Amazing Hammered Dulcimer Musician - Joshua Messick

While visiting one of my favorite music stores (Song of the Wood in Black Mountain, NC) I met the master hammered dulcimer musician Joshua Messick. He was very kind to demonstrate the sound of the instrument, and share his amazing technique in a less-than-ideal, sometimes noisy environment. At the end he provides a brief interview. Many thanks to Joshua for allowing me to put him on the spot - and for delivering so amazingly. Please visit the links below to Joshua's various web locations and online store:
itunes.apple.com/us/artist/jo...
www.joshuamessick.com/
www.joshuamessick.com/store
www.joshuamessick.com/hammered...
/ joshuame. .
www.cdbaby.com/Artist/JoshuaMe...
/ joshuadmessick
SPECIAL NOTE: Joshua has included the fully developed version of this song in his latest album called "Woodland Dance" - buy the CD or mp3 CD collection here: amzn.to/2bCoAVL
Here's Joshua's updated video version of this hammered dulcimer song with extra percussion added: • Joshua Messick - Hamme...
Watch Joshua play "Carol of the Bells" • Carol of the Bells - B...
Watch Joshua play "What Child is This" • What Child Is This? - ...

[@rootbrian4815]

The instrument sounds just like a cross between piano, harp and a guitar. Absolutely amazing.

[@Cobalt985]

I absolutely adore the pitch bending with that physical chorus effect!!

[@Youtube-handles-are-stupid]

Is the instrument you're looking for a harpsichord? 😂

[@rootbrian4815]

@@KZbin-handles-are-stupid That too.

[@Evan490BC]

It's very well known in Europe, actually. Here is a hammered dulcimer duel for you: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bIm3d5aAjLZ2i8k&ab_channel=EleniFilippa

[@robbrien8506]

Plus koto and sitar.

[@jcwildturkey1014]

Wow the people behind him I can't believe they just ignored him like that, amazing I think I found a new instrument I'll never get to learn but love

[@NoNo-ce8xb]

there old AF what do you expect .. they're in there own little world 24/7

[@marysteffens4531]

I had enough trouble attempting my 6 string guitar!!!

[@ianmcnaney6528]

hearing aid battery is low. what are you saying sonny?

[@JoshuaMessick]

In response to the comments about the talking -- This video was an impromptu interview and performance in a small business. It was never scheduled. The store was kind enough to allow it to happen during their peak business hours. The talking was from employees and customers who were conducing business in person and on the phone. They were kind to allow us to conduct the interview and performance.

[@melbinphilip5788]

sir Joshua, could you tell me what brand is this ? where could i buy one

[@stephenk6582]

What song were you playing? It’s beautiful!

[@Blackestblack666]

Still.....the guy is amazing. And they can't be bothered. It's sad if nothing else.

[@tomcleverley18]

The music was great!!! I love the sound of the hammered dulcimer. The 1st person that I heard play was the late Rich Mullins. Maybe I will get 1 some day and learn to play.

[@peggycarter571]

I just found this... don't know why I didn't see it when you first posted it. Josh was my student (back in Houston) from the time he was 9 until he left for college and later won the National Hammer Dulcimer Championship. I knew he had a lot of promise from the very first lesson. His parents were very faithful to bring him to lessons, and he did his part in practicing. I don't think they had to bribe him to practice... he had a passion for the dulcimer from the very beginning. He is also a very good pianist. I can't tell you how proud I am of the player he has become, but even more... the MAN he is. He is really humble and respectful, in spite of his notable accomplishments.

[@tonyleeglenn]

You should be very proud Peggy. You're right, Joshua is a very genuine and nice guy, as well as a superb musician. It's been great working with him. Soon I'm helping him shoot some new video that will be featured on his KZbin page - some very interesting and experimental material he's working on with an Asheville-area percussionist. I'll send you a link when it's posted. Tony

[@GypsyEncounters]

We are so grateful for music teachers like yourself. ❤💕

[@midilyfestyle]

Peggy Carter for President, 2020

[@johannageisel5390]

I didn't know Agent Peggy Carter worked as a music instructor after leaving SHIELD.

[@williamfields7287]

@@midilyfestyle It would be nice to have Agent Peggy Carter as president. To bad you have to US Natural born to be president. She is after all, British. 😄

[@jeffreyposs751]

Man you could compose a whole movie with just that instrument and it would be amazing!!!

