Forum Activity for @marg

Paula,

Haven't used a possum board for long but have made two, last one much better - lighter and can fit most any dulcimer but if I made another one and raised the part to hold the dulcimer and made it only pencil wide, I'm sure it would make the dulcimer sound different. Other members will have a better answer but below is what I have found out so far as I am learning about the possum board and what it brings to the dulcimer.

1.  What I have found, using only mine is it does raise the dulcimer up a bit on your lap so you will need to readjust your playing style some.

2.  Where the board would fit any dulcimer, not all dulcimers sound good on it. My McSpadden maybe doesn't need one, since I fell it bounces the sound around more than boosts the sound.

3.  If you add felt so the dulcimers doesn't get scratch or if any loose clothing overlaps the board and makes contact you will damper the sound.

I would bring the dulcimer you most want to put on a board or several dulcimers to Jm's and try it or them out. Good luck, let us know how it goes.

Paula for DAA the melody and middle are the same, an octave above the the bass D.

Are you finger noting or using a noter? With the noter you simply key the fret board and touch the string in the accidental spot and it will ring that note. As per Robin Clark's advanced noter technique video.

I know Bing Futch posted a video on the old FOTMD site that gives instruction and demonstration on how to bend strings to get those accidentals, in between notes, of a song. I tried searching Youtube and he has lots and lots of videos. If anyone out there can remember the name of his video or provide a link I would be very grateful. I tried searching this site but apparently from what I can see that video did not migrate over to this site? I got a friend who is new to the dulcimer but she is picking up on things very quickly and I would like to send her a video (Bing's or anyone else's) on how to bend strings. I think my friend is going to end up a better dulcimer player than me. She has really taken to the instrument. It makes me happy

They are all the same 'A', the 4th fret on the bass [which is the same as 'D' below middle 'C' in DAdd].

Hi,  how do they feel on your lap?  Pro and cons?  Jim lives close to me so would be convenient to buy from

Thanks for all the great information  I did purchase the warren may, #657 which according to warren it is a 1979 or 1980 with just intonation.  He said to check the first fret and see if the length of the first fret is less than the length of the second fret.  The first fret is shorter than the 2nd fret distance and so it is a just intonation.  It is in perfect condition and a beautiful Birdseye maple dulcimer. It has old strings on it.  Extra strings are sized at 22 for bass and 12 for the other strings.  I am not sure on the tuning In terms of the octaves of the 155.  I think the bass should be the normal D bass as a DAD would be.  Is the AA on the middle and melody strings tuned to the normal A which would be on the middle string of DAD tuning or are the middle and melody different octaves?  I will post pictures.

 1465745880099-1735288457.jpg - 114KB

Kevin's comment reminds me to add that I'm playing dulcimer with D tuned guitar in noted drone style... Robert.

I fret all my noter drone specific Dulcimers in JI. Like Robert I have no trouble playing with others . No I wouldn't buy a JI dulcimer if I was a melody chord player, not what it is designed for. But if you are wanting to play noter drone style you can not have a better fret board layout,it just sounds far better than an ET instrument. So It all comes down to what you want to play. I play with groups of players that some are melody /chord , some noter/ drone and we all play well together. I don't look at the differences as limitations ,but, as special qualities that the different instruments have. 

I have no problem playing my ji dulcimers with guitar. They sound absolutely great togerter. The important thing is this... Say your playing in D... Tuned Daa...the guitar must be tuned in open D... That is DADF#AD... And tuned to the dulcimers D&a strings. Unfortunately most guitar players cannot play in open D... Shame shame shame.. Their loss... Thanks Anne !!!..... Robert.

Or you might view it as the guitar was what sounded 'off', not your dulcimer.   

I bought a JI dulcimer last summer, beforre I knew any of the above info. Thought it sounded "off" when a guitar player joined me....However, I hafta' say, it has the sweetest sound in the world when played on its own...thank you, Robert Schuler!

Have you seen some of Christine Shoemaker's videos, she has a dulciborn but just got a Gold Tone custom chromatic 5-string bartione dulciborn  

She is a member so you could search for her on FOTMD    

Frank Ledgerwood was a member but I do not see him now, can still see some of his videos on youtube, with these I just fell in love with the sound f the dulcimer

Marg,  I do have a dulciborn now , a gold tone and I do like it...  The action is pretty good on it...  I know others have had theirs adjusted too...

