Hi shoutjoy,

(I emailed you) Thanks for joining.

Hammered dulcimer is likely to be a challenge too. And an expensive "experiment," if cost is an issue.

I started with autoharp played in an adaptive way when I was dealing with some physical issues.

A plucked psaltery also can be played 1-1/2 handed. I have one that was restrung to turn it from a plinky child's toy into a real instrument with good tone. In fact I believe I still have two of them. (I could lend you one.) These are strung diatonically, and usually cover about 1-1/2 to 2 octaves. Some fiddle tunes take a little adapting to play within that narrow range, but I have played Carolan on it (poorly-- I never really pursued it). I have heard Amazing Grace played quite beautifully on one, by a member here who may also know bowed psaltery (katlaughing).

If you want to say more about how the left hand is impaired, there are a number of members here with experience adapting instruments and/or playing techniques, and/or using playing time as rehab to improve function both musically and otherwise. It might be that lap dulcimer could work for you, with a playing peg.

Do you play other instruments, or have you in the past?

As far as your whistle book-- what keys are most of the tunes in? If they are in the same keys psaltery is geared for, it should be adaptable.

If psaltery is in the same general keys as fiddle tunes, there are numerous free-print online resources you will be able to find via Mudcat posts.

Another instrument possibility for 1-1/2 handed paying is slide guitar, but that isn't exactly a Celtic classic. :~)

Regarding Mudcat site features-- look around. This site is much older than all the modern-day message boards with cute graphics-- it's a pioneer, still, and especially suited to music stuff. It has a lot of features they have, but a lot of other ones they lack. One is your personal page (look at the teal page banner links).

Send me a PM if you want to jam a little with my fiddling husband, try a plucked psaltery, see how I autoharp, etc. Altho we are an hour away, I do get over to your side of the mountain from time to time. Christ Church in Coudy has a strings program you might also want to explore, and there is a church out in Hawk Run with a celtic-harp player looking for jam-pals. Is it OK to forward your email to her?

~Susan


Welcome to Mudcat. "Yer among yer own kind, now."

~Susan