[@JoshuaMessick]

I'd love to do that! :)

[@richardcutchin4159]

There is a movie out now, "Mary and the Witch's Flower", featuring Joshua Meesick on the hammered dulcimer. It is a Japanese animated film. I have not seen the film yet, however, the music featured on Joshua's website is beautiful.

[@CappeSun]

@@richardcutchin4159 WOOOOOT? I was wondering about what instrument that was in the OST, and read that it was a hammered dulcimer. And he played for Muramatsu in the orchestra? Almost every time I find someone referring to Ghibli/Ponoc composers, it's in the least expected places. Or at least not that expected. And if you haven't seen the movie yet, I strongly reccomend that you do that soon. It's amazing!

[@jaygasper4853]

There's one in the first fight scene of Gangs of New York

[@leoholder7839]

I think it’s used in a lot of assassins creed scores- like Jesper Kyd’s ones

[@viniciusqueiroz2713]

Awesome instrument (and even more awesome performance)! Can't believe I've spent 27 years of my life without knowing this exists...

[@sarahprice659]

Heck, I spent 40 and a half!

[@thecocktailian2091]

The Cello is my favorite instrument. The Hammered Dulcimer is my second. I have not seen a player of Joshua's caliber before. Absolutely brilliant.

[@JoshuaMessick]

In this video, I am playing a hammered dulcimer. While similar, it is different than the santoor, cimbalom, khim, etc. The instrument names should not be used interchangeably, since they are different instruments. Analogy: the mandolin, ukulele, and bouzouki are similar... but they are also very different instruments :-)

[@tonyleeglenn]

Great to have you stop by and clarify these point for us Joshua. So proud of you for your awesome achievements in musical composition and performance!

[@Guitarraeficaztutorialesytabs]

That was mesmerizing! it reminds me of Pat Metheny´s 42 string pikasso guitar, he should definetely do something with you.

[@earthman6700]

@@tonyleeglenn They are all enhanced versions of the Persian Santoor from what info I've seen. I get a Santoor this Christmas (lucky me). A hammered dulcimer is too expensive and I like the Santoor especially when played by Sina Bathaie. I recommend checking him out. This (your) video is a cool intro for new comers.

[@Engelhafen]

Joshua, great job. Is that a custom dulcimer or was it made by the company in Oklahoma?

[@chas5131]

2:28 for the music

[@estevaobatista1774]

thanks :)

[@sibisibi7359]

Thank you :)

[@jamaphonemusic1677]

Your support of this artist is truly refreshing! Thank you for sharing your enthusiasm for this incredible talent!

[@AustinCasey]

How could you be in that store and not be intrigued by the sound of that instrument and the way it's being played?? Geez! On a side note id love to hear some good Jazz (ballads) played on one of these.

[@trevoreisenman6551]

Check out jazz fusion using hammered dulcimer by the band Snarky Puppy.

[@sionathan]

Stumbled across this video, immediately rushed to the Play Music store and bought Desire for Departure. :) Thank you for sharing this!

[@tonyleeglenn]

+Sean Levesque Glad to be able to introduce you to an awesome musician Sean!

[@JoshuaMessick]

Thank you, Sean! I appreciate you.

[@shankarachela]

Thank you very much, I just love this instrument it has such a wonderful resonance. Looking forward to hearing more of your music!

[@emmli2885]

I borrowed a hammered dulcimer years ago and the people i got it from let me keep it. I just recently finally set it up, and have barely used the hammers because plucking just feels easier to find my way around at first. It's really cool to see the different techniques he uses, i didnt realize it could be so versatile!

[@pinkfreud62]

I used to date a guy back in '82 who's father was a carpenter & crafted dulcimers & played them. He built all sizes. So when I hear these they take me back to those happy summer days.

[@autodetruvtive]

He made it now. His music will be heavily featured in "Mary and the Witch's Flower" the debut film of Studio "Ponoc" founded by a former Studio Ghibli higher up. SO he's going places. I saw him perform 2 pieces last night here in Florida and it's truely amazing. He also finally achieved his dream of playing with a full Orchestra at the same time and it was quite the experience. This gentleman has a bright future.

[@HenrykSzlangbaum]

Excellent video. I've watched this a hundred times now and I feel obligated now to thank you for this.

