Forum Activity for @foggers

Dulcimer or Guitar?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Interesting thoughts there Carson.The appeal of the dulcimer is exactly its simplicity and that someone learning can grasp basics and produce some satisfactory sounds quite quickly. That is exactly what it was developed for; ordinary folks wanting some family and community entertainment and respite from hard working days.Nowadays the "needs" a dulcimer can meet are broader and will include those who want to progress in complexity and performance ability.Of course the age-old question is how many modifications (chromatic fret board, six strings etc) add up to make some instrument that is no longer a mountain dulcimer? Ken H calls such items "dulcimer shaped intruments" and I can see his point.So there is a tension between the traditional noter and drone style rooted with the traditions of the instrument, and the chord/melody style which starts to push the boundaries of what you can do with a dulcimer. These will appeal to different people in different ways. Reading your comments I get a sense that you are enjoying the fundamental simplicity of drone style after being steeped in music of the harmonic genre.Personally I like both approaches and will decide which suits a song or tune best when I am working on it. I was drawn to the MD through the playing of Jean Ritchie who is very much an N&D player, but she manages to play a kind of harmony to the melody she is singing, and that just grips me with its sweetness and directness.As I experiment with MD styles I am making some interesting discoveries. Some more modern songs/tunes can suddenly reveal something very different when played in N&D style.I play guitar and am learning banjo too, so now when I hear a song I want to add to my repertoire I have a range of choices to consider in terms of which instrument and which styles to incorporate.It's all good stuff as far as I am concerned!

Dulcimer or Guitar?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Here's a thought about difficulty: I also play violin and played in orchestras for many years. Harmony and structure are built into my brain as a result, so when I play, it can actually be more difficult for me to allow the drone because it does not always "harmonize" to my ear/brain. But I have learned to enjoy it. Some old time music does not fit the "mold" rhythmically either and it is hard to play tunes that do not follow what seems like a "logical" progression. I do not like to hear people make the assertion that the dulcimer is an "easy" instrument. I can understand how difficult it could be for someone who has never been exposed to music as well as someone who is steeped in other styles of music. FWIW, Teri

Dulcimer or Guitar?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

When I first learn a song I usually play it only on the melody string without the chords. As I feel more comfortable with the music then I will go back and learn the chords. When I am in a jam if I do not feel comfortable (they are playing faster then I can play) then I will play just the melody string. As I continue jamming I will add the chords when and if I can.I enjoy the sound of the dulcimer with the drones but I also like to stretch the instrument by also learning to play the chords.

Dulcimer or Guitar?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I met a player a few weeks ago who plays strictly noter/drone style and nothing else. I personally like a mixture of styles but I have also wondered how other people think about it. Sometimes, I think I should just stick with a traditional style but when I pick out a Beatles' song, that doesn't work so well. What do you guys think?
updated by @teri-west: 02/22/19 11:02:07PM

I just picked up some spoons like that someone left laying at a Jam in Cumberland Gap I loved playing with them! Paul Rappell said:

My Instrument Acquisition Disorder is no longer Obsessive Compulsive, so now it's just IAD. You can't be OC when you don't have the cash! You must be on your guard, though. Yesterday we were at an antique store in Bath when the woman said there was a music store across the street. I crossed over to find the most disorganized, untidy store I'd ever seen. But, when I was about to go, the man opened an old box to show me a much older banjo mandolin inside. I had to back out quickly - it would have been a great project.

My OCIAD days resulted in so many guitars, banjos, and so forth (including amps and a P.A. system)that one time when I set up for a concert, one of the band members walked in and said, "Is there a sale?" And that was just the stuff I'd brought for the show. I culled mostly by giving or trading away. My daughter now owns my 1929 Martin. Some stuff got stolen.

Then there are "the ones that got away" - stuff I passed up, like the banjo-mandolin yesterday, and the old Gibson mand-cello I should have bought, and the Grit Laskin twelve-string. I had the cash in my pocket, but I wanted to hear it played along with a six-string, and the guy said he was busy. He was reading the newspaper. I walked out.

