Kendall is NOT finished !!

Subject: RE: Kendall is NOT finished !!
From: gnu
Date: 08 Feb 18 - 04:04 PM

I got nuthin ta say, 'ceptin' I keep up on this thread. Hope you are doin' okay today, Cap'n.

Subject: RE: Kendall is NOT finished !!
From: kendall
Date: 07 Feb 18 - 12:31 PM

KT, that is just beautiful thank you.

Subject: RE: Kendall is NOT finished !!
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 06 Feb 18 - 12:18 PM

That 12 of yours is a special box Kendall. I had a go on it long ways back, and loved it. That's probably why I got Nick to make me a 12 string too. I still prefer your one, but don't tell Nick ;)

Subject: RE: Kendall is NOT finished !!
From: KT
Date: 06 Feb 18 - 12:18 AM

And yet, when on those dusty strings
My gaze does once more fall
I harken back to days when they and voice did fill the hall
Twixt grief of loss and joy recalled, there gently rests a choice
Oh, let joy win, for all that's been
Oh, yes, I will rejoice!

(And keep on playing on the less achy days, Cap'n! Remember- ebbs and flows.)

And don't worry, I don't intend to write last verses for all of these!

Subject: RE: Kendall is NOT finished !!
From: kendall
Date: 05 Feb 18 - 08:37 PM

Dave Mallett was here the other day. What he does with a guitar cant be done. I'm so lucky to have such a friend. I haven't even tried to play my Nick Apollonio 12 string, but he can make it talk.
When he laid it down, I was struck by the thought that came to me. I nearly wept. "The harp that once through Tara's halls its soul of music spread, now hangs as mute on Tara's wall as if that soul had fled, so speaks the pride of former days when glory's thrill is o'er for hearts that once beat high with praise now feels that pulse no more. Now I will weep.
Goodnight all you wonderful friends. you have no clue how important you are to me.

Subject: RE: Kendall is NOT finished !!
From: Will Fly
Date: 05 Feb 18 - 01:23 PM

No matter how crap you feel, I'm sure all of us here will root for you, no matter what.

Appalachian dulcimer - dowel in left hand and feather in right hand - might be a less painful alternative to the guitar. Just a thought...

My best,

Will

Subject: RE: Kendall is NOT finished !!
From: kendall
Date: 05 Feb 18 - 12:42 PM

One of my few good thyought is that I have had one hell of an interesting life while countless people have struggled in poverty and so many kids dying in childhood.I could write a book on my wonderful life. Come to think of it, I did. Many of you folks have brightened my days, even when I was in the depts. of depression. Thanks so much.
I wont embarrass you by naming you, although, you know who you are. Eh, Max?ooops.

Subject: RE: Kendall is NOT finished !!
From: kendall
Date: 04 Feb 18 - 04:49 PM

I'm close to finished; voice is almost gone, arthritis in every joint makes playing guitar painful and not like it used to be.

Subject: RE: Kendall is NOT finished !!
From: kendall
Date: 04 Feb 18 - 04:37 PM

Jacqui's guitar is much easier to play than most. To play my Taylor I often use a capo two frets up. that helps.

Subject: RE: Kendall is NOT finished !!
From: GUEST,Raggytash
Date: 19 Dec 15 - 04:52 PM

Good on you Kendall, keep on pickin' an' strummin'

Subject: RE: Kendall is NOT finished !!
From: kendall
Date: 19 Dec 15 - 04:36 PM

When you are my age, you will have no trouble making that decision. :-)

Subject: RE: Kendall is NOT finished !!
From: GUEST,punkfolkrocker
Date: 19 Dec 15 - 01:56 PM

I'm only in my late 50s....

but if I was ever forced to make a hypothetical choice between loss of the use of a few guitar playing fingers...

or impotency.... ?????


hmmmmmm.... that'a a tough decision.... 😬

That's even worse than "What would you save in a house fire, your family or your guitar !!!???"