[@kyovalye5942]

First became interested in this instrument when I looked up the soundtrack for Dishonored. I must say, it seems to have molded the ambient feel of the whole series, and you can see how right here.

[@conney408]

It is mesmerizing! Thank you for introducing the amazing musician.

[@thejouj]

That's beautiful! The sound and the instrument itself. I really want one now

[@Artisticer]

Oh, my gosh ~ this brought tears to my eyes. Thank you so much for posting, I now have a new addiction! He IS "freakin' brilliant!" I don't know how anyone within earshot could not stop what they're doing to go listen in awe!

[@JoshuaMessick]

Thank you, Teri!

[@AvieMare]

I know, right!!? Those two women were just casually browsing books then left!! Humans are so hard to figure out sometimes. :)

[@amritkaurkhalsa5345]

Wow! This "salterio" is my favorite! grand pa` was teaching me to play it when I was young and always wanted to get one and never did, I`ll get one some day SOON, thnx for sharing!

[@davidsain2129]

Superb! I never thought of strumming or plucking before! Brilliant!

[@TRMshadow916]

This is beautiful!

[@BrianHenkeGuitarist]

Hi Tony, Thanks so much for posting this! Joshua and I have been planning on doing an album together for a while now and I've been so wrapped up in other projects....ARGHHH!!!

[@tonyleeglenn]

He's a special musician Brian. I'd love to hear what you and Joshua could cook up. Thanks for watching. I'm going to subscribe to your channel. TLG

[@sillysyriac8925]

Went to this very store yesterday and I got to fiddle around on that very instrument! Amazing to randomly stumble upon this video! Makes me really want to get one and learn!

[@JoshuaMessick]

If you ever visit again, I just might be there! I sometimes stop by ;-)

[@suvangtrivedi]

This sounds like Santoor....a north indian classical string instrument. Great sound y Joshua. Thanks for posting

[@sograves11]

Amazing sounds. I will be going to his channel.

[@snowpawwolf1123]

Omg I'm shook that's beautiful. I've been trying to convince my parents to let me get a dulcimer for years now.

[@hairnsap]

This man has the touch ! He covered all kinds of world music in that one performance

[@TansanitBerlin]

I love the sound of this instrument. I bought years ago a CD from Constance Demby and since this time I´m looking for other interpeters who are playing it - Joshua is awesome ;-)

[@JoshuaMessick]

Thank you, glad you enjoy it!

[@omaroliblish]

That is for sure a beautiful music instrument. I remember landing in Guatemala C-A years back and there was a Xylophone there (keys made from the hard-woods of Guatemala) and it was so large that six people were playing it at the same time. Lots of amplitude without any electricity or speakers. The beautiful sound was awesome.

[@martinlewis2279]

Joshua is such an amazing musician. Thank you for sharing this. :)

[@Xenn000]

I just realized that a version of Tristram from Diablo would sound amazing on this! This instrument is incredible.

[@artemzaytsev1106]

sorry 2 years passed but lol a part of the «Rouge» theme (and maybe some others) of D2 was made with hammered dulcimer. Here's the Matt Uelmen's quote from liner notes to D2 OST for the «Rouge» track: «Standing in your own shadow can be a truly strange experience. Although I feel like we more than lived up to the pressure to improve upon the original Diablo, some elements were particularly sticky. The opening town theme was a good example of this. Try as I might, it was impossible to get too far from the trusty 12-string. Though the first half of this track, which dates back to September 1998, works well, I did not feel like this tune came together until January 2000. It was then when I found the last toy (of many) which I bought in the making of this soundtrack - the hammered dulcimer. The ancient sound of this ancestor of the piano finally gave me the truly medieval effect that I had been seeking for years. The instrument itself has a pretty-but-tough texture which worked well with the image of the Rogues and their strange mixture of sadness and bloodthirstiness. If this piece has any problems, they are probably due to my excess of fascination with texture, at the occassional expense of melody and rhythm. It was too much fun to contrast the acoustic 12-string with its electric counterpart in the first half and then to mix it up with the mandolin and the dulcimer in the newer half. As far as that slide part goes, I could not resist taking the Joe Walsh shtick to its logical extreme after all of the "Hotel California" comments I heard from Diablo players. I am a weak man... » IDK what did u mean by «version of Tristram», b-cause there's no such track in D1 OST, i guess its the «Town» theme - the ancestor of of the «Rouge» D2 theme. ... «Rouge» and «Sanctuary» are my favourite tracks of D2.

