Forum Activity for @susie

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...

Nice looking flutes!

Jack, nicely done! I also did a easy conversion from a guitar stand, for a single dulcimer.

Wind Instruments????

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

All 7 of my NAF's are High Spirits. Very good intonation, beautifully made and reasonably priced. I've been real happy with them. There are other good flutes out there too, but others would have to chime in about them.

Wind Instruments????

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

I started with flute in 5th grade, then switched to alto saxophone in 7th grade. Since then, I've played around with several recorders and the tin whistle. But for the last couple of years I've gotten into playing Native American Flute.

Introduce Yourself!

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Welcome John! That Kinniard dulcimer is beautiful and quite the find. Guitar is my first instrument, since 1973. I'm well aware of Kinniard guitars.....works of art and beautiful voices. I bet that dulcimer is truly special.

I lead a non-creative life....mine are all referred to by the builder. 

updated by @susie: 07/24/18 02:29:20PM

Choose just ONE song for all eternity...

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

"Wild Mountain Thyme"

Show Us Your Pets!

OFF TOPIC discussions

Must be the way she is laying that makes her look like a larger cat. She is a beauty!

Show Us Your Pets!

OFF TOPIC discussions

She looks like a good sized cat....how much does she weigh? Very pretty!

updated by @susie: 07/07/18 09:24:57PM

fret markers.

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Looks great!

fret markers.

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

You'll like those!

fret markers.

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I won't discourage you from getting fret markers, that is your personal choice to make. To answer your original question, I too have used Inlay Stickers on other instruments. They are very thin (your fingers won't notice them), easy to apply, stay put, look real nice, and can be removed without sticky residue or harm to the instrument. If you go the route of fret markers, I would recommend  http://inlaystickers.com. Lots of neat choices too!

updated by @susie: 06/17/18 06:55:08AM

They did a nice job, it's cute! 

updated by @susie: 06/10/18 10:34:15AM

I'm more of a dog person, but those cats are well done. I can see how you'd love 'em. Is that a Folkcraft?

Favorite chair/seat for playing?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Thank you Jan, they are very comfy!

They fit me perfectly, but I am tall (5'9").

 

 

Nice!!!!

updated by @susie: 06/08/18 09:56:36AM

Favorite chair/seat for playing?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

My two Pickin' Gliders in my music room. Dulcimer playin', bluegrass guitar jammin', and Native American flutin'. Comfy and with the gliding, I can move to the music. My music buddies love them too.

Call 'em Ukes, Ukuleles, but never Ukeleles!

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

Your post was worth while. Ukes are fun and there's a lot of love for them. Others might find interest in the Ukulele Underground forum too.

updated by @susie: 06/02/18 12:01:39PM

Call 'em Ukes, Ukuleles, but never Ukeleles!

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

Glad you finally made it in to UU! I've been a member there for quite a few years. It's actually a fun and friendly site. But yes, it's ukulele!

The funny story I have is about a friend of mine who is a mandolin player, of professional level. He is awesome. I was playing bluegrass with him at a neighborhood get-together (me on guitar) and a young boy commented on his instrument. He said it sounded like a ukulele. Boy, if looks could kill. So NEVER tell a mandolin player his instrument sounds like a ukulele!

How does your pet react to your Dulcimer playing?

OFF TOPIC discussions

Precious! 

McSpadden Baritone Dulcimers

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

My baritone isn't a McSpadden, but I just wanted to mention that baritones (with a quality build, like McSpadden and Folkcraft) have a beautiful voice. I really enjoy playing my songs with the baritone to give a while new sound. I'm betting you'd love a McSpadden baritone.

NDD - McSpadden 26 vsl (thumbs up)

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

I agree, I've had quite a few dulcimers from other builders who missed the mark on intonation. They needed to go to new homes. I'm very particular about the tone and intonation of an instrument. I have 4 dulcimers now that are all excellent that will be keepers.

NDD - McSpadden 26 vsl (thumbs up)

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

I also have been playing guitar for quite some time (finger pickin' for 45 years). I know the importance of spot on intonation. It really bugs me when builders fall short on intonation. McSpadden gets it right.

