Hammered Dulcimer Forums
Adventures with 'other' instruments...
Thank you for your feedback.
Forum Activity for @homer-ross
Try these sites for free tab
Dulcimer Resources:TABS/Books/websites/DVDs
Thought I'd throw in this additional link for where to find free dulcimer tab:
https://dulcimertab.com/click-here-for-tablature-list/
(btw I think a lot of their tab is actually taken from the original Bruce Ford's Everything Dulcimer site, which is no longer existing.)
updated by @strumelia: 05/14/24 09:34:44AM
Where should I post TAB
Site QUESTIONS ? How do I...?
(@Ken - I removed your post because it gave inaccurate advice, sorry)
Where should I post TAB
Site QUESTIONS ? How do I...?
Hi Sarah, FOTMD does not have a TAB section, since there are places where one can post tab online or on their own websites. Try looking amongst the sites in this thread for good places to post your tab:
https://fotmd.com/forums/forum/dulcimer-resourcestabs-books-websites-dvds/5559/try-these-sites-for-free-tab
That aside, since your TAB is for a copyrighted (non-public domain) song by Merle Haggard, it would not meet the criteria for sharing with other members here on FOTMD. Our site has fairly firm guidelines about posting or hosting copyrighted material.
However, I would say that if instead of attaching your file to a post here, if you instead post your TAB elsewhere online, I would not mind if you post a LINK here on fotmd, telling members about the fact that you are offering it on that other site. That way, our site is not technically 'hosting/offering' the file here.
Sorry for the inconvenience!
Where should I post TAB
Site QUESTIONS ? How do I...?
I wrote a TAB arrangement I would like to share but I do not know where to share it so people can see it.
updated by @sarah-miner: 05/13/24 10:00:38AM
Try these sites for free tab
Dulcimer Resources:TABS/Books/websites/DVDs
Thanks Dusty! I got it, and the notation is not a problem. So thanks again!
Try these sites for free tab
Dulcimer Resources:TABS/Books/websites/DVDs
@dusty, thanks a bunch for the information!
Try these sites for free tab
Dulcimer Resources:TABS/Books/websites/DVDs
@lorilee and @robin-thompson, Neal is only charging $5 for a download of that Richard Fariña book, but the version of "A Swallow Song" there does not contain tab. It's just the melody in standard music notation and chord names to strum while you sing. Most of the book is tab, but there are 2-3 songs like this where the melody is not provided in tab.
updated by @dusty: 05/10/24 06:05:12PM
Try these sites for free tab
Dulcimer Resources:TABS/Books/websites/DVDs
@lorilee The Richard Fariña Dulcimer Book is available for purchase as download from Gourd Music here: https://www.gourd.com/Books.html
Try these sites for free tab
Dulcimer Resources:TABS/Books/websites/DVDs
Does anyone have tablature that they are willing to share for RIchard Farina's A Swallow Song?
Call 'em Ukes, Ukuleles, but never Ukeleles!
Adventures with 'other' instruments...
This is actually a fun song to play. You don't have to use the falsetto voice.
Tiptoe Through The Tulips Al Dublin & Joe Burke 1929Intro: C / A / |Dm / G7 / :||[C] Tiptoe [A] to the [Dm] window [G7]By the [C] window,[C7] that is [F] where I'll [Cdim] beCome [C] tiptoe [A] through the [
Hammered Dulcimer Forums
Adventures with 'other' instruments...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/BeginningHammeredDulcimerPlayers
https://www.facebook.com/groups/177530402583937
https://www.facebook.com/groups/146510668705434
https://www.facebook.com/groups/175933649422605/?hoisted_section_header_type=recently_seen&multi_permalinks=1162454044103889
https://www.jonweinberg.com/music/jwhd_links.html
Hammered Dulcimer Forums
Adventures with 'other' instruments...
Does anyone know of a Hammered Dulcimer Forum that is currently active? Note: it doesn't have to be based in the USA. Thanks
How Many Dulcimers Do You Own?
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
I've added recorders, ukuleles and micro base so I think it's more curiosity about something new [like a kid with a new toy], or exploring, or maybe just a short attention span. 
updated by @skip: 05/09/24 11:21:01AM
How Many Dulcimers Do You Own?
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Skip:
It's interesting to see that many folks have more instruments than just mountain dulcimers.
In addition to my dulcimers, I have a bodhran, half a dozen or so diatonic harmonicas, a chromatic harmonica, several pennywhistles, a full size keyboard, and 5 autoharps [three chromatics, two 2 key diatonics, FC and GD] and a 15/16 hammered dulcimer I made and still have. I've tried guitars and a banjo but they didn't, physically, work for me.
I guess I have IAD, but music is such a fascinating subject and has so many facets and challenges it's easy to overindulge! Especially for a non-music oriented retiree [no music instruments at all before retiring] .