Subject: RE: Kendall is NOT finished !!
From: kendall
Date: 19 Dec 15 - 01:56 PM

Never heard of vinegar for joint pain. It's ironic that I use it for leg cramps and it does help. Can't wait to try it.!

The banjo is being repaired by a top luthier, and although the original value was $2500.00 it has has slipped, it is still worth around $1700.00, (according to the owner of Buckdancers Choice. Shipping is a consideration.That depends on where the buyer is.

Subject: RE: Kendall is NOT finished !!
From: Harmonium Hero
Date: 19 Dec 15 - 01:42 PM

I've been following this thread with interest, as a player of various instruments, and someone who has mild arthritis in the thumbs, which has never got beyond a certain stage - no worse than it was 10 or 15 years ago - but you never know. A couple of people have mentioned cider vinegar. I haven't tried it, but know a clog dancer (English clog, not Appalachian clogging) who had trouble with an arthritic big toe a while back. Tried cider vinegar and swore by it. Hasn't mentioned the toe for a couple of years. Soething that hasn't been mentioned is acupuncture. It is uswed to treat arthritis. It apparently doesn't work for everybody, but does for some. It's used on arthritic dogs, so obviously isn't a placebo - try explaining it to Pooch: "now rhis nice man is going to stick some needles in you, and you'll feel better...". It's non-invasive - no drugs or surgery, so if it does no good, it'll do no harm.
As regards alternative instruments, somebody mentioned hammered dulcimer. I met a lady who had the type of arthritis that deforms the fingers. Hers were all bent over sideways, and pretty well useless, but she could grip things between first fingers and thumbs. She had a small dulcimer, which she could carry under her arm, and was able to play this fine. Just a thought if thingss eventually do get worse. Hope not! Enquire about the acupuncture. As I said, it can't do any harm.
John Kelly (in UK).

Subject: RE: Kendall is NOT finished !!
From: open mike
Date: 19 Dec 15 - 01:22 PM

Glad to see you still have an active case of GAS, Ken Doll.... Guitar Acquisition Syndrome....happens to the best of us.....try some
Bean-o!

Subject: RE: Kendall is NOT finished !!
From: maeve
Date: 19 Dec 15 - 12:52 PM

open mike- check your PMs. Take a look at the Auction listing (link at top of this page).

Subject: RE: Kendall is NOT finished !!
From: open mike
Date: 19 Dec 15 - 12:24 PM

still interested in the mandola....have not heard mention of it....let me know!!

Subject: RE: Kendall is NOT finished !!
From: Herga Kitty
Date: 18 Dec 15 - 11:14 PM

I'm so glad to see the change of title, and to hear you've had a change of heart! Hope you enjoy the new guitar!

Kitty
xx

Subject: RE: Kendall is NOT finished !!
From: Mrrzy
Date: 18 Dec 15 - 10:28 PM

Yay, great solstice news!

Subject: RE: Kendall is NOT finished !!
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 18 Dec 15 - 08:53 PM

Dear Mr. Kendal,

Thank you for hanging tough...you have contributed so much...and you would be greatly missed... not only on Muscat, but especially in your home port with the local..."Maine E Ax."

Sincerely,
Gargoyle

It will be a hard winter...I would bet a ten spot at the "Long Branch" in Greenville for "ice out" May 03, 11:34 a.m.

Subject: RE: Kendall is NOT finished !!
From: Rapparee
Date: 18 Dec 15 - 08:49 PM

Well, GOOD!

Buy more, Kendall, and Jacqui sort 'em out.

Subject: RE: Kendall is NOT finished !!
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 18 Dec 15 - 08:46 PM

Kendall, as someone coming late to this thread I was both vexed to hear that you were giving up your guitar, and then happy to hear you've changed your mind! If you are really interested in selling the banjo, I may know an interested party. Have any pictures? And how much?

