Help: Dulcimer question

Subject: Dulcimer question
From: Amergin
Date: 27 Nov 01 - 11:54 AM

Well...I have a friend who has got it into his head that he might want to learn the lap dulcimer....he has little musical experience....all he knows about it (and me for that matter) is that he likes the sound of them...and well he was wanting to know what a good dulcimer would be for a beginner....I figured this would be the place to ask.

Subject: RE: Help: Dulcimer question
From: katlaughing
Date: 27 Nov 01 - 12:00 PM

Nathan, here's the one I got, as a beginner, earlier this year: Black Mountain 56; the price is very reasonable and Spaw is the one who steered me in the right direction. I've never regretted. It is a sweet instrument with a great sound. Everyone who hears it loves it.

I would also urge your friend to get a couple of books. Jean Ritchie's is great, as well as "Larkin's Dulceimr Book" both available at Elderly.

If you want to know more, there were a couple of threads about mine with lots of discussion. I think one was "Finally Found My Instrument!"

luvyakat

Subject: RE: Help: Dulcimer question
From: catspaw49
Date: 27 Nov 01 - 12:05 PM

Well, I see I don't have anything left to say........Nothing like a convert is there?

Spaw

Subject: RE: Help: Dulcimer question
From: katlaughing
Date: 27 Nov 01 - 12:15 PM

Ohmygawd, did I almost leave Spaw speechless? LOL, yessirree! I done converted and I'll nevah go back to my ol' ways! Praise the Spaw what showed me the Way!

heeheehee..kat

Subject: RE: Help: Dulcimer question
From: GUEST,jmrnky
Date: 27 Nov 01 - 12:19 PM

The Black Mountain is an excellent coice, especially for the price. Folk Craft and McSpadden are also fine. Steer clear of the "folk craftman" dulcimers until you know what you are doing. Many of those are untunable and unplayable. They may ber real purty but you can't play them. There are many excellent books available now. Check the internet for dealers.

Subject: RE: Help: Dulcimer question
From: Amergin
Date: 27 Nov 01 - 06:01 PM

Thanks! Funny you should mention that one, katdarlin....he has had his own eye on it....but I advised him to wait until we find if it is a decent one.....

I think I have heard you play it a time or two on paltalk...when I used to go...and I loved the sound of it....

Subject: RE: Help: Dulcimer question
From: Kaleea
Date: 28 Nov 01 - 01:18 AM

Wherever your friend is, be on the lookout for Dulcimer organizations which are often grass roots clubs with quite minimal dues in which one may go to meetings and learn the instrument and many tunes. There are a few online, and some offer tunes & hints for playing. I personally have a McSpadden (two, actually) and I have enjoyed their instruments very much. I know many players who have other fine brands. Some make their own. As long as one has an instrument which sounds & plays well, the Mountain Dulcimer is a fun, easy to learn & play instrument.

Subject: RE: Help: Dulcimer question
From: GUEST,Russ
Date: 28 Nov 01 - 06:29 PM

A fair number of members of my dulcimer club have had good luck with Mcspaddens. A dulcimer making luthier friend of mine thinks well of them. Try http://www.mcspaddendulcimers.com/

Subject: RE: Help: Dulcimer question
From: Jimmy C
Date: 29 Nov 01 - 11:40 AM

I got one about 7 years ago in the Cumberland Store in Crossville Tennessee. It is a nice sounding instrument for a reasonable price ($130 to $150). I did see some real beauties made by Warren May in Berea Kentucky. Now that I have the hang of it I may take a trip down there soon and pick up one of his. He has a good selection of teardrop, hourglass and a combination of both shapes, I think he calls them tearglass. He uses natural knot holes for the sound holes. More expensive but well worth the price if you can afford it. The book by Jean Ritchie is a must. Good luck.

Subject: RE: Help: Dulcimer question
From: Mudlark
Date: 29 Nov 01 - 02:57 PM

I have an early McSpadden, traded silver dulcimer pendants made by my husband for it, back in the early 70's. It is a good instrument and has held up well. In terms of sound, however, nice as it is it doesn't hold a candle to Blue Lion dulcimers...but they are considerably more expensive..

Subject: RE: Help: Dulcimer question
From: kytrad (Jean Ritchie)
Date: 29 Nov 01 - 03:05 PM

The Jean Ritchie Dulcimer is made by Blue Lion- each has an autograph inside. I think they're incomparable- but then, I'm prejudiced! Pictures on the website does not do them justice...

Subject: RE: Help: Dulcimer question
From: katlaughing
Date: 29 Nov 01 - 05:24 PM

Gee, can't imagine why!**BG** They are beautiful, esp. the walnut with the silver inlay...beautiful design! Take a look everyone: Jean Ritchie Dulcimers (scroll down a bit to see.)

Subject: RE: Help: Dulcimer question
From: GUEST,Chris
Date: 30 Nov 01 - 08:36 AM

I have no musical knowledge but wanted to make something I could play .The Dulcimer was a great choice , they are rare in the UK , but people like the sound . I have found a lot of stuff on the Internet and I am slowly learning.

Subject: RE: Help: Dulcimer question
From: tar_heel
Date: 30 Nov 01 - 01:18 PM

one of the best dulcimer makers and performers i know of......jeff sebens...rt.1,box 311 AA , cana,virginia 24317....276-755-3808.....he has shop in Meadows Of Dan,Virginia....The Orchard Spring Woodworks...(right on the blue ridge parkway) featuring handcrafted hammered and lap dulcimers...

Subject: RE: Help: Dulcimer question
From: GUEST,Sean Ruprecht-Belt
Date: 30 Nov 01 - 01:24 PM

I'll add my 2-cents and recommend a McSpadden. I've got two and love playing them. The tone and playability are top notch.

- Sean

Subject: RE: Help: Dulcimer question
From: Ma-K
Date: 30 Nov 01 - 03:51 PM

I have a McSpadden and a Blue Lion bass. I changed the Blue Lion strings to regular Dulcimer strings. The four coiled strings that came on the BL bass just didn't sound right to my ears. Both are easy to play and tune and have beautiful voices. I also use three strings not four....Mary