Forum Activity for @wally-venable

Wally Venable
@wally-venable
09/14/20 10:19:08AM
130 posts

Does anyone know what kind of pick this is?


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

The shape looks like the large triangle pick sold by Fender and D'Andrea.

Pick Punch sells a make-your-own-picks punch in that #355 shape. It is very possible that you have a "home made" pick.

For the punch, see

https://www.pickpunch.com/355-large-triangle-pick-punch-quotdorito-chipq355.html

Pick Punch sells several other shapes. Locally we have a couple of #351 punches. They are good tools.

traildad
@traildad
09/14/20 10:14:09AM
89 posts

I ordered my own dulcimer


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

Yes I agree. The standard one I looked at was very nice. In a perfect situation I'd be picking from a bunch of them that I could play first. I think it's the right way to go all things considered.
Susie
@susie
09/14/20 06:37:21AM
515 posts

Does anyone know what kind of pick this is?


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions


Just a thought.....

My local music store is Elderly Instruments in Lansing, MI (has been for 47 years). They are great to deal with. They have a huge selection of picks and their website is great for searching/filtering. You could look at their selection, then pick out (pun intended) a bunch of single picks and have them shipped to your home. Picks are usually quite inexpensive and Elderly's shipping rates are very reasonable. I bet for less than $10 (including shipping), you could get a nice selection and try the various shapes, sizes, thicknesses. It can really be enlightening and very helpful.

https://www.elderly.com/


updated by @susie: 09/14/20 07:00:19AM
John Gribble
@john-gribble
09/14/20 03:21:43AM
124 posts

Does anyone know what kind of pick this is?


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I can't help with your particular pick, either. But for dulcimer I like big straight-edged triangle picks too. I've settled on thin or medium thickness celluloid picks and drill a hole in the center to help keep them from slithering around or flying out of my hand. Back when I was a wee lad you could find picks with flat pieces. of cork glued to them. "Real musicians" probably never used them, but there were enough beginners like myself to keep them on the market up into the 1970s.


Photo on 9-14-20 at 4.06 PM.jpg Photo on 9-14-20 at 4.06 PM.jpg - 167KB
John Gribble
@john-gribble
09/14/20 02:54:53AM
124 posts

I ordered my own dulcimer


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

I'm sure you'll get a fine quality instrument. He's made enough of the things to know what he's doing! winker

traildad
@traildad
09/13/20 10:05:26PM
89 posts

I ordered my own dulcimer


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


I've ordered my dulcimer! It was really difficult to choose without being able to listen to a lot of instruments. I visited Black Mountain Instruments in Calistoga CA and got to hear a beautiful dulcimer, but I wasn't convinced. My vacation took me to LA so I decided to look around while I was there. I was able to try four McSpadden dulcimers. I still couldn't pull the trigger. The loaner I am playing has a much bigger sound so I was still thinking.  Then I remembered that Black Mountain Instruments makes a jumbo dulcimer. The craftsmanship of his dulcimer was excellent so I decided to cross my fingers and order one without playing it first. I should have it in a month or so. Walnut with a spruce top, rosewood fingerboard and a guitar style head. I'll be counting the days. 

https://blackmtninstruments.com/buy-dulcimers/model-81-dulcimer/

Ilenef
@ilenef
09/13/20 06:57:53PM
4 posts

Does anyone know what kind of pick this is?


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions


Thank you for replying, Ken.  A friend gave it to me...it was among several picks that were included with a used dulcimer.  I like it because it doesn't slip and is big enough to hold onto.

Ilene


updated by @ilenef: 09/13/20 06:58:09PM
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield
09/13/20 05:22:40PM
1,314 posts

Does anyone know what kind of pick this is?


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I wish I could help you, but I can't. The shape is the Fender 355 shape which is also made by D'Andrea. I am not aware of anyone selling a white triangular pick which has red dots imbedded in it. I can't tell from the photo, but the picks looks to be a thick one. I have some white picks in that shape from Folkcraft when it was in Connecticut, but not with the red dots. I don't think those dots where there when the pick was manufactured.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Ilenef
@ilenef
09/13/20 01:42:35PM
4 posts

Does anyone know what kind of pick this is?


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions


I'm trying to find out what kind of pick this is because I want to buy some more (only have the 1).  It is 1.5 inches wide with braille-like specks. The specks are a gold color and are raised for traction.

