Forum Activity for @robin-thompson
Richard and Pamela Wilson. They built many dulcimers. There are several discussions on here about him. Here is a link to one. He is also on FB http://mountaindulcimer.ning.com/photo/img-20130326-083334?commentId=3745489%3AComment%3A445093&xg_source=activity
updated by @kevin-messenger: 02/14/16 06:40:21AM
So if Jesus came to dinner, what would you play?
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
After Hangman's Reel, I'd play Jesus an original tune or two that Mark & I put together. So I wouldn't have to change tuning to change keys, I'd offer our Quittin' Time at Essex Mine since it's also in the key of A and tell Jesus how each of Mark's grandfathers worked at Essex Mine at one time or another.PS- Not that I think our original tunes are so great-- it'd just be fun to play them for Jesus! :)
So if Jesus came to dinner, what would you play?
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
I'm going to change it to if "so and so" came to dinner as while I do play songs out of the hymnal, I am more spiritual then religious, if that makes sense. Mine would be Ode to Joy, In The Sweet Bye and Bye and Wildwood Flower.
So if Jesus came to dinner, what would you play?
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
I'd be playing Jesus some fiddle tunes! Likely, I'd tune to the key of A and play Hangman's Reel for starters-- it's such a fun tune and I like the AABBCCDD structure.
So if Jesus came to dinner, what would you play?
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
There are certain songs that are just good. Always good, everyone seems to love them and you never get tired of hearing their pretty melodies.
For me, one of those would be Lee's Waltz. If I was demonstrating the beauty of the dulcimer for a new listener, I'm pretty certain that'd be what I'd play.
What are some songs you play that never seem to grow old and make you smile when you hear them?
(I'm definitely going to check out any and all songs listed!) :)
updated by @d-chitwood: 06/11/15 07:43:25AM
Are there luthiers who will build with your wood?
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
Thanks everyone. My new dulcimer is coming down as I type. I have mixed feelings about it, but having the new dulcimer made will allow it to sing in the years to come.
Are there luthiers who will build with your wood?
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
If you manage to have some dried lumber from the tree I might be able to help. Most of my dulcimers are kind of unique in a number of ways, but if they are of interest to you, I would be willing to work with customer supplied lumber that was properly dried. I am used to breaking down larger pieces into pieces suitable for instrument parts.
My instruments are non traditional in a number of ways and most of them are travel oriented. If that interests you you might have a look at:
Are there luthiers who will build with your wood?
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
Yeah.... you could probably make a couple of dulcimers out of a 4 ft diameter walnut log....<grin>
Are there luthiers who will build with your wood?
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
Thanks for the insights. We live near Amish country and many families run sawmills, so we would be able to get that part done, too. The tree is easily that big around, probably closer to four feet diameter.
Are there luthiers who will build with your wood?
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
There are certainly builders who will work with your wood, but it needs to be cut and cured (dried) properly. Your "tree cutters" can cut the trunk into logs about 3-4 ft long. Hopefull the good parts of the tree are 8"-10" in diameter. But unless the "cutters' work for a sawmill, they won't have any idea of what to do beyond that. A local sawmill, or someone with a large band saw, can then slice the logs into planks of varying widths and ideally about 1/4" or 1/2" thick. These planks are then stacked together with spacers to allow air in between the planks, and allowed to air dry slowly (out of the sun) for 6 months or so before they can be used for building instruments or anything.
Are there luthiers who will build with your wood?
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
We have a black walnut tree that has to come down, and I'd like to have a dulcimer made with some of the wood. So...are there builders I the US who might do this? I 'd like to find out how to prepare the wood properly, and if the tree cutters need any specific instructions? Thanks.
updated by @gwyn-calvetti: 08/04/23 06:43:45AM
Yes, Everythingdulcimer.com is a great site altogether, for both mountain dulcimers and hammered dulcimers!... They've had a terrific members Forum since long before our site here ever existed, and they also have a wonderful free collection of dulcimer tab!:
http://everythingdulcimer.com/tab/index.php
O'Mara's, thank you for mentioning fake books. I'm not a big fan of bluegrass, but saw your comment in the daily list & a light bulb went on over my brain just like in a cartoon! My 1st instrument was the piano & I really need SMN there. Never could manage a fake book. As a result I ruled them out for me for any instrument.
Thanks for widening my thinking. (Can't get tablet to stop underlining, but that's o.k. as this is such an expanding idea.)
Judy, most bluegrass tunes are the same tunes played in dulcimer circles or old timey groups, but they are simply played much faster in bluegrass groups. The most comprehensive collections of those tunes in dulcimer tab are Stephen Seifert's Join the Jam books. You might pick up the first of those books and then do an online search for common bluegrass tunes to see which ones are played in both circles.
