***THREE CHEERS for Robin Thompson !!!***
OFF TOPIC discussions
Can't do cartwheels, and I don't have a race track to ride around in, but I can say "Hip-hip-hooray for Robin".
Forum Activity for @folkfan
***THREE CHEERS for Robin Thompson !!!***
OFF TOPIC discussions
I'll join in and give three cheers for Robin. she is a positive force here and I'm glad to know her.Hip Hip Hooray.
***THREE CHEERS for Robin Thompson !!!***
OFF TOPIC discussions
Let's hear it for member Robin Thompson!
Robin joined Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer on July 30, 2009. She was just the fifth member to join, and now we have over 1000 members!If you visit Robin's page and watch her videos, you will discover that she has varied dulcimer abilities, including bowed dulcimer, box dulcimer, and has developed her own awesome personal strumming technique using a percussive felt pick. Check it out!
What's more, Robin has been a tremendous positive force in helping and encouraging other members here on FOTMD. She gives of her time and experience day after day, and has participated in over 562 discussions , mostly by expressing her genuine interest in what all of us are doing each week.
If anyone can be thought of as a wonderful ambassador for the lap dulcimer, it's Robin. 
Way to go, girl.
Way to go, girl.
HIP HIP, HOORAY for ROBIN !!!!
updated by @strumelia: 02/10/25 04:58:53AM
"John the Balladeer" Stories
OFF TOPIC discussions
Hey, that's cool -- we were talking about him, about a year ago. Didn't know he was online now.I changed my avatar, because my youngest grandson changes so fast, at two and a half, that last photo was obsolete. The other two are 7 and 8, and seem a little more stable, somehow. I'm also fairly stable.
"John the Balladeer" Stories
OFF TOPIC discussions
I never heard of John the Balladeer until your posting, Flint. Thanks for the link-- I've bookmarked it!
"John the Balladeer" Stories
OFF TOPIC discussions
I've been a fan of Manly Wade Wellman and John the Balladeer for many, many years. In fact I just the other day finished re-reading a collection of his short stories from the Fort Myers public library.Arizona Folksinger/guitarist Joe Betancourt recorded and published a number of years ago a Cassette/ now CD of John the Balladeer songs
"John the Balladeer" Stories
OFF TOPIC discussions
I stumbled on an online edition of "John the Balladeer" by Manly Wade Wellman.
Wellman loved the Appalachians. Born in Angola, Africa, he graduated from Columbia University and moved to North Carolina for the music and culture. His circle of friends included Obray Ramsay and Bascom Lamar Lunsford. Both appear as characters in his fiction.
Wellman was a prolific science fiction and fantasy writer who wove Appalachian music and folklore into his stories. To my mind he had as true an ear for Appalachian dialect as the best native writers, and not one of his characters is drawn as a stereotypical hillbilly boob.
Wellman's character John the Balladeer wandered through the remote mountains of 1950s North Carolina in search of old tunes and legends. The stories are full of music, magic, folklore and scary creatures, such as the "Ugly Bird" and "The Behinder". Each story line turns on one or two folk songs that John plays on his silver-strung guitar, often to supernatural or life-saving effect.
Wellman takes artistic liberties with his musical texts, changing a line or two to make a song match up with the tale he's spinning. Nothing about the book is literally true, but it's as true a portrayal of the region as I've ever read.
I read him at age 13 or 14 and learned a few new tunes by doing so. I first encountered "The Wife of Usher's Well" in one of Wellman's stories.
And best of all, you can read them online for free!
Just click HERE
updated by @flint-hill: 01/13/19 05:09:18PM
Many of us use the term 'fingerdancing' to describe using several fingers to fret a tune only on the melody string while leaving the drone strings open and unfretted.
I think both sliding with a noter or using fingerdancing are fairly easy to learn to do. Just as with anything, getting skilled at it does take some time. But they are easy methods to begin learning.
Paul, I couldn't agree with you more. Trying to play through pain is only asking for more problems. Problems which might not be repairable if a person allows the damage to become too great.Who ever came up with the phrase "No Pain, No Gain" didn't do the world a favor by coining it. Too many people have taken it up as a phrase to live by. SHUDDER!!!!!!!! Paul Certo said:
There's a very common expression-"No pain, no gain." Whoever coined that phrase never asked a Doctor for their opinion of it. The truth: Pain is your body's way of telling you to STOP whatever causes the pain. Some things may be mildly uncomfortable at first, but don't play so long it becomes seriously painful. Real pain means stop now and find out what is wrong. You may be doing something the wrong way. Don't try to play through significant pain.