[@end.olives]

@@artemzaytsev1106 thanks for the trivia, the author of that tristam song also had a really big twitter beef with one youtuber who documented him having a mental breakdown over politics and treatning to skin he alive to the tristam theme. Kind of a random thing to happen

[@simattack3059]

Wow!!!! amazing.. Im off to iTunes to download some of his music. You do bump into some interesting people. Top video Tony

[@jhhl]

Josh played a little of John McCutcheon's "Step By Step" while McCutcheon was being discussed! Dampers help a lot with extended techniques like those strums.

[@seancassell3778]

Yeah. My first time hearing a dulcimer in person was at last year's renaissance faire. It sounded really cool.

[@yaoiloverstudio]

3:32 my own time stamp, I love this part so much

[@fnersch3367]

Its this video that inspired me to build a HD. Building and learning to play this will be a major challenge. Thanks for introducing Josh.

[@tonyleeglenn]

I can't wait to see the one you make. Please share with me when finished.

[@LizCanKnit]

Stumbled upon a knitting podcast which opened with someone playing this beautiful instrument in the subway. A search for more brought me here. Now to iTunes! I am smitten!

[@tonyleeglenn]

Joshua is one of the world's best on this instrument. Thanks for watching and commenting Elizabeth.

[@stevenjellison]

Wow... tuning that thing must be a beast! Sounds great though. Saw my first Hammered Dulcimer in a group called the Bee Eaters. Three you g and super talented musicians in strings.

[@huntingvuk]

WOW! thank you so much for posting this! :VERY COOL! & your intro was fine not too long at all ;p GREAT VIDEO! & MUSIC :)

[@merickful]

This is amazing. Buying now!

[@ryanm.russellsmusicrecordi63]

So.... soothing. Really enjoyed this video 😍🎻🎹🎶🎵

[@Khatouche]

Loving this blokes accent! We got BOTH types of music down here - Country AND Western!

[@vac8846]

I see what u did there haha

[@peterr.905]

Hi Tony, thank you for posting this video; absolutely beautiful especially with headphones on, but probably mind blowing live. I checked out the two videos in your description & was completely blown away by the sound. Keep spreading the word.

[@JoshuaMessick]

Glad you enjoyed it, Mario! :)

[@peterr.905]

Hi Joshua, thank you for replying. I hope you post more videos, so that hopefully more people find out about this beautiful sounding musical instrument.

[@JoshuaMessick]

+Mario Rodrigues Thank you, Mario. Yes, I'll post Moore soon. I have some more posted on my website www.joshuamessick.con

[@alteroccatv]

I cannot believe those two deaf people at the back who kept talking and shopping while this guy was producing something THIS STUNNING!!

[@mike7755]

Thanks for the video! Really good content.

[@susancass1164]

This is taking my breath away

[@Ak0tnik]

I found this instrument thanks to a band, but until now I could listen to its sound. Very complete instrument. I mean, seems that with a lot of practice, you can make awesome tunes.

[@willb3698]

Your Accent is great! :D ...ok just listened.....WOW. That's the best Contemporary Hammered Dulcimer I have heard...

[@DukeSeager]

This is so amazing!

[@williamfields7287]

I just now finished watching the movie Mary and the Witch's Flower. Joshua Messick plays the dulcimer music used in that movie I decided to look on KZbin for a dulcimer player I know named Glenn Morgan and came upon this. Joshua is incredible. If you like dulcimer music, also check out Scott Williams. I have music from him and I met him once when he was playing in Downtown Disney, Anaheim.

[@Damianplaza]

This is beautiful. There is one for sale for $250 and I am considering buying it. The sounds are so tranquil. Thank you for the video.

[@Rajnoma]

Such a beautiful exotic sound!

[@brianmi40]

Watching the shoppers in the background, I'm reminded of something Joseph Campbell once quoted: "standing on a whale, fishing for minnows..." Here these ladies have an excellent live musician performing 5 feet away, and yet their attention is on some packaged music...

[@drajanacz.1376]

I grow up alongside this incredible instrument

[@floydsuke]

Wow, this fellow is terrific !! Boyd and I performed a number of times at the Bascom Lamar Lunsford Mountain Music Fest at Mars Hill and I always enjoyed the bands with the hammer dulcimer !! - Brother FLOYD

[@lundsweden]

Awesome piano-guitar-harp thing!

