Pardon the late response, Kit. Yes, you are right on target. The loose translation of dulcimer means, "sweet music". They have a colorful history. Having their roots in Appalachia, they are credited with being the "only true American instrument". If you ever get a chance to see some very early examples of those early dulcimers, you will be amazed at the ingenious use of crude, assorted materials patched together just to make "music"! Think "fence wire strings, staple frets, upright spikes turned with pliers for tuning machines, sticks for nuts and bridges. Oh, and the dulcimer itself? A hand hewn 4x4, or a small split log. Man will have his music one way or another!
Yes, it is said that the name "dulcimer" alludes to "sweet music". Now, it could be argued that many of the old fiddle tunes are anything but "sweet" to our ears, though fun to play! But who can really define "sweet" from the paradigm of the pioneers who invented this instrument? I would imagine the almost total lack of "music" with no radio or tv in their day would make most ANY music "sweet" to their ears. What a treat it must have been to listen, to sing, to dance! And, of course, there are many, many tunes from their era that are "sweet" to our ears as well, such as "Give me the Roses While I Live", or "River", or South Wind". The list goes on and one. Those little moments of musical joy in their hard and demanding circumstances must truly have been "sweet" to them. It was the music itself, not just the tune. And I think to many of us, that is still true to this day. Music is truly therapeutic to me, as I suspect it is to most musicians. When people ask me what kind of music I like, I simply say, "yes".
Welcome to the group, Kit. Lots of nice folks here. I have not been a member very long, but the group is already beginning to feel a bit like a "second family". I'm also discovering the amazing depth and diversity of talent that exist in this group. There is much that can be learned here. And, if you are typical of most "dulcimer addicts", you probably have "learning" constantly on your mind. There's always another tune we want to play, and then another, and another, and.....
All I can do is shake my head...when they say that the Beatles is old time music...walking away ala the Little Tramp...old time what do they think these days....*sigh*
Good morning to you Kit, and a welcome from the UK/European group within FOTMD. Re your comment about looking to upgrade your dulcimer ! If he had not beaten me to it, I would have pointed you toward our member Robin Clark, he is very helpful and is probably the best source of new mountain dulcimers on this side of the Alantic ! In the unlikely event that he is unable to provide what you are looking for, you might try another member of this site, Geoff Black, who usually has a wide selection of used instruments for sale.
Hi Kit, and welcome to the world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the dulcimer and to meet some fine people. I know that there is a UK and maybe a European group that can be found at the top of the page under groups.
Pardon the late response, Kit. Yes, you are right on target. The loose translation of dulcimer means, "sweet music". They have a colorful history. Having their roots in Appalachia, they are credited with being the "only true American instrument". If you ever get a chance to see some very early examples of those early dulcimers, you will be amazed at the ingenious use of crude, assorted materials patched together just to make "music"! Think "fence wire strings, staple frets, upright spikes turned with pliers for tuning machines, sticks for nuts and bridges. Oh, and the dulcimer itself? A hand hewn 4x4, or a small split log. Man will have his music one way or another!
Howdy and welcome to FOTMD!
Hello and welcome to the site. This is a great place to share ideas and listen to music. I hope you enjoy!
Yes, it is said that the name "dulcimer" alludes to "sweet music". Now, it could be argued that many of the old fiddle tunes are anything but "sweet" to our ears, though fun to play! But who can really define "sweet" from the paradigm of the pioneers who invented this instrument? I would imagine the almost total lack of "music" with no radio or tv in their day would make most ANY music "sweet" to their ears. What a treat it must have been to listen, to sing, to dance! And, of course, there are many, many tunes from their era that are "sweet" to our ears as well, such as "Give me the Roses While I Live", or "River", or South Wind". The list goes on and one. Those little moments of musical joy in their hard and demanding circumstances must truly have been "sweet" to them. It was the music itself, not just the tune. And I think to many of us, that is still true to this day. Music is truly therapeutic to me, as I suspect it is to most musicians. When people ask me what kind of music I like, I simply say, "yes".
Dewey Parker
Welcome to the group, Kit. Lots of nice folks here. I have not been a member very long, but the group is already beginning to feel a bit like a "second family".
I'm also discovering the amazing depth and diversity of talent that exist in this group. There is much that can be learned here. And, if you are typical of most "dulcimer addicts", you probably have "learning" constantly on your mind. There's always another tune we want to play, and then another, and another, and.....
Dewey Parker
Hi Kit,
All I can do is shake my head...when they say that the Beatles is old time music...walking away ala the Little Tramp...old time what do they think these days....*sigh*
Good morning to you Kit, and a welcome from the UK/European group within FOTMD. Re your comment about looking to upgrade your dulcimer ! If he had not beaten me to it, I would have pointed you toward our member Robin Clark, he is very helpful and is probably the best source of new mountain dulcimers on this side of the Alantic ! In the unlikely event that he is unable to provide what you are looking for, you might try another member of this site, Geoff Black, who usually has a wide selection of used instruments for sale.
my regards
JohnH
Hey Kit, welcome aboard. Glad ya found us.
Hi Kit, and welcome to the world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the dulcimer and to meet some fine people. I know that there is a UK and maybe a European group that can be found at the top of the page under groups.
Ben
Hi Kit Welcome to FOTMD
Welcome, Kit, to this little corner of dulcimer heaven. Hope you enjoy it here.
Rob