Forum Activity for @folkfan

Party Time coming for 700 !!

OFF TOPIC discussions

wax beans look like a yellowish green bean. John Henry said:

Thank you folkfan,chick peas is all I've ever known em as! Wax beans...................? I really should get out more LOL JohnH

folkfan said:

Garbanzo are also called Chick peas. They are the main ingredient in all the falafels I've ever had and frequently used in bean salads with green beans, wax beans, kidney beans and onion. Round, creamy colored with a size that is larger than a green pea.

Ancho are the dried form of the poblano peppers which are usually a mild sweet chili pepper. Though as I understand they can fool you sometimes as to their heat factor.

And chipotle are grilled jalapenos. They give a smoky heat to a dish.

Ken will probably be able to give us the exact heat factor each chili brings to the dish. All I know is that though I love spicy dishes these peppers are completely off my list for ingredients. Anything hot doesn't got into my pot anymore. DARN That's why I'm glad Ken is making this dish for a cyber party, as I'll be able to enjoy the thought of it, and not actually have it in front of me as a temptation. ;-)

John Henry said:

Ok, culture gap showing! Again! what are 'garbanzos', and 'ancho' chillies please? sorry Ken, but I like to cook, but have never heard of those two ingredients!
JohnH Ken Hulme said:

I made a fabulous but different Meat & Beans dish (not Chili - Chili has no beans!) the other day and this is the perfect excuse to make more. I used dried garbanzos, a seared for flavor then diced ham steak, onion, a couple of ancho chiles for flavor, a couple sticks of celery, a can of diced tomatoes, and half broth/half water to simmer everything in. For spices, a little cinnamon, salt & pepper, basil, rosemary & thyme from the garden, and a sprinkle of chipotle for a little smokiness and heat.

Party Time coming for 700 !!

OFF TOPIC discussions

Thank you folkfan,chick peas is all I've ever known em as! Wax beans...................? I really should get out more LOL JohnH folkfan said:

Garbanzo are also called Chick peas. They are the main ingredient in all the falafels I've ever had and frequently used in bean salads with green beans, wax beans, kidney beans and onion. Round, creamy colored with a size that is larger than a green pea.

Ancho are the dried form of the poblano peppers which are usually a mild sweet chili pepper. Though as I understand they can fool you sometimes as to their heat factor.

And chipotle are grilled jalapenos. They give a smoky heat to a dish.

Ken will probably be able to give us the exact heat factor each chili brings to the dish. All I know is that though I love spicy dishes these peppers are completely off my list for ingredients. Anything hot doesn't got into my pot anymore. DARN That's why I'm glad Ken is making this dish for a cyber party, as I'll be able to enjoy the thought of it, and not actually have it in front of me as a temptation. ;-)

John Henry said:

Ok, culture gap showing! Again! what are 'garbanzos', and 'ancho' chillies please? sorry Ken, but I like to cook, but have never heard of those two ingredients!
JohnH Ken Hulme said:

I made a fabulous but different Meat & Beans dish (not Chili - Chili has no beans!) the other day and this is the perfect excuse to make more. I used dried garbanzos, a seared for flavor then diced ham steak, onion, a couple of ancho chiles for flavor, a couple sticks of celery, a can of diced tomatoes, and half broth/half water to simmer everything in. For spices, a little cinnamon, salt & pepper, basil, rosemary & thyme from the garden, and a sprinkle of chipotle for a little smokiness and heat.

Party Time coming for 700 !!

OFF TOPIC discussions

I will bring fresh red ripe Plant City, FL strawberries from the local market at Zephyrhills. Make some biscuits, too.Michael Vickeyon the road in Florida

Party Time coming for 700 !!

OFF TOPIC discussions

Garbanzo are also called Chick peas. They are the main ingredient in all the falafels I've ever had and frequently used in bean salads with green beans, wax beans, kidney beans and onion. Round, creamy colored with a size that is larger than a green pea.Ancho are the dried form of the poblano peppers which are usually a mild sweet chili pepper. Though as I understand they can fool you sometimes as to their heat factor.And chipotle are grilled jalapenos. They give a smoky heat to a dish.Ken will probably be able to give us the exact heat factor each chili brings to the dish. All I know is that though I love spicy dishes these peppers are completely off my list for ingredients. Anything hot doesn't got into my pot anymore. DARN That's why I'm glad Ken is making this dish for a cyber party, as I'll be able to enjoy the thought of it, and not actually have it in front of me as a temptation. ;-) John Henry said:

Ok, culture gap showing! Again! what are 'garbanzos', and 'ancho' chillies please? sorry Ken, but I like to cook, but have never heard of those two ingredients!
JohnH Ken Hulme said:

I made a fabulous but different Meat & Beans dish (not Chili - Chili has no beans!) the other day and this is the perfect excuse to make more. I used dried garbanzos, a seared for flavor then diced ham steak, onion, a couple of ancho chiles for flavor, a couple sticks of celery, a can of diced tomatoes, and half broth/half water to simmer everything in. For spices, a little cinnamon, salt & pepper, basil, rosemary & thyme from the garden, and a sprinkle of chipotle for a little smokiness and heat.

Party Time coming for 700 !!

OFF TOPIC discussions

I'll sign Dana up for fried chicken! :)I love her stories, by the way.

Party Time coming for 700 !!

OFF TOPIC discussions

Chipotle???JH John Henry said:

Ok, culture gap showing! Again! what are 'garbanzos', and 'ancho' chillies please? sorry Ken, but I like to cook, but have never heard of those two ingredients!
JohnH

Ken Hulme said:

I made a fabulous but different Meat & Beans dish (not Chili - Chili has no beans!) the other day and this is the perfect excuse to make more. I used dried garbanzos, a seared for flavor then diced ham steak, onion, a couple of ancho chiles for flavor, a couple sticks of celery, a can of diced tomatoes, and half broth/half water to simmer everything in. For spices, a little cinnamon, salt & pepper, basil, rosemary & thyme from the garden, and a sprinkle of chipotle for a little smokiness and heat.

Party Time coming for 700 !!

OFF TOPIC discussions

Ok, culture gap showing! Again! what are 'garbanzos', and 'ancho' chillies please? sorry Ken, but I like to cook, but have never heard of those two ingredients!JohnH Ken Hulme said:

I made a fabulous but different Meat & Beans dish (not Chili - Chili has no beans!) the other day and this is the perfect excuse to make more. I used dried garbanzos, a seared for flavor then diced ham steak, onion, a couple of ancho chiles for flavor, a couple sticks of celery, a can of diced tomatoes, and half broth/half water to simmer everything in. For spices, a little cinnamon, salt & pepper, basil, rosemary & thyme from the garden, and a sprinkle of chipotle for a little smokiness and heat.

Party Time coming for 700 !!

OFF TOPIC discussions

Well to cool the throat from the heat that Ken is bringing, I'll bring a creamy dessert with a layer of raspberries mixed in jello, whipped cream, and more raspberries in jello on top. Oh, I forgot the bottom of the pan is covered with tea biscuits and those are stacked through the dish and form a top crust. Each slice is topped with more whipped cream. Can you ever get too much whipped cream? This dish is also good with a pumpkin mousse type of filling.

Party Time coming for 700 !!

OFF TOPIC discussions

I made a fabulous but different Meat & Beans dish (not Chili - Chili has no beans!) the other day and this is the perfect excuse to make more. I used dried garbanzos, a seared for flavor then diced ham steak, onion, a couple of ancho chiles for flavor, a couple sticks of celery, a can of diced tomatoes, and half broth/half water to simmer everything in. For spices, a little cinnamon, salt & pepper, basil, rosemary & thyme from the garden, and a sprinkle of chipotle for a little smokiness and heat.

Party Time coming for 700 !!

OFF TOPIC discussions

Growing by leaps and bounds. Who would of thought. Greatful to be a part of it. :)

Party Time coming for 700 !!

OFF TOPIC discussions

Just got to be some bread puddingIJohnH

Party Time coming for 700 !!

OFF TOPIC discussions

I think I might have some dandelion wine around here to add to party.

Party Time coming for 700 !!

OFF TOPIC discussions

I think Dana should wring a couple of chicken necks! ;D

Party Time coming for 700 !!

OFF TOPIC discussions

I'll bring my apple spice cake....and 700 candles.

Party Time coming for 700 !!

OFF TOPIC discussions

I don't know what to fix for the potluck. We should have the hootenanny outdoors, though-- was about 80 degrees here today!PS-I went hunting for morels today and came up empty. :( If I had a mess of them. . .

Party Time coming for 700 !!

OFF TOPIC discussions

cool I'm ready... was for supper Grandpa.... lol

Party Time coming for 700 !!