[@charlawilson738]

Beautiful!

[@JessieCochran37]

Oh mein Gott! Er ist erstaunlich! Ich liebe dies. Die Waldland Tanz ist großartig! Fantastisch!

[@marymcmaster9189]

Wonderful sound

[@AngelWynton]

Love the instrument..great sound !!!

[@AllenOxendine]

Amazing musician Tony, sorry it took me so long to get to this...

[@dboyde74]

The folks behind are obviously in the wrong shop... if you had any interest in music whatsoever you'd turn and listen, plus there's the respect issue grrrrr..... great sound and amazing talent! 👏👏

[@LozzyLust]

100% with.. I am so annoyed with them.. So rude. :(

[@reubendarnell2025]

Laurie Loveridge b

[@AlexMcCombie2100]

I know, right, grrrr, the ignorant swine - I would just be standing, listening in a rapture - ironic that these two grain fed bozos are discussing the purchase of music, and they wouldn't know real music if it sat on their face.

[@spacep0d]

Yeah those people couldn't be arsed to hear that amazing sound behind them.

[@modelflugzuegsamlung]

To be fair to them, they had just gone to the record shop to buy some CDs or whatever, it's a shop open to the public, not a private performace/recording space. Personally I would have turned and watched out of interest, but they shouldn't be forced to.

[@-_.---._.-_-.--._--]

I play hammered dulcimer since four year and seeing this makes me feel terrible yet motivates me

[@earthman6700]

Good video, thanks

[@lorenapn]

the dream of my life... learn to play this instrument!! I absolutely adore the sound...

[@lorenapn]

*****

[@lorenapn]

Unfortunetely, they don't sell this amazing instrument in Brazil. :'(

[@pvpa123]

Lorena Piacente Nazário Check out James Jones Instruments; he'll probably make & send one to you.

[@lauren9004]

Love it!

[@sarahprice659]

Holy WOW 😯 !!! It’s a little bit like bridging the harpsichord and the piano (going from plucking strings to hammering), only completely freehand and well, raw. In the best way imaginable.

[@dejureclaims8214]

So cinematic!

[@andibrahimllari5466]

its awesome.sounds like there are more than just one musician,like a hole band.great

[@BadMomentum]

Amazing!

[@GiddingsMcCann]

I was introduced to the hammered dulcimer in the music of the late Rich Mullins gorgeous.

[@ennuiescence]

Beautiful. Inspiring.

[@warrenegan2149]

I find it hilarious that this came up in my suggestion, I just moved to Asheville about 5 months and now I have a new shop I need to stop at lol😂

[@richellmcknight446]

It's a baby grand piano soundboard and strings without the piano😁 I used to have my sister hold the piano sustain pedal while I got under the lid and plucked the strings with different things- same principle here, plus here you hold the piano hammer equivalent in your hand😁 I didn't know you could bend the pitch shop early, wow, never thought to try! Very cool, first one I've seen!

[@ovidiu_nl]

Wow. That was pretty amazing. That instrument is popular in Romania. We call it "țambal". But the kind of music they play on it is completely different. I also don't remember ever seeing anyone plucking or bending the strings. They always use the hammers.

[@4jesus1981]

That's amazing

[@philosopher2king]

That is very impressive. Dang!

[@w.geoffreyspaulding6588]

The obliviousness of the two people behind him is incredible..

[@ronnieharper879]

I love the sound of a Hammer Dulcimer. An aquatice of mine had one. That was the first time that I had heard about them. Then I heard them on a song by the late Chrisrian singer/songwriter Rich Mullins. I thought sounded really cool. But this guy takes it to a whole another level. HE'S AWESOME!!!!!

[@tonyleeglenn]

You're right Ronnie. Joshua is virtuoso level. He's even better nowdays!

[@oliverdawson7238]

amazing x beautiful

[@gagemiltonmusic]

Love this Music!

[@lauriefrancisco1084]

First time I ever heard a hammer dulcimer it literally brought tears to my eyes!

[@SuperModerngranny]

Beautiful! Looks and sounds a lot like the Chinese Qin, which I love!

[@spacep0d]

That's great. Sounds like something you'd hear in World of Warcraft or in some sword and sorcery type movie. Dynamic. Haunting. Medