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This beautiful dulcimer was built by Rick Stone. He was a dear friend and band mate for about three decades. Rick’s most famous customer was Joni Mitchell! He also built several dulcimers for Rick Scott, a Canadian performer. Thanks for asking! I have three of Rick’s dulcimers.

Thanks so much!

Thank you! 😊

Be patient, persistent, and kind to yourself. Enjoy the instrument!

In America we customarily use a moveable solfège system rather than a fixed solfège system. I have taught students who came from a Spanish speaking background who exposed me to the “fixed do” system that you are referring to. I found it quite interesting and different to what I was accustomed to using. Both systems are in existence both historically and currently. So you and I are both correct in different geographic regions. In America the use of “si” is still used by singers in the Sacred Harp tradition that comes from the early 1800s while “ti” is customary among seven shape-note gospel singers. So glad you took time to watch and thoughtfully respond to my video!

Thank you so much!

Such a gracious comment! May you get that kit put together!

I am gradually turning my mind toward continuing that project. I stay rather busy as I am a performing musician still as well as a church musician. I have started a local monthly Mountain Dulcimer Gathering in 2023 and maybe they will convince me to do more instructional videos.

Thanks you so much! Teaching is a joy.

I learned a lot by studying Alexander Technique two decades ago. I am now revisiting that body & mind education system and benefitting every day as I apply its methods.

Herdim picks (available online) are a favorite of mountain dulcimer players.

Thanks for watching! True enough on the visual comment.

That is a very difficult question! One fine resource is a video on UA-cam on the Lee Cagle Music channel titled Sound Comparison of Various Mountain Dulcimers. The least expensive way to begin is with a cardboard body instrument from Backyard Music. McSpadden dulcimers are excellent quality and moderately priced. Best of luck sorting through the incredible variety of instruments! Also just because it is sold at a music store does not mean it is a decent instrument - just saying. Also go to the Banjo Lemonade channel and watch her video titled Watch This Before You Buy a Mountain Dulcimer.

My thanks to you!

Thank you so much for your kind comment! I do hope you continue learning to play the dulcimer.

Great feedback!

Thank you so much!

Thank you so much for your kind comment!

Thank you for your kind comment!

I imagine it could be changed around although I do try to convince my lefties that it doesn't matter. But it always does matter to them, I think perhaps because they are so accustomed to having to flip things around. My mother was ambidextrous while my brother is a leftie and I am a rightie. Wishing you great luck!

I've always enjoyed getting people starting on an instrument! My students have taught me a lot about effective teaching over the years.

Thanks so much!

There are a number of beginner mountain dulcimer videos on UA-cam - just google the keywords "Learn Mountain Dulcimer" or "Begin Mountain Dulcimer". You may have to wade through some that aren't as helpful as others but the fundamentals are out there.

Gina, I find your comment highly interesting. I immediately thought of using kinesiology tape to stabilize the affected joints as I have doing this lately myself . I did a Google search and turned up the idea of using a mix of oval-8 finger braces and kt tape to help stabilize overly flexible joints. I hope this is helpful.

Thank you Gina!

Fantastic! Good luck with your process.

I have never tried it but I imagine that it would be quite doable.

Thanks so much Thomas!

Thank you so much!

Thank you so much!

Rick Stone custom built this instrument with a shortened fretboard to accomodate my small hands. He also built Joni Mitchell's dulcimer! It is a one-of-a-kind! He and I played music together for about three decades in the Laurel Creek String Band before he passed away-wonderful times and sweet memories.

@@marygreenemusic5507 Thank you for telling me about that. What an interesting story and what fun you must have had, Mary!

My dulcimer was made by Rick Stone (J.R. Stone). He was a friend, bandmate, and the builder of Joni Mitchell's dulcimer. Sadly, he is now deceased.

So glad you found my video Denise! This tune is a really winner on the mountain dulcimer!

Thank you!

Thank you so much!

Glad it helped! Old-timers used wooden "noters" rather than their fingers oftentimes-great for children or weak/arthritic finger joints too.

Me too!

Hi Denise! I have never tried that. I had baritone ukes for my public school classroom and also personally have soprano and tenor ukes. I looked online for some info and found a thread discussing this idea in detail. It also makes specific string suggestions. Go to forum.ukuleleunderground.com/index.php?threads/tuning-a-tenor-dgbe-like-a-baritone.47461/. Best of luck with it all! Or...just buy a baritone uke, which I found a great size for 6th grade hands. I also taught these kids guitar and could combine guitar and baritone instruction in the same class - quite efficient!

Hi Scott! Mountain dulcimers are amazing instruments. You can play melody, harmony, and rhythm simultaneously - plus it has a truly unique sound. Explore your options as far as instruments. My particular instrument was made by Rick Stone who also made Joni Mitchell's instrument. My other dulcimers were made by traditional WNC builders who are also deceased. Warren May is a well known builder. McSpadden Dulcimers and Folkcraft instruments come to mind. Blue Lion is a top name. Check out individual builders such as Walter Messick and Ron Ewing. Check this link for more names and contact info: everythingdulcimer.com/builders.php Try to play several instruments before buying. That way you have several points of comparison.

@@marygreenemusic5507 thank you so much Mary, the information is greatly appreciated, i'll be checking them out 👍.

Thank you Denise!

Thank you very much!