Finally found my instrument!!!

Subject: Finally found my instrument!!!
From: katlaughing
Date: 31 Jan 01 - 04:44 PM

No, it wasn't lost.:-) Some of you may know, I've played piano and violin all of my life, but because of various moves, I sold the piano last year (and miss it!) and because of problems with my neck and shoulders, the violin/fiddle has been a real challenge in the past several years to the point where I just don't pick it up.

My sister, bet, gave me a baritone uke, that for the same shoulder and neck problems, I haven't done much with, either.

Anyway, I've been listening to lanfranc and few others who have played such beautiful music on their mountain dulcimers in Paltak and Hearme and decided to ask Spaw about them.

He thought I would really enjoy one and found me a great buy at Elderly and also urged me to get Larkin's Book and Jean Ritchie's book, both of which I ordered.

All three arrived today and I am in love!! The dulcimer is very well built from what I can tell, it is beautiful, has a gorgeous tone and I am sore-fingered (gotta get a pick) but already picking out my own tunes! The books are just great and I am sure I will find them very helpful.

Honestly, I'd been wishing I had something I could play and I've always wanted something with a "drone" to it...Spaw really gave me the final push as he researched and made blue clickies and everything in a PM for me when I asked!

SO, THANK YOU SPAW!!!! I love you and I LOVE MY DULCIMER!!**BG**

kathappy

Subject: RE: Finally found my instrument!!!
From: Wesley S
Date: 31 Jan 01 - 05:01 PM

The dulcimer has always reminded me of Haiku. There are boundries and limits - but it's so much fun exploring those limits. Have fun Kat.

Subject: RE: Finally found my instrument!!!
From: Morticia
Date: 31 Jan 01 - 05:02 PM

May you and your dulcimer know many happy hours together and a big snog for my uncle Pat!

Subject: RE: Finally found my instrument!!!
From: Sorcha
Date: 31 Jan 01 - 05:05 PM

Well good on ya! If you can, see if you can find some Gary Gallier CD's--he is an absolute master of the lap dulcimer. Makes it sound like a harp, guitar, steel, he is amazing.

Subject: RE: Finally found my instrument!!!
From: Justa Picker
Date: 31 Jan 01 - 05:25 PM

I empathize with you and know the joy and contentment of finding a wonderful instrument. (I'm hoping to find one more, myself.)
ENJOY!

Subject: RE: Finally found my instrument!!!
From: Midchuck
Date: 31 Jan 01 - 05:46 PM

For heaven's sake, don't neglect to get some Dick Farina (don't know how to put the squiggle over the N) records. I think Vanguard has reissued some of his and Mimi's stuff on CD.

The original master of rock-and-roll lap dulcimer.

Peter.

Subject: RE: Finally found my instrument!!!
From: mousethief
Date: 31 Jan 01 - 06:25 PM

strum on, little laughing kat!

Subject: RE: Finally found my instrument!!!
From: SINSULL
Date: 31 Jan 01 - 06:42 PM

Congratulations Kat. Enjoy! And visit ebay for Richard Farina recordings.

Subject: RE: Finally found my instrument!!!
From: Noreen
Date: 31 Jan 01 - 06:43 PM

Very happy for you, kat. Hope to hear you on Paltalk sometime!

Noreen

Subject: RE: Finally found my instrument!!!
From: catspaw49
Date: 31 Jan 01 - 06:53 PM

I'm glad it arrived and that you're happy with the decision Dulcikat.......You'll have a great time!!!!!

midchuck's right too......I'll settle for a rendition of "Pack Up Your Sorrows".......

Spaw

Subject: RE: Finally found my instrument!!!
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 31 Jan 01 - 07:13 PM

I'd have taken you for a mountain dulcimer natural, kat.

But if you ever get a chance to have a go at the other sort of dulcimer, the hammer dulcimer, try that too.

Both are magic instruments.

