Forum Activity for @blondie

Modern Mountain Dulcimer

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

Look what I found on youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysNByKoB5tE 

I used his template and it measures 2.5mm at the 7th fret.

Modern Mountain Dulcimer

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

How do I measure so you get a better picture?

Modern Mountain Dulcimer

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

The ones that I've seen and played were not particularly high.  It's an easy enough fix to set the action down where you want.   How high is "high" at say the 7th fret?

Modern Mountain Dulcimer

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

I was wondering if other MMD owners find the action to be high?  I recently acquired a fairly new MMD and the action is killing my fingers!

What's in a NAME???

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

When you have more than 3 or 4 of a kind of instrument (like dulcimers, banjos, drums, etc) it helps to have names to refer to them, even if the 'name' is only the maker's name. 
When I check in with my fiddler husband about what instruments we'll be taking to a party or gig, or simply when we're going to practice at home, it helps us to be on the same page when I refer to a specific banjo by name... the Ramsey, Blondie, Stichter, Hog Sisters, Cockerham, PigHead, Man in the Moon...  thus my husband knows immediately which banjo I'm talking about and thus what kind of repertoire/style I'm thinking we might be playing in, and what keys.  Plus, it's just more fun!
Since I never eat my instruments, I've never found naming them to have any effect on my ability to sell them.     heheheh

What's in a NAME???

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I have started calling my Ron Gibson "Jenny" (totally unoriginal, she is one of Ron's Jenny Lind models; my other is simply "the other one" or the Red Kite. My other instruments have similarly unoriginal names.  "Clouds" (5 string banjo whose fret markers are shaped like clouds), the Short Stalk (short stalk 5 string) the Davidson is a 5 string travel banjo tuned to A named after the maker, a luthier called Phil Davidson, who also made my guitar bodied bouzouki which is called the "8 String". I have two Gibson mandolins called with blinding unoriginality "The 1932" (go on guess when it was made) and the 1923 Snakehead (or, simply "the snakehead"). Then there's the Weber, (named for the former Gibson luthier who built it, not for the barbecue) and so it goes.  I agree with the statement never name something you might have to sell.

Thomas F Johnson Dulcimer?

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

Sorry for the delay in sending out a sincere thank you for the responses. I'm sending the info to my wife's friend so she can pursue further if she wants. Thanks again.

Phil

Black Oak Or Hansen Dulcimers

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I have an early one of their dulcimers.  I would love to talk to Kris!!

Thoughts on Harmonicas

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

Yeah, I know what you mean about clearing out. Sometimes I also have to let go of stuff. I've regretted selling some stuff, like my collection of flutes.

But, we go on, because every day is like a new little life.

Thoughts on Harmonicas

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

Terry that's so great!  That large 2-sided tabor drum of yours is quite impressive and 'primitive' looking with its lacing.  I bet that lady feels like a Wild Thang playing it.          So nice that your tabor drum has found a new honorable life of service!

Btw, I put up my five old harmonicas in the For Sale forum.  Figured I would start trying to move along instruments I will never play anymore.  Part of my Spring cleaning goals to myself.  I also went through my spice cabinet like a tornado yesterday!  

Thoughts on Harmonicas

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

Lisa, guess what. Okay, I'll tell you.
I took along my tabor drum to an ALH this morning, and had a great time.
One 91 year old is really musical, so I asked her to give it a go. She timed every soft beat, right along with my dulcimer. Wonderful.
I always pass out hand skaters to the rest, so we sure made some noise this morning.

Every week, without fail, this one lady will always ask me to play Ode To Joy, on harmonica. Super old folks love repeats.

Anyways, I thought you might get a kick out of my Tabor Drum story.

Thomas F Johnson Dulcimer?

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

They may not be, despite the same name and same middle initial and both having interest in guitars. Be interesting to pursue it further. 

Thomas F Johnson Dulcimer?

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

In the 1981 Directory of Contemporary American Musical Instrument Makers Thomas F Johnson is shown as a full time instrument maker since 1967 with one employee.  He made guitars and dulcimers.  I don't think the North Texas State instructor is the same one.