My first pennywhistle was a Clarke's (still have it). I'm down to a couple of Generations (silver Bb and D) that haven't escaped, and my old copy of The Pennywhistle Book. In the mid-eighties my grade sixes, many of whom were in Instrumental Music, got hooked on whistles when I brought some in and showed them (I still can't play for beans). So I made periodic trips downtown to a music store where I'd pick up a few and the kids would pay me for them. At least they had something they could actually own, and they were learning the basics on flutes, clarinets, and other band instruments. That was the best class I ever had, not just for the music.

I, too, have other things - a couple of Kalimbas (plus one made from a gourd), a turtle shell banjo, one-piece wooden spoons from a woodworking shop east of Quebec City, a tambourine, a couple of washboards. That's the stuff you can leave lying around at a party or jam session so that everyone can get involved.

My Instrument Acquisition Disorder is no longer Obsessive Compulsive, so now it's just IAD. You can't be OC when you don't have the cash! You must be on your guard, though. Yesterday we were at an antique store in Bath when the woman said there was a music store across the street. I crossed over to find the most disorganized, untidy store I'd ever seen. But, when I was about to go, the man opened an old box to show me a much older banjo mandolin inside. I had to back out quickly - it would have been a great project.My OCIAD days resulted in so many guitars, banjos, and so forth (including amps and a P.A. system)that one time when I set up for a concert, one of the band members walked in and said, "Is there a sale?" And that was just the stuff I'd brought for the show. I culled mostly by giving or trading away. My daughter now owns my 1929 Martin. Some stuff got stolen.Then there are "the ones that got away" - stuff I passed up, like the banjo-mandolin yesterday, and the old Gibson mand-cello I should have bought, and the Grit Laskin twelve-string. I had the cash in my pocket, but I wanted to hear it played along with a six-string, and the guy said he was busy. He was reading the newspaper. I walked out.My first pennywhistle was a Clarke's (still have it). I'm down to a couple of Generations (silver Bb and D) that haven't escaped, and my old copy of The Pennywhistle Book. In the mid-eighties my grade sixes, many of whom were in Instrumental Music, got hooked on whistles when I brought some in and showed them (I still can't play for beans). So I made periodic trips downtown to a music store where I'd pick up a few and the kids would pay me for them. At least they had something they could actually own, and they were learning the basics on flutes, clarinets, and other band instruments. That was the best class I ever had, not just for the music.I, too, have other things - a couple of Kalimbas (plus one made from a gourd), a turtle shell banjo, one-piece wooden spoons from a woodworking shop east of Quebec City, a tambourine, a couple of washboards. That's the stuff you can leave lying around at a party or jam session so that everyone can get involved.

Music For Healing & Therapy this the program. Many hospitals allow volunteers to come in and play for the patients.You can actually earn a certificate in the subject. There's a school and program, originally started by a concert harpist. In years past they were not particularly friendly towards dulcimers because we were a "limited, diatonic instrument". I volunteered at the hospital whe nI lived in Prescott, AZ, and had to fight like mad to participate although I was clearly more of a musician and accustomed to playing a wider range of music than anyone else who "answered the call" of a newspaper note asking for volunteers.That was 10 years ago. I would hope that the program has become less harp-centric since then.If it was me, I wouldn't want some harpist playing at my bedside - far too reminiscent of angels and I want out of that hospital alive!

Rosemary Bridges said:

Remember that you don't want to over-whistle every single song, leave people wanting more.

Rosemary, that is excellent advice for playing all music and all instruments. :)

Yeah, for years my voice and the ocarinas were good enough for me. Ocs range from the cheap and barely playable to the lovely big doubles I've seen online but never had a chance to play. But the ones I can afford are just barely good enough to play around people, in for example a jug band.The MD is giving me a chance to get good enough at something to perform in a concert if I get called on to accompany my choir.

Haven't written a thing. I'll dig out some pix of one that I made and original that I bought and post them...

I play pennywhistle, doumbek (Arabic drum), and Scottish Bass drum. I also play at Baltic Psaltery, Anglo-Saxon/Germanic Lyre, and Stoessel-laut - a unique German fretted zither of pre-WWII era.

How did you first discover the mountain dulcimer?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Cindy, what's not to love about your fellow's tastes? Dave, what a neat story! I live in the county just below Licking; small world.

How did you first discover the mountain dulcimer?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

CD said:

Nah. But I get a little green with envy because he won't let me play his and it is green.

Paul Rappell said:

CD, is it a little green dulcimer?

Green is the new black.

How did you first discover the mountain dulcimer?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I sure hope that CD is wearing his aluminum foil hat...

How did you first discover the mountain dulcimer?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

CD, is it a little green dulcimer?

How did you first discover the mountain dulcimer?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

CD, better lay off the No-Doze.

How did you first discover the mountain dulcimer?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Hey, CD, that sounds like the same guy I take lessons from!

How did you first discover the mountain dulcimer?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Tom, there's nothing to do but build it! I know when I get something in my head, a person can't crowbar it out. Good luck and keep us posted!

How did you first discover the mountain dulcimer?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Tom, you'll have all kinds of fun with it! :)KenH, you're too funny! :)

How did you first discover the mountain dulcimer?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Welcome Tom;With your record I would buy a completed instrument, and get started playing, before tackling either a kit or scratch built instrument. We only get 25,000 sunrises, remember!!We'll definitely help you decide which instrument or kit will be most suitable. Just ask!!

How did you first discover the mountain dulcimer?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I knew about the Appalachian dulcimer long before I ever saw a "live" one. In September 1965 I was in third year university at Loyola in Montreal, my home town. A friend dragged me to a meeting of the Folk Music Society, which wasn't a meeting but hanging around singing. Within a week I'd bought a guitar. Over the Christmas break I found a copy of Sing Out!/i>i> in a local store. (For you fans of esoterica, it was the January 1965 issue which said January 1964 on the cover - I still have it.) Inside is an advertisement for "The Jeffreys' dulcimer", with a photo of a good looking hourglass instrument. "It is the easiest of all stringed musical instruments to learn to play. Many can learn to play a familiar tune within five to twenty minutes."That's all I knew, however. I got caught up in rock music (it was a great time for it!) and was attracted by electric guitars.In 1971 I was a volunteer with the Mariposa Folk Festival and saw Jean Ritchie perform. By then I'd known about her, and had seen a dulcimer, made by Tam Kearney, at Fiddler's Green. Some hammered dulcimer player was mocking it and its little rubber feet. But I was upgrading my guitar inventory, and even bought a cheap banjo.Finally,in 1974, an Oskar Graf dulcimer, hanging on the wall of the Toronto Folklore Centre, called out, "Buy me!" I did ( I could afford the $150), and It's still the only dulcimer I've ever owned. One of the first projects, at the insistence of a friend (and at his house) was the fabrication of a hard-shell case, with wood, masonite, glue, screws, foam, hardware, and vinyl covering. It's a bit crude, but very strong, somewhat heavy, quite protective, and still in use. I purchased Jean Ritchie's book, and later In Search of the Wild Dulcimer. Both those books have since gone missing. I still can't figure out what all that "Dorolydian, Mixylonian, Iorian" stuff is all about. For years I played in "Torontonian" mode, and currently in "Kingstonian".A very short time later I bought a fretless banjo by Oskar Graf. He now makes high-end guitars and, I suppose, has a long waiting list. His dulcimer has been through some trials. Once one of my students put his hand through the thin top. I got fed up and finally replaced the friction pegs with tuners. The tiny ebony dowel that held the strings in place snapped; I just happened to have a piece of metal the same size and shape.A few years ago I made the ten kilometre walk into Kingston (where we currently live, outside of town) on a damp February day to attend Oskar Graf's presentation on lutherie at the Queen's University guitar festival. When it was over, and people gathered around to ask questions, I got out the dulcimer and showed it to him. He was somewhat impressed (definitely surprised); people around were more so, as they didn't know what it was! I was pleased to finally meet the man who'd made my instrument over thirty years before.Currently the dulcimer is at a friend's house. Cary, a member of our cycling club, wanted to try it to see if he'd like to take up dulcimer. Well, he has now ordered a dulcimer of his own, and before long the "the Oskar" will be back home.P.S. When Cary e-mailed me and said he'd ordered a dulcimer, I replied, "Gotta jam sometime." He wrote back, "Now there are words to strike fear into the heart of someone who's been learning an instrument for all of a month now!"