Subject: RE: Finally found my instrument!!!
From: catspaw49
Date: 31 Jan 01 - 07:20 PM

Hey Mac....Not to be pedantic (LOL) but the word is HAMMERED Dulcimer (scroll to bottom picture)....NOT HAMMER Dulcimer.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Finally found my instrument!!!
From: CarolC
Date: 31 Jan 01 - 07:23 PM

That's wonderful, kat/katlaughing. It really is a joy to find the instrument that is just right for you. Will you be singing along with it?

Carol

Subject: RE: Finally found my instrument!!!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 31 Jan 01 - 07:31 PM

Oh yes, when you find your instrument-- so happy for you.

Carolan on dulcimer is good too. Let me know if you want it, I'll send you our book. Tabbed and music line, chords, whole thing, nice big type too. Be glad to send it over. Or scan you pages when we get our scanner.

~S~

Subject: RE: Finally found my instrument!!!
From: Bill D
Date: 31 Jan 01 - 07:34 PM

...so, how are you tuning it? Is it 3 or 4 string? (4 strings evenly spaced..or 4 strings with 2 close together?)..Ionian? Are you learning chords too? or just plucking melody strings and doing drones?

(one of my first tunes was "Whoa, Old Mule".....great fun to do either way you pluck it)

Subject: RE: Finally found my instrument!!!
From: catspaw49
Date: 31 Jan 01 - 07:43 PM

Its a 4 string with the 6 and a half fret....Black Mountain makes real decent instruments and this is one helluva' price!!! Spruce top and mahoghany back and sides.......damn good deal! PICTURE AT ELDERLY

She got Jean's first book and also Larkin Bryant's which is really excellent.

Spaw

Subject: RE: Finally found my instrument!!!
From: Banjer
Date: 31 Jan 01 - 07:44 PM

Way to go Kat!!! Mountain Dulcimer is a good instrument to play. My music guru says it should be introduced in every school music program because they are very basic and easy to play. It would be a good training ground for young budding musicians. Jean Ritchie said once in an e-mail that if you are having trouble with learning an instrument try the dulcimer for a while and you would be surprised how much easier the other instrument will be to go back to. That's basically what got me started on mountain dulcimer. It did help a lot (and still does) in learning banjo. Enjoy and I will make a serious effort to get to Paltalk one evening to hear you play and will also play mine!!

Subject: RE: Finally found my instrument!!!
From: jeepman (inactive)
Date: 31 Jan 01 - 08:11 PM

Hey, Kat, don't use a pick. Use a Turkey or rooster feather the way the old folks hereabouts did. Jeepman (NC mountains)

Subject: RE: Finally found my instrument!!!
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 31 Jan 01 - 08:29 PM

Congrats kat. You should e-mail Pam Swan. I forced her (at gun point) to buy a mountain dulcimer when she was here. She may have some good tips for you on starting out.

By the way Catspaw. Years ago I was corrected SO many times when I said HAMMERED dulcimer, by the players, I switched to HAMMER. How'd you come up with the definitive title?

And once more....why don't you answer your phone? I called you twice today. I'm not trying to sell you anything!

Rick

Subject: RE: Finally found my instrument!!!
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 31 Jan 01 - 08:29 PM

For a quill substitute that can sound pretty good when you are "feathering", you can fix two short bits of nylon guitar string to a short piece of 1/4 inch dowel with sellotape or whatever. (And you can use a bit more of the dowel as a noter to slide along to hold down the first string, which is one traditional way of doing it, especially when "feathering".)

Subject: RE: Finally found my instrument!!!
From: Sorcha
Date: 31 Jan 01 - 08:36 PM

I only strum and noter/fret. Can't fingerpick at all. I use a Fender Thin--it's a large triangle, and the closest you can get to a feather. Feathers wear out real fast! My McSpadden is a 4 string, I tune it with the pair of meolodies, then the 3rd, and the bass. The 3rd and bass are drones. I really should spend more time with her....I've almost forgotten how to tune modals......too much time on MudCat!