Subject: RE: Kendall is NOT finished !!
From: Joe Offer
Date: 18 Dec 15 - 08:26 PM

Ah, now that's a much better thread title!
Kendall, every moment with you is a delight. You're going to be with us and having a good time with us for a long, long time.
-Joe-

Subject: RE: Kendall is NOT finished !!
From: kendall
Date: 18 Dec 15 - 08:22 PM

I went through a very rough time back there, and I almost gave in and dumped all my instruments out of pique. I had no idea that so many catters were on my side, or were even very aware of who I am. I tell you true, your collective support has been priceless.I thank you all.

I probably will sell the 1927 Vega tubafone. It is a great bluegrass banjo, LOUD. I still have an older Vega open back that is more civilized and better suited to folk music.I will never sell this one. It was given to me by a dear friend who died some years ago. When I go, it goes back to his son where it belongs.
Max, you will never know what you have created. To paraphrase Samuel F.B. Morse when he realized that his telegraph worked, "What hath Max wrought?"

Subject: RE: Kendall is NOT finished !!
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 18 Dec 15 - 07:47 PM

looks like I'm the first to post under the new subject!

collectors can't have too many (fill in name of item collected)

in my case, far too many collections to fill in name of items collected

sandra

for Jacqui

Subject: RE: Kendall is finished
From: Richard Mellish
Date: 18 Dec 15 - 06:16 PM

Even if/when there is no hope whatsoever of being able to play, a case can still be made for hanging on to an intrument as an old friend. Clive Woolf has been unable to play his since he was "cut down in his prime" (not actually by a stroke as such, but the same result, hemiplegia), but he still has his guitar.

Subject: RE: Kendall is finished
From: maeve
Date: 18 Dec 15 - 12:32 PM

I did suggest a subject change:

Subject: RE: Kendall is not finished
From: maeve - PM
Date: 02 Dec 15 - 07:28 AM

Subject: RE: Kendall is finished
From: GUEST,punkfolkrocker
Date: 18 Dec 15 - 12:07 PM

that's the spirit Kedall.. the only thing better than more guitars.. is even more guitars....

Remember.. like it or not.. you are a role model to younger punks like me who are only in our late 50s.... 😜

Subject: RE: Kendall is finished
From: Joe Offer
Date: 18 Dec 15 - 01:04 AM

I gotta say that I just don't like the title of this thread. Kendall finished? No way!

Kendall, I expect that, one way or another, we will have many good times together in the years to come. You are a hero and a mentor to many of us, Kendall.

And Jacqui thinks you're sexy...

-Joe-

Subject: RE: Kendall is finished
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 18 Dec 15 - 12:35 AM

Attaboy, Kendall - keep on keepin' on!

Subject: RE: Kendall is finished
From: kendall
Date: 17 Dec 15 - 10:23 PM

Things are getting better, a few days ago I bought another guitar. A classical type, thinking the nylon strings would be easier on the hands.
AS THE UNDERTAKER SAID, :REMAINS TO BE SEEN."

Subject: RE: Kendall is finished
From: GUEST,punkfolkrocker
Date: 13 Dec 15 - 02:14 PM

yeah.. I still pine for the vintage 1960s Vox AC30 I owned for a few months when I was 15 or 16..

I was too young and inexperienced, and easily persuaded to trade it in
for a brand new modern shiny space age HH transistor combo with glowing green panel illumination.... 😢

Since then I've never sold or let go of any musical instruments and equipment.

They'll all have to go one day.. eventually.. but that'll be some one else in the family's problem.....

Subject: RE: Kendall is finished
From: Philbert Digby
Date: 13 Dec 15 - 02:35 AM

Kendell,don't sell them!
That's my two penneth worth..sellers regrets are a bitter and heartbreaking thing....

Subject: RE: Kendall is finished
From: Vashta Nerada
Date: 13 Dec 15 - 12:32 AM

Hahaha! Bagpipes!