How did you first discover the mountain dulcimer?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

My wife bought me a kit dulcimer for Christmas, 1989. I had read about dulcimers in the Fozfire books, and building things I could use always fascinated me. I had previously built a muzzle loading rifle to hunt with. I put the kit together by the end of January(I dated the inside of the dulcimer). Then I set about learning to play it. I bought Bonnie Carol's book "Dust Off That Dulcimer & Dance" and went at it.I've since acquired a number of books, but I still think hers was one of the best available at that time. Later I learned of a dulcimer club in our area and joined it. I am still a member, but don't get to many club sessions lately. But I still play at home, and the occasional festival.Paul

How did you first discover the mountain dulcimer?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Scotty, there's just something about a dulcimer that gets hold of a person. I don't know quite what that something is, though.

How did you first discover the mountain dulcimer?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

The basic story of my dulcimer experience is described (in detail) on my profile. My friend Matt Maccarron put the first dulcimer in my hands and helped me begin my journey, but my first exposure to the MD, was on Joni Mitchell's BLUE album. I was haunted until I held Matt's dulcimer in my hands and made music for the first time on a MD!

How did you first discover the mountain dulcimer?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Carolyn. Snap!!. when I retired from lecturing I resolved that I would not get involved with sitting in front of a computer, and that I would endevour to learn to read music!!! Failed on both counts; wish that I had met all the great people on this site a long time ago, both of the previous remarks seem to be somewhat misplaced, all down to messing with bits of timber and metal!. regards, JohnH

How did you first discover the mountain dulcimer?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I can't believe I never replied to this thread ... I first heard the mountain dulcimer as a kid in a 4th grade music appreciation class at school in deLand, FL, we would file into the band room where the acoustics were good and listen to recordings. One of them was a John Jacob Niles 78 of music from the hills, accompanying himself on one of his own dulcimers. Years later, in University, I heard Richard Farina, again on record. Over the years since I have heard various other players, from Joni Mitchell to Jean Ritchie. Finallly this last spring I was just browsing musical instruments on eBay and found my 1989 cherry Folkcraft teardrop, a steal at $50 plus shipping. I have really taken to it.

How did you first discover the mountain dulcimer?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Kool story Carol, i'am sure your dad is looking down and smiling and enjoying the music you are making Carol Hatfield said:

I had heard dulcimer music here and there throughout my life, and my boyfriend (a professional musician who plays everything) has three mountain dulcimers, so I've been exposed to them, but I actually started playing in October of this year. Why? Because of a gift I received. Over the course of Sept. and Oct. I was selling off some of my instruments to raise money for a new saddle for my mule, and just for some extra money (things are kinda thin right now). Well, after selling off my fiddle (I didn't have time to mess with it anymore), I was feeling kinda sad. Then when I got home one day, a package was on my doorstep - it was a mountain dulcimer!! My stepmother sent it to me. It belonged to my late father. It's a solid cherry tear drop made my Elmo Allen of Prestonsburg, KY. I've been playing dulcimer every day since! I am officially hooked!