.IMG_20200913_121927.jpg IMG_20200913_121915.jpg


updated by @ilenef: 09/13/20 06:55:30PM
Strumelia
@strumelia
09/13/20 01:20:39PM
2,402 posts

Contra dancing :)


OFF TOPIC discussions

Dusty Turtle:But COVID has certainly changed our perspectives.  Looking at all those people so close together, indoors, breathing heavy, all I can think of is how easy it would be to pass germs.

I know, right?  tic

Matt Berg
@matt-berg
09/13/20 10:35:05AM
105 posts

Installing built-in pick up for 2004 dulcimer?


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

Have you considered contacting Richard Ash at Folkcraft?  He seems always willing to help on questions like this.

Vicki Moore
@vicki-moore
09/13/20 10:13:09AM
15 posts

Installing built-in pick up for 2004 dulcimer?


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

Does anyone have experience or knowledge about this subject? I have a 2004 Folkcraft baritone and also a 1993 standard Folkcraft - both for which I am considering to have built-in pick ups installed. Thoughts? Or perhaps someone can recommend a good “stick on” option...but I have never found a good one in all these years!  

Dusty Turtle
@dusty
09/12/20 11:47:47PM
1,845 posts

Contra dancing :)


OFF TOPIC discussions

I recognized you right away, Strumelia! Even the low energy dance would be a workout, if only because of how long the dancing goes on with no breaks.

But COVID has certainly changed our perspectives.  Looking at all those people so close together, indoors, breathing heavy, all I can think of is how easy it would be to pass germs.

Strumelia
@strumelia
09/12/20 09:59:08PM
2,402 posts

Contra dancing :)


OFF TOPIC discussions

No, I'm not the guy with the kilt...lol! If you look beyond him, closer to the band. I have a black top, short grey hair, and a black skirt with pink spots on it.

Here's an example of a really bog high energy contra dance- at the Saratoga NY Dance Flurry... I've gone to this dance a few times and danced to this band... they are cool. (btw I am not in this video) It's just the two guys playing instruments, but they keep adding snippets of themselves recording them live right there and looping them on top of each other til it sounds really intense.  Watch them work, but then be amazed when at around 1:45 in the video, the camera starts panning out to the dancers in the hall... surprised   That's a major dance.

Just sitting here this evening fondly watching dances and spotting folks I remember in them...  :)

Then lastly, here's one more video of the same venue in Saratoga, from this past February... just before Covid-19 came along and RUINED everything. This one has a more traditional fiddle band playing, but you get the idea of how much fun and high energy it can be...  bananadance

IRENE
@irene
09/12/20 09:32:17PM
168 posts

Contra dancing :)


OFF TOPIC discussions

Are you the one with the Celt?   such fun dancing.  

Strumelia
@strumelia
09/12/20 08:54:50PM
2,402 posts

Contra dancing :)


OFF TOPIC discussions


Because of Covid-19, the last contra dance i attended was Feb 22 2020. Of course all contra dances have been called off until things are safe again, whenever that will be.  I sure miss contra dancing a whole lot. I used to go 3 or 4 times a month to various dances in different locations within an hour's drive.  crying1

I just came across a youtube video I didn't see before, of a dance in Sheffield MA back in November 2019, it's one of the dances I used to attend regularly. It's held in a lovely old wooden community center, Dewey Hall. This particular dance tends to have quite a few dancers in their teens. It's a small hall, so we have to be a little careful not to bump into others. Most contra dances are from 8-11pm, with a 20 minute snack break in the middle.

I remember this dance, it was not as high energy compared to some other dances I go to. But it's a great mix of young and old and everyone in between. The boy fiddler Zane in the middle is only around 10 years old, and his father is playing guitar. The caller is a very talented musical young lady in her 20s named Maggie. I know many of the dancers by name. All wonderful folks, and I really look forward to the day the dances start up again... everyone will be soooo happy when the in-person dancing resumes!

You can see me here and there in the video on the right side, mostly at 0:47 and again around 1:58.  I have a black top on. gangnam1


updated by @strumelia: 09/12/20 09:00:00PM
hugssandi
@hugssandi
09/12/20 08:05:24PM
249 posts

Healthy Living- healthy eating, exercise, weight loss, veggie gardening, etc.


