Experience, like a pale musician, holds a dulcimer of patience in his hand.
Elizabeth Barrett Browning
My new mountain dulcimer arrived today. It was built for me by Jack Ferguson of Appalachian Flutes and Dulcimers. This is the third dulcimer he has built for me and it may become my favorite. It is made of dogwood and walnut. It is electric and it has a built in tuner. Jack uses wood that he finds that was used before and turns it into these incredible instruments. He respects tradition, but is open to innovation. And it is incredible the difference in sound each wood can make. This is why I have had some different ones made. In fact we have plans to do a 6 string dulcimer before the summer is over.
Many people don't know about the dulcimer. I played it in the clinic today for a couple of patients and they loved it. It's also dynamic in the range and type of music it will do. Cyndi Lauper plays it and has composed on it. So tonight I'll share a couple of videos. One from her and one from her late teacher David Schnaufer.
Cyndi Lauper, 'True Colors:
David Schnaufer, 'Here Comes the Sun':
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