Forum Activity for @steve-c

I do like Dusty’s idea of a Spring date, but I also agree with Richard on a set day.  But think of this…Aaron Copeland’s great masterpiece Appalachian Spring was based on the Shaker tune Simple Gifts..played by many dulcimer players around the world.  To me it speaks to what the Appalachian dulcimer is all about.  The dulcimer is a simple gift, easy to play and yet whether you play traditional noter drone or fancy finger picking with chords..the instrument just sounds wonderful!  I never thought of it but our beloved dulcimer is just that, a gift.

Pictures!  We can probably tell you which kit be seeing the instrument in whatever state it's in...

You're welcome!  Is it made of luan plywood, by any chance?

Dusty Turtle:

So it's agreed then: International Hog Fiddle Day will be celebrated the second Saturday after the first Monday after the first full moon after the summer solstice.

Robin Thompson: @dusty-turtle is who got this conversation on a designated dulcimer day started. I'm curious about what are his thoughts now?

Seriously, I love how much enthusiasm this topic has generated.  It was just a thought I had when I read about National Guitar Day, but clearly the idea resonates with a lot of us.

Some of what we are debating I don't believe to be too important.  Why is Black History Month in February?  Well, it used to be Black History Week and it was dated to the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.  But choosing the date based on those two individuals did not somehow rob the designation of the ability to celebrate Ida B. Wells or Martin Luther King.  Similarly, were we to choose Jean Ritchie's 100th birthday as the first Dulcimer Day, it would not rob us of our ability to celebrate Uncle Ed Thomas or Loraine Wyman on that day.

Nonetheless, in the interests of not alienating any of the fine members here, I have another suggestion for the day: How about the first Saturday after the spring equinox?  It would mark the beginning of the dulcimer festival season but would not be tied to any specific date or any specific individual.  Any thoughts?

When Pritchard marketed his "American dulcimer" he was clearly trying to take advantage of the nationalist fever that dominated the golden age of folklore (1870 or thereabouts to 1914).  But I agree with those who think that name strips away the regional roots of the instrument.  "Mountain dulcimer" does indeed seem to be the most commonly used term for our beloved instrument, but I would be OK with either "Mountain" or "Appalachian" dulcimer.  The Wikipedia entry uses "Appalachian" dulcimer, and that alone might be a reason to choose that term.

So my new proposal: International Appalachian Dulcimer Day, the first Saturday after the spring equinox.

Great discussion with lots of interest. This sounds great. But would it be simpler for old minds like mine to remember if it were 3rd Saturday in March (for instance) rather than tying it to a date that varies from year to year?

@dusty-turtle I asked.  And think what you've presented is splendid!  

So it's agreed then: International Hog Fiddle Day will be celebrated the second Saturday after the first Monday after the first full moon after the summer solstice.

Robin Thompson: @dusty-turtle is who got this conversation on a designated dulcimer day started. I'm curious about what are his thoughts now?

Seriously, I love how much enthusiasm this topic has generated.  It was just a thought I had when I read about National Guitar Day, but clearly the idea resonates with a lot of us.

Some of what we are debating I don't believe to be too important.  Why is Black History Month in February?  Well, it used to be Black History Week and it was dated to the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass.  But choosing the date based on those two individuals did not somehow rob the designation of the ability to celebrate Ida B. Wells or Martin Luther King.  Similarly, were we to choose Jean Ritchie's 100th birthday as the first Dulcimer Day, it would not rob us of our ability to celebrate Uncle Ed Thomas or Loraine Wyman on that day.

Nonetheless, in the interests of not alienating any of the fine members here, I have another suggestion for the day: How about the first Saturday after the spring equinox?  It would mark the beginning of the dulcimer festival season but would not be tied to any specific date or any specific individual.  Any thoughts?

When Pritchard marketed his "American dulcimer" he was clearly trying to take advantage of the nationalist fever that dominated the golden age of folklore (1870 or thereabouts to 1914).  But I agree with those who think that name strips away the regional roots of the instrument.  "Mountain dulcimer" does indeed seem to be the most commonly used term for our beloved instrument, but I would be OK with either "Mountain" or "Appalachian" dulcimer.  The Wikipedia entry uses "Appalachian" dulcimer, and that alone might be a reason to choose that term.

So my new proposal: International Appalachian Dulcimer Day, the first Saturday after the spring equinox.

I have no idea which kit it is.  It came partially assembled with poor workmanship and some minor damage.  It's three strings and appears to be a very low-end instrument.  But, it's keeping me off the street and out of trouble for the time being.  Stay tuned for my next basic question...

Oh, and THANK YOU for your kind responses!!!!

This could whole thing could result into some really interesting posts.

"I'm going to a Dulcimer Fest on ADD [Appalachian Dulcimer Day]. I'm taking a class from a instructor who wants everyone to bring a CAD [Chromatic Appalachian Dulcimer]. He says he uses a LD [Lap Dulcimer] with all the frets. I'm going to bring my  matching MD [CMD] and a friend is going take their AD and tape on some toothpicks".  

I never hear people saying "MD" or "HD" when they are talking. Only when they're writing. Because in written discussions it's a pain to type it all out over and over in every other sentence. It's way faster to SAY those names than it is to type them.

When I was introdued to the instrument, it was 'Mountain Dulcimer'. I still think of it that way [or MD]. The other names came later, in some cases, much later. Bill will always be be Bill, not William.

I kind of feel there is too much overthinking going on. Much of the time it is called an MD, or Dulcime[o]r on this site. On the old ED, MD, or Mountain Dulcimer vs HD, or Hammered Dulcimer. I think most general references in news articles, Mountain Dulcimer is most commonly used [probably wrong, but ].

If we commonly refer to it as a MD or Mountain Dulcimer internally [ FOTMD], why use a different name for a special day in it's honor?

I, too, after careful consideration of all arguments (including my own) feel that we should use the name "Appalachian dulcimer" and realize that we will continue the ongoing controversy of how "Appalachian" should be pronounced. For the past forty years I have lived in area of Pennsylvania that is part of Appalachia and here we pronounce it differently from my friends in the southern part of the region.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Though I wasn't born in Appalachia, I have spent most of my adult life in Appalachia.  So, I may have an unconscious bias.  

An International Appalachian Dulcimer Day acknowledges both the origin and type of instrument and celebrates its appeal to folks around the globe.  

 A most interesting discussion indeed with thoughtful input. How exciting.

Whatever date, I like the idea of International Appalachian Dulcimer Day.

A recognition day will give us all an opportunity to promote the dulcimer in many different ways, whether its origins, its history, its music and on and on we could go. There are enough topics that we could celebrate more than 10 years before repeating a point of emphasis if we chose to do so.

Good thoughts Stumelia! I think myself Appalachian refers best to the region of its development and initial usage.  Though most have moved away from this name to Mountain dulcimer.  But if we want to give a nod to its history International Appalachian Dulcimer Day might worth considering.

Jean Ritchie wrote the Forward for L.Allen Smith's 1983 book A Catalogue of Pre-Revival Appalachian Dulcimers.

Here is what she said concerning the name of our beloved instrument, and the part she herself played in the evolution of that name starting from the 1940s:

Consider that it was not until at least the middle of the 20th century that there were any mountain dulcimers brought to the entire western half of the US (more than a century after the dedicated work of early Appalachian dulcimer makers such as Thomas, Singleton, Prichard, etc), and consider also that there are many other other countries in south and central America, not to mention all of Canada.

But my main point is that i would be sad to see the reference to the region of origin where our instrument was first created stripped away from its name, replaced by a broader label based on our whole nation rather than a region. It would feel to me like removing a connection to the unique culture specific to that region. That's why I am fond of the names 'mountain dulcimer', Appalachian dulcimer', or even 'lap dulcimer' or 'dulcimore'... those names still connect with and honor the region and culture that created the instrument. Just my two cents.

Robin, We can make it International Mountain Dulcimer Day.  By doing this we can give a shout out in the news releases to its European ancestors.

My greatest interest is in worldwide participation in the day from as many Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer as possible.  

Ok Stumelia suggested a poll to get some sort of consensus.  If we can agree on a date and a title for the day: National (Mountain, American, etc.,) Day, I can register it and will take care of the fees, if any, and we can begin promotional press releases.  I have looked and no such day exists in the archives so we can get this done.  I’m not rushing this just letting you know the processs.

