Obit: Keith Young, luthier - 9 February 2012

Subject: Obit: Keith Young, luthier
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 10 Feb 12 - 10:44 PM

I have just learned that my friend Keith Young, who built both of my autoharps and my dulcimer, died yesterday after falling in his shop and hitting his head. Keith was a true artist, and he cared about being a craftsman. He was one of the kindest and most thoughtful people I have every known, and I believe his autoharps and dulcimers were the best in the world. My heart goes out to Mary, Keith's wife of 61 years, and to all who, like me, are mourning this gentle genius.

Dan

Subject: RE: Obit: Keith Young, luthier
From: Nancy King
Date: 10 Feb 12 - 11:17 PM

A very tragic loss indeed. In addition to being a builder of fine instruments, Keith was a mainstay of the wonderful Mill Run Dulcimer Band, which brought us great music for several decades. RIP, Keith.

Nancy

Subject: RE: Obit: Keith Young, luthier - 9 February 2012
From: Padre
Date: 11 Feb 12 - 12:31 AM

Sad news, indeed. Keith was a master luthier, and a fine musician. May he rest in peace.

Subject: RE: Obit: Keith Young, luthier - 9 February 2012
From: Bill D
Date: 11 Feb 12 - 12:46 PM

Such sad news.... I bought a Wormy Chestnut dulcimer from Keith over 30 years ago, and he kindly replaced a couple of broken tuning pegs when I failed to use proper procedure.
Keith was a craftsman, musician and friend.... and I barely know how to imagine him not 'being there' when I have questions.

I will play something tonight on the dulcimer...........

Subject: RE: Obit: Keith Young, luthier - 9 February 2012
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Feb 12 - 02:59 PM

He was a fine man. We should have more like him, rather than fewer.

Subject: RE: Obit: Keith Young, luthier - 9 February 2012
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 11 Feb 12 - 07:14 PM

Keith said the koa autoharp he built for me in 2002 was the most beautiful he'd ever made, and I have to agree - it's the most beautiful I've ever seen or heard - a three key diatonic (A/D/G) which goes all the way down to a low D.

Here's a video of that koa autoharp, played by me on Rik Palieri's television show a couple years ago. The song is "Roustabout."

Thank you Keith - your instruments have allowed me to find depths in autoharps that I never would have with any others.

Dan

Subject: RE: Obit: Keith Young, luthier - 9 February 2012
From: Will Fly
Date: 12 Feb 12 - 10:25 AM

Dan - that's lovely playing and singing. I've never been a huge fan of the autoharp, but that looks to be a beautiful instrument and you do it more than justice.

He must have been a wonderful luthier.

Subject: RE: Obit: Keith Young, luthier - 9 February 2012
From: Waddon Pete
Date: 12 Feb 12 - 11:40 AM

Great playing Dan, and a lovely instrument. I have added Keith to the Mudcat "In Memoriam" thread. People who have the skills to create beautiful instruments that give pleasure to so many are especially blessed.

Best wishes,

Peter

Subject: RE: Obit: Keith Young, luthier - 9 February 2012
From: wysiwyg
Date: 12 Feb 12 - 11:55 AM

(((Dan)))

~S~

Subject: RE: Obit: Keith Young, luthier - 9 February 2012
From: Dan Schatz
Date: 13 Feb 12 - 01:28 PM

Refresh!

D