Paul
There's a very common expression-"No pain, no gain." Whoever coined that phrase never asked a Doctor for their opinion of it. The truth: Pain is your body's way of telling you to STOP whatever causes the pain. Some things may be mildly uncomfortable at first, but don't play so long it becomes seriously painful. Real pain means stop now and find out what is wrong. You may be doing something the wrong way. Don't try to play through significant pain.Paul
Sam;Don't sit with the dulcimer square across your lap. If you're right handed, sit slightly sideways, with your left hip and leg forward. Knees wide spread. Put the 1st fret over your left knee, and tuck the tail of the dulcimer towards your right hip. I use the non-pickholding fingers of my right hand to repeatedly pull the dulcimer back into my right hip as I strum.
You know ... in reading, I think I may be holding my dulcimer wrong. I may have it scooted too far to the left. It feels like my fingers are at an unatural angle. That's one reason I am using my thumb. Another reason is I need to get off my butt and 'fine tune' the bridge. It's still a bit high and it takes a fair amount of pressure to fret the strings. So ... I'll work the nut and bridge down just a smidgeon, reposition the dulcimer on my lap and give the tow finger deal a whirl.Lots of good readin' here
Sometimes we have to learn to improvise to play. Fortunately the dulcimer is an instrument that can be played and enjoyed by people who have problems with their hands.Sometimes I can only use my ring finger and end up sliding my whole hand like a noter. When it comes to picking there are days when I can't hold a pick at all and end up taping one to my right hand so I can strum. You just do what needs to be done. But what ever you do, if you begin to feel pain developing in your fingers or wrists, see a doctor about what you need to do to keep it from getting worse. John Henry said:
Thanks for that Folkfan, I worked in construction for many years, played Rugby Football for far too long, and for a while when in the army also 'boxed', so my poor old frame has had its share of misuse. Its only now in my so called 'golden years' that I have started trying to play in earnest, and will have to make do with whats left to work with LOL
take care
JohnH
Thanks for that Folkfan, I worked in construction for many years, played Rugby Football for far too long, and for a while when in the army also 'boxed', so my poor old frame has had its share of misuse. Its only now in my so called 'golden years' that I have started trying to play in earnest, and will have to make do with whats left to work with LOLtake careJohnH folkfan said:
To Sam and John Henry, When I started playing melody drone with my hand, I'd already been told by my doctor not to use my thumb due to osteoarthritis that was already starting in the base joint of the thumb. My injuries were due to catching myself with my hand during falls. I hadn't smashed the fingers of the left hand just landed with my hand out stretched and on the ball of the thumb.
Many people due use their thumbs to play, but some of us can't. All I can say is if it doesn't hurt then your ok, but if using your thumb causes pain in the wrist, or sharp pains up to your shoulder, then don't use it. It's a difficult joint to replace and surgery isn't always successful. I have to be careful in how I pick things up for fear of irritating my thumbs.
John Henry said:Hello Sam, if you are an oddball then you are not alone, when not using a noter, I too mainly use my thumb. I am told by some that it is a bad habit, and I can see that point of view, but if those who are telling me had smashed their L.H.fingers in one way or another as many times as I have,they might tend to play in the same way. If playing in the manner that you do keeps you playing your dulcimer, go for it, but don't be afraid to try other ways, you might just develop into a true 'chord playing member' LOL
my regards
JohnH
Sam said:Great question, great thread. My musical background parallels yours ... I have none. Got interested in the dulcimer and have been doodling with it for some weeks now. I've tried a noter and like the sound. It's different than with fingers. Fingers? Guess I'm an oddball. I use my thumb, the side of it. I put my left index finger against it like I was holding on to a penny (something us older folks are akin too I'm afraid) then use my thumb like a noter. If I shouldn't be doing this, somebody needs to tell me to quit it!