OFF TOPIC discussions

Even though I'm quiet I still love getting the e-mails updating this thread!  I am a month-and-a-half into eating like a bear (keto, IF 23:1), and I cannot believe the difference already.  I couldn't believe the difference in two weeks~though I do still have a very long way to go.  I know that I will never view the comment, "That's just water weight," over rapid weight loss the same way again.  That was water that meant inflammation, swelling, limited mobility, and needed to come off!  

I do have a very long way to go, but I chose this method because of the possible autophagy helping with loose skin.  I'm going to have loose skin with all I need to lose, but anything to help, please!  LOL!  In all honesty, this has been one of the easiest eating plans I've ever tried, and I am so thankful.

robert schuler
@robert-schuler
09/12/20 02:21:18PM
257 posts

Healthy Living- healthy eating, exercise, weight loss, veggie gardening, etc.


OFF TOPIC discussions

Here in South Jersey we've been continually blasted with rain and humidity since June. My and my neighbors vegetable farms are looking poorly. But I still have plenty of food for myself and family. Lately I have been going stir crazy, stir fry crazy that is ☺. 

Lois Sprengnether Keel
@lois-sprengnether-keel
09/11/20 03:50:31PM
197 posts

Virtual Dulcimer Festival Site


Dulcimer Resources:TABS/Books/websites/DVDs

I'm still eager to know of festivals/workshops for other instruments, but if you're interested in creating one this might help.  The Story Crossroads blog from Aug. 17, 2020 to Aug. 25 presents a five-part series on "How to Set Up Virtual Events."  In blog format, since the most recent appears first, it's best to go all the way back to the first part, working through what you need up to the end.  It's written for storytelling events, but is intended to fit other performing arts and virtual events.

Hope it helps replace some events.  It gives an interesting choice of times if you want to go global. 

My only regret is my other type of event is theater and "You know what you call recorded plays . . . movies."

Strumelia
@strumelia
09/11/20 10:00:10AM
2,402 posts

Healthy Living- healthy eating, exercise, weight loss, veggie gardening, etc.


OFF TOPIC discussions

Today I'll cleanup another area of the veg garden that is kaput for the year- the cucumbers. The tomato plants are mostly brown now, with a few odd stragglers still putting out some plum or cherry tomatoes. But I'll still be planting lettuce and radish seed every couple of weeks 'til mid Oct- they like the cold weather and will usually thrive until early December here in New York. My pepper plants are doing fine too- they seemed pretty frost resistant last year until Thanksgiving or so. I've found it helps to do the Fall veggie garden cleanup a section at a time... easier on me than trying to do it all in a couple of days later on.

I've actually been keeping up with my trampoline/rebounder sessions. It's been over two months now, and I've managed to go from starting out at 5 minute sessions to now 11 minutes, soon to be 12.  I think my current goal is to be able to do a 15 minute session at least 5 days a week. That doesn't sound like a lot, but try doing jumping jacks or jumping rope for 15 minutes straight and you'll quickly see what i mean. hot   It's hard work! 
I alternate straight bouncing with jumping jacks and jogging on it. When my 11 min are up, I get off and do some stretches and twists to finish up. So far I'm not avoiding it or feeling bored to death. I like that I don't have to spend a lot of time to feel like I've had a workout. I know it's doing me a lot of good... my legs are definitely stronger. I notice I'm going upstairs much more easily, and it seems easier to tie my shoes and do weeding or vacuuming.
I've lost about 4 pounds in the past two months, but I hesitate to attribute it to anything in particular. But far better than slowly continuing to gain, like i was before.

Jim Yates
@jim-yates
09/08/20 11:10:36PM
68 posts

Any banjo players out there?


Adventures with 'other' instruments...

I have a few instruments in the banjo family.
I play clawhammer and a few other folk styles on my 5-strings. 
I have a tenor that is strung with nylon strings that I often play in the Maple Leaf Champions Jug Band.
I also have a few banjoleles that I use Somebody Stole My Gal, Sweet Sue and Walkin' My Baby Back Home.

I used to play bluegrass banjo,but the arthritis in my thumbs has slowed that down a lot.

LisavB
@lisavb
09/07/20 12:02:03PM
58 posts

How is the COVID-19 coronavirus affecting you?


OFF TOPIC discussions

Wow, this reminds me of how I felt upon my first post-COVID dental visit.  They had installed special air cleaners, implemented a number of precautions (including taking my temp and testing my O2) and put quite rigorous/extensive between-patient cleaning into place--and a lot more.  My longtime hygienist was clad in all manner of PPE.  On the one hand, I felt grateful they were taking so much care to protect me--and their staff.  On the other hand, I was heartbroken to see Niki decked out like something out of a sci-fi movie--just do do her job safely.  We had to do a socially distant air-hug instead of our usual post-cleaning hug.  She had to stay in the room to be sprayed down with a special fog, couldn't even walk/chat with me on the way to the front desk as usual.  