Skip:
It's interesting to see that many folks have more instruments than just mountain dulcimers.
In addition to my dulcimers, I have a bodhran, half a dozen or so diatonic harmonicas, a chromatic harmonica, several pennywhistles, a full size keyboard, and 5 autoharps [three chromatics, two 2 key diatonics, FC and GD] and a 15/16 hammered dulcimer I made and still have. I've tried guitars and a banjo but they didn't, physically, work for me.
I guess I have IAD, but music is such a fascinating subject and has so many facets and challenges it's easy to overindulge! Especially for a non-music oriented retiree [no music instruments at all before retiring] .
It sounds like you have quite an eclectic collection of instruments! From dulcimers to bodhran, and more, you've got a wide range of sounds to explore.
Frame Drums
Adventures with 'other' instruments...
Scott Callow:
I asked my kids to get me a bodhran kit from McNeela's for Xmas because the up / down tipper motion is very similar to strumming and I thought if I played it while listening to Irish, Finnish and other folk music, the muscle memory would help me develop my strumming versatility. Anyone have any experience with this?
How was your experience with that bodhran?
Did you purchase one of these dulcimers in the 1970s?
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Patricia, as per your wish, I'll lock this discussion.
Did you purchase one of these dulcimers in the 1970s?
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Thanks Ken and Jerry. I actually already got what I needed a week ago, but thanks for sharing! I'd like to close (or delete) this discussion, but it seems that I don't have the rights to do that.
Did you purchase one of these dulcimers in the 1970s?
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
I didn't buy any dulcimers in the 1970s but made my own. I do have many catalogs and price lists but not sure of the dates. There may be one or two from the 1970s and early 1980s. Of course, I have a lot old issues of DPN from that time with prices of some instruments. Let me know if you are interested in any of these. I can scan and send them to you.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
Did you purchase one of these dulcimers in the 1970s?
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
I did buy a Musical Traditions dulcimer from Hank Levin in 1970 or so. The price might have been $125. I also bought a no-name dulcimer around that year from the Music Inn in NYC for, I believe $60.
Cicada symphony.
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
@davisjames , if the cicadas are singing in the note of E, then they should harmonize nicely in a 'fifth' interval with the key of A. (Think of how fiddles are sometimes cross-tuned to AEAE) Can you test this theory by playing something in the key of A against your cicadas? Also, supposedly most telephone landline dial tones are set to the note of A, so that would be an interesting test as well, to see if they harmonize well together. 👂🏼 🙌🏻
Dulcimer Players News demise
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Jennifer, you might get a better a response if you post this as a separate inquiry rather than in the discussion where few people will see it. I have not seen any dulcimer tab for it or even sheet music. I have found guitar chords, but that is all.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
Dulcimer Players News demise
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Has anyone seen tab for Bonnie Bessie Logan, as recorded by Dougie Maclean?
Pete Seeger
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
For Pete Seeger fans, there is a new book out, Pete Seeger with David Bernz Chopping Wood Thoughts & Stories of a Legendary Folksinger. It has a forward by Arlo Guthrie. It is not a biography but as the title says, thoughts and stories. David Bernz, the editor of friend of Seeger's provides some commentary and context.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
Pete Seeger
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
The first songs I ever knew were from the Pete Seeger children's albums. The fact that I still love acoustic music so much is certainly due to his influence.
I have a photo of his banjo up on my dulcimer wall , and across the room are three framed pictures of record album art from Folkways: one by Pete, one by Woody, and one by Leadbelly.
I didn't know about the memorial. I'll have to make a point to get there next time I'm on the east coast.
Thanks for sharing, Ken.
Pete Seeger
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Thanks for sharing the photos, Ken!
Pete Seeger was a man of deep convictions and all his work seems to have sprung from those convictions. He and Jean were folk musicians who have had lasting influence on the lives and music of so many-- truly, gifts to us all.
Pete Seeger
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
I was in New Jersey this past weekend and made it a point to stop at the Pete Seeger memorial. It is behind the Puffin Foundation building at 40 Puffin Way and at the entrance to the Teaneck Nature Preserve. Pete is recognized not only for his contributions to folk music, but also for his community activism in cleaning up the nearby Hudson River and other activities. Whether or not you like his politics, no one can deny his positive influence in getting folks to sing and play musical instruments. I think he is one of the most underrated banjo influencers. His book, How To Play The Five-String Banjo , started many on a lifetime journey. Well, today is the anniversary of his birth so I thought I'd share a photo of the memorial and one of me with Pete. BTW, he did a lot to encourage Jean Ritchie's participation in the folk revival (scare?) of the 1940s, 50s. and 60s.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
updated by @ken-longfield: 05/03/24 03:10:25PM
How Many Dulcimers Do You Own?
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
I have one dulcimer only but I have also some guitars (fender, takamine...) and some other musical instruments
Hammered dulcimer, autoharp, banjo are some of the instruments I hope to own and learn and play
How Many Dulcimers Do You Own?
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
jost:
Up to now just one dulcimer ( I plan to get another one spontan though) but I already have a mild case of Instrument acquisation sydrome:
- One dulcimer ( beginner level)
- two classical guitars and one lute guitar ( not a beginner but no Bert Jansch either)
- Two tin whistles ( D and C tuning, beginner)
- One mandolin ( my latest addition, still struggling with the first song after one month)
jost:
Up to now just one dulcimer ( I plan to get another one spontan though) but I already have a mild case of Instrument acquisation sydrome:
- One dulcimer ( beginner level)
- two classical guitars and one lute guitar ( not a beginner but no Bert Jansch either)
- Two tin whistles ( D and C tuning, beginner)
- One mandolin ( my latest addition, still struggling with the first song after one month)
You've got a range of options to experiment with and expand your musical horizons.
Hindman Boys (and Gal)
OFF TOPIC discussions
I agree Robin. The Culture of Recovery is a wonderful program. The luthiery and Troublesome Creek Stringed Instrument Company are a great way to give people the opportunity to develop a skill and turn their lives around. Kudos to all involved.
Ken
"the dulcimer sings a sweet song."
Hindman Boys (and Gal)
OFF TOPIC discussions
What a moving, touching episode! Music has the power to touch us all in so many ways and on so many different levels. All the stories presented are heartening. And what is going on in Hindman KY will, I hope, continue to bring folks together for common purpose.
Thanks for letting us know about this, Dan, and thank you for your work with Doug and all at the luthier shop in Hindman! Was a treat to see Sarah Kate and Willow, too!
Hindman Boys (and Gal)
OFF TOPIC discussions
It appears it will be available on my local PBS affiliate at 9, too.
Hindman Boys (and Gal)
OFF TOPIC discussions
Me, too. It's on at 9 p.m. EDT on my PBS station.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
Cicada symphony.
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
I imagine that different species of cicadas 'sing' at different note pitches. 
Cicada symphony.
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
That is brilliant!As far as I can tell,the cicadas are hovering around,"E"....I eagerly await mountain dulcimer collaborations with cicadas this year...
Did you purchase one of these dulcimers in the 1970s?
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
We’re doing some research and looking for prices of dulcimers that were purchased in the 1970s. If you bought one of the following dulcimers:
• Magic Mountain (or Shellnut Company)
• Santa Monica Dulcimer Works
• Music Traditions
• Folkcraft
• Black Mountain
• McSpadden
• Green River
Please let us know what you bought it for, a description of your dulcimer, and if you happen to have a catalog with your dulcimer with the price listed, we’d love to see it. We’d also love if you’d post a photo of your dulcimer.
Here's an example of a 1970s dulcimer catalog.
Thanks!
Patricia
anchor pin pulled out
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
In the photo, you can see how if you stacked two ball-ends on that screw, there is left almost NO threads to actually hold the screw in the wood. You'd wind up screwing as much as possible and stripping the wood threads. Plus, then the lower ball-end ends up digging into the wood. Not a good arrangement at all. Loop end strings just slip right over whatever pin or screw is there... no screwing/unscrewing involved.
anchor pin pulled out
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
Dusty Turtle:
I think the reason Richard suggested using loop end strings was not to save time, but to minimize the possibility that the wood might degrade and lose the grip on the screw. If you never have to unscrew the screw, the wood would be more likely to stay intact.
It seems to me that the screw pulled out because it was way too short. If you use a 3/4" long screw, even if the wood eventually does degrade, the screw will just sit in it like a pin. Because the first screw is so shallow, I would think a more appropriate length screw would make threads below the area that tore out. A drop of candle wax or some graphite shaved off a pencil lead can be dropped into the screw holes to relieve the friction when screwing and unscrewing, and preserve the grooves that the screw fits into.
Dusty Turtle:
you can also make a loop end string out of a ball end string by removing the ball. Just squeeze it with some plyers and pry it out.
I will have to try that. That is a total game changer for me, thanks for the tip Dusty. I try to buy anything I can from my local music store, since it's the only one in town that was able to stay open through the pandemic. I didn't know it was that easy to take the ball out of the loop on strings, and I think that will come in handy a lot with all the guitar strings I have.
anchor pin pulled out
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
Nate, I think the reason Richard suggested using loop end strings was not to save time, but to minimize the possibility that the wood might degrade and lose the grip on the screw. If you never have to unscrew the screw, the wood would be more likely to stay intact. In the picture MJ posted, the screw hole looks like it has to be filled.
I've never had trouble finding loop end strings of any gauge. JustStrings sells them in bulk, plain steel from .008 to .018 and wound from .020 to .040. For the odd string or two I just go to my local music store. And you can also make a loop end string out of a ball end string by removing the ball. Just squeeze it with some plyers and pry it out.