To Sam and John Henry, When I started playing melody drone with my hand, I'd already been told by my doctor not to use my thumb due to osteoarthritis that was already starting in the base joint of the thumb. My injuries were due to catching myself with my hand during falls. I hadn't smashed the fingers of the left hand just landed with my hand out stretched and on the ball of the thumb.Many people due use their thumbs to play, but some of us can't. All I can say is if it doesn't hurt then your ok, but if using your thumb causes pain in the wrist, or sharp pains up to your shoulder, then don't use it. It's a difficult joint to replace and surgery isn't always successful. I have to be careful in how I pick things up for fear of irritating my thumbs. John Henry said:
Hello Sam, if you are an oddball then you are not alone, when not using a noter, I too mainly use my thumb. I am told by some that it is a bad habit, and I can see that point of view, but if those who are telling me had smashed their L.H.fingers in one way or another as many times as I have,they might tend to play in the same way. If playing in the manner that you do keeps you playing your dulcimer, go for it, but don't be afraid to try other ways, you might just develop into a true 'chord playing member' LOL
my regards
JohnH
Sam said:Great question, great thread. My musical background parallels yours ... I have none. Got interested in the dulcimer and have been doodling with it for some weeks now. I've tried a noter and like the sound. It's different than with fingers. Fingers? Guess I'm an oddball. I use my thumb, the side of it. I put my left index finger against it like I was holding on to a penny (something us older folks are akin too I'm afraid) then use my thumb like a noter. If I shouldn't be doing this, somebody needs to tell me to quit it!
Jim, I agree with what everyone else said.I learned to play dulcimer just last year by playing melody-drone style using two fingers to fret the melody strings and letting the drones ring out freely.I started practicing with a noter from day one, but it took about six months for me to get a reasonable amount of control of that little stick. Using two fingers was a much easier way to start.So I would say start out by playing melody drone with one or two fingers. (Or with your thumb if that's easier.) Concentrate on learning one or two songs, and you'll get the hang of it very quickly.
Hello Sam, if you are an oddball then you are not alone, when not using a noter, I too mainly use my thumb. I am told by some that it is a bad habit, and I can see that point of view, but if those who are telling me had smashed their L.H.fingers in one way or another as many times as I have,they might tend to play in the same way. If playing in the manner that you do keeps you playing your dulcimer, go for it, but don't be afraid to try other ways, you might just develop into a true 'chord playing member' LOLmy regardsJohnH Sam said:
Great question, great thread. My musical background parallels yours ... I have none. Got interested in the dulcimer and have been doodling with it for some weeks now. I've tried a noter and like the sound. It's different than with fingers. Fingers? Guess I'm an oddball. I use my thumb, the side of it. I put my left index finger against it like I was holding on to a penny (something us older folks are akin too I'm afraid) then use my thumb like a noter. If I shouldn't be doing this, somebody needs to tell me to quit it!
Great question, great thread. My musical background parallels yours ... I have none. Got interested in the dulcimer and have been doodling with it for some weeks now. I've tried a noter and like the sound. It's different than with fingers. Fingers? Guess I'm an oddball. I use my thumb, the side of it. I put my left index finger against it like I was holding on to a penny (something us older folks are akin too I'm afraid) then use my thumb like a noter. If I shouldn't be doing this, somebody needs to tell me to quit it!
Don't press any harder than is necessary to produce clear notes. Starting with guitar in 1966, I've been playing stringed instruments for 44 years. I have no appreciable calluses on my fingers, just a slight toughening of the left fingertips. I don't know why some folks get calluses, but I suspect excess pressure on the strings is the reason.Paul
I just wanted to add that Ken's description of starting with the index finger on the frets to sound out the melody is exactly how I started. It just seemed natural for my middle and ring finger to get into the action as I began to learn my fret positions. It was as if they just naturally wanted to play or dance along.Many times you'll find that while your index finger is fretting one note the ring or middle finger is right over the next fret you need to hit and all of a sudden your other fingers are in the action and you're finger-dancing. Ken Hulme said:
Although I've played noter & drone for over 35 years, the easiest method, IMHO is to start picking out songs using just your index finger to pick out songs. Then over time advance to using multiple fingers on the melody string(s) - called Melody Drone or Fingerdancing style. This does require developing a callus on your index and/or other fingers, though.
Once you get proficient with your index finger, you can try substituting a noter for that finger. You can read the article I wrote on EverythingDulcimer called Get Noterized by Ken Hulme. Lisa also has a couple of good YouTube vids...
Although I've played noter & drone for over 35 years, the easiest method, IMHO is to start picking out songs using just your index finger to pick out songs. Then over time advance to using multiple fingers on the melody string(s) - called Melody Drone or Fingerdancing style. This does require developing a callus on your index and/or other fingers, though.Once you get proficient with your index finger, you can try substituting a noter for that finger. You can read the article I wrote on EverythingDulcimer called Get Noterized by Ken Hulme. Lisa also has a couple of good YouTube vids...