How did you first discover the mountain dulcimer?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

My only dulcimer (so far!) is a big 5 string, walnut & spruce 1985 "stock" model from Hickory Ridge Dulcimers. My Mom and I were on a road trip to Berea, KY for the Ky Arts & Crafts show, I'd promised to take her at least once, especially before I got married; she was big fan of "older" music, as several of my great-greats played in barn dances, etc. I was still in college, and listening to "my" music, but because of the family tree was not closed minded to different styles (ahem...altho' not a HUGE fan of country music of the 60s & 70s)... Anyway, we heard and found dulcimers at the show, got hooked; neither one of us felt we could afford it, yet both of us really wanted one... so we got together at lunch, and decided to go halves on it, I'd learn first, then teach her... I plunked it for a couple of years, left it with her, "borrowed it" brought it back and forth, then about 3-5 years ago, she made me keep it as her arthritis never let her really play it (good excuse, Mom!). I went to Yellowbanks Dulcimer fest, Dulcibrrrr at Falls of Rough, took a few workshops, bought a decent case for it, then ran into some friends about 2 years ago, at YBDF, and they got me really hooked on it. I play it for her and Dad, when I get a chance to pop in for a visit, and drag it with me to the moonlight job, so I have something to do while checking meters and gauges. Lately, I've been playing it way more than my guitar!!! I think they're getting jealous!!

How did you first discover the mountain dulcimer?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Ed Buhler said:

I am amazed at its simplicity - anyone can play it first day - but its complexity. A lifetime isn't long enough to master it.

well said statement... I agree simple but as complex as you want it...

How did you first discover the mountain dulcimer?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Randy, thanks for joining us here on FOTMD- you cigar box guys fit right in! LOLSpeaking of Randys, you should check out our own member Randy Adams here and see his videos of him playing the cigar box dulcimer he made. I guess Randys tend to 'rock' in general! ;D

How did you first discover the mountain dulcimer?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I`ve been a memeber over at the cigar box nation for awhile now and started a group there called Dulciworld. We have close to 90 members to date. Wray posted this site in that group. I`m glad he did, this is a great web site and I`m glad I joined. I think alot of the dulci builders and players from the cgb nation will be coming here. Beleive or not there`s alot in common between both sites, we all love building and playing our homemade stringed instruments. There`s alot of cgb builders who never tried building a dulci fretted instrument and want to try one, and the ones who have built one are hooked for life on them. I`m glad to be here and to show you all my dulci creations.

How did you first discover the mountain dulcimer?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Suzanne, you honor Ann well with your dulcimer play.This is a wonderful thread.

How did you first discover the mountain dulcimer?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Found my first back in the late 70's at a Renn. Faire here in Illinois. It was a Berg that I named Mae for Mae West. It has her figure.I thought it was just the instrument for me as I loved the sound and could play it with just one finger on the left hand. My brain is a bit cross wired and the left hand wants to do what the right hand is suppose to be doing which make typing a real pain. But on the dulcimer the hands are doing two different things and I only need to use 1 finger if I want to. I'm not into complicated tunes or complex finger patterns like finger picking so I'm as happy as a lark with my dulcimers. 14 babies now ;-)

How did you first discover the mountain dulcimer?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Patrick O'Brien said:

he said yea there was a feller up the holler from his home place had one sumptin like it,
only it was slimer and he played it with a bow but he dident recall what he called it.This would a been about 1924 or so.

I'd kinda like to know where in WV his home place was. A bunch of O'Briens and their kin are in Gerald Milnes' book "Play of a Fiddle," but as your dad said, they were playing fiddles and other stuff besides dulcimers. Milnes does discuss (p. 139) bowed zitters or "scheitholts" that were played in WV.Dick

How did you first discover the mountain dulcimer?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Wow - I just checked back on this thread and it is great to read all our stories, from people who have had decades with the MD to people like me who are very recent converts. That is one of the things that is so good about this instrument- you can just find your own level with it so much more easily than with other stringed instruments. Thanks for your stories everyone.Peace and music.

How did you first discover the mountain dulcimer?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Nice story, John... John Shaw said:

It was the combination of a nice instrument and an inspirational book that excited me and really got my playing to start to develop. I date my real playing from that moment. I took some things from the new approaches in the book that really got my imagination going (even though I don't like to get too far from the instrument's traditional styles), and I had a nice dulcimer to try them out on!