Subject: RE: Finally found my instrument!!!
From: Pinetop Slim
Date: 31 Jan 01 - 08:42 PM

That's a beautiful instrument, Kat. Thanks for sharing your happiness.
For a pick, you can just cut one out of a plastic coffee can lid or a credit card (or even use a whole credit card; it's a little clumsy, but ups the volume a bit).
With your violin and piano experience, you probably don't need any tablature, but I've been collecting it for a dozen years and would be happy to forward a copy of anything I've got.
Enjoy. Maybe I'll see you at a dulcimer festival sometime.

Subject: RE: Finally found my instrument!!!
From: Ma-K
Date: 31 Jan 01 - 09:41 PM

So happy for you Kat. I play mine every day. Last week when my husband was in the hospital the LD went to. It is so relaxing. I played for other people there. Played for a suprize 89th birthday party for the man across the hall. The LD has given me a whole new life.....Mary

Subject: RE: Finally found my instrument!!!
From: wysiwyg
Date: 31 Jan 01 - 09:51 PM

Ma-K, Hardiman and me sez, "Awwww!"

~Susan (AKA Praise)

Subject: RE: Finally found my instrument!!!
From: English Jon
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 06:31 AM

Keep an eye out for any records of Roger Nicholson. He was a fantastic player, did a lot for English repetoire as well. Mainly there is a BOOK of his arrangements "Nonesuch for Dulcimer" which is fantastic. Deals with loads of tunings, styles etc. Great stuff.

Have fun!

Subject: RE: Finally found my instrument!!!
From: black walnut
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 09:12 AM

Yes! Another dulcimer player! Yes!

Roger Nicholson was my first introduction the dulcimer. I treasure that LP I bought 25 or so years ago....Roger Nicholson, Jake Walton, Andrew Cronshaw: "Times and Traditions for Dulcimer". It's always been one of my very favourite albums. Lots of great songs, a variety of instruments, including hurdy-gurdy, whistles, guitar, autoharp....and the dulcimer certainly shines!

~black walnut

Subject: RE: Finally found my instrument!!!
From: Wesley S
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 11:04 AM

I have an excellent book for beginners called "In Search Of The Wild Dulcimer". If it's still in print you ought to consider getting a copy of it. Well worth it.

Subject: RE: Finally found my instrument!!!
From: katlaughing
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 11:19 AM

Thanks everyone! Phew! Lots of info to go through here. I am going to print this one and then get back to ya'll...remember I do this only for fun....not going in for any performances etc.**BG**

Thank you very much,

kat

Subject: RE: Finally found my instrument!!!
From: Roger in Sheffield
Date: 02 Feb 01 - 02:58 PM

Beautiful curves in all the right places and plenty of heart(s)




and the dulcimer looks good too !!!!

is it easy to play?..........I want one!

Roger

Subject: RE: Finally found my instrument!!!
From: GUEST,Arne Langsetmo
Date: 02 Feb 01 - 03:17 PM

Try finding some of David Schnaufer's recordings. He's _real_ good. IIRC, he might also have written an instruction book. Have fun.

-- Arne (who does the _other_ dulcimer)

Subject: RE: Finally found my instrument!!!
From: katlaughing
Date: 02 Feb 01 - 04:06 PM

Oh, RogerinS!**BG** Thanks, darlin'. YES, it is easy to play!! Order one, today! Spaw says that is a great price and I believe it!

Arne, I love THE other kind, too, but after so much time spent writing on the computer everyday, I don't think my wrists would be very happy, nor my elbows and shoulders. BTW, one of the best players I've ever heard on Hammered is Kim McKee out of Montana. She is wicked with those hammers! She travels to schools, along with her husband and delights the kids in showing them how different things work...she even uses toothbrushes!

I am sorry I haven't gone back over all of your messages in this posting. I do appreciate everyone's thoughts, advice and encouragement.

