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John at
Smokehouse Winery,
a place that specializes in the making of mead, cider, and
historic beverages, where I have spent several happy hours sampling
meads, is starting a museum about the
appalachian dulcimer. He
writes:
I also want to take this opportunity to announce a new vision and
component of the Meadery. Several of you know of my passion for the
instrument known as the appalachain dulcimer (synonyms-'lap'
'strumming' or 'mountain' dulcimer). This wonderful piece of american
folklore is the ONLY indiginous American instrument. Its quiet,
mesmerizing tone harkens back to a simpler day when one could hear
its sing song ring throughout many a blue ridge hollow. The folk
revival of the 60s saw a huge increase in interest in this unique
mountain instrument, its simple, honest tone melting the hearts of
many. Still, no one place (that I know of), houses collections of
these beauties. It is our intention here to spread the word and make
dulcimers accessable to people for viewing and listening. Also to have
information on the makers/players of quality dulcimers
(original people and at present), and dulcimer concerts
occasionally featuring some of the countrys best. I would like to ask
you kind folk for help in acquiring unique/old/quality
dulcimers. Anyone willing to donate an old or unused dulcimer to
the cause is welcome to email or call (540-987-3194). In case some are
unfamiliar with them: they usually have an hourglass figure (sometimes
teardrop, oval or rectangle) usually have 3 or 4 strings and usually
2-4 soundholes (hearts are/were popular). Bless you, anyone who is
nice enough to donate or do homework on it etc. I hope some are
touched and intrigued as I was 20 years ago when first I heard a
lilting translike dulcimer droning away(thanks Dave Cousins, Richard
Thompson et al).
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