Welcome Steve:

You know from my friends John, Ken & Richard where to put the edge of the bridge.  As far as tunings, both DAA and DAd are popular for different reasons.  There are a number of other tunings as well, some historic, some modern, which are also very useful.

Which kit did you acquire?  Folkcraft?  McSpadden?  Another?

As a new player, you'll want to join our Beginner Player Group.  Groups must be 'joined' to be able to read and interact with the various discussions.   

Here's a link to the article/booklet I wrote a number of years ago to address new player questions.  It's called I Just Got A Dulcimer, Now What?   It's an illustrated glossary of dulcimer terms (so we all speak the same jargon, plus answers to the common beginner questions about tuning, playing, care and feeding of the instrument.  The discussion has a link to the article itself about six responses down...
Ken Hulme's "I Just Got A Dulcimer, Now What?" Article - Strumelia | fotmd.com

@dusty-turtle is who got this conversation on a designated dulcimer day started.  I'm curious about what are his thoughts now?

Welcome, Steven!  We're glad to help.  Yes, you should measure the distance from the inside of the nut (right edge) to the octave fret, which is usually the seventh fret.  Double that, then add about 2 or 3 mm extra length to compensate for string stretch when you push the strings down to the frets.  That should get you real close.  DAD and DAA are very popular tunings for the dulcimer.

Hi!  New member here.  First, thank you to Richard Streib and Ken Longfield who sent me welcoming messages before I even realized I'd been accepted as a member.  I think I'm going to like it here. 

I've always loved the sound of the dulcimer (but who doesn't?) and recently had the opportunity to acquire a kit that someone started, made some mistakes and gave up.  I've resolved to salvage the instrument and try to make music.  But, I'm wondering where to place the bridge.  I read an old FOTMD forum thread and it said to measure to the middle of the seventh fret and double that distance.  Is that correct?

Also, I understand that dulcimers are tuned to either DAD or DAA.  Is one preferred over the other?

Thanks for any guidance you can provide.

I'm with you on that one Ken.  After working through all the posts, re-reading Ralph L. Smith and the history of Scotch Irish Music there are so many contributors that it really boggles the mind, let alone giving consideration to different types of Mountain dulcimer fret patterns, and unique tunings popular in different parts of the country.  The idea of setting aside a day to honor all the musicians and the instruments they played is great and will certainly not  take away from Jean, who I believe was the most important of many players. She pretty much kept the mountain ballads in the forefront.  I especially remember her songs mourning the devastation of the mountain tops and the beauty that was lost to some types of mining.  So I think that a day to honor the "American Dulcimer" and as she might have put it, "The Sweet Sound in the Wind"  could be all encompassing.  Heaven knows we don't want to get into all that stuff about Noter and drone vs. Chording or whatever....amplified or electronically modified etc., it's all part of the instruments history and there is place for it all.

Charles N. Prichard marketed his instruments as "The American Dulcimer." Just look at the label he used. I call the presentation I do on dulcimer history "The History of the American Dulcimer." So, I'm fine with Leo's suggestion. As to the use of American as an identifier for the day, I think we were talking about a national dulcimer day and the United States of American is usually shorted to just America. I'm enjoying this conversation.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

It's good to clarify to which instrument we are referring!  As far as using geography to specify which instrument we mean, America alone isn't, to my mind, specific.  There's North America, Central America, South America-- the Americas.  

Good point Leo!  I think the instruments are from such different origins that most will understand.  But certainly, we need to clarify which dulcimer we mean.

Just a comment on my comment: I don't want to complicate things by introducing yet another name for 'our' dulcimer! Maybe it's a separate topic...?  As I said, I'm fine with 'mountain dulcimer.'  My main point was to specify which dulcimer it is... IF any hammered dulcimer players are disgruntled over not being included, we would point to the fact the mtn dulcimer is one of only two instruments unique to the US, that it's an American dulcimer.

Wow, what a compelling topic, and many good arguments for various dates!! 

I want to raise the point (if it hasn't been already) that whatever the date, to call it just 'National Dulcimer Day' would imply that it's for both types of dulcimer. If that's the case, then input from HD people would be appropriate, but I fear that would really complicate things.