One thing I am already feeling with this is it will be the first instrument I play almost totally by ear. I have a good ear from playing violin in orchestra and, I have all of these trad tunes I keep hearing and have been frustrated at not being able to duplicate them with the proper "drone."

I find the dulcimer is satisfying my craving, at least for the mo', for that sound you can get from bagpipes, harps, etc...that droning that goes along underneath. I've always longed to play one of them and I figure with physical and budget limitations, THIS is the closet and easiest I can get. I still have my eye out for a lap harp, sometime, though.

Rick, I will send Pam an email, but I have a hard time seeing you forcing anybody at gunpoint.**BG**

Banjer, I agree with your music guru and have told my sister, bet, the music teacher, about it. I think I'm going to talk her into getting one, too!

I have turkey feathers, but don't want to wear them out. Have cut up old plastic phone cards and come up with a couple of picks that are okay.

Haven't cut the dowel for a noter, yet, but have been using my finger, then a piece of a clothespin, and this morning I tried out a fine piece of quartz crystal which has eight cut sides and a beautiful point. I didn't feel good about that one, tho.

My cats love it and Ms. Lovee, the female Siamese, came running into the bedroom last night when I started to play it. She perched upon a chair, all prim and expectant, waiting to hear Aunt Rhoady for the umpteenth time.*bg* She always sits in on Mudcat Song Circles,too.

I will keep in mind the books and recordings you all mentioned. Right now I have the two Spaw recommended and they will be usefull, but like I said, this one's going to be a lot by ear, which I am going to enjoy immensely, can you tell?

Thanks very much to each of you.

luvyakat

Subject: RE: Finally found my instrument!!!
From: kytrad (Jean Ritchie)
Date: 02 Feb 01 - 07:39 PM

Welcome to the world of Dulcimer People, Kat! You couldn't be in better company than with dulcimer players (says I who sees a lot of 'em); for example, the Great American Dulcimer Convention (annually in the Pine Mountain State Park, Pineville, KY) got it's name because back in the sixties, when it started, the park people thought if they called it a Folk Festival they'd draw too raucus a crowd- you know, motorcycles and all that!

I cut a very large triangle out of a plastic lid (ones with writing are a little stronger, and they're not too stiff, as I find commercial picks. My favorite says, "El Pico," in the middle of it, and others, "Diet Mazola." I tell my audiences that, if we must have plastic, this is a good way to recycle it.

Just this morning had a phone call with the news that as of next week, the State Senate of Kentucky is (they're all but sure it'll go through) designating the dulcimer The State Instrument of Kentucky...they wanted me to fly down and be introduced in the Senate, but I'm not able to go, so I told them I'd send an email.

You'll love it for a lifetime,Kat- have a great and long lifetime to enjoy it. All the best, Jean

Subject: RE: Finally found my instrument!!!
From: katlaughing
Date: 02 Feb 01 - 07:50 PM

Oh, Jean, you don't know how much it means to me that you've dropped by and sent such kind words to me. Thank you, so much! I shall print your message out and paste it to the inside of your first book which I am learning a lot from and, if I ever get there to KY, I will bring it for an autograph, if you don't mind. (My son lives just across the river from Louisville and our own Catspaw isn't too far, as well as Mary in Kentucky, SO chances are I will make it there sometime, just might not be when the festival is on.

Some of my folk came from the south to Colorado after the Civil War; we've always had plenty of music, but no dulcimers. I have now raved to my sister, Mudcatter "bet", who is an elementary school music teacher and told her she's got to get one to enjoy and to play for/with her kids.

It is an honour, Jean, thank you so much,

kat

Subject: RE: Finally found my instrument!!!
From: Bill D
Date: 02 Feb 01 - 07:55 PM

ok, kat...no dulcimer player should be without a good noter or two,,,even if they only use 'em part of the time..(lots of ways to play!)

