Here is a link to the Mountain Dulcimer Society group in Cleveland....It's a private facebook group, so you have to join it....hope it helps in your quest...
Thank you Dana...Very sweet...A nice soul stirring tribute, we're all in line, and the line keeps moving....
So sad. I pray he is able to stand strong during this time.
What an awful tragedy for Christophe! I cannot imagine what he must be experiencing right now. I wish for comfort and strength for him.
You're very welcome! Sam tested one of my creations and give valuable feedback on performance and suggestions on how to improve my design.
This is devastating news and a tremendous loss for both Christophe and all those who appreciate his Epinette des Vosges. I hope he will be able to recover and begin to promote the instrument again.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
Oh that is such awful news. What a loss of so many wonderful instruments.
It must be surreal and heartbreaking for him.
Hello everyone,
I am sharing a sad news that our friend Christophe Toussaint, building French Zither (Epinette des Vosges) and spreading the sweet song of that instrument during workshop, training and concert (and much more) has lost everything during a fire of the house in which he had his workshop but also a collection of more that 150 instrument.
He opened a funding in an attempt to collect some help in order to restart his activity. I am sharing the link if that is permitted, feel free to help him. Not sure if the Leetchi platform is convenient for you, if not you can connect with Christophe directly I believe
The link is here : https://www.leetchi.com/en/c/aide-suite-a-lincendie-de-latelier-et-la-salle-dexpo-de-christophe-toussaint-8334880?utm_source=copylink&utm_medium=social_sharing
More can be found on his facebook page : https://www.facebook.com/christophe.toussaint.754
I participated in a workshop 3 days before the disaster !
Here a a few photos, before and after :
I took that picture in November 2023 when I attended for the first time
We had some good time on May 2nd and 3rd, 2026 during a workshop, then few days later during the night between May 4th and 5th:
I cannot say what he's feeling at the moment as I never faced such a disaster. I am personally affected of course but this is so minor compared to what he lost.
If you don't know Christophe, he has many recording on youtube, but also a recent report was filmed at his workshop a year ago, here is a link (I turned on english for the audio, but feel free to switch back to french for the original audio, not sure how good youtube will be to translate when he's singing !!)
https://youtu.be/87yF5PrwxdY?si=Q86o13OpmaT6IpF_
and in french (better)
https://youtu.be/87yF5PrwxdY?si=uxoGQcsphC0CqIbm
You should contact Sam Edelston, a member here. He plays electric dulcimers of all kinds, and has a large set-up of effects.
Hey folks, I've been playing around with different effect pedals and find it just amazing. I'm wondering if they're others?
Sad news to hear.
When I was a wee, new player, I was seeking a dulcimer without the arm-hair raising twang of an apple creek/peer. We had just arrived at the Unicoi dulcimer gathering and the vendors were setting up.
I approached a young man who had a massive amount of dulcimers as he was selling his father's estate of dulcimers. "Do you have a dulcimer with a rich, almost guitar tone sound?" I naively ask.
He reached into the pile and handed me an unusual looking dulcimer. "How about this one," he says as he hands me a Gallier Star Song.
I had no idea what the star song was. Had no idea there was a multi year waiting list and to most, it was a legendary almost mythical instrument.
I sat down to strum those heavenly strings and literally every head in the crowd turned. They approached me as one, "Are you going to buy that??" There was an almost panic look on more than one. Now keep in mind I was a new player. I had no idea what was laying across my lap.
But I wasn't a stupid girl and I could see (and hear) there was something special about this dulcimer. "Yes, yes, I am," says me, not having any notion what this dulcimer would cost.
I went back to the young man, "What do you want for this one?" I ask. He didn't know what to say and threw out a low number. One of the teachers had followed me to the table and said, "No...no, it's worth way more than that". So we agreed on a price and I took my Gallier Starsong home.
For years, my husband would leave his office and come stand in the den to hear the beautiful sound coming from that instrument.
I said it was sexy with the flirty brows and sharp curves. After some time, the high action proved to be too much for my fingers and I let it go to a new home, but missed that gorgeous tone.
Rest Gary, we'll all be seeing you. Here's my 'Father Get Ready' on Gary's starsong played by a one year player still learning. Whoops, not sure how to attach the song! Hopefully this works. Again, give me grace. I was only one year in at this point, in 2016.
@Susie, I think you made a smart decision. Six string dulcimers are fun for strumming, but those double strings make it harder to play single notes with any nuance. You can't bend strings. You can't do that tremolo thing well. And I agree with Nate that six string dulcimers often sound cluttered. After all, how often will you really get every string tuned just right? I'm sure you'll enjoy your new baritone.
Thanks Dusty. Yes, I think I made the right decision too, for those reasons. I ordered it yesterday. I think this smaller baritone will fit a niche in our lives, including being good for travel. The folks at McSpadden were a big help.
@Susie, I think you made a smart decision. Six string dulcimers are fun for strumming, but those double strings make it harder to play single notes with any nuance. You can't bend strings. You can't do that tremolo thing well. And I agree with Nate that six string dulcimers often sound cluttered. After all, how often will you really get every string tuned just right? I'm sure you'll enjoy your new baritone.
