Help: Just bought a dulcimer ...

Subject: Just bought a dulcimer ...
From: Shula
Date: 02 May 01 - 01:28 AM

Dear Folks:

I just bought my first dulcimer (mountain). I play the guitar a little, but I've never played a dulcimer, despite wanting to since I first heard one. ( I was about six, and visiting my grandparents who lived in the Virginia Blue Ridge. A neighbor lady was playng one and I was enchanted.) It's a little late, I warrant, but better late...

Can anyone suggest a good book or two for a beginner?

Thanks.

Shalom,

Shula

Subject: RE: Help: Just bought a dulcimer ...
From: Mike Byers
Date: 02 May 01 - 02:00 AM

Send an e-mail to my friend Paula at [e-mail] She's a mighty good dulcimer player and teacher, and I think her advice on books would be good. What kind of dulcimer did you get? Are you planning on playing with your fingers or with a noter?

Subject: RE: Help: Just bought a dulcimer ...
From: JenEllen
Date: 02 May 01 - 02:28 AM

You can also try Heidi at [e-mail] She's a helluva good gal, and great player/teacher too. Her website can be reached HERE FOR HEIDI

Best of Luck,
Jen

Subject: RE: Help: Just bought a dulcimer ...
From: katlaughing
Date: 02 May 01 - 03:13 AM

Hi, Shula, I just bought my first one a couple of months ago, at Spaw's recommendation and love it. Never played one before, but it is really easy. I am already playing at the local hospice.

We are fortunate to have Jean Ritchie as a member of the Mudcat now, under the name kytrad. I started a thread when I got mine and there is all kinds of information on them and good books, as well as a couple of really neat postings by Jean. It is Finally Found My Instrument!

Spaw recommended Jean's book, The Dulcimer Book, and Larkin's Dulcimer Book by Larkin Bryant. I bought both and have enjoyed them very much and learned a lot.

I love the dulcimer because of the drone and also the different modes you can play in. Some songs can sound very medieval, which I really like.

I hope you find much enjoyment with yours.

kat

Subject: RE: Help: Just bought a dulcimer ...
From: black walnut
Date: 02 May 01 - 06:40 AM

Welcome to Planet Dulcimer!

~black walnut

Subject: RE: Help: Just bought a dulcimer ...
From: catspaw49
Date: 02 May 01 - 07:25 AM

Great to see you back around Shula......AND with a new dulcimer! Hope things are going well. Kat already passed on my two favorites. Enjoy yourself.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Help: Just bought a dulcimer ...
From: English Jon
Date: 02 May 01 - 08:17 AM

Roger Nicholson's "Nonesuch for dulcimer" is great. Somethings are quite easy, other stuff is quite difficult, but it gives a good indication of the variety of things you can do with a lap dulcimer.

If you can get this book, start with "Howie's Tune", which is really pretty and fairly straightforward. Sounds a lot harder than it is! Look out for records of Nicholson. Fantastic player.

Best of luck with it.

Jon

Subject: RE: Help: Just bought a dulcimer ...
From: Pinetop Slim
Date: 02 May 01 - 09:53 AM

If you're anywhere near Cambridge, Mass., Nicholson will be leading workshops Saturday, May 4, at the Blacksmith House Dulcimer Festival at the Blacksmith House on Brattle Street. So will Lorraine Lee Hammond, organizer of the festival, Pam Weeks, Lucy Sollogub and others. Festival includes concerts Friday and Saturday night and Sunday afternoon. Don't have blue clickies, but info is available on web sites of Cambridge Center for Adult Education and Lorraine Hammond.

Subject: RE: Help: Just bought a dulcimer ...
From: wysiwyg
Date: 02 May 01 - 09:55 AM

There is a good book of O'Carolan melodies with dulcimer tablature. Mel Bay I think-- chords for guitar included. Can be ordered with a practice tape.

~S~

Subject: RE: Help: Just bought a dulcimer ...
From: Shula
Date: 03 May 01 - 02:08 PM

Dear Folks,

What a lovely lot of suggestions! Thanks to all and sundry. I'll let you know how I fare with this new critter, bimeby.

Todah rabah, (Thank you very much,)

Shula

Subject: RE: Help: Just bought a dulcimer ...
From: wysiwyg
Date: 04 May 01 - 03:06 AM

Welcome!