I got a chance to play a set of tunes on my Hammered Dulcimer last Thursday night, for a recording of BBC 2s Traditional Music show Blas Ceoil The show was filmed in my local Session Pub, the House of McDonnell, Ballycastle in Co. Antrim.
I was asked to gather up 3 other regular musicians to form a House Band for the night. They recorded 4 sets of tunes from us, and the one below is the set I played the Dulcimer on. However, all four tracks remain on the Blas Ceoil website. Unfortunately, this iPlayer only works in the UK.
It was great to get a chance to play a set of tunes on the Hammered Dulcimer on TV here, just to show how well this instrument suits Irish Music.
Cheers Dick
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Dick – is that you??? Did you used to live in Aberdeen?
Hello
I’m wondering if you can help me. My name is Jen Clark and I’m writing from Edinburgh, Scotland. I’m in search of an outstanding quality lap dulcimer.
I pioneered Scottish bagpipe music and crossrythmic backings on the dulcimer way back in 1979 when I toured and recorded as a member of a group called the Battlefield Band.
I play an early model Sefan Sobel instrument which is 35 years old (hourglass with four ‘f’ shaped soundholes). It’s the best Sobel dulcimer I’ve every played (and I’ve had my hands on a few), it’s amazingly responsive, much loved and much used.
Quality acoustic instrument building has developed a lot in that time though and I would like a modern second instrument to use for a forthcoming solo album project.
The project will profile the use of the dulcimer in traditional and contemporary Scottish music – including several original pieces – and will involve several guests.
I need a ‘chunky’ sound with full base, a clear melody line and a balanced mid – sensitive string response (for intricate pipe style grace-noting) and the best quality pick up possible (as a supplement to mic). Also precision geared tuning mechanisms and quickly accessible / changeable string access at tail and head. It also needs to be reasonably loud and physically well balanced. It needs to be up to the demands of professional playing and touring – both solo and in a demanding multi instrument line up (including bagpipes) with 6 string – 3 pairs and original fret pattern with one ‘extra’ per octive.
I want it to have a simple, plain, clean look – not highly carved or intricately inlaid – an excellent, modern instrument.
If this fits with what you offer, or a Luther or maker you may know of please get in touch or circulate this message. I’ve included a link to a slow piece loaded on YouTube last year.
I’m most grateful for any assistance you can offer
Kind wishes and thank you very much.
Jen
http://www.jenclark.net
email@jenclark.net
Hi Jen,
Yes it’s me alright. Been living on the Causeway Coast of North Antrim for about 20 years now.
Good to hear you are doing well.
Kenny dropped into our local session last summer, on his way home from Miltown.
RE: your Dulcimer question.
If I were you I’d check out the Mountain Dulcimer forum over on Ning: http://mountaindulcimer.ning.com/
Lots of enthusiastic & knowledgeable players on there.
Good Luck.
Cheers
Dick
My Blog: http://dickglasgow.blogspot.com/