Very cool. Mawhee was the absolute first maker that I learned about, after trying to look up "walkabout and stick dulcimers" lol. Welcome to the forum. I hope your personal connection to the dulcimer grows into a lifetime of enjoyment.
-Nate

Welcome!

My friend, Rob Lackey, had a Mawhee dulcimer. Here is a link to a YouTube video of him with the dulcimer playing Black Eyed Susie. Unfortunately, Rob died a little over a year ago so we can't ask him any more questions about his dulcimer.

You may already be aware of this video if you've done a search for John Mawhee on the internet.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Here’s a link to my great grandpa Bill Graves telling a story about his grandpa Mawhee describing the dulcimer he made.

https://open.spotify.com/track/6puYCNvYzWdKHKPseNvZ17?si=82-ifo3SSpuwG0eL_dpDVQ&context=spotify%3Aalbum%3A7xwCkNFcI0jMSSQydtalDw

I’m thrilled to join this community and connect with others who share a love for the dulcimer. I’ve recently rekindled my passion for this beautiful instrument, which has deep roots in my family’s history. I’m especially hoping to someday find a Mawhee dulcimer, a unique version of the instrument that my great great grandfather, John Mawhee, carved and played in the mid-1800s. He learned the craft from Cherokee traditions and carried it with him as a Union soldier during the Civil War. To me, owning or even learning more about one of his dulcimers would be an incredible way to honor that legacy and share it with my family.

I grew up hearing the dulcimer played by my great grandfather Bill Graves, who called it the “walking cane dulcimer.” He recorded his music with the Missouri Historical Society, and now—24 years after his passing—it’s surreal to hear his songs on Spotify. (He would have been so tickled by that!) Back in the day, our whole family was buying his CDs and gathering around as he played with a turkey quill. His children joined in with singing and guitar, and those memories of music at family reunions—at Grandma’s house with all my cousins—are some of my fondest.

Unfortunately, I never learned to play when they encouraged me to, and that’s a big regret. But now, I feel inspired to dive in, learn the instrument, and maybe continue the family tradition. The dulcimer’s sound, to me, feels like a family reunion—it brings back so much joy and nostalgia.

I’m hoping this group can help me find my way as I learn to play and possibly locate a Mawhee dulcimer. Where should I start? I’m also eager to learn more about dulcimer music, history, and techniques. My favorite song is “Turkey in the Straw (ha ha ha)” and I’d love to someday be able to play it just like my great grandfather did.

Thank you for welcoming me into this community—I’m looking forward to learning from you all and sharing in this wonderful tradition!

updated by @searchin-for-a-walkin-cane: 01/05/25 06:52:45PM