Forum Activity for @susie

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

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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.

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.

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

"Wild Mountain Thyme"

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

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

Looks great!

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!

They did a nice job, it's cute! 

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?

Thank you Jan, they are very comfy!

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

Nice!!!!

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.

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!

Precious! 

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.

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

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 = 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.)

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

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.

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

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

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.

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. 

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! 

Oh my, I just saw your question....sorry.

His possum boards are comfy on the lap. He also puts strap pins on it. The only thing is that the dulcimer sits a bit higher on your lap, but you can get used to that.

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My first was a FolkRoots hourglass, spruce/walnut, purchased at Elderly Instruments. Beautiful tone and looked really nice. I have since purchased a FolkRoots with a shorter scale length that I have converted to a baritone and a Folkcraft Custom. Still loving their dulcimers. 

I used the new flute character  yesterday.