Thomas F Johnson Dulcimer?

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

I believe this is who you are asking about: http://music.unt.edu/faculty-and-staff/thomas-johnson

I would not hesitate to contact him via his email on that website.  Good luck. 

updated by @kusani: 01/27/18 08:03:54PM

Thomas F Johnson Dulcimer?

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

My wife's friend bought a dulcimer at an estate sale. The label inside says Thomas F Johnson Classical Guitar Construction Rte 5 Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin Jan 1976. Has anyone heard of this builder or is any one familiar with his dulcimers. The picture I have would seem to indicate the dulcimer is probably walnut and has heart sound holes.

Thoughts on Harmonicas

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

Lisa, as you well know, we don't have to be good to still make wonderful music.

It took me a while to arive at this observation. But when I did, it was kind of like a chain was broken.

Thoughts on Harmonicas

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

Ah, those tabor drums we conspired on and purchased... co-enablers!   lolol... I do still like my drum and it was perfect for a children's parade I participated in last year.  I think they have great tone and yes I too am glad to still have my tabor drum!

I have NOT been playing the tabor pipe though... once I found out I had all the notes more quickly available on my penny whistles.  But I've kept up with the penny whistle and I really love playing.  I'm not a great player but that doesn't bother me- might take years to become proficient, but it's a happy pastime.  I have a small collection of mid-level pennywhistles now...Terry you know how we get tempted.     Happily, the whistles don't cost all that much compared to most stringed instruments.     

I don't have to tell you to keep playing and having fun with your music... cuz I know you will.

Thoughts on Harmonicas

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

Lisa, it is good to be back. A lot has transpired in the last two years, but music and serving never left. More passion than ever before.

I love the tremolo. A harmonica friend down in Florida, is about finished building wood covers for my favorite tremolo, key low F.
I traded a tremolo that he wanted for his work. Can't wait to get it back.

I'm thinking you must be some more tin whistle player by now. How about Tabor and Drum?

Some in our family were making some music recently, at our home. My grandson grabs that old tabor drum off the wall and joins in the fun.
So yeah, I'm glad I hung on to the booger.

Imho, the tremolo harmonica is just a wonderful accomplice to the dulcimer, or a ukulele. The trick is to not buy cheap. Anything under $30.00 say, is cheap.

Hey, one has to love the choices we have to make music. Fun fun.

Thoughts on Harmonicas

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

It's funny how that works.  I usually find that making a little progress in one instrument leads to progress or insight on another instrument.  I love when that happens.   :)   I think Edelweiss would be a perfect tune for the tremolo harmonica. I actually had one of those big tremolo harps waaay back when i was a teenager (!) and I enjoyed playing it in my amateur way.

Terry, it's great to see you back on FOTMD again, and I'm so glad to learn of your wife's health outcome, and to know that you've had help for all the hand pain that was preventing you from playing almost everything.  I'm happy to hear you are still playing for the senior home... I remember how you described their joy (and yours) in your musical visits there. 

Thoughts on Harmonicas

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

My first cousin learned to play the harmonica while she lived in Sacramento, CA.  She said that the trip accross town was sooooo full of stop lights.  So she would play her harmonica while waiting at all the stop lights.  I love it when my husband plays the harmonica too.  aloha, irene

Thoughts on Harmonicas

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

Hello fellow harmonica players.

I've been away from the forum for the past couple of years, only lurking now and then.  Back surgery, 2 hand surgeries, and supporting my wife during her battle with cancer.   Thankfully, she has been declared cancer free.

Anyways, I have recently re-discovered harmonica.  Though it never left me, and I played at times, i just wasn't dedicated to harmonica, until recently.   What I have been working on is improving my skills with harmonica, along with playing it at the same time with my dulcimer.   Works really well, and the old folks at an assisted living home I play at each week just seem to love it.   They sing along, creating a lot of fun.

I am learning Chromatic harmonica, but my go to harps are tremolo and 10 hole diatonic.   Here is the great thing:   I have never been a by ear dulcimer player, always using tab and memorizing the songs.   Here it is:  The harmonica is a by ear instrument.   Once I learning to play harmonica by ear, I began playing dulcimer by ear.   It just happens.  Why, I don't know, but it does.

