I agree. I dislike that tinny sound at the strum hollow- it's too close to the bridge, and on a banjo that place sounds tinny as well.As to hitting the dulcimer with a pick and marring it...well I do it all the time and my soft long pick just sort of makes a general worn patina area- i think of it as a cool personalization touch, I don't mind the surface damage. ;)The sound I get at the strum hollow is very tinny on all my dulcimers. I vary where I strum based on the sound I want to get, and use the sound at the strum hollow for special effect only.
I have to say that years ago on someone else's recommendation I tried the Lava soap trick on my antique banjo with wooden pegs, using just a little on one peg, and it was a total disaster for me. The peg would not hold at ALL, it slipped like it was covered in grease. I tried wiping the Lava off with a damp cloth and I had to really scrub and scrub to get rid of the soap film residue that did not want to go away. It was an awful experience for me. Then I bought the Peg Drops and it worked like magic. Just my own experience.I asked about this at Potter's music in Bethesda MD because the pegs on my old cello were slipping. I was told about the peg dope; however he suggested Lava Soap, which is what he used. I told a cello friend about it recently and she tried it and said it is working fine. The grit in the Lava holds while the soap is slippery. At least this is the idea. I didn't try it on my old cello because I haven't changed the strings on it since buying a new one.
The thing I try to remember when playing in church is that we are not playing for them.. we are playing for Him and he loves our music...:) :)Hi, Miss Rosemary, and Happy New Year !
I have been playing at church for several types of services. Our music director has been very supportive of trying 'new' things so I am fortunate with that. BUT it does not stop folks regarding me with this funny mix of curiousity and fear when I come down the aisle, dulcimer akimbo. ( : I just take heart and know that I do a kind service when the elders who grew up with dulcimers thank me for playing an "instrument I have not heard in YEARS!"
Wow i would love to see a video of you playing that. :)Striking just the melody notes is how I play with a striker, and if I lift my hand and angle downward with just the tip I can even pick up the lower notes I need on certain songs. I've done "Peat Bog Soldier" in Aeolian and have to pick up a 0 fret on the middle string. This is a song that works well will a strong marching beat. Dona, Dona, also in Aeolian, is another one.
Check it out, it's a wonderful and traditional playing technique, here demonstrated on a French Epinette des Vosges..... :)
Ha!
I was playing this way on Christmas night
and my family thought it sounded great.
So did I, and it was fun,
but I would have been embarrassed to mention it here...
folkfan said:How about using a striker to beat the notes out with your right hand rather than a pick.
if I eat all this food then I am going to keep growing! :)
stuffed mushroom caps anyone?
