Good sources for antique and unusual instrume

Subject: Good sources for antique and unusual instruments
From: Sharon
Date: 22 Dec 97 - 04:16 PM

After reading the wonderful "favorite instruments" thread, I was wondering where all of you have found your most unusual instruments. Right now I am looking for a McArthur Harp, a Chinese and a Middle East hammered dulcimer......... and anything else I don't yet own......

Subject: RE: Good sources for antique and unusual instrume
From: Jen
Date: 22 Dec 97 - 08:08 PM

Antique shows, auctions, etc. Sometimes yard sales. I'm sure there are places that sell them, but they'd probably be too expensive for me. I look for cheap, and unbroken, although I do take pity on instruments some times.

Jen

Subject: RE: Good sources for antique and unusual instrume
From: Alice
Date: 22 Dec 97 - 08:20 PM

Sharon, check out the web site of the Ethnic Musical Instruments Co. that I mentioned on the instrument thread. This page http://www.mid-east.com/dulcimer.html will take you right to photos and prices of dulcimers (santoor of India, middle eastern santoor, American hammered dulcimer, mountain dulcimer), ouds, and African drums. They also have harps, bagpipes, etc. etc. Reasonable sounding prices, esp. if you can take advantage of their 50% discount offer. Alice in Montana

Subject: RE: Good sources for antique and unusual instrume
From: Susan of DT
Date: 22 Dec 97 - 08:52 PM

Lark in the Morning in California has 'most everything in their catalog. Sharon - You might possibly talk me out of my MacArthur Harp, now that I have a "real" celtic harp. Try me at the e-mail here. I am not getting here consistantly, since first my local internet provider died - I gave up after three weeks; so I joined AOL a week ago, which kept kept getting lost on the way to fine its constituent parts, so I tried AT&T a few days ago, which has been down for two days, but just tried netscape once the partial connection was made and low and behold, mudcat recognized the cookie even tho it is from a different e-mail address.

Subject: RE: Good sources for antique and unusual instrume
From: chet w
Date: 23 Dec 97 - 11:23 PM

If you try antique stores or flea markets, you'll have better luck in small towns. In towns of any size to speak of, interesting instruments are often sold for their decorative value, and I have rarely met a non-specialty dealer that could tell the difference between "mint" condition and "not worth fixing". Good luck to you and me. I once saw an accordian I really wanted bolted to the wall of a "Chili's" restaurant in Montgomery, Alabama.

best holiday wishes, Chet W.

Subject: RE: Good sources for antique and unusual instrume
From: Jen
Date: 23 Dec 97 - 11:28 PM

I cringe when I see those restaurants with instruments bolted to the walls. That's why I try to rescue as many as I can.

Jen

Subject: RE: Good sources for antique and unusual instrume
From: Bill D
Date: 24 Dec 97 - 12:08 PM

My wife has a McArthur harp...and I gather that 2 people make them....Keith Young and Howard Martindale...addresses on request...

Subject: RE: Good sources for antique and unusual instrume
From: Susan of DT
Date: 24 Dec 97 - 03:27 PM

Bill - Martindale told me he was not making any more MacArthur Harps a couple of years ago. He made mine. He comes to Old Songs Festival in Altamont NY (near Schnectady/Albany area each June.

Subject: RE: Good sources for antique and unusual instrume
From: Sharon
Date: 29 Dec 97 - 07:38 PM

Just couldn't let this thread die away.... where do the rest of you find unusual or antique instruments?

Subject: RE: Good sources for antique and unusual instrume
From: judy
Date: 30 Dec 97 - 01:40 AM

Back into the DT forum again after holiday hiatus

Garage sales, Swap meet/flea markets, and thrift shops are my main sources because I can't spend too much. I also do some trading. I got my bowed psaltry from a music store in exchange for cleaning out some cupboards and selling tickets to a concert. I always offer to sell tickets or clean up in order to get in to house concerts.

If I'm looking for something particular: The Recycler, an ad newspaper. They're on the web now too. I also tell everyone I know what I'm looking for and someone comes up with it. "Ask and it shall be given". I even tell people who have no connection to folk music. I've answered you in the "instruments" thread.

Our annual folk festival has a consignment booth for people to sell instruments they don't want.

good luck judy

Subject: RE: Good sources for antique and unusual instrume
From: Alice
Date: 30 Dec 97 - 11:55 AM

judy, what is the web address of The Recycler? alice, mt

Subject: RE: Good sources for antique and unusual instrume
From: Sharon
Date: 01 Jan 98 - 07:07 PM

Yes, Judy. I'd like that website address for the Recycler too. Maybe I could find the MacArthur harp and the tiple I'm currently looking for.

Subject: RE: Good sources for antique and unusual instrume
From: Sharon
Date: 02 Jan 98 - 08:04 PM

Alice, I found the Recycler at www.Recycler.com

Subject: RE: Good sources for antique and unusual instrume
From: Jen
Date: 02 Jan 98 - 09:02 PM

I'm going to have to check that one out. Sounds interesting. Thanks!

Jen

Subject: RE: Good sources for antique and unusual instrume
From: Alice
Date: 03 Jan 98 - 12:29 PM

I forgot to mention the place where I bought my bodhran, my used autoharp, and my son's used 3/4 size violin, Stringed Intrument Division, Missoula, MT. I think they have a web site. I also like the catalog from Andy's Front Hall in New York State. Alice in Montana

Subject: RE: Good sources for antique and unusual instrume
From: judy
Date: 03 Jan 98 - 01:46 PM

Thanks for jumping in with the Recycler URL. I'm not getting on the forum as often as previous.

Buy them intruments!! judy