OFF TOPIC discussions

Coming up soon....FOTMD will reach 700 members.... :D

updated by @strumelia: 08/03/23 02:34:24PM

Rebec

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

The home page is http://home.comcast.net/~meisterdru/trouvere/index_trouvere.htm

Rebec

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

Hi I thought you might be interested in this website that I just happened to find - fuel for your/our medieval strings interests. Although we probably don't "need" any more fuel!

http://home.comcast.net/~meisterdru/trouvere/bowed%20instruments.htm

Rebec

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

Thanks for those latest rebec-bits!

Rebec

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

I can relate to all your points! Keep in mind that the bridge sholulkd be positioned to give you approx a 12" scale length- this will help p[revent breaking gut strings as well. It's a similar scale to a fiddle. I suggest cello rosin, to be a bit grippier.

Yay!

Rebec

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

Hi

It arrived! Just as described. It's smaller than I expected! I have no rosin yet, so haven't' done more than plucked it. I'll pick some up next time I'm in "the big city". And I'll probably get the spare strings you recommend. No hurry - our garden planting is behind as are a bunch of other projects, but on the other hand, so looking forward to trying it out!! And sounding instantly medieval! haha. And THEN to find some music scores! I really haven't figured out the "secret" to finding time for everything. I'm never going to be a morning person, so that one's out! THANKS again for all the advice and ideas so far ... and those to come!

Rebec

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

Yay! I'm thrilled for you!

You should order several replacement gut strings in advance from the fellow I mentioned.

They are expensive, but some are actually twice the length you need, so may wind up giving you two string replacements if you are stingy when winding the peg.

You will be skipping the violin low G string. Order the equivalent of the gut violin e, a, and d strings. Order an extra e because that's the one at highest tension that will more likley break. Order the medium thickness type for each string (he gives choices of light, medium, etc.) Be SURE to check out his offerings in his SALE area- I saved good money that way! His gut strings are higher quality and won't break as easily as the rougher gut strings that come on it.

You will need to rosin the bow quite a bit at first.

If it's hard to hold, try a piece of that rubbery shelf liner stuff- on the part of your body you hold it against.

I strongly advise not tuning it all the way up to fiddle standard, at least for the first week. I keep mine tuned (low to high): CGd instead of DAe. I just read the music and pretend i am tuned higher. After a while you may get good at transposing tunes to better places on your rebec. Try out centering a tune so that the tonic note falls on an open string...that helps me often. i play alone so I don't have to worry so much about what key im in.

Be sure to start with a very very simple tune.

Rebec

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

Well, I did it!

I ordered the blemished one,(that you mentioned in your last reply) after Middle-East Mnfg sent me two photos of the blemishes: one a scratch where the bridge had scaped the top a little, and the other - a slight dent on the outside of the bottom bowl. They classify the blemish as -2 which means it doesn't affect the sound quality of the instrument, so here's hoping!

Thanks again for all your advice!

On to the next learning curve while I'm still on several others at the same time. Fun though.

Rebec

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

Eileen, there is a Roosebeck soprano rebec just listed on Ebay which has a reduced price due to some cosmetic 'blemish':

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Roosebeck-23-3-String-Rebec-27-Bow-Hard-Cas...

There is also a new soprano unblemished one listed from the same folks i bought mine:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-UNIQUE-EMS-DESIGN-3-STRING-REBEC-GADULK...

Maybe you could contact the seller and ask to see a photo and description of the blemish, I wouldn't think that was an unreasonable request for an item which costs several hundred dollars. It cold be just a couple of scuff marks, which to me wouldn't matter and the discount could cover your shipping mostly. If it's a crack, or glue failure etc, i would pass on it. I would want to know exactly what and how significant the 'blemish' was before buying. Note that you can also make an offer on that auction- so you could maybe offer $260 or $270 and they might go for it.

Rebec

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

Eileen, I got a nice hand-picked selection of gut strings from:

http://gamutmusic.squarespace.com/

The thing is, I spent a lot of time researching not only various sorurces for gut strings, but also reserached the exact gauges I would likely need to tune to various notes on my soprano rebec, with its particular scale. When you have ordered and are ready, I can put together a few suggestions of spare strings for you to order. I would say that unless you keep your tuning way lower, you have a good chance of breaking at least your high string when you first tune up your rebec- the gut strings that come on it are not great quality.