Well, given Nate's feedback, some info and a video from The Dulcimer Shoppe, and some thought about my playing style, I've decided to go with a standard 4 (3) string baritone. It will have some nice upgrades too. Thanks again Nate.
I have made some six string dulcimers that have three courses of two strings each, and I personally am not a huge fan, especially for chord playing. To me, the sound is cluttered and it's also harder to fret.
I appreciate your feedback. I was wondering if that was the case. Thank you.
Any others have opinions or suggestions?
I have made some six string dulcimers that have three courses of two strings each, and I personally am not a huge fan, especially for chord playing. To me, the sound is cluttered and it's also harder to fret.
I know there's a Baritone Group here (I belong to), but I wanted to put this here in the General Forum Discussion, hoping it would get more views/responses. I hope that's ok.
I'm considering ordering a 6 string baritone dulcimer (likely a McSpadden). I've only found a couple videos, and they weren't the best. I currently have a Folkcraft Custom Baritone (3 string), but like the idea of the smaller McSpadden....one that can travel with us. I'm not sure which way to go.....6 string or 3 (4) string. I strictly play chord melody with a flat pick. I would probably go with a 26" vsl.
Does anyone have experience with the McSpadden 6 string baritone dulcimer or any make, for that matter? Insights? Videos?
Thank you.
I was at the Appalachian Dulcimer Heritage Day in Sperryville, VA when I learned of Gary's death. It is sad that another great builder and player is gone. I met him at a festival once. He was struggling that weekend and not feeling at all well. He made it through but was not his normal self. He made really nice dulcimers. He will be missed by many in the mountain dulcimer world.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
What a wonderful swap. I know you will enjoy your new plants.
I've grown bored with a few of my old houseplants. For some reason i had come to think i should be the caretaker forever of some of my older cactuses. But they were no longer 'sparking joy' as Marie Kondo says.
Just when I was feeling burdened by them, my local library sent me a newsletter last week that their Plant Swap was starting today. Great timing! I packed up four old plants that i've had for years and dropped them off at the library, where they were excitedly welcomed.
I ordered some new begonias that I've been lusting after all winter... but had been waiting for no more frosty nights, and the warm weather finally arrived. I'm really thrilled with the two very sweet "Tiger kitten" begonias that arrived this afternoon. I put them into nice terra cotta pots already. I had one of this type five years ago from the same seller, and i just loved it:
I have four more indoor begonias coming in a couple of weeks. I'm excited to have some fresh new plants to enjoy, and my old plants will find happy new owners, too.
I met him in Lexington years ago. He made some very interesting pieces!
I was fortunate to get to hear Gary in Lancaster OH some years ago. He was a great player and luthier.
I played the tunes with Gary on one occasion. He played A & G tunes DAd tuning. Yeah like D tunes. Big tone, precise and clear picking. One the great dulcimer flatpickers. A gentleman.
Thanks, Jon, for sharing that sad news.
I heard about this as well and was hoping to find an obituary before posting anything.
Gary was not just an amazingly innovative dulcimer player, but he and his brother also made wonderful and unique dulcimers. The Gary Gallier website is still up, and I'd encourage everyone to explore it and learn about Gary's approach to flatpicking on the dulcimer in multiple keys. There is lot's of tab available as well, although it ain't for beginners.
Going by Bing's post, it looks like Gary Gallier just passed away. I loved his music and also the arrangements he and his brothers came up with. I just thought I'd pass this information on to those who weren't aware. take care of everybody from Jon Lilley
Hi,
I live on Lake Erie about 30 minutes west of Cleveland, Ohio. Is there anyone within a reasonable distance who would could meet with me for dulcimer lessons? Doesn't matter if its a business or a helpful individual. I'm a dulcimer beginner, but I have played guitar and ukulele for years. I'd just like to start out right and learn the proper fundamentals. I'd appreciate any suggestions or advice.
Thank you for the review of the program. I was at the Appalachian Dulcimer Appreciation Day in Sperryville, VA, so I did not have the opportunity to watch it. My wife who was at home saw and recommends it highly as do you. I hope to use our Passport membership to watch sometime in the next few day. I appreciate your comments.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
Thanks for all the added info, Wally! 
Last night we watched the full program from which the langspil video on YouTube was taken. The program is about contemporary "classical" music in Iceland.
It is a great integration of music, culture, and countryside. The level of expertise in scripting and performance is, in itself, amazing. You may not know that Iceland probably produces more skilled musicians per capita than any other country in the world. You've heard their as background on many films and videos.
There are several segments with the langspil in several settings, but that is only a modest portion of the program. The cello and percussion music takes up a lot more time. They don't mention the heavy metal and pop scene in Iceland, although that is also world class.
I was particularly enlightened by the discussion of parallel fifths singing and the use of changes in time signature on a measure-by-measure basis in folk derived music.
If you have PBS PASSPORT you can probably stream the program for free. It is also available on pay-for-view services.
I can strongly recommend this if you are interested in music beyond the dulcimer.
