William Mann

Hi William - I stumbled across an old post of yours asking about Russell Green.  I too have one of his dulcimers - my dad had him make it for me about 25 years ago.  He is the brother of my step-mom's first husband, Ellis Green.  At the time mine was made, my dad lived "high atop Lacon Mountain" in Falkville - not far from your neck of the woods.  I don't have much more info than that - I can confirm he worked in Detroit in the auto industry, then retired to Alabama.  After his death, his workshop was left intact at least until his wife's death.  Not sure what happened to it after that, but I did get to tour it once while he was working on my dulcimer.  As you said, they are very well built - I just recently replaced the 25 year-old strings on mine and it sounds better than ever!

William, I sent you a pm.

Thanks for your thoughts. I guess it is time to get serious and actually practice on a regular schedule. I will probably surprise myself with the results.

Thanks for the info on this. I really love that other one you play. It looks small, 3/4 size but sounds fantastic. Thanks for all this, I love the tunes you pick, the way you play them, the dulcimers you play them on...everything. Just want to see your face!

I wondered how you snuck in here without my greeting you, as I do that to all I see. Like all your hymns and harmonized along on y stick dulcimer. Too much fun. Also very curious about this student dulcimer you have. I'm getting some students and haven't settled yet on what to recommend to them, other than the Backyard Cardboard starter one. Hope to know you better, from the frozen wastelands of Vermont. It snowed last night if you can believe that.

Hi William,

I wish I had a really interesting story about the Dulcimer Works dulcimer, but like you, I bought it on eBay shortly before my original posts about it. It really is remarkable, all the nice detail work in it. When I got it, it was really cruddy, and the bridge had the edge broken off. I made a new matching bridge staying as faithful as possible to the original, which also matches the original nut. I bought it about the time I was getting really interested in noter/drone playing, having started in DAdd chord/melody that is really popular in this area. It''s beautifully set up for noter/drone, including relief in the fretboard (slightly concave). Since then, I've continued my interest in noter/drone, and my "collection" now includes one by Ledford, one by Mize, and reproductions of Thomas and Prichard dulcimers. Oh, and I got into Galax dulcimers as well. Like many, we're downsizing, getting ready to move into a smaller, single story house, and it's time to let other folks enjoy some of the dulcimers that I don't pick up as often. I am really pleased that it will be played and appreciated. Thanks for taking time to contact me.

Parker

Hi William

My wife plays some also. I go on Thursday nights for Jam/Practice with the Southern Appalachian group in Trussville. BUT I'm always looking to improve my my playing. You probably noticed I currently am playing a Dulci-Born. My wife has a Jon Harris built dulcimer. I tell people I am an advanced beginner

Thanks

Bill

Welcome to FOTMD William. This is a good place for networking, swapping and learning. It's good to have you aboard.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Hi William, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn and exchange ideas about the dulcimer, and to meet some good people.

Ben

Hey William, welcome aboard. Glad ya found us.

Howdy and welcome to the FOTMD crew!

Welcome, William Craig, to this little corner of dulcimer heaven. Hope you enjoy it here.

Rob