Forum Activity for @macaodha

MacAodha
@macaodha
07/07/23 11:32:16AM
33 posts

The Positive Thread...


OFF TOPIC discussions

Best wishes to all at FOTMD.

MacAodha
@macaodha
03/26/22 07:13:03PM
33 posts

International Appalachian Dulcimer Day


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Best wishes to all on this International Appalachian Dulcimer Day.

MacAodha
@macaodha
02/27/22 02:29:56PM
33 posts

International Appalachian Dulcimer Day


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I have a beautiful photo of Jean playing dulcimer in the kitchen of Bess Cronin, having difficulty posting this picture. 1952 possibly the first time a mountain dulcimer was ever seen or heard in Ireland. 

MacAodha
@macaodha
10/26/21 05:23:23PM
33 posts

Cedar soundboards


Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions

Hi Paula, the first Dulcimer I had made back in the mid 70's had a cedar top, since then I've made 4 with cedar tops and a few with spruce. My personal choice is cedar I love it's lightness and mellow sound.

MacAodha
@macaodha
06/30/21 09:42:36AM
33 posts

Death of John Shaw, UK mountain dulcimer giant


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I've admired John's dulcimer playing and .singing for many years. Found him to be very encouraging and helpful. RIP John. 

MacAodha
@macaodha
02/09/21 08:25:49AM
33 posts

a 1994 Mt Airy jam with Don Pedi


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Amazing. Any idea what tuning he is using on his dulcimer.

MacAodha
@macaodha
10/04/20 06:10:31AM
33 posts

What Are You Working On?


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

This one Robin is a Christmas present for my niece she wont know till Christmas day. Will get my son do to do some photos of my builds and will post.

MacAodha
@macaodha
10/03/20 03:53:08PM
33 posts

What Are You Working On?


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Getting close to finishing my 6th dulcimer, hour-glass mahogany back and sides spruce top. And loads of other stuff.

MacAodha
@macaodha
10/25/17 10:52:44AM
33 posts

Just For Fun - sayings regarding the dulcimer or music


OFF TOPIC discussions

At a session one night a fellow took out a pair of bones to play along, after a few sets of tunes I heard someone say"Tis a pity  there isn't a bit more meat on those bones.

MacAodha
@macaodha
10/25/17 07:09:17AM
33 posts

Just For Fun - sayings regarding the dulcimer or music


OFF TOPIC discussions

What's the difference between a fiddle and a violin, you can spill porter on a fiddle you can't on a violin.

MacAodha
@macaodha
10/25/17 07:02:58AM
33 posts

Just For Fun - sayings regarding the dulcimer or music


OFF TOPIC discussions

If you remember the names of your tunes, you don't have too many.

MacAodha
@macaodha
07/07/17 05:56:15PM
33 posts

Happy Anniversary!!


OFF TOPIC discussions

Only for you Lisa, I might not be playing today and as it happens  I just sat here for the past few hours singing and playing after our wedding anniversary  dinner that our sons cooked for us. Thank you LISA had this not come along I would not be playing . Best wishes.

MacAodha
@macaodha
04/06/17 10:21:56AM
33 posts

Our dear John Henry is on the cover


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

The music will always be in you John and I know your Mary will be glad to hear you play again as will all at FOTMD. We think and talk of you quiet a lot here in Ireland John, Mary is afraid that you might not want to talk to us, now that you are so famous. Best wishes from us both. Val.

MacAodha
@macaodha
03/13/17 07:53:18AM
33 posts

Stand-Up Stands


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Sounds very interesting, look forward.Going to a lecture myself tonight given by Terry Moylan on Poetry and Songs of the Irish Revolution 1887-1926. The Indignant Muse title of this Landmark work by the speaker contains 560 of the thousands of  songs and poems created during this extraordinary period of Irish History. Two songs written by James Connolly (Executed for his part in the 1916 Rising) the music for these two songs was composed by a relative of mine Seamus Hughes.  


updated by @macaodha: 03/13/17 08:10:35AM
MacAodha
@macaodha
03/13/17 05:06:32AM
33 posts

Stand-Up Stands


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Would love to hear and see your presentation and performance as I'm sure other FOTMD  members would, hope you record it.