The song "Simple Gifts" is a wonderful dulcimer song, stroking each note perfectly, with no add on's.  As taught by many teachers, including a great one, Linda Collins.   However, you should try this song on a harmonica, especially in the key of Low F, or even A.   Beautiful.  Another beauty is Edelweiss, from the Sound of Music.   Sounds wonderful on a dulcimer, too.

I listened to Edelweiss several times on You Tube, to get the song in my head.   Played it right away with an A harp.  Set the harp down, and then picked it out on dulcimer.   Very very satisfying.  

Anyways, this is just a reminder to some of you to dust off your harmonicas and do some rediscovering.   Loads of fun.

And like Bob said, you can't stick your dulcimer in your pocket, or the piano, or a uke, but a harmonica fits nicely, for that trip to the grocery store.  Only problem is, you will find yourself taking the long route.

 

 

Tell us about your VERY FIRST dulcimer

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Hi

I picked up one of his student models (made in 2007) used from ebay UK. I don't have much experience and can only compare it with the new Sweetwoods Student Model I also recently bought direct from Harpmaker. These are starter instruments and seem comparable.

Regards

Eric

 

Tell us about your VERY FIRST dulcimer

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Nigel -- be sure to contact Robin Clark in Snowdonia, who is a member here.  He is a fabulous player who has a company called BirdRock Dulcimers and sells instruments, supplies, etc. www.dulcimers.co.uk

So You're That Kind of Gal?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

JenniferC --I do sing it as well.  Have a video of my half-hour Opening Act performance at the Americana Community Music Association here in Fort Myers. I did Lay The Bend Bonnie Broom, which evolved into The Riddle Song (I gave my love a cherry); and The Elfin Knight which became Scarborough Fair.  I'll have to see if I can upload it here...

Nigel-- some of us also play/sing Ar Hyd y Nos and Rhyfelgyrch Gwŷr Harlech (but not in the Welsh, mind) and 

updated by @ken-hulme: 01/25/18 03:49:48PM

So You're That Kind of Gal?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I am glad you liked them, Marsha. The Welsh national sport is rugby and the hymn "Calon Lan" is always sung by the watching crowd, especially if Wales are winning.  It is translated as "clean heart". 

So You're That Kind of Gal?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Nigel, I looked up those two songs you recommended on YouTube. They are both beautiful.

in the dulcimer club I played with a couple of years ago, before moving up here to the mountains, there was a sweet lady from Wales who played with us. She taught us to play the Welch song, Calan Lan. And it became one of the club's favorites. 

Tell us about your VERY FIRST dulcimer

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I have only had my first dulcimer for three weeks. It is a 1999 McSpadden FM12CS, cherry/spruce and is absolutely lovely. The gentleman who sold it to me lined up about nine dulcimers and I wish I could have bought them all. The word "awesome" is much overused these days but the sight of all that craftsmanship on one table was just that. I am making progress albeit slowly but I have little doubt that I will be buying another from him before too long. They were all very beautiful.

Tell us about your VERY FIRST dulcimer

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

@mathom You've got a treasure!  

Tell us about your VERY FIRST dulcimer

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

My very first dulcimer was purchased by my in-laws in Berea, Kentucky long before I met my wife. No one in her family ever learned to play it. It was "loaned" to me around 1987-8. I learned enough on it to know I wanted to get a better instrument and did so a few years later. That first one now hangs on the wall of our family room. I take it down now and then and tune it up and play it a bit. I would never part with it.

The details of it: It is an hourglass with a very narrow body (by current standards) and has two heart-shaped soundholes in the lower bout and two small round ones in the upper bout.  It was made by Raymond Layne of Berea, Kentucky and is dated April 20, 1975 and is numbered 293. It is the instrument I am holding in my profile picture.