I feel the same about your story.  On the one hand, I am touched they put so much care into making the wedding safe for all. On the other hand, it breaks my heart that all this is necessary.

On yet another hand...I'm with Strumelia.  The Vegas mansion would not have been my cup of tea! :)  I'm not a big/loud crowd kind of person...

Lois Sprengnether Keel
@lois-sprengnether-keel
09/06/20 06:30:19PM
197 posts

Virtual Dulcimer Festival Site


Dulcimer Resources:TABS/Books/websites/DVDs

Hope for more as their registration is only until Monday 3 p.m. CDT.  I sent as URGENT FWD to our president & suggested folks prowl online for networking site of their favorite instrument.

Lois Sprengnether Keel
@lois-sprengnether-keel
09/06/20 06:15:25PM
197 posts

Virtual Dulcimer Festival Site


Dulcimer Resources:TABS/Books/websites/DVDs

Thanks, Dusty!  I know you cover a variety of instruments.  I'll send that & welcome any others.  To paraphrase a popular saying, "A musician is a terrible thing to waste!"

Dusty Turtle
@dusty
09/06/20 06:11:41PM
1,845 posts

Virtual Dulcimer Festival Site


Dulcimer Resources:TABS/Books/websites/DVDs


Lois, I don't know of a list such as what you're looking for. The Dulcimer Players News website maintains a list of dulcimer festivals, but nothing beyond that.  I did hear recently that the big Walnut Valley Festival is going online this year for two days of "hands-on workshops."  The link there is to the list of workshops, which cover guitar, banjo, mandolin, autoharp, ukulele, and more.

Maybe everyone is waiting for someone--perhaps someone with the skills of a resource librarian--to create the list you seek.


updated by @dusty: 09/06/20 06:12:50PM
Lois Sprengnether Keel
@lois-sprengnether-keel
09/06/20 05:42:06PM
197 posts

Virtual Dulcimer Festival Site


Dulcimer Resources:TABS/Books/websites/DVDs

Quick Dumb Question: Is there a site for online music festivals beyond exclusively dulcimers?  Last night our local folklore society had our 1st gathering since shutting down in March.  Thank heavens for Zoom even if not the same as our usual meeting.  In talking, before we took turns playing & singing, there was regret over closed festivals.  I mentioned attending online & was asked to share a listing of festivals.  I know some of the listings at dpnews go beyond dulcimers.  I'll gladly share it, but most of our members play guitar, uke, or banjo, so I'm hoping some of our instrumental generalists can name additional sites.

THANKS!  (I'm that sure they exist.)

Strumelia
@strumelia
09/06/20 03:30:40PM
2,402 posts

The Mountain Minor movie


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Poppop, that is very cool!  Thanks for joining us here.  sun

Strumelia
@strumelia
09/06/20 03:26:57PM
2,402 posts

How is the COVID-19 coronavirus affecting you?


OFF TOPIC discussions

Dusty, I'd say the bride and groom put a lot of thought and consideration into their adapted wedding.  They did a great job and at least for me it would have been more fun than a mansion Las Vegas wedding.  Bingo and paint ballon art and individual food bags!  clapper    It does indeed sound memorable.  :D

Dusty Turtle
@dusty
09/06/20 03:12:12PM
1,845 posts

How is the COVID-19 coronavirus affecting you?


OFF TOPIC discussions

Strange days indeed. I attended a COVID wedding yesterday. My brother-in-law got married to his long-time girlfriend.  The wedding was originally planned for Labor Day weekend in Las Vegas, and he had rented a huge mansion there where the wedding party and their close family and friends were going to stay.  Needless to say, those plans were canceled.

Instead, there was a short, social distancing ceremony with about 20 people involved at a park, and then we we went back to their backyard for a party of sorts. Everyone sat in family pods, so my wife, daughter and I had our own table.  There was no buffet or anything like that.  They had the event catered, with individual bags of food for each attendee.  Even the drinks were individualized.  My wife indicated on the questionnaire that I liked whiskey, so on our table was a whole bottle of Jameson Irish Whiskey, just for me. (Don't worry, we took the bottle home after I barely made a dent in it.)   Also on each table was a bottle of hand sanitizer and a container of Lysol wipes.  I was expecting face masks displaying a picture of the newlyweds, but they didn't go that far.

