will be different.
Playing only one dulcimer is like drinking only one kind of wine.
Dusty,
I need another dulcimer/instrument, like I need a hole in my head. That said (haha), I've told myself, if I were to get one, it would be a McCafferty. I'm happy to see your response, that that would be your choice. Can you post a pic of yours? He makes beautiful dulcimers!
There's no way I can choose one. I have to choose two. My Doug Berch is my go to dulcimer for plugging in, and my Folkcraft Custom with a galax back is my go to dulcimer for when I'm unplugged (generally speaking). It's like having to choose your favorite child. 
updated by @susie: 11/18/18 10:55:06AM
Cozy Playing Corners
OFF TOPIC discussions
I'm on an Android tablet and can see all the photos and attachments just fine. Must be different when you're on a PC.
Cozy Playing Corners
OFF TOPIC discussions
Janene Millen:
Was finally able to see your photos Susie...in my Paint program. You are AMAZINGLY neat and organized...and anyone would be proud to have you own one of their instruments...they look so well cared for! OMG, I'm sure your pets feel the same way. You are an inspiration :-) !!!
Thank you! Your cozy corner is very pretty! It's inspiring to have these places where we can sit and play.
Cozy Playing Corners
OFF TOPIC discussions
I have a dedicated music room on our second floor. I surround myself with everything music, past and present. My memories from 6 years of band are on the wall and I have a picture of my grandfather with his fiddle that I now own and play. My current collection of instruments is always close at hand. The oak cabinets were made by my husband and me. I have two dog beds for my fur-babies. There are two Pick-n-Glider chairs for playing by myself or with friends and a love seat for those who come to listen.
Introduce Yourself!
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Welcome @fredr, you will enjoy this forum.
Native American Flutes
Adventures with 'other' instruments...
PapaSims:
Nice looking flutes!
Here is my collection so far. HighSpirits, Erik the Flutemaker, Stellar kit and recently purchased from Joe Loftin.