Hi, I'm a melody drone player who uses just three fingers on my left hand. Years ago my doctor told me not to even try to play chords due to arthritis. I like the sound of the drones so giving up chords was no problem, but I'd gotten use to having my fingers on the fretsPlaying a noter requires a certain set of skills that develops through diligent practice. I found playing with my fingers feeling the frets a simpler style of play. I've also found it easier to play an instrument that has a certain VSL or fret scale. Since all of my instruments have the same scale, the fret boards all feel the same under my fingers and my muscle memory has developed for that distance. Playing a longer or shorter VSL means that I have to look at my fret board more often for finger placement. Drives me crazy.
Paul,Good-- no, great advice!Just to piggy-back on Paul's comments about listening; be diligent about learning to tune your dulcimer and listening for when it may be out of tune. Hearing when I'm out of tune is a skill I'm always working to hone. Paul Certo said:
Whatever playing style you choose, listen to as much music as you can. Dulcimer music,yes, but not exclusively. The type of music you want to play on your dulcimer is important, whether others play it on dulcimer or not. Listening is one of the most important things you can do to learn music. It let's your ears help teach your hands. No matter how many tabs, or books you use, your ears will tell you when you hit a wrong note. After you have trained them what the song is supposed to sound like. The mistakes you make in reading, your eyes may not catch,but if you've listened to the song repeatedly, your ears will catch those mistakes. Your ears have been in training since your Ma first sang to you as an infant. Every radio you ever heard, every commercial jingle, all have asserted themselves into your mind. And when someone whistles one of these pieces, you recognize it. So help your ears by listening to what you want to play. Then let your ears help your hands.
Paul
Whatever playing style you choose, listen to as much music as you can. Dulcimer music,yes, but not exclusively. The type of music you want to play on your dulcimer is important, whether others play it on dulcimer or not. Listening is one of the most important things you can do to learn music. It let's your ears help teach your hands. No matter how many tabs, or books you use, your ears will tell you when you hit a wrong note. After you have trained them what the song is supposed to sound like. The mistakes you make in reading, your eyes may not catch,but if you've listened to the song repeatedly, your ears will catch those mistakes. Your ears have been in training since your Ma first sang to you as an infant. Every radio you ever heard, every commercial jingle, all have asserted themselves into your mind. And when someone whistles one of these pieces, you recognize it. So help your ears by listening to what you want to play. Then let your ears help your hands.Paul
Jim..I would call myself a melody droner... I play almost all the time with my fingers. Many... many years ago I started with a noter.. and I still play with one on occasions. I personally like the the feel I get from playing with my fingers, but after years of playing my fingers are nicely callused also. So my answer to you is simple... do what ever is comfortable to you.. big thing is to enjoy your playing.. if your not having fun and doing it comfortably you will stop playing it.. so just enjoy and have fun learning the mountain dulcimer..
Jim H,Hi-- you've picked a wonderful instrument to take up!I can't say what would be easier because I've played with a noter since taking up the dulcimer; I like it and enjoy it. Thus, I would encourage any beginner to play with a noter (on the melody string only)-- stick with this for a few months, anyway, to get the hang of hearing/playing melodies-- then try other styles of play. After you've had a chance to feel your way around, so to speak, you can go with the method that brings you the greatest pleasure. (Basically, I just repeated what Paul said.
)
Hi jim h, you have a good answer from Paul . A bit of a different one from me tho', I am guessing that we might be in the same broad age group, so I will say that my fingers tell me that using a noter is best for me, I find that I can get all that I want from my playing using a noter, just have to be a bit inventive now and again, LOL. I have this thought in my mind that 100 years ago folks who may have played the dulcimer did so with what were probably work hardened fingers, on instruments which may not have supported much else other than 'a noter'. One comment I would make, a 'deeper' finger board does make it much easier!my regardsJohnH jim h said:
paul-thanks for the speedy reply-appreciate your experience
I find playing melody and drones the easiest, though I use my bare index finger instead of a noter. The noter ties up my fingers, and I like to be able to switch to chords or chord melody in the middle of a song, especially when singing. I tend to play more chord/melody, but I like to be able to switch without looking for where I dropped the noter. Which I can count on doing. For a new player, I would suggest starting with drones, since you can be playing songs in almost no time. After you have a few songs going, try other methods as well. You may eventually find you have a preference for one style, and want to concentrate on it.Paul
A Tool for Choosing the Right Strings for Mountain Dulcimers (and Psaltrys!)