So You're That Kind of Gal?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I bought my only dulcimer three weeks ago. You will appreciate that I am unable to offer technical advice relating to how it should be played

I am Welsh and love Celtic music. I would like to draw attention to two pieces of music written in Wales. I really don't know if they could be arranged in a form which is suitable for playing with a dulcimer but, even if they are not, they are very beautiful and I am sure that people here would enjoy listening to them. I am not allowed to post YouTube links here and will refer to the music by description which enables a search to be made.

The first is "Dafydd Y Garreg Wen" and was written , allegedly, by David Owen as he lay on his death bed. The YouTube version I recommend is that performed by Hannah Thomas and Catrin Meek. There are many versions available but this is my favourite.

The second is "Myfanwy". I have to admit that I am totally biased as I drive past the house where the music was composed at least twice a day. Additionally, I had the pleasure of meeting Ryan Davies in 1968 when I was a student at UCW Aberystwyth. He was a very nice guy. I have chosen his version as my favorite (American spelling this time).

Sadly, like Dylan Thomas, Ryan died in New York State at a very early age. I hope you enjoy these two wonderful pieces.

So You're That Kind of Gal?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Ken, do you sing it as well? I would love to hear your 12 verses.

So You're That Kind of Gal?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Mark Gilston sent me the tab for the version of Elfin Knight that I do with 12 verses.  Great DAC Aeolian tune!  Usually I then explain that that song evolved as it moved south into England to a town near London where they created a version (new words, new tune, same story).   500 years later,  Paul Simon borrowed 4 verses of Scarborough Fair and brought them to America...

So You're That Kind of Gal?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I love these tunes as well! This is a nice list going. One more I can think of right now, My Lagan Love. Of the Child Ballads, I think Elfin Knight is my favorite so far.

Save the Date- Worldwide Play Music on the Porch Day

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

GREAT...I just put that date on the calendar.   thanks. 

Save the Date- Worldwide Play Music on the Porch Day

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Lets see if we can break last years total of players (I can play again this year) Lets set a world record of playing on the porch. Do we want to play anything or do we want to play a certain song or a set of tunes? 

Wind Instruments????

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

Bob, I'd love to hear that same tune on the dulcimers you make.   sweet and slow....I loved watching you play on your pipes....almost like a sit down dance.   and Strumelia, I sooooooooo love all the sizes of recorders.  I have a wonderful book to recommend to you to learn from.  Mine are all plastic from Japan....Wood recorders in Hawaii had a very hard time.  My fav. to play is the bass....That's how I got acquainted with SACRED HARP MUSIC was playing the recorders. all separate lines...then heard and sang that fabulous music at the OLD PAL MUSIC FESTIVAL for the first time last year.  yep. going again this year.  ALOHA, irene

Wind Instruments????

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

Thanks Strumelia :-) The bellows-pipes (aka cauld wind pipes ) are an interesting animal to tame but when you got it they are really enjoyable. I had the Scottish Small Pipe chanter made specifically to fit the Scottish Border Pipes, so the volume was much reduced and the fullness of the Border drones really was evident and makes for an almost haunting tone.

They can accompany and compliment Mountain Dulcimers nicely also. A few small pipe players I met also play Mountain Dulcimers. Must be a drone thing

So You're That Kind of Gal?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Oh YES, I, too, am that kind of gal. Some of my favorites are:

Carrickfergus

Ned of the Hill

Foggy Dew

Will Ye Go Lassy Go

Skye Boat Song

Danny Boy

Cill Cais

Come By the Hills

Come Fare Away

Parting Glass

Star of the County Down

Ye Banks and Braes of old Bonnie Doone

and of course.... Will Ye No Come Back Again

 

Joe Collins has 2 good books, Simply Celtic, and Irish Charms which you can order online and you can sign up for his monthly free tab, which are often Celtic tunes.

Tull Glazener has some good ones too which you can order online.

 

Wind Instruments????

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

Bob, that's so cool!  You are multi talented for sure.

So You're That Kind of Gal?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

www.contemplator.com  

Nearly all the Child Ballads, Turlough O'Carolan, Scots/Irish/English Folk, Sea Chanties and more.  Histories and back stories and interesting commentary on the songs.  Sometimes it's hard to pick out the melody from her MIDI files, but there are other sources. Plus links to a lot more...