Kendall, my father was a folk musician for decades, and I found a lot of folk instruments in his collection that I'm pretty sure he didn't know how to play himself. I think he was simply playing the "good host" and keeping instruments available for performers who might drop in to a Song Circle or hoot without every instrument in their repertoire.

Think about that moment when a guest picks up an instrument and makes beautiful music - it's a wonderful moment for both of you. Good instruments will never be neglected if you have friends who come by who can play them.

Subject: RE: Kendall is finished
From: kendall
Date: 12 Dec 15 - 07:55 PM

Scarpi, I decided to hang onto the Taylor. If you drop in, it will be available for you.

Subject: RE: Kendall is finished
From: GUEST,Guest from Sanity
Date: 12 Dec 15 - 12:54 PM

Hey, welcome back Skarpi!!

GfS

Subject: RE: Kendall is finished
From: Crowhugger
Date: 09 Dec 15 - 03:50 PM

A memorable, wonderful week. Glad you've found another option than bagpipes ;-)
Still, I'll go ahead say what I was thinking before I got to your Dec 7 post, Kendall: I only know you through Mudcat, and based on that I think that upon reflection you'll find you've always been a teacher and humorist. Good homes for the instrubabies does help, but I'm sure glad you found a guitar that's much more comfortable to play!!

Subject: RE: Kendall is finished
From: GUEST,skarpi Iceland
Date: 09 Dec 15 - 02:57 PM

Dear friend , hold on to the guitar ....think about if someone who can play come by your house and want to sing and play ...:)
who knows I might pop in one day ..without a guitar ...
all the best Skarpi .....keep it you will always take one or two chords ..if not then let me have it on next Getaway ...
all the best Skarpi

Subject: RE: Kendall is finished
From: Mark Clark
Date: 09 Dec 15 - 01:37 PM

Very sorry to see this, Kendall. I do understand. At some point I'll probably face that too. I've only been playing guitar for fifty-five years but my RA is catching up with me. It's manageable now but in another ten years, who knows?

Subject: RE: Kendall is finished
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 09 Dec 15 - 11:01 AM

Thank you for reassurance, Kendall.

Subject: RE: Kendall is finished
From: kendall
Date: 08 Dec 15 - 09:31 PM

thanks for the input, Leeneia. I have a great doctor who sent me to a specialist, and it IS arthritis. Donuel, I GAVE MY 100 YEAR OLD VIOLIN TO A FRIEND BECAUSE IT WAS JUST TOO PAINFUL TO PLAY. That left hand position was impossible.
Ok, had to give up singing, no choice, hearing in my left ear,joint pain makes playing painful. looks like I need to adjust. Maybe I'll take up the bagpipes.

I just got an offer from someone who works with senior citizens for me to come and Talk to them. To discuss humor and that sort of thing. Never thought of myself as a teacher, but, who knows?

I'm reminded of a quote by Shakespeare; (many things do...)
The King who was overthrown and exiled to some God forsaken place. He is examining his situation, and finding the good in it.

"Sweet are the uses of adversity; which, like the Toad, ugly and venomous, wears yet a precious jewel in its head. This is our life, exempt from public haunt, we find tongues in trees, books in running brooks, sermons in stone, and good in everything. I would not change it."

Subject: RE: Kendall is finished
From: Donuel
Date: 08 Dec 15 - 12:12 PM

I second that. I sold my fine Italian cello during a arthritis flare up but the arthritis dissipated. The cello is gone but other cellos with reworked fingerboards require half the pressure.

Subject: RE: Kendall is finished
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 08 Dec 15 - 11:57 AM

I've been thinking,Kendall.

1. I've been thinking of the book I read (by an M.D.) on repetition stress injuries. The doc specifically mentioned playing with a triangular pick as a cause of injury.

What if your problem is merely soreness or strain caused by using a triangular pick? Rest or treatment might improve it.