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
Hi Keltia,
Thanks! Do you mean that "at last, your website has achieved some beauty"? Or "at last, I've found a beautiful website among so much garbage on the web"? Or...? Inquiring minds want to know! ;o)
Keltia said:
Beautiful website at last. : )
A Tool for Choosing the Right Strings for Mountain Dulcimers (and Psaltrys!)
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
Dwain Wilder said:
It's been suggested that it would be helpful to give the url of the String Choice Tool. Here it is: http://www.bearmeadow.com/calculators/string-tension-workbook.htmlI just posted V4 of the String Choice Tool worksheet on my website. See the menu item Calculators>>String Choice Tool...
A Tool for Choosing the Right Strings for Mountain Dulcimers (and Psaltrys!)
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
I just posted V4 of the String Choice Tool worksheet on my website. See the menu item Calculators>>String Choice ToolThe main improvements are (1) it is now on google docs, which supports guided input (known as drop-down menus, in the trade), so it is easier to understand what kind of input is required in the user input boxes; (2) the tool now lets you enter a couple of different phosphor-bronze materials for plain wire (Many people are switching to phosphor bronze wire for its warmth, and as a squeakless bass.); (3) the tool is now fully color coded, so it will be obvious where you are to enter date, and where the tool is giving you calculated results; (4) I've made the instructions on the About page more readable. They still aren't as accurate as I'd like, but the new tool should be much more self-explanatory.
A Tool for Choosing the Right Strings for Mountain Dulcimers (and Psaltrys!)
Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions
I just published the latest version of the String Tension Workbook. This is a tool for finding out what tension your present strings are operating at, and how to choose a set of strings that will give you that performance at different tunings. There is also a string diameter calculator, where you can enter the pitch of the strings you are looking for, a target tension, and string length, and this tool will give you a good list of strings to use. The tool is located on my website at Calculators>>String Choice Tool.
My colleague in this effort, Karl Mouck, is a psaltry builder, so he added a worksheet to help choose strings for that instrument. Take a look, all you psaltry players and builders!
Let me know if you have questions about how to best use this tool. Karl and I have put a lot of work into this. I'll be putting up the final version tomorrow, but take a look tonight if you like. I'd also like to thank Terry Downs, guitar builder, for creating this workbook in the first place.
updated by @dwain-wilder: 02/19/19 10:15:20AM
Using Common Sense Caution when buying or selling
FOR SALE:instruments/music items/CDs/Wanted to Buy...
Just a reminder that folks should be smart when buying or selling instruments and merchandise online. FOTMD cannot guarantee that all members are legitimate, and we cannot be responsible for any sales transactions. Please proceed carefully when exchanging goods or money, and don't be afraid to ask for credentials or verifications of identity. Using Paypal or your credit card can help protect you as a purchaser, but you should verify who you are sending an instrument to before shipping it out. Ask questions, verify, and be smart!
Using Common Sense Caution when buying or selling
FOR SALE:instruments/music items/CDs/Wanted to Buy...
"Caveat emptor" (Let the buyer beware.) Always good advice.It's also good for the seller to beware and bank the check before mailing the merchandise.
Using Common Sense Caution when buying or selling
FOR SALE:instruments/music items/CDs/Wanted to Buy...
There are seldom problems with folks buying and selling here on the FOTMD For Sale forum.
This is just a general reminder that one should use common sense when buying or selling items online.
FOTMD provides this space to facilitate sales between members, but we cannot guarantee any sales or purchases made here. Please take logical precautions before exchanging goods or money with someone you don't know. Never send funds or instruments to anyone you are not comfortable about- only you can protect yourself. It's always smart to pay attention to your hunches.
If you experience difficulties or have suspicions about the legitimacy of any sale or purchase offer, please do let me know.
Thanks! :)
updated by @strumelia: 07/31/23 09:26:55PM
FUNNY songs you sing & play on your dulcimer
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
One of the funny songs i play and sing on the dulcimer is Harry Belafontes Banana boat song
FUNNY songs you sing & play on your dulcimer
General mountain dulcimer or music discussions
Oh and how about:The cat came back, we thought he was a gonerBut the cat came back; just couldn't stay away.Away, away, yea, yea, yeaI used to do this years ago with my youngest daughter's pre-school school and even the parents enjoyed it...That and have you see the ghost of John were our favorite funnys, especially for this time of year, time to dust off the cob webs on those...dulic-geek