tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5546110231287046396.post4556875150475211381..comments2023-12-31T13:33:16.827-05:00Comments on Mountain Dulcimer noter and drone blog: Fun with FeathersStrumeliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07111992200177574268noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5546110231287046396.post-26231721361795648232018-08-01T10:31:15.339-04:002018-08-01T10:31:15.339-04:00What an interesting blog. I have two Australian bl...What an interesting blog. I have two Australian black swans. Do you think I could use them? I have started to collect their feathers and down to make a vest for myself. Then I will feel my swans are hugging me lol.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01979308070180100399noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5546110231287046396.post-14680915055773425752013-10-17T19:38:06.082-04:002013-10-17T19:38:06.082-04:00Watch out about using eagle feathers, as unless yo...Watch out about using eagle feathers, as unless you are a Native American or an adopted member of a tribe and have a permit, it is a crime to possess eagles, eagle feathers or other eagle parts in the U.S., with a fine of up to $25,000. You may also have issues with other wild bird feathers, but domestic goose or turkey feathers should be no problem.<br /><br />I also do some calligraphy, and sometimes use a quill pen which I cut myself, so I have lots of well seasoned goose feathers (we generally use the first three feathers from the wing, left or right wing depending on whether you is left or right handed, as they have different curves). So when my new dulcimer arrives I will be trying them out. You can get goose quills--cured or not, pre-cut or not--at some calligraphy supply shops.<br /><br />With quill pens, most or all of the barbs, i.e. the soft, "feathery" parts, are removed (which is historically authentic, despite what you see in movies, etc.), as they are useless, tend to get in the way, and you may end up with downy stuff all over your paper and in your ink pot. I wouldn't be surprised if the old time dulcimer players did the same. All you need is the quill itself. Make it long enough to grip well, with some extra to allow for occasional re-cutting/sharpening. <br /><br />For many years I used plastic lids to make my guitar picks, which is why when I started actually using the store bought guitar picks that most players use, I had difficulty because most guitarists use a very stiff pick, and I was used to floppy plastic. Now I am more used to standard guitar picks.:-)<br /><br />Thanks for the blog, love it! <br />Jacobitenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5546110231287046396.post-4818293009719654732013-06-14T03:48:59.501-04:002013-06-14T03:48:59.501-04:00Miss Jean making a pick cut from a Cool Whip conta...Miss Jean making a pick cut from a Cool Whip container lid is one of the best things I've heard this year. Having just bought a used dulcimer in Missoula, Montana (Dulcimer Desert) I had no soft pick and no bird feathers...but I have some lids in the kitchen! <br /><br />A beautiful quote: "Adventurous experimentation in using various materials at hand to make picks from is a very traditional practice." That is even the same spirit in which mountain dulcimers came to be.<br /><br />And I'm learning that experimentation with whatever talent is at hand is very traditional too, so playing's still really really fun even with my lack of talent. (A stark contrast to my old classical guitar days...)<br /><br />Much appreciation for your blog that is helping me learn that music is "just playing! <br />willreadithttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07582831493337763583noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5546110231287046396.post-41463282574446331222012-04-13T10:06:58.776-04:002012-04-13T10:06:58.776-04:00I'm getting my first dulcimer on Monday and lo...I'm getting my first dulcimer on Monday and looking forward to learning the method you teach. I just wanted to say I LOVE your blog...where do you get these pictures...they are PRICELESS!!! Love the woman with the fur and the turkey. Awesome! Looking forward to reading all your posts! Thank you for this great service!Nancyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11414289237336048064noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5546110231287046396.post-66003386963079479722010-05-17T19:45:15.106-04:002010-05-17T19:45:15.106-04:00Several years ago, I was in our company talent sho...Several years ago, I was in our company talent show playing my dulcimer and decided to add the feather as my pick to emphasize the early Appalachian origins of the instrument (and because I had seen pictures of Jean Ritchie using one). It worked fine, except I had loots of goose feather "dandruff" on my dulcimer when I was finished playing!Ed Gauntnoreply@blogger.com