If it is to be strictly for the fretted/ lap/ mountain/ Appalachian dulcimer, then one of those specifiers needs to be in the title! Eg, National Mountain Dulcimer Day.  (I usually say 'mountain' if only because of the imagery, and it also nods to the Appalachians.)

Further, since it is one of only two instruments unique to the US, I think we ought to start calling it The American Dulcimer, and try to dispense with the over-abundance of alternate names! Not to discount the historical role of people living in the Appalachians, but to emphasize that what used to be an almost-unheard-of regional instrument is now found all over the country and even the world. 

Visions of a mountain dulcimer power trio or quartet singing Grand Funk Railroad's "We're An American Band" leap to mind!

As to actual dates, December 8 is appealing, but I feel totally flexible about this; one of the summer dates would also be okay.

In any case, the pictures used by Wikipedia obviously need to be changed. That's a separate issue...

Overall, this is a great idea!!  

Loraine Wyman's story is a compelling one!  One of the glories of an International/Worldwide/National/whatever Mountain/Appalachian Dulcimer Day is we will never run short of compelling stories to share.

Let's not forget Loraine Wyman who is considered by some to be the first one to start the Urban Folk music revival after collecting Kentucky and vicinity mountain music.  There is a photo on Wiki showing her on the cover of Vogue Magazine holding a Thomas Dulcimer in 1917.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loraine_Wyman

You can learn to edit images for Wikipedia, but you must register to do so and learn their basic tools for editing.  For images they must be free to upload, most images are not, but certainly one could easily create a free image of an American Dulcimore to use.

Amen, sisters!

@robin-thompson

@irene - I too find it highly annoying that wikipedia has accepted photos of BOTH the 'American' instruments that show instruments made in other countries instead. The dulcimer pictured is a Roosebec (made in the middle east) and the banjo pictured is a very cheap 1960s pot metal tenor banjo made in Germany. How utterly lame is this?? The irony is astounding, considering it is the very point of the whole list.  

We have members from around the globe here at FOTMD so my thinking goes to an international/worldwide day.  And maybe it's because of where I live, my thinking went to a less formal way of establishing a day to celebrate mountain dulcimer-- we pick a date to highlight the Appalachian dulcimer and its spread and the celebration itself makes it 'official'.  We can do just like many do with worldwide Play Music on the Porch Day-- folks post videos of the various ways they celebrate the day.  Some celebrations are individual, some are group.    

Here is a site for establishing a National Day.  It requires an application from an organization and you have options if you want them to promote it.  I don’t know how solid they are but will check them out..

https://nationaldaycalendar.com/register-a-national-day/

By the way..SEO is Search Engine Optimization work.  There are specialist who can make your site come up when ever anyone searches for dulcimer.

Here are suggestions (I looked this up) for creating a National day:

How to Create a Special Day:

Anyone can create a special day. The tough job, is to gain recognition. Here are some tips for getting your special day created and recognized:

• Create the name for your special day.

• If you are going to make a "National" day, see National Days Definition below.

• Define what the day is all about, why it is created, and what people should do to observe the day.

• Assign a date that it is to be celebrated. It could be a fixed date, or vary. If it varies, make sure it is well defined.

• Identify the creator(s) and the date it was created. The date created is sometimes different than from the dated celebrated.

• Using all of the information and definitions from the above steps,  create a website for your special day.

• The URL should be the title of the day, if possible.

• Add relevant pictures to the website.

• Now comes the hard part... getting your new special day and the website recognized.

• We recommend SEO work.

• Also, email existing holiday calendar websites, announcing your special day, and provide the link to your website.  

National Days Definition:

Of particular note is the growth of "National Days". The word "National" is being added to an overwhelmingly large number of proposed and recently created days. The word "National" has even been added by some holiday calendar websites for special days that were not created as a "National" day! This causes confusion as to the whether or not, a special days is in actuality a national day. 

FABULOUS POSITIVE THREAD THIS ONE.  I loved the list of instruments of countries and surely not all countries are listed.   I do wish someone would have gotten an AMERICAN made instrument for the picture not one made in another country though. aloha, irene

Interesting link listing national instruments of each country, the United States is listed with two entries the Appalachian dulcimer and the banjo.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_national_instruments_(music)