Also, the bridge feet are not very well fitted to the top of the instrument- some visible gaps there. I used a very fine sandpaper to gently sand the feet so they conformed better to the instrument top curve....but a real violin luthier would do a much better job than I could. Still, it was an improvement. Aside from those details, I found the rebec pretty sturdy and well made, and has a pleasing sound and feel, though not that loud of course due to the gut strings and no soundpost.

Rebec

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

Yes, that's the one. It adds up to $580 (Cdn) ! and the EMS from the UK is $405 + $100 shipping, which adds to $505 (Cdn). And yes, I converted from B. pounds.

So I'll try contacting AAA and see what they say. Often ebay and amazon businesses just give over the shipping to another company and it's "out of their control". But, as you say, worth a try. Unfortunately, I'm close as the crow flies, but I'm on an island off an island, and so the distance by ferries in $$ is hefty. Lucky crows!

Strange that shipping is less (although still pretty darn expensive) from the UK than the from US or even within Canada. It cost way more to ship a recorder across Canada than to the UK. Grrrr!

And yes, still interested in where you got gut strings.

THANKS again

Rebec

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

Eileen, this is the one i would recommend buying:

http://www.amazon.com/Rebec-Rosewood-Trim-Hard-Case/dp/B000E2B3NW/r...

But likely it's what you are describing above with high shipping to Canada. Is there a way for you to have it shipped to a friend in the US who is within driving distance of you? Maybe even have it shipped to a business and give them a $30 tip for holding it there for you to come pick up? (then you would have to know how to deal with customs when you return over the border)

Perhaps you could send the seller a message and ask to have the shipping reduced to $100- no harm in asking! They may actually be unaware of how high it is to Canada.

Have you calculated what the shipping would be directly to you if you ordered from EMS in the UK? It might be less!

Rebec

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

I think I'm convinced to get the soprano.

I found 2 on amazon (from AAA). They had a nice price reduction, but the shipping and handling, even though advertised as free (within the USA) is $200 !! to Canada. Wow - and just a short distance beyond the border too, not that it matters apparently! This may prove quite the challenge to find one!

Rebec

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

I just came across this maker when looking for ebay and amazon rebecs that weren't in the uk. (I also saw one made by Paul Butler, but it had sold already!) Have you heard of this maker> http://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/102658591/custom-built-rebec-with-bow?ref=shop_home_active_2&ga_search_query=rebec

Rebec

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

Thanks and look forward to the next reply. I'm amazed that you take the time to reply so quickly and greatly appreciate it.

By the way, I didn't mean tune down to the key of C; it was just shorthand to tune down so the lowest open string is C.

Rebec

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

Eileen, I am not able to fully respond right now, but a couple quick responses, more later:

So you have basically tuned the soprano rebec to what the alto normally is?

So, if I went with the alto rebec, it would be tuned Cgd and it would be basically the same range as the C recorders (give or take an octave) i.e. lowest note C. So with either the soprano or alto rebec I could follow any of the ensemble lines

But it doesn't the matter what key the group is playing in, does it? as long as one learns all the notes, including sharps and flats on the rebec? I THINK I'm beginning to get it!

I too love that medieval sound, and I've learned to LOVE my pear-wood (Huber) soprano recorder ( I never thought I would like the soprano), so maybe you've convinced me to just go with the soprano and tune it down to C.

And yes, let me know where to get the better gut strings. I shall re-start my looking on ebay and amazon. Do you recommend any particular amazon seller or source or are they all the same?

Here are two clips I really like:

Rebec

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

This is so helpful. Thanks!

I did suspect that the EMS was the same one but wasn't' sure. It sure looked the same.

So you have basically tuned the soprano rebec to what the alto normally is?

So, if I went with the alto rebec, it would be tuned Cgd and it would be basically the same range as the C recorders (give or take an octave) i.e. lowest note C. So with either the soprano or alto rebec I could follow any of the ensemble lines (soprano, alt, or tenor - I guess not the bass) without having to jump around playing up or down too much. (?)

But it doesn't the matter what key the group is playing in, does it? as long as one learns all the notes, including sharps and flats on the rebec? I THINK I'm beginning to get it!

I hadn't realized that one could tune them to something other than what Paul Butler had explained: i.e. the soprano to the top 3 violin strings, the alto to the bottom 3, etc.

I too love that medieval sound, and I've learned to LOVE my pear-wood (Huber) soprano recorder ( I never thought I would like the soprano), so maybe you've convinced me to just go with the soprano and tune it down to C.