There was no dancing or anything, but we played bingo and a few other contact-less games, including something where we each threw a balloon filled with paint at big canvas.  They are planning to put that paint-splattered, Jackson Pollock-like canvas in their living room.  Kind of a cool idea, though we left before seeing the final product.

In the end, it was nice but also strange. I'm sure we will remember the experience, which I guess is all you can ask of a wedding.

poppop
@poppop
09/06/20 02:41:09PM
1 posts

The Mountain Minor movie


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I’m a childhood friend of Dale Farmer. I still live 30 minutes from him. Excellent movie, The mountain minor. Dale is a very talented guy, plays several instruments and has played in several bluegrass groups. If you haven’t seen the movie you can see it on Amazon prime. 

Strumelia
@strumelia
09/05/20 10:20:44PM
2,402 posts

Song Identification Help


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Gregg Schneeman] As a matter of fact, as you can see in my two "Play Music On The Porch:videos the big beard is gone! Didn't get along with face mask efficiency, and no Renaissance Faire.
 

For what it's worth, Gregg I think you look great with the super short beard!  My husband did the same thing, for the same reason.  nod

Gregg Schneeman
@gregg-schneeman
09/05/20 07:24:28PM
25 posts

Heard of "The Left Hand Dulcimer Band"?


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

They were a couple of Dulcimer playing friends living I believe I remember said they lived in Troy, Alabama. They put out their self named cassette during that period where LPs were on their way out and CDs hadn't quite arrived. I met them, bought their cassette, loved their Dulcimer playing and songs, but lost it. One cut from their cassette has surfaced on YouTube...See "Left Hand Dulcimer Band"...but neither he nor I know their names or what became of them. If anyone on FOTMD has a copy of this cassette please let me know their names, contact information, etc. Thank You!

Susie
@susie
09/05/20 04:32:36PM
515 posts

Song Identification Help


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Thank you for your help! Gonna work on this one, now that I have some info on it.

Gregg Schneeman
@gregg-schneeman
09/05/20 01:42:07PM
25 posts

Song Identification Help


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions


Susie:

Gregg Schneeman:

Susie:

Can someone identify the song that is played here in this video? Thanks.



"My Own House Waltz" into tune #2 I do not know and back to "My Own House Waltz" then into "Ye Banks and Braes"


Thanks, that gives me a starting point to work on this (and tab it out). A lovely tune.


Further Correction --- It is "My Own House Waltz" -- Not "Home"
updated by @gregg-schneeman: 09/05/20 01:49:34PM
Dusty Turtle
@dusty
09/05/20 12:17:18PM
1,845 posts

Song Identification Help


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

So you shaved your beard, Gregg, to help stop the spread of the virus.  That's dedication!  Perhaps if you still had it you'd know the name of the middle tune, too!

Gregg Schneeman
@gregg-schneeman
09/05/20 12:11:44PM
25 posts

Song Identification Help


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Dusty Turtle:

@susie, you must have been writing at the same time @gregg-schneeman was.  He identified the the tune at the beginning and at the end (I didn't even make it that far) but there is a third tune in the middle he doesn't know.   No surprise Gregg knew the answer.  You don't get a beard like that without acquiring a lot of knowledge and wisdom. 

As a matter of fact, as you can see in my two "Play Music On The Porch" videos the big beard is gone! Didn't get along with face mask efficiency, and no Renaissance Faire. 
Susie
@susie
09/05/20 12:07:10PM
515 posts

Song Identification Help


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Gregg Schneeman:

Susie:

Can someone identify the song that is played here in this video? Thanks.



"My Own Home Waltz" into tune #2 I do not know and back to "My Own Home Waltz" then into "Ye Banks and Braes"


Thanks, that gives me a starting point to work on this (and tab it out). A lovely tune.

Dusty Turtle
@dusty
09/05/20 12:04:25PM
1,845 posts

Song Identification Help


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

@susie, you must have been writing at the same time @gregg-schneeman was.  He identified the the tune at the beginning and at the end (I didn't even make it that far) but there is a third tune in the middle he doesn't know.   No surprise Gregg knew the answer.  You don't get a beard like that without acquiring a lot of knowledge and wisdom. 

  208