Forum Activity for @vivian-hays

I found it!  Thanks

Hi.  I am still trying to find tab for To Drive the cold Winter Away...Rob-n-lackey says it is posted on the thread, but if it is I can't find out where!  boohoo.  Does anyone have it or know where to get it?  Thanks! Vivian

Hi!  I realize this post is older, but I haven't been on the site for quite some time, and haven't been doing anything on the dulcimer for quite some time, but thought it would be nice to get tab for this song, as I really like at, and it might just get me started up again...do you still have it available?  I would very much appreciate it if you do!  Thanks, Vivian

I'm just wondering, is there a way to post these links to free tab sites in a way that would be easy for people to find? As it is they seem to get buried in pages of other posts, unless there is a way already and I just haven't found it..I thought I saw some of these links once before, but could not relocate them, which is one reason I reposted the ones that I was familiar with. If there is already a permanent place to access certain links please let me know! Thanks

Wow, those are nice sites. I had used Prussie Valley before, but had not the others. I forgot about using image search. Thanks!

I see that lots of people who are beginners like me and new to this are asking for tabs, or how to find tabs, and I thought I would post this...I have found lots of songs I am looking for on these sites. sniff.numachi.com has a very good database and tons of tab...I generally start by just doing a Google search ..."free dulcimer tab for____"and find tons of links that have the tabs.

http://sniff.numachi.com

Thank you everyone! and thank you Strumelia for fixing my error. I really need to find out how to do that!

Benjamin, I'm glad you told me about the book by Jean Ritchie, I had thought about getting that book anyway, so was glad to know it is in there, I ordered it today, so that will be grand..

I haven't tried retuning yet, as folkfan says he does, actually I'm nervous to do it, but I will give it a try. I am going to try the modes as John P suggests and see what it sounds like...if I can figure it out. I had some progress playing it on the middle string as suggested, it sounded much better, well, except for the missed notes and buzzing strings . That' all good though, because I am really enjoying myself. Thanks again!

Well that didn't work...AAAARRRGGG>

I am going to try and put a link to You Tube video in here, but don't know if it will work...first time trying! Anyway, I found this version of Pretty Saro, and really like it, but the artist has no tab for it and I can't even figure out how he has it tuned.

I have Tab for it in DAD, but it sounds very different.. Can anyone tell me how this is tuned just by listening to it, or know where i might find tab like this version? Here is the link, hopefully. I found it by searching "dulcimer music pretty Saro" and the title of the video is Pretty Saro (Ultra Simple version)

Thanks!

I am wondering if anyone has any input on this dulcimer builder? I saw his dulcimers at a local arts fair, in fact that is what got me started on this whole new interest in learning to play dulcimers, but since I was so unfamiliar with the instruments I was afraid to buy one on the spur of the moment...also, it was so noisy in the building it was hard to get an idea of the sound...I thought they were very nice looking instruments. Does anyone have any input about them? I did a web search and came up with the fact that Mary Youngblood, a recording artist has one of his dulcimers, and he has been building them since 1980. Mr Nicholson and his wife were very friendly and helpful and I played around on several of his instruments, but I was too nervous to just buy one without much information on these instruments in general, not knowing if it was a quality instrument or not, and they were priced from about $400. to over $550.00 for the one I liked, and I had no idea if that was a reasonable price or not.

I was wondering because I have a friend who seems to be interested in trying to learn to play as well, and I thought it would be nicer of we had access to a local builder that was very reputable for her to try an instrument, instead of having to order off the internet. which is what I ended up doing. Thanks! Vivian

Linda I. Vickers said:

Vivian, The Gallier dulcimers are designed primarily for playing fingerpicking style (Gary fingerpicks). Last May I decided to order an A-Frame which is the smaller version (26 VSL vs. 27 VSL for the Starsong) of Gary's dulcimer. Gary designed it(you can read the specifics on his website) and taught his brother, Les, to make it. At that time, he quoted me this price for the dulcimer. The A Frame is $625 which includes shipping and handling, hardwood fretboard overlay, position markers, edge binding on the top perimeter, and strap buttons. There is an optional gig bag case that is $40.There are two tuneson youtube and can be accessed under the A-Frame information that areplayed by Josh Noe (The Trip Home and Indigo Out). My only experience is playing the A-Frame fingerpicking style and with its thinner wood and other Gallier design characteristics (see the website), it has an exceptionally pretty sound. The wait isn't as long for Les to complete a dulcimer but he is a full-time musician so there is a waiting period depending on what might be going on. He had a few delays with my dulcimer; I received the dulcimer at the end of September. Would I buy it again? Yes I would! If anyone has any other questions on the A-Frame they would like an opinion on - I'll glady share mine. Hope ya'll are having a great new year. Linda

Hi Linda...Thanks for the reply! I did write to Gary and he did send me the links you spoke of, and told me about his brother making the smaller A-frame, so it is very good to hear from you about that instrument. I am glad to hear that you were really pleased with it. I was concerned, because it did seem to be a bit smaller, and I want to make sure I get something that has a true dulcimer sound...I really am a bit nervous about ordering something off the internet, and not being able to hear it in person, but You Tube really helps with that sometimes! I think I have decided to go with Nic Hambas for now...I have heard good things about his instruments, but I do intend to get on a list for the Gallier, I really want one, especially since I want to explore different styles of playing! I think I am going to be a victim of DAD, like so many others that I have met on this site...! Sounds like a nice disease to catch, anyway! Maybe by the time he is able to build me one I will be much more informed of my own style and so can get more specific on the details...

