And I'll keep my eyes open for Mountain Lullaby. (Little Dulcimer Darlin' is wonderful!)John Henry-- 57 for you & Mrs. John Henry-- a belated congratulations! It'll be awhile before I even turn 57 so I know that's a good long time to be married. 
Thank you Robin for such a nice compliment. I can't wait to get the one I'm working on now done so I can post it. It's called Mountain Lullaby.
John Henry I'll have to see what I can come up with to barter. LOL But Jim is a real good worker. Yesterday was our 34th anniversary so I guess I've had him this long I better keep him. LOL
John H, one of Dana's originals would be a treasure.Though Strumelia and I may no longer be kids, we're tough dulcimer players-- slappin' and poundin' away. 
Again, thank you!
Well we are going to have to get a wheel barrel for Robin to wheel her head around in after all this praise. LOL But u deserve it Robin you have been a wonderful friend on FOTMD and I think my first friend on hear. I love the way you play and envey you having a musical husband. I love mine dearly and wouldn't trade him for anything(well maybe a Homer Ledford dulcimer) but I wish he could play something like your husband. Mine has trouble tuning the radio. LOL Love ya Robin
I never knew Strumelia to get physical like that.Robin Thompson said:PS- Strumelia, your percussive slaps inspired my fat felt pick pounding.
And where else but on FOTMD would one ever read a sentence like that, I ask you?
Robin Thompson said:PS-Strumelia, your percussive slaps inspired my fat felt pick pounding.
And where else but on FOTMD would one ever read a sentence like that, I ask you?
And where else but on FOTMD would one ever read a sentence like that, I ask you?PS-Strumelia, your percussive slaps inspired my fat felt pick pounding.
thanks for everything Robin... way to go.
PS-Strumelia, your percussive slaps inspired my fat felt pick pounding.
HIP HIP, HOORAY for ROBIN !!!!
There's a very common expression-"No pain, no gain." Whoever coined that phrase never asked a Doctor for their opinion of it. The truth: Pain is your body's way of telling you to STOP whatever causes the pain. Some things may be mildly uncomfortable at first, but don't play so long it becomes seriously painful. Real pain means stop now and find out what is wrong. You may be doing something the wrong way. Don't try to play through significant pain.
Paul
Thanks for that Folkfan, I worked in construction for many years, played Rugby Football for far too long, and for a while when in the army also 'boxed', so my poor old frame has had its share of misuse. Its only now in my so called 'golden years' that I have started trying to play in earnest, and will have to make do with whats left to work with LOL
take care
JohnH
To Sam and John Henry, When I started playing melody drone with my hand, I'd already been told by my doctor not to use my thumb due to osteoarthritis that was already starting in the base joint of the thumb. My injuries were due to catching myself with my hand during falls. I hadn't smashed the fingers of the left hand just landed with my hand out stretched and on the ball of the thumb.
Many people due use their thumbs to play, but some of us can't. All I can say is if it doesn't hurt then your ok, but if using your thumb causes pain in the wrist, or sharp pains up to your shoulder, then don't use it. It's a difficult joint to replace and surgery isn't always successful. I have to be careful in how I pick things up for fear of irritating my thumbs.
John Henry said:Hello Sam, if you are an oddball then you are not alone, when not using a noter, I too mainly use my thumb. I am told by some that it is a bad habit, and I can see that point of view, but if those who are telling me had smashed their L.H.fingers in one way or another as many times as I have,they might tend to play in the same way. If playing in the manner that you do keeps you playing your dulcimer, go for it, but don't be afraid to try other ways, you might just develop into a true 'chord playing member' LOL
my regards
JohnH
Sam said:Great question, great thread. My musical background parallels yours ... I have none. Got interested in the dulcimer and have been doodling with it for some weeks now. I've tried a noter and like the sound. It's different than with fingers. Fingers? Guess I'm an oddball. I use my thumb, the side of it. I put my left index finger against it like I was holding on to a penny (something us older folks are akin too I'm afraid) then use my thumb like a noter. If I shouldn't be doing this, somebody needs to tell me to quit it!
Hello Sam, if you are an oddball then you are not alone, when not using a noter, I too mainly use my thumb. I am told by some that it is a bad habit, and I can see that point of view, but if those who are telling me had smashed their L.H.fingers in one way or another as many times as I have,they might tend to play in the same way. If playing in the manner that you do keeps you playing your dulcimer, go for it, but don't be afraid to try other ways, you might just develop into a true 'chord playing member' LOL
my regards
JohnH
Sam said:Great question, great thread. My musical background parallels yours ... I have none. Got interested in the dulcimer and have been doodling with it for some weeks now. I've tried a noter and like the sound. It's different than with fingers. Fingers? Guess I'm an oddball. I use my thumb, the side of it. I put my left index finger against it like I was holding on to a penny (something us older folks are akin too I'm afraid) then use my thumb like a noter. If I shouldn't be doing this, somebody needs to tell me to quit it!
Great question, great thread. My musical background parallels yours ... I have none. Got interested in the dulcimer and have been doodling with it for some weeks now. I've tried a noter and like the sound. It's different than with fingers. Fingers? Guess I'm an oddball. I use my thumb, the side of it. I put my left index finger against it like I was holding on to a penny (something us older folks are akin too I'm afraid) then use my thumb like a noter. If I shouldn't be doing this, somebody needs to tell me to quit it!