Everything Dulcimer - Closing Down.

Dulcimer Resources:TABS/Books/websites/DVDs

When that is done, can you share the link to the location of the tabs? 

NDD - McSpadden 26 vsl (thumbs up)

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

I agree with you Dusty. I think the shorter vsl must have some effect on the volume and tone. That is why I talked to Jim Woods about it. He even said that, but it would be very slight and probably not even noticable to the player.  I'm happy with the end product. I guess my point was that if someone was considering going with the 26, they shouldn't be concerned with sound. It is still the nice, sweet, beautiful sound of a McSpadden. 

NDD - McSpadden 26 vsl (thumbs up)

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

NDD = new dulcimer day

Thumbs up to McSpadden for offering their full sized dulcimer in a shorter 26 vsl. I spoke with Jim Woods about the 26. I was interested to hear if the shorter vsl resulted in a noticable loss of volume and if the tone changed, from their standard vsl. He said I wouldn't notice a difference in volume and there might be a very slight tone difference. I got my new McSpadden and am very happy with it. It is so close to the McSpadden I had a few years ago, but I love the shorter vsl for my chord/melody. I wanted it to be comparable to my Doug Berch and Folkcraft Custom vsl's. 

I just wanted to say, if you're considering one, I give it five stars. You probably won't be disappointed.

(I added a pic of it in my photos.)

updated by @susie: 05/02/18 05:05:28PM

A Couple McSpadden Questions

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Never mind. I'm all set. Thanks again, Richard and Dusty.

A Couple McSpadden Questions

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Another question:

Has anyone gotten a McSpadden with the 26" VSL? If so, what are your thoughts on it (does affect volume or sustain)?
Thanks.
updated by @susie: 02/18/18 08:39:16PM

A Couple McSpadden Questions

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Hey, thanks guys, for your replies. That helps a lot. I appreciate your taking the time to respond.

A Couple McSpadden Questions

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I have a couple questions regarding McSpadden dulcimers:

1. What is the overall length of a McSpadden dulcimer (I can't seem to find the dimensions on their website)?

2. I noticed on their website that a Micarta fretboard is an option. Has anyone ordered a McSpadden with the Micarta fretboard option and how does this compare to the Ebony fretboard option (I have had an ebony fretboard before, so I don't need information on that, just on the micarta)?

Thank you for your help.

I have a Mike Clemmer Sweetie that's a fun little dulcimer. Mike is nice to deal with.

updated by @susie: 01/07/18 09:12:02PM

Show us your sound holes!

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Custom Folkcraft dolphin soundholes with matching dolphin fretboard inlay. One of Steve Ash's last creations, before his untimely death.

Native American Flutes

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

The Madrone Magic flutes at High Spirits are beautiful and sound wonderful. 

Rest in peace, Brian Beach

OFF TOPIC discussions

Sad news. May he be at peace. Thank you Jan.

Native American Flutes

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

Beautiful collection of flutes, Monica. I do think I'm all set though. I've got the variety I want and now I'm just going to keep working on techniques, and voices, and learning to play cleaner and faster. I'm playing a lot of written music, which is fun. I've actually transposed quite a few of my written music pieces into keys of A and E, so I can play them. Plus, I'm playing with my sister. Thanks for sharing your picture of your flutes, they are beautiful.

Native American Flutes

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

Ok, I'm done. Got the bases covered, and I'm having fun. Plus, all the spaces are filled.

updated by @susie: 03/11/17 05:59:47AM

Native American Flutes

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

Wow, those are beautiful Monica! 

Actually, I have a double flute that my friend gave me that is the V type, in the key of F#. It was made by a fellow in Michigan and has wonderful intonation, tone and craftsmanship. She wasn't using it, so she generously gave it to me. It's been fun to mess around with. 

Native American Flutes

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

Well, it arrived 3 days late, since the post office decided to send it on a wild journey to an incorrect post office (it was correctly addressed). It got about 650 extra miles on it, but finally arrived today. I love the flute, wood, and tone. Thanks for everyone's help. Happy camper! 

updated by @susie: 03/09/17 02:17:25PM