MacAodha
@macaodha
12/24/16 08:37:07AM
33 posts

Mummers Making a Comeback


OFF TOPIC discussions

There is a community living in Newfoundland whose ancestors come from the south east of Ireland (Wexford, Waterford area ) They still speak with the same accents and dialect and a lot of the traditions are the same. The Wexford area still has a very strong tradition of Mummers.

MacAodha
@macaodha
12/23/16 11:48:43AM
33 posts

Mummers Making a Comeback


OFF TOPIC discussions

It's a tradition that is still very strong here in Ireland. Back in the late 70's a local play write, wrote and composed the music to the Mummers of Rellig. Myself and some friends were the orchestra for the play. We performed at the Listowel writers week and came away with the top prize. 

MacAodha
@macaodha
10/05/16 10:35:12AM
33 posts

The 'Irish' Simple System Flute


Adventures with 'other' instruments...

Fair play to you Robin," ya have it in ya."

MacAodha
@macaodha
05/26/16 02:09:53PM
33 posts



Just to add a little bit to this wonderful discussion. I've posted a recording of of an elderly gentleman by the name of Vail Ó Flatharta from Connemara. The recording was made in 1976 and he was an elderly man then. I doubt very much if he is still with us. The area of Connemara is an Irish speaking area the majority of songs would be sung in Gaelic but Barbara Allen would be one of number of ballads in English to be found in the singing tradition of the Irish speaking districts of Ireland. Vail got the song from the singing of Beairtle Choilm Rua Ó Flatharta.This is just one of a number of versions of this song that I have and they all differ.

MacAodha
@macaodha
05/19/16 07:07:46AM
33 posts

A String By Any Other Name...Is A String! (or is it?)


Instruments- discuss specific features, luthiers, instrument problems & questions

What gauge string would one suggest for a 28.5 inch VSL. Presently I'm using 10, 13, 22wound. On one Dulcimer they seem fine on another of the same VSL they can seem a bit flappy.

MacAodha
@macaodha
03/06/16 05:29:51AM
33 posts

Sad news- Rest in peace our good friend John Phillips


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

I am truly shocked and saddened to hear of the death of John P. Since getting to know him I found him a very knowledgeable and sharing person. One of my favourite players, I found his style of playing so perfect and relaxing. He will be sadly missed by all. Natures true gentleman may he rest in peace.

MacAodha
@macaodha
12/17/15 01:21:26PM
33 posts

A new podcast about the mountain dulcimer


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Patricia, keep up the great work. A real treasure for now and the future.

MacAodha
@macaodha
04/16/15 03:23:35PM
33 posts



You wouldn't find two many of those yokes around Sligo Town.

MacAodha
@macaodha
02/25/15 04:54:28PM
33 posts

Dulcimer use in folk/rock bands


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Grahame it was used sparsely down through the years by different bands and musicians. I gave examples of it's use by different musicians from the 60's to the present day some years ago. My first encounter with the dulcimer in Irish music was Paul Brady backing Mick Moloney on a 1969 LP by the Johnston's. Mick Moloney played The Kilfenora Jig on the Mandolin and Paul did the backing on Dulcimer.

MacAodha
@macaodha
08/14/14 04:55:14PM
33 posts

English dulcimer players and singers in VA September/October for theatre show


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Sorry John, I mentioned NC in a different thread, where I should have said Marion, Virginia. Hope I did not cause any confusion.

MacAodha
@macaodha
08/12/14 03:04:18PM
33 posts

what was your first song on the dulcimer?


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

First song was Verdant Braes of Skreen which I got from More Irish Street Ballads by Colm O' Lochlann, first tunes were Petrie's Polka and Murphy's Polka I learnt from the group Na Fil.

MacAodha
@macaodha
08/12/14 10:32:51AM
33 posts

If You Don't Somebody Else Will


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Robin beautiful playing, hard to pick a favourite from the play list, I do like B in the L. I love them all.

MacAodha
@macaodha
01/28/14 04:16:08AM
33 posts

RIP Pete Seeger


General mountain dulcimer or music discussions

Very well put together Dusty, Rest in peace Pete.