You haven't mentioned seeing a specialist. Do you know your problem is arthritis? That it can't be helped?

2. I've been thinking about how I got a cough and cold last May, and it just wouldn't go away. After two months of illness, a big trip motivated me to go to the clinic again, and the clinic nurse packed me off to an M.D.'s office. The M.D. announced, "You know the weather's been rainy for a long time. This is allergies." He prescribed one steroid shot and I was cured.

My point is that we may think we know what's wrong with us, based on "common knowledge," but we can be wrong.

3. I'm glad you are not rushing into things - not ready to stop playing and getting rid of fine instruments right away.

Subject: RE: Kendall is finished
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 07 Dec 15 - 11:13 PM

Uh oh - buying more instruments.









He's back! (And no, Jacqui won't send him to the cellar for this!)

Subject: RE: Kendall is finished
From: kendall
Date: 07 Dec 15 - 08:05 PM

My attitude has improved so much! the mudcat gang has been unbelievable. I went from selling all my instruments to buying another one today. A nylon string SAG model 1066A. Plays like butter, beautiful, light, and the balance is to die for. That E minor is beautiful when I hit that 6th string open.

It was an impulse purchase, I hope I haven't plowed up a snake.

Subject: RE: Kendall is finished
From: GUEST,Guest from Sanity
Date: 06 Dec 15 - 11:44 PM

Kendall, I guess you may have noticed that your supporters on here, are really behind you continuing to play.

As far as tendinitis, as someone mentioned earlier, my doctor turned me onto a little trick that works great...let's say it's your left hand that goes numb, take your right hand, and just put pressure above your elbow, of the left hand...as if you're crossing your arms, press into the nerve of the numb arm. The numbness will magically dissipate. You may have to feel around to find the nerve, but once you do, you'll know it. You can also, easily do it on stage, and nobody will know.....just behind the elbow, on the back side.
I hope others reading this, may benefit from this handy little trick.

Regards...and keep playing...we need more musicians, and less politicians!!

GfS

Subject: RE: Kendall is finished
From: maeve
Date: 06 Dec 15 - 11:17 PM

I saw Kendall and Jacqui tonight. Kendall is fine- crazy like a fox but doing fine.

Maeve

Subject: RE: Kendall is finished
From: Rapparee
Date: 06 Dec 15 - 09:08 PM

Kendall, take up the bodhran. You know what Red Green says about if women don't find you attractive they should at least find you handy? Well, you don't really have to know how to play the 'hran but people will at least find you annoying.

Subject: RE: Kendall is finished
From: gnu
Date: 06 Dec 15 - 08:46 PM

The last person that I heard play my Seagull cutaway was beer when he dropped in on a trip east five years or so ago. Cheap guitar but it hadn't been moved from in front of the fireplace for three years due to arthritis and it was still in perfect tune. He made it sound sweet but I knew that night... I sold it not long after. I sold the mandolin. Arthritis sucks. I went down the vocal cord/smoking route too a while before that... I can still talk without too many problems but singing any more that the last line of a verse among others has been a chore. Amos visited on his way east two years ago and I managed a few beats on the Rhan and a few last lines on some song verses. Alas, I fear that will be the last of it. As far as my three Bodhrans, I will never sell them... NObody will buy them!

Kendall... I had to curtail playing before arthritis struck due to a ganglion. Just days ago, the damn thing burst! I think it was caused by jarring my wrist while scraping ice off my driveway. I haven't tried to play Rhan again yet but??? Ya never know, eh? Hang on to that guitar a while yet.

Subject: RE: Kendall is finished
From: GUEST,Tootler
Date: 06 Dec 15 - 04:49 PM

Try the ukulele.

There's quite a few on the ukulele forum I belong to who have come from guitar, several having had to give up for reasons similar to yours have tried ukulele and found they could manage it because it's so much smaller and lighter. I have the beginnings of arthritis in my wrists but I am able to cope with the ukulele fine.