Thanks again for your input, Vivian

Thanks so much for all your input! It all sounds very reasonable and true, and just the kind of guidance I need right now. I feel exactly the way Barbara Maas explained it, (thanks Barbara), lots of enthusiasm, bouncing all over the place, but with lots of questions attached! I do want to make a good informed decision, and not go nuts, but still get what I need to feel successful and happy in the end with my choice....I had actually written to Gary Gallier about his instruments and knew he had quite a waiting list going, (about 18 months) but I figured I would get on it if he was willing...I do intend to buy a less expensive (but still gorgeous!) instrument at this time, but was just really impressed with his dulcimer.

I also know that I can pass on any instrument I purchase now to one of my nieces and they would be thrilled! For now, I think I am leaning towards Nic Hambas. I spoke with him yesterday, and he is very helpful and informative. I also love the Blue Lion, but they are very spendy as well!

I wish I could actually see, touch, hear, before I choose, but that is just not possible. I really am glad I found this site, it has been very helpful and enjoyable to get such wonderful, friendly and well informed advice. Thanks! Vivian

Hi, I have been looking at many different builders and have had many helpful replies from members on this site (Thanks!) I recently came across Gary Gallier's site and was so impressed by the beauty and very different design of his instruments. I believe the hourglass is called the Starsong. Does anyone have any input on them? I couldn't find any pricing on his site at all, so have no idea of the prices, but love the looks and sound (You Tube). I would appreciate any input! As a complete beginner I want all the input I can get on the instruments and builders before choosing one. Thanks! Vivian

Yes I can see this might get addicting! They are so beautiful, and unlike piano's it is easy to find a place to put them!

Barbara Pak said:

Wonderful Vivian! I can't wait to see the photos! That sounds exactly like what I'd like to have too!

I got a hourglass concert...that's what he called it anyway...he had a beautiful teardrop, but I seem to be drawn to the hourglass...I wanted dark walnut bottom and told him to pick whatever he thought was best for the soundboard. I love the look of the ebony fretboard too. I am soo excited to see it. Anyway, I have a piano and a hammered dulcimer to keep me busy in the meantime...@Strumalia...I have braces on my teeth, so some instruments are out! I have been attempting to learn the bagpipes as well, but with these braces it is just impossible...oh well, a year or two from now will just have to do. In the meantime, I can get into the hammered dulcimer, and read up on the mountain dulcimer. I will send photos when I get it.

This is probably not the thread to post this on, but I am looking for an arrangement of Carol of the Bells for either hammered dulcimer or mountain dulcimer. I saw it played on You Tube and the player said it was arranged by Bill Flanagan...can't find anything on it online. If you have info on where I might find it I would really appreciate it. Thanks!

I am soo excited...I just ordered my dulcimer from Nic Hambas, and also some instruction books and a CD from Larkins Dulcimer..what wonderful friendly people! I will now have to wait a few months to get it, but will spend my time listening to tunes and reading, so I should be able to stand the wait!

Hi Gary...you can pull up several videos on You Tube...just do a search under Nic Hambas...he plays several different instruments that he builds...really pretty!

Garey McAnally said:

I just looked at his website www.hambasdulcimers.com What a beautiful dulcimer ! He appears to be a gifted luthier. I would love to hear one of his dulcimers. The sound is the MOST important thing. It would really help if an experienced dulcimer player could help you (especially during the 1 week examination period he gives). Hope youfind a wonderful new instrument to enjoy on this journey.

Thanks, yes I have to agree it is very beautiful and t would be best if I could hear it first, but there are no builders, much less players that I have been able to locate in my area, so I am just having to go by the recommendations of more experienced players that I can access online...He has been around building for a long time, and I got his name from several different sources, so maybe it will be really great...I wrote to him but haven't had a reply yet...the Holidays and all...Thanks for your response and good wishes!

Hi. I am new (today) to this site, but have been investigating some dulcimer builders for a several weeks now and searching for insight and opinions on them, as well as the things that I need to know before purchasing one of these lovely instruments. I am a complete novice and want to buy a good instrument, one that will be great as a I progress as a player. I have several other types of instruments and really think that getting the best instrument you can find is a sound (haha) decision, as well as investment.

Among the many I have been looking at Blue Lion, McSpadden, and Bear Meadow come up often as highly recommended, (among a long list of others) but I am really looking at Nic Hambus. I think they look so beautiful, but I am wondering if I can get any input from experienced players as to the instruments he builds. I am so new that I feel I don't know the questions to ask, much less the specs to specify in building an instrument, so that I must to a degree rely upon the builder to give me the best choices...any input on this? I recently had a James Jones hammered dulcimer built, and it is really a wonderful instrument, so I had good success there, but I want to try a different builder for this instrument.

I would appreciate any input that more experienced players might be able to give...realizing, of course that many aspects of my question are subjective, still, experience is valuable, and that is why I am asking! Thanks, Vivian