..so, I will pick a pretty piece of wood and make you one...(or maybe I'll make several and let you choose from photos..) dowels are fine...but, aesthetics DO have a place.

Subject: RE: Finally found my instrument!!!
From: katlaughing
Date: 02 Feb 01 - 08:00 PM

ALRIGHT!! I get a BillD noter!! Really?? For me? THANK YOU, thank you!!

That would be wonderful, Bill, I'd be proud!

Subject: RE: Finally found my instrument!!!
From: Sorcha
Date: 02 Feb 01 - 08:25 PM

(waaahhh!! a PERSONAL message from Jean Ritchie....I am green with envy!!)

kat, I have a McSpadden walnut, which is mostly ignored now. I keep saying I am going to get it out again and do more with it, but........

Subject: RE: Finally found my instrument!!!
From: catspaw49
Date: 02 Feb 01 - 10:14 PM

Gee, I guess that makes it OFFICIAL now huh?

I hadn't heard that Kentucky had made that decision, but it is more than appropriate. Soryy that Jean cannot make it there, but her name represents the great history of the Appalachian Dulcimer and the debt that we owe to keep that history alive. Thank you Jean Ritchie.......and also for the note to kat!

Spaw

Subject: RE: Finally found my instrument!!!
From: katlaughing
Date: 02 Feb 01 - 10:14 PM

Do it, Sorcha. you've got so much talent and ability and it is a shame for them to sit idle...I feel so guilty sometimes about not playing my fiddle and the baritone uke my sister, bet, gave me. (Don't tell her, though, she says that's NOT why she gave it to me!**BG**)

Subject: RE: Finally found my instrument!!!
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 03 Feb 01 - 06:00 AM

Oh, Kat, what a pretty instrument! All I need now is a picture of YOU playing it! And it's been blessed by the best, as I've read the threads. Enjoy- I have happy memories of building a simple one from a kit with my dad, after first hearing Caroline Paton playing one. I was about 13 when my dad and I put it together and I still have it, though I play it seldom. I have a "better" one that a friend sold me years ago- don't play it much, either- it looks a lot like yours. Must dust it off, so we can play duets!!

Subject: RE: Finally found my instrument!!!
From: Lin in Kansas
Date: 03 Feb 01 - 07:38 PM

Oh kat! How wonderful to finally find a voice you love! The lap dulcimer is such a simple instrument if you let it be, and sounds so lovely as a voice accompaniment. John made my first one from a Cripple Creek kit several years ago, and it's still my favorite. I keep finding songs on it I had forgotten I even knew.

Congratulations! Many many years of "finding a pleasant tone"! It'll make the Wyoming winters shorter, I'd bet on it.

Lin

Subject: RE: Finally found my instrument!!!
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 03 Feb 01 - 08:15 PM

Way to go Katlaf! I've felt that way since I got my 12 string (except for those 10th position G form bar chords...truly a bitch). One day we'll all get together in one big jam, by golly! Pick on, gal!

Subject: RE: Finally found my instrument!!!
From: Sorcha
Date: 03 Feb 01 - 10:21 PM

Just a Note for Roger in Sheffield--hope he finds it:

Roger, they are VERY easy to learn to play, and VERY easy to pick up tunes by ear on. BUT after the Beginner's Point (strumming with noter) they can be extremely challenging to do things with. I cannot tell you how many times I have heard "Yes, but the lap dulcimer is such a limited instrument"

That statement can be true, if you allow it to be, but master players can make it sound like almost ANY stringed instrument: harp, violin, guitar, piano, harpsichord, steel guitar,banjo, etc. The challenge inherent in the instrument is in overcoming it's limitations, and it can be done!!

Subject: RE: Finally found my instrument!!!
From: Amos
Date: 03 Feb 01 - 11:20 PM

Here I thought Khandu had finally gotten to the end of his long BVD fumble...