And yes, let me know where to get the better gut strings. I shall re-start my looking on ebay and amazon. Do you recommend any particular amazon seller or source or are they all the same?

Thank so much again!

Here are two clips I really like:

Plus this one by the same musician (and this is the soprano, but tuned lower I now discovered, reading all the comments!)

Rebec

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

I have to admit that i was actually seeking the high nasally medieval "squeaky" sound you describe- similar to the sound of a medieval shawm. that's why I got the soprano Pakistani Roosebeck one from ebay. Did you know that EMS sells those pakastani ones as well? In fact, that may be the very ones you are looking at, the Alto version on EMS....made in Pakistan Roosebeck brand actually. You can get the SAME soprano one on Amazon or Ebay directly from U.S. dealers much much cheaper than from EMS. EMS also carries rebecs made by other luthiers that are likely better quality but way more expensive.

Did you listen to the youtube clips by that fellow who bought both the Roosebeck soprano and the low Tenor rebecs?- he has wonderful examples of playing both on youtube. That's why i ordered the soprano- because I WANTED that high piercing nasal tone like in his clips. You may not like that, everyone is different! I can certainly understand why you might want a mellower tone as in the alto.

The gut strings that come on the Pakistan/Roosebeck ones (whether bought from Amazon, Ebay, or EMS) are not quality gut strings, and my high string broke (twice) right off the bat when I tried to tune it to high E. I suspect nobody actually tunes them up to high e mostly. I wound up tuning DOWN 1 step and ordering better gut strings from a string maker in the US- I can give you suggestions if you like later. His strings seem way sturdier and smoother. Now I am tuned Cgd (bass to high) rather than DAe, to avoid the high tension and gut breakage. I can do that of course because I'm playing just by myself so it doesn't matter what key I'm actually playing it. I keep in mind my lowest note possible is that low C.

The gut strings means it's a fairly quiet instrument compared to what we are used to in a steel-strung violin.

I am playing it propped on my legs, like a tiny 'cello, and with an underhand bow grip...I find this way easier than contorting my wrist to wrap around the neck and play it like a violin. Also i had a very hard time keeping it from sliding around too much due to the bowl back, when trying to play against my arm like a low positioned fiddle.

Rebec

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

Just a quick update here. I noticed that the Spanish Rabel link above is not longer valid. If you do a Google search on 'rabel' there are lots of sites with relevant information

Rebec

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

Thanks for the reply! I was thinking of EMS (England) but the shipping is quite high too. I saw the Pakistan-made ones on ebay, and like you were, am a little wary of the quality. And yes I know about the tenor size, but that one is the same as the top strings of a viola, and viola music is written in alto clef - which I'm not up to learning. Keeping in mind treble and bass clef plus fingerings for C and F recorders AND learning tab for dulcimer is keeping my brain "exercised" enough these days. I'm not really good enough playing by ear to play along with the recorders. I'm pretty attached to written scores, unfortunately. So I think I would like to stick with either soprano or alto for now if I can find somewhere to buy a decent one for a reasonable price AND can find music that will work. Are you happy with the tone of your soprano - not too "squeaky" high?

Rebec

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

Where are you thinking of buying your rebec from?

You know there is also a tenor size rebec made.

Are you able to pick out tunes by ear rather than having to read from paper? That might make it easier if you are able to. Then you could adapt better to what the recorder is doing. The main thing is to find the right key to play together.

Rebec

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

Hi I've been considering getting a rebec for a number of months now, so really glad to have found this thread. Could anyone tell me which (the soprano or the alto) would likely be easier to learn &

accompany a recorder ensemble for medieval and renaissance music? I like the lower tone of an alto, but looking at the range, I'm wondering if it would be easier to just go with a soprano? By "easier to learn" I'm thinking partly of being able to read from recorder SATB scores, as I sure have not found any written scores for rebec! I do know that the soprano is the top 3 strings of a violin, and the alto is the bottom 3. I haven't played any string instrument before (other than starting my dulcimer), so I'm starting from scratch. If we found violin music to accompany our recorders, would having just the 3 strings of the rebec make it too difficult to work with? Anyway, any and all ideas and advice would be wonderfully appreciated!

Rebec

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

So glad for you, dear Strumelia! The bowed dulcimer hold along with the underhand bow hold are, to me, comfortable. Have all kinds of fun learning!

Rebec

Adventures with 'other' instruments...

That's wonderful news Lisa. Enjoy the rebec which it seems you are doing already.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."