I am very sorry to hear of John's death.  When my wife Angela and myself were making our first visit to the USA (from the UK) in 2005, we met John at the JP Fraley Mountain Music Gatherin' in Carter Cave, Kentucky.  He was very friendly and welcoming and keen to talk about all things dulcimer.

 I think I'm going to try this with my bother on Sunday.  He's a percussionist by training...

Oh man, what a turn on!   

Val was playing her fiddle, and I tried this. She started swatting me with her bow!

I like your idea, Marg!  I looked through recordings to see if I have one to post here and I don't. I believe I jammed on Whiskey Before Breakfast with John.  He was a very fine player! 

Way cool, Dusty!  

I first became a fan of the play of fiddlesticks through the play of the band the Black Twig Pickers. 

Mark & I have experimented with my playing md while he's beating with chopsticks. . . We need to practice lots more before we'll sound any good. :)

That's our main place to eat in Bardstown!

I always thought Cajun music worked well on the dulcimer because so much of it was written for the diatonic accordion. But there was a droning tradition, too. Check out these fiddlesticks playing a rhythmic drone to one of the oldest Cajun tunes around.

For anyone eating suppers out, the Stephen Foster Restaurant  at 503 W. Stephen Foster Rd. (2 blocks from the school and just west of the Best Western--also called the "General Nelson Inn"...and kind of behind a gas station) is one of the places frequented by KMW attendees--just show up anytime between 5 and 6:30 and you'll find folks to sit with.  They have a buffet that's around $10 and it has a wide variety which changes slightly every day.  Not gourmet, but typical country home cookin'.  You can expect things like fried catfish, pork chops, chicken, ham, shrimp, pot roast, mashed potatoes, greens, corn, brown beans and cornbread, salad bar, chocolate cake, hot cobbler and a Make-your-own sundae station with soft serve ice cream (which is also good on top of the cobbler).

There are many really good restaurants in Bardstown...I just mention this one because it's easy to connect with other KMW folks--we just keep filling up the tables!

Can be found here  http://www.kentuckymusicweek.com/schedules.html

Kandee, I want to meet you and the other FOTMD attendees!  I'll ask Nancy (the director) if it's OK to connect in various ways.  Having lunch together--Tuesday?-- would be one way.  I was thinking of putting some helium balloons on a couple tables so we'd know where to sit.  Those of us not signed up for the lunch plan will either bring a lunch or will buy something to eat at the concession stand.  I was thinking about putting up a sign with FOTMD in large letters and lots of space around it to "sign in" that you're there...maybe add a photo, say where you're staying, put down what classes you're taking...any other suggestions?  It really is great to meet our fellow members in person, and early in the week is the way to do it.

    I'd also strongly urge members who are attending KMW or DulcimerU  or ANY of these other events to purchase the FOTMD button...pin it on (or near) your name tag so it will be easily noticed!  The ordering info is on our home page.

     Let me know if you have other suggestions.  And if you want your photo on the poster, send it to me or let me know it's OK to print off one from this site.

I hit the road on June 17 but will check in periodically to see if there are any coordinated efforts to meet up one day at lunch.  I'm flexible (I think).  Not fully aware of the daily schedule at KMW at this time.

     Well,  Lowe's only sells fan blades in a package of 4 but the lumber section had some nice wood about the size of a fan blade and less expensive. I followed the 1/4" measurements but I ended up not putting the inserted wood at the ends, I thought it sounded better placing it in more. Anyway very simple to make, very light and cost about $5. for the materials.

    Photo attached, remember it's a very simple P. board but works and doesn't change the tone. Not having sides I can slide the dulcimer up or back or use for all of the ones I have.

thanks everyone, again

 p. board.jpg - 48KB

Robin Clark made a great video comparing different scale temperaments.  Watch this and all will become clear: 

A JI dulcimer is a specialist.  Played alone, it sounds terrific in the scale it was built to play -- for Mr. May's instruments, this means the Ionian scale that begins on the 3rd fret.  Scales that start on other frets will sound off, some worse than others.  This is why you need an Ionian tuning like DAA and not DAD.

No matter what tuning you use, as Ken said, the JI dulcimer will not play well with standard modern dulcimers.  Nor will it work with guitars, keyboards, or other instruments that play defined notes.  Some of your notes will be flat and sound awful.  You can't play chords on it, either.  A really skilled player, paying rapt attention, might be able to bend strings to make the pitches blend, but I can't imagine anyone doing this in a dulcimer club.

This does not doom you to play alone: a fretless instrument or a vocalist with a good ear can play along with a JI dulcimer, and there's always percussion :)  Still, it's important to understand that a JI dulcimer will impose limitations you wouldn't have with a modern equal-temperament dulcimer. 

Rob, although I've not seen you play live, but I have seen you perform on this site I do not compare you to others', you are your own best character and a great musician. I like when you wear an ole' time hat and period clothes, just say I like your image just how it is. I enjoy your voice and just think you are unique and wonderful all on your own.

I know this isn't what your looking for, but just wanted you to know and that I do not know how to describe to the folks you are targeting, but I wish you well getting gigs.

I'm not sure why you'd think your gender had any bearing on my view or on how I replied but anyway, re your last post don't worry about it. If forgiveness is needed you got it. We all sometimes say or write things and wish on reflection we could reel them back in again. In fact in a song I've recently finished the second verse is

" Now sometimes words should remain thoughts and not be spoken.

Sometimes they fly away before they're ready to

and like a bird that's fledged to soon and ended broken

I am alone again and broken without you......."

In your reply to my first post in this thread you seemed to be on a bit of a downer when you were wondering if anything would come of your songs.So what I said was a response to that and not a comment on your future plans as a writer or performer

All I was trying to say is that by enjoying the process of writing and sharing you music and having others enjoy it , something has 'come of it/ them' maybe not commercially but you've written them performed them and the audience has enjoyed them, but I suppose its question of definition.

So I wasn't saying wasn't suggesting you shouldnt make plans or have ambitions or that you should 'just have fun'

Millions of songs get written by both ameteurs and professionals that rarely if ever see the light of day/end up being recorded but they're none the less valid as artist expressions of the writer.

Keep on keeping on as they say!

Cowboy Rob--He roams the range of music genres....

nah?!!! 

Sorry this is an older post but i am just now reading it, I have a dulciborn and once I lowered the action it wasn't hard to fret and yes the sound is incredible. 

 Not sure this ever got to you, posted it 3 weeks ago

Posted a response to   "Morgan McKay Dulcimer"

 I did not know John but I am very sorry for his passing and for the sadness it brings to his family and friends and his music that will be missed. He posted on his site that one of his favorite songs was -  Whiskey Before Breakfast'.  

As someone who was active with FOTMD and it's members, maybe a few of you could post the playing of 'Whiskey Before Breakfast' for John

The dulcimer Outlaw wouldn't be how you describe yourself, but it would be your stage name.  Willie doesn't just sing outlaw country music. think Always On My Mind and Hit the Road Jack.  Those songs are one of the reasons he's still considered outlaw.

Thanks John! :-)

Just Intonation means, essentially that it's "not gonna play well with others" -- because those others are intonated to play together with all sorts of instruments, but a JI instrument is not.  When a JI dulcimer is built, the frets are spaced for one particular tuning -- 1-5-5 say.  That means it will sound right with any 1-5-5 tuning -- DAA, CGG, AEE, GDD, etc.  BUT it will not sound right in 1-5-8 tunings like DAd, CGc, AEa, GDg, etc.  Also, if you play in a group, your JI dulcimer will sound "off" compared to the others.

A capo will probably only make things worse.

JI dulcimers really are intended to only be played in the Noter & Drone or Melody & Drone styles, not Chord-Melody.  They are not intnded to be played with other instruments -- dulcimers or anything else.  

So -- if you're going to play with a group, take another dulcimer. 

If you're going to play solo in Noter & Drone or Melody & Drone for yourself or others (say in a nursing home) -- then that JI Warren May will really shine!

It kind of fits what you do, Rob.

Lordy, DT, that's great. "Where the coffeehouse meets the jailhouse," is pretty cool.