How did you first discover the mountain dulcimer?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

My dulcimer journey is much more recent. Two years ago a new friend, in our new town, in NC, invited me to a mountain dulcimer recital of her class, held at the local community college. These folks had been playing, through the college, for about two years... most of them had never touched a musical instrument before taking up dulcimer. The vast majority were older women (like me) and were thrilled to be making music. They'd been studying Larkin Bryant's instructional book and, of course, played "Rhodie" and "Bile 'em Cabbage". Before that evening, I had never seen or heard a mountain dulcimer and I was intrigued by the sound. My new friend (well, not so new, now...) plays almost anything she can get her hands on: piano, organ, bowed psaltery, penny whistle, hammered dulcimer and... mountain dulcimer. Because I also play classical piano and pop organ, she thought I was a natural for mountain dulcimer and started working on me, but I was reluctant. I tend to be very compulsive, by nature, and didn't feel I could waste my time with another musical instrument. By August last year, after being prodded for months, I gave up and jumped in with both feet. We drove over to Blowing Rock, NC where I purchased my first dulcimer (Neely) from The Dulcimer Shop... two weeks before classes began. That dulcimer, beautiful as it was, had major flaws. The fretboard was bowed, which made the "action" very difficult to play... major finger blisters. After several months, phone calls and emails, it was determined that the dulcimer couldn't be repaired and I very unhappily returned it... the folks at The Dulcimer Shop graciously allowed me to choose whichever other dulcimer I wanted and refunded the entire price of the Neely. By that time, I'd been playing several months and chose a wonderful McSpadden and then, I was on my way! As I say, I'm lovin' it! Been playing furiously since last September and now, I need more folks to play with... my friends at class (actually, just Monday jams now) are very happy, playing once a week... I play hours each day! I don't consider it "practice" because practice insinuates work... this is definitely, not work! Thanks, Lisa, for setting this up... it's giving me an additional outlet.

How did you first discover the mountain dulcimer?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I first heard and saw a mountain dulcimer at the Oxford University Folk Club (the Heritage Society)in 1963 or '64 when an American lady did a floor spot and sang and played one. I never learned her name, but I remember being enchanted with the sweet, archaic sound. Shortly afterwards I became a lifelong lover of Jean Ritchie's music when I bought what I think was her first LP release on a British label (actually a re-release on licence of some of her earliest Elektra recordings). A few years later I bought (for 4) a fingerboard-only dulcimer, clearly made under the influence of the John Pearse book that John Henry Charles Crocker has mentioned elsewhere in this thread. I stuck a magnetic pickup on it and played it as a second or third instrument in a folk/rock/theatre group (Elecampane) I was in for some years. (I was mainly playing bass guitar and occasionally guitar.) I didn't get deeply into MD playing at this time, and just used it for very simple occasional strumming. In 1979 I bought a much nicer dulcimer. It was only a Korean import (money was tight) but it had a lovely character and was a delight to play. I think the cheap Korean dulcimers of the late 70s and early 80s get a generally bad press in the dulcimer world, and certainly the quality could vary, but mine was very nice - and I know at least one serious MD player here in England who plays his Korean model from this era as his main MD even today. The same day as I bought mine I also bought Neal Hellman's "Dulcimer Songbook" which introduced me to a range of what to me were new styles and approaches. It was the combination of a nice instrument and an inspirational book that excited me and really got my playing to start to develop. I date my real playing from that moment. I took some things from the new approaches in the book that really got my imagination going (even though I don't like to get too far from the instrument's traditional styles), and I had a nice dulcimer to try them out on!

How did you first discover the mountain dulcimer?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Steeleye Span, a Folk/Rock group, did a series on TV MUCH longer ago than I care to remember! John Pearce put out a book to go with the series which showed how to construct a simple fret board with tuners (and strings of course) which if placed on a suitable box, or suitcase, produced a creditable sound. I made one for my son, and was hooked! JC

How did you first discover the mountain dulcimer?

General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Dick.. thanks for sharing your story... amazing what four bits will do to you..lol