One thing to look out for, though, is that while dulcimer players play nearly every tune in D, in bluegrass circles, other keys such as C, G, and A are also common. Blackberry Blossom is always in G, Billy in the Lowground is always in C, Red-Haired Boy is always in A, St. Anne's Reel is always in D, and so forth. If you are going to play with bluegrass folks you will want to learn the keys for common songs.
When I was learning mandolin, I used a book/CD set called Steve Kaufman's Bluegrass Workout which has music for a whole bunch of common bluegrass tunes, with a CD that plays each tune once very slowly and then once at bluegrass speed. But each rendition has the full song once and then two versions with just the back-up instruments, and you are supposed to play the melody. It was really good practice. The book does not include dulcimer tab, though, but if you can learn by ear or get the basic melody off the standard music notation it could work pretty well.
Looks like your song list is mostly in the key of G with a few songs in C. I would tune a dulcimer to GDG (the key-of-G equivalent of DAD). Learn the basic chords in G (G, C, D, Em and Am). When the song is in C, put a capo on the 3rd fret and use the same fingerings to play the chords C, F, G, Am and Dm. That covers almost everything you'll need. Remember to smile, sing, and skip the chords you don't know!G and C are popular keys among uke players. Thus, uke-playing friends are an excellent reason to buy a Ginger or baritone dulcimer. ;-)If you don't have a dulcimer that can comfortably tune to GDG then try the reverse Ionian tuning DGD. That puts you in the key of G (with the scale starting on the 3rd fret). And I guess a capo on the 3rd fret will put you in C.Yet another option is to tune a DAD dulcimer down to CGC, which puts you in the key of C. And then for the key of G you could capo on the 4th fret. I haven't tried this, but in theory it should work.If none of this makes sense, give a holler and I'll break it down. Do you have a good chord book? Mel Bay's giant encyclopedia can get you through pretty much anything a uke player will throw at you. http://www.melbay.com/Products/93858/dulcimer-chord-encyclopedia.aspx Of course, your last-ditch option is to borrow a uke and make your friend show you how to play it!
I think easier is for you to have a book with dulcimer tab and chords, and she can play along as you play the chord/melody. To me this would be a giant headache to do this list. I play uke, and basically can play on sight the chords for any song anyone hands me. I cannot do this on dulcimer. It's difficult to find tab for modern songs for dulcimer as they are under copyright. This may not be what you wanted to hear though...
Schneeman's bowed psaltery YouTube Channel
Adventures with 'other' instruments...
Very nice song Gregg, oh it is lovely that you give us a different instrument and sound.
Schneeman's bowed psaltery YouTube Channel
Adventures with 'other' instruments...
My latest Bowed Psaltery video, "Water is Wide"... hope you folks like it.
Schneeman's bowed psaltery YouTube Channel
Adventures with 'other' instruments...
My YouTube channel's name is "Gregg E. Schneeman", surprisingly enough there are quite a few Greg Schneeman's and at least two Gregg E. Schneemans, one is a realtor in Minn. and the other is a rugby coach in NY state!
Geekling said:
Absolutely lovely, Gregg! By the way, this link will take people directly to your YouTube page: Psalteryman's YouTube channel . I subscribed!
Schneeman's bowed psaltery YouTube Channel
Adventures with 'other' instruments...
Hi Lexie- You can buy string in coils and then tie off the strings in a certain way but most people use ball end just like a Dulcimer, .010, .011, .012, and for the longest lowest strings sometimes .013, and wound get used for cello sized BP's. White strings on one side and black key strings on the other side but arranged like a harp with your high strings close to you and the low notes further away, however some people hold the the pointy end and play them backwards! A lot of Bp's come with letters or get letters put on them just on the white key side, they help find your way around and tuning. On a well built and taken care of Bowed Psaltery the strings last for years.
Lexie R Oakley said:
Yes Gregg I understand, the computer thing is why I posted the wrong one the first time.
I enjoy your bowed psaltry videos.
I have a question about the strings and setup of the psaltry; Are the strings piano wires?
Also, is the right side of the instrument like playing the white keys of the piano?
Then the left side when you are bowing it the black keys of the piano?
Thanks.....Lexie
Schneeman's bowed psaltery YouTube Channel
Adventures with 'other' instruments...
Yes Gregg I understand, the computer thing is why I posted the wrong one the first time.
I enjoy your bowed psaltry videos.
I have a question about the strings and setup of the psaltry; Are the strings piano wires?
Also, is the right side of the instrument like playing the white keys of the piano?
Then the left side when you are bowing it the black keys of the piano?
Thanks.....Lexie
Schneeman's bowed psaltery YouTube Channel
Adventures with 'other' instruments...
Thank you for your help Lexie, I'm still very new to this whole computer thing, so much I don"t know how to do.
Schneeman's bowed psaltery YouTube Channel
Adventures with 'other' instruments...
Here is the link to your you tube subscription Gregg;
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=greg+schneeman
It is very nice to listen too. Thanks for promoting such a fine instrument.
Gregg if you copy the URL to the LINK in top left corner in the bar just above where you write your message it should post.
Sorry I posted the prior link, but it is a beautiful song.
Schneeman's bowed psaltery YouTube Channel
Adventures with 'other' instruments...
Maybe this will work.
Schneeman's bowed psaltery YouTube Channel
Adventures with 'other' instruments...
Gregg, when I click on your link, it says video unavailable.
Schneeman's bowed psaltery YouTube Channel
Adventures with 'other' instruments...
I would just like to let folks know I am making more Bowed Psaltery videos on my YouTube channel: "Gregg E. Schneeman" with my latest being "The Primrose" by Martin Peerson. More subscriptions are encouraging.
updated by @gregg-schneeman: 06/11/15 07:43:23AM
Interesting Dulcimer on ebay
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
Hey thanks guys! Kevin, I assume the shape and dimensions were to help in volume over singers? I still like it and will keep an eye on it.
Interesting Dulcimer on ebay
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
Scott, looks like a church dulcimer, many had this shape and were 6 string, deep bodies. They were also set up as many baritone dulcimers were , with a little heavier strings. for instance 12 12 12 18 25 35. Not saying this one could use that string set up ,but, it looks like a church style dulcimer to me.
Interesting Dulcimer on ebay
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
The VSL is quite long at 29". That's ok if you have big hands but if not, it's a big stretch to move more than on fret. Price isn't bad at all but I wouldn't go to high. I'm not aquainted with the maker at all. I have small hands and skinny fingers and can't do Chord/Melody on a 6 string. I have enough trouble with 4 strings. LOL
Interesting Dulcimer on ebay
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
Hi all, it's been a while since I've posted but I saw this dulcimer on ebay and I'm very interested.
It's by a B J Roth and made in 1973. Just wondering if anyone have heard of this maker and what you all think of the instrument? I asked and it doesn't have any cracking or separating. I'm thinking of bidding. I'd appreciate opinions.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/121640249711?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
updated by @scott-collier: 06/08/16 09:24:05PM
Healthy Living- healthy eating, exercise, weight loss, veggie gardening, etc.
OFF TOPIC discussions
Hey here is something that is not too bad for the diet. Bev (my wife) made a rhubarb/strawberry sauce that goes over cake. five cups of rhubarb a package of fresh strawberry's (we added the strawberry's for color because we have green rhubarb) a little bit of honey. Very tart and very tasty if you like rhubarb, this is right up your ally.
P.S. you can leave out the cake if you want to.
Healthy Living- healthy eating, exercise, weight loss, veggie gardening, etc.
OFF TOPIC discussions
Good for you Folkfan! It's not easy to stick with it, but you must feel great about it.
Healthy Living- healthy eating, exercise, weight loss, veggie gardening, etc.
OFF TOPIC discussions
Well, I've been doing something healthy. I've been losing weight. My doctors are extremely pleased with me. Since last September I've shed about 50 lbs. My system is simple. I look in the mirror and say to myself. Whales need blubber, Walruses need blubber, seals need blubber. You are not a whale, a walrus or a seal. You don't need blubber.
Then I write down in a notebook everything I eat. Keeping to about 1,200 calories a day has meant that I've been losing about a pound a week. I'm in a holding stage now and trying to determine how many calories I can eat without putting weight back on. I'm still keeping my notebook and intend to note what I eat for the rest of my live. Having taken it off, I'm going to keep it off!!!!!!!!!!!!
Healthy Living- healthy eating, exercise, weight loss, veggie gardening, etc.
OFF TOPIC discussions
For most of my life I jogged pretty regularly. It was a cheap way of getting really good exercise and could be done anywhere in the world. And sometimes I was able to enjoy really scenic runs, such as the hills above Berkeley overlooking San Francisco Bay, the SF skyline, and the Golden Gate Bridge, or a run I used to do in the rolling hills of Iowa where I would see no other people or cars for an entire 6-mile run. But recently some problems with my feet, ankles, and knees have made it kind of risky for me to run on the roads. Eventually I joined a gym and it took me about a full year of running on the treadmill regularly before I taught myself to do it. The meditative zen that I could achieve on the roads when I was lost in my own thoughts was really hard to find on a machine in a brightly lit room next to another machine with another person huffing and puffing and another machine next to that one and . . . . Eventually I learned to ignore my surroundings and get into a groove despite the fact that dozens of strangers were sweating only a few feet from me. I can't say that it's not boring but rather that eventually I learned how to do it despite the boredom.
Strumelia said:
No, the bicycling to the gym part is not boring, it's the 'stationary' treadmill at the gym that's boring. I'm never bored riding my bike.