The footnote to the langspil video on YouTube says:
Watch full episodes and more: http://www.pbs.org/greatperformances Instagram: 
/ pbsgreatperformances Facebook: 
/ greatperformances Newsletter: https://www.pbs.org/wnet/gperf/newsle... #GreatPerformancesPBS
Ha! Don't we all do that at times
Rest assured, if I don't know the answer, I'll make something up!
Thank you all for your replies!
Dusty - Yes, its tuned Dad - I'll try the chord variations you mention. I realised I can play it on my lap and using my thumb, the A chord is no problem then as well.
Shopdad - glad my question broadened your knowledge!
Theoretically, If I did put a capo on the seventh fret as Skip mentioned, I would just still have 7ish frets - the same as a Seagull Merlin - however the frets with the smaller dots seem to indicate half frets, so I guess that too wouldn't work.
As my instrument has the 1+ fret then I'm assuming that I have other chord variations to hand but that's something I'll have to work out.
Thanks guys!
Dusty, Good reply. When a person uses the 1-2-4 chord and centers the 2 is certainly an option. I find it makes a bit of a "humming" note. I am sure if a person plays by themselves it wouldn't matter. I would have difficulties going from one instrument to another trying to center the one note.
Good point on the capo on the 7th fret.
Sid, I always enjoy questions like yours because I learn from it also. There are several dulcimer players that have the right answers. Dusty is one of them.
Sid, I assume you are tuned DAd, and that 1-2-4 or 4-2-1 A chord is indeed a stretch. Keep in mind that you don't have to fret the middle string. You can just l play 1-0-4 or 4-0-1 or even 1-0-1 or 4-4-4 or 4-4-6+ for an A chord.
And no, I'm sorry to tell you that you cannot simply put a capo at the first or second fret because of the diatonic fretboard. It does not work like a guitar or banjo. When you put a capo on a dulcimer, you change the order of whole and half steps and won't be able to play the same tunes you are used to.
@shopdad, the 1+ fret makes it harder in this case because there is less room to fret the 2nd fret, making the stretch a bit more challenging. Without that 1+ fret, people cheat a bit with the 1-2-4 A chord and fret that 2nd fret towards the middle rather than right next to the fret wire.
@skip, if you look at the picture posted, you'll see there isn't really much room to capo at 7. The instrument only goes up to the 10th fret.
The space between between frets is a mathematical calculation based on the vibrating string distance two fixed points. The instruments have different VSL's [nut to bridge]. Installing the capo on the 7th fret should work since it retains the D tuning. It will reduce the fret spacing by raising the tuning an octave [D3-A3-D4 to D4-A4-D5].
Hello Sid, If I'm understanding your correctly you are having difficulty reaching the frets that are next to the added frets. Someone correct me if I'm all wet here but adding 1/2 frets anywhere on the board shouldn't change the position of any of the other frets. From the photo it appears the distance between the 3rd and 4th fret is too wide. It should not make a difference how the instrument is tuned. Tuning it to DAA or DAD is all accomplished by string tension, not fret position. I tune mine DAD and CGC. and able to play the same chords just in a lower key. I built two stick dulcimers and use the same fret pattern as the others I built. I find it easier to play my stick like my guitar. A capo would help if it is placed above the 4th fret making it an octave higher. My tear drop is CGC because I cannot sing many songs in DAD, too high for my.
Looking forward to more comments to verify my response on the issue.
Hello, I'm after some advice. I have a stick dulcimer that I bought off someone last year. He said he had it custom made for him in the U.S. (I'm in the UK) he loved this thing but couldn't play well anymore due to arthritis. It's a great instrument and I tend to play it more than my normal dulcimer (a Romanian model) as it's sounds nicer and the action is better. The thing that puzzles me is it has an extra 1+ fret (and some others further down?) This makes it difficult to play certain chords, e.g. A, because I have stretch my hand further.
My question is, if I re-tuned it and put a capo on it could I then play it in D like a normal dulcimer. Not sure if that makes sense? I'm wondering if the different sized fret space would mess up the actual tuning if I used a capo?
I have attached a photo, so you can see what I'm talking about. Inside it say "W.R Powell, Clarksville, AR - Feb - May 07"
Any advice would be appreciated, thanks!
A very soothing, pleasant sound to my ears. Don't know the words, but it's nice nevertheless!
I suggest it is misleading to say that the Langspil is a "relative" of the dulcimer. The world has many three-stringed instruments which are plucked or bowed. I'm rather certain that many of them evolved independently.
People independently invent similar objects as solutions to a common problem. Would you say the heavy wooden hammer used to drive pegs for circus tents is a relative of a war club used by indigenous people in Tasmania? There are many conflicting patents for almost any device you can think of.
The Langspil is definitely descended from the Norwegian Langeleik. Iceland was "only a few days sail" from Norway back when both were part of Denmark's viking community.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Langspil
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Langeleik
There is little evidence of overlap in Viking and Pennsylvania German communities in the 18th Century American colonies, although there were many inventive minds in both.
When you visit Iceland, you learn that in the early years ALL wood came from the sea (or was imported in longships.) As a result, they lived in some comfortable houses made from sod and burned peat.