Subject: RE: Finally found my instrument!!!
From: Gypsy
Date: 03 Feb 01 - 11:59 PM

Ooohhh, Spaw, i truly have dulcimer envy. I thought my HD was beauteous, but yours.......sigh

Subject: RE: Finally found my instrument!!!
From: Margo
Date: 04 Feb 01 - 02:39 AM

HD around my house stands for Hot Dog. :o)

Kat I know what you mean! I started learning the banjo last year and now I'm on to guitar. I play both and am making great progress. I never dreamed that stringed intruments were "it" for me. It's thrilling to have found out! Margo

Subject: RE: Finally found my instrument!!!
From: kytrad (Jean Ritchie)
Date: 04 Feb 01 - 03:45 PM

Sorcha, if you think the dulcimer is limited, just listen to David Schnauffer or Janita Baker or ANY of the modern players. One CAN play in a very complicated style, but I think the beauty of the dulcimer is that it sounds lovely played even at it's simplest- which is how I play!

Kat/Kat, There is a handier festival than Pineville, if you're visiting your son in Louisville. Kentucky Music Weekend is usually in Iroquois Park in L'ville, and I go every year. This year it happens July 27, 28, 29. The Park is being renovated, so don't know the exact location for this year, but you can find out by emailing the lady who runs the fest, Nancy Barker: [e-mail] It's not just dulcimers, but there will be some there. Lots of great music. I'll be there for at least Friday and Saturday.

Subject: RE: Finally found my instrument!!!
From: Mary in Kentucky
Date: 05 Feb 01 - 03:19 PM

Hi kat and Jean! I've been learning to play the mountain dulcimer since last summer when Sorcha sold me one. Until then, I had never even seen one up close. Since I have MS which has limited my dexterity, I wanted an instrument that I could physically play. I've figured out how to rest my right hand on the body and strum with my fingernails. I'm also trying to begin some chording and not just use a noter. All of my background is in piano, but I found this instrument extremely easy to play. And all those Mudcat discussions on modes are finally making sense.

Jean mentioned the Kentucky Music Weekend at Iroquois Park. I heard her there last summer and it was truly magical. I also attended the Kentucky Music Week here in beautiful Bardstown since I could sneak off from work every afternoon for one of the classes. Not only are there classes, but there are books, tapes and supplies available for purchase...and the best part...the instructor's concert on Thursday night!

Also, breaking news here... there is a revival of the Homefront Radio Series. I attended a concert Saturday night in Louisville and finally got to meet James/Jim who has been helping organize this! I'll try to get him to tell us more, or as soon as there is a schedule, I'll try to post some links. I'm really glad that there is a way for people like me to hear all this traditional music.

Subject: RE: Finally found my instrument!!!
From: katlaughing
Date: 05 Feb 01 - 03:38 PM

Jean, thanks for the info and email addy. I will look into it, but my son always tells me not to come in the middle of the summer as heat, humidty and I do not mix well. *smile* This year, we are actually trying to plan on sometime in late spring, but we'll see. I really appreciate your input and encouargement.

MaryinKY, that is wonderful! Good for you! Isn't it James/Jim who was renovating the theatre in Louisville? Is that where you went? That really great. Thanks for the links, too.

kat

Subject: RE: Finally found my instrument!!!
From: Mary in Kentucky
Date: 05 Feb 01 - 03:49 PM

Yep, it's the old Kentucky Theater on Fourth Street. There should be a concert the second Saturday of each month, which will be recorded and sent to radio stations...another reason to have the Mudcat Central US Meeting in Louisville! Have you made plans yet?

Subject: RE: Finally found my instrument!!!
From: catspaw49
Date: 05 Feb 01 - 04:16 PM

I dunno kat......might be a good time too!?!?! Hard to tell...............Be pretty neat if we all were there for awhile.............

GYPSY.......thanks for the compliment. Things were going pretty well until my heart decided to burp. Its been one thing after another for a couple of years now, but thanks!!! And I might egotistically add, I thought I was building some nice stuff too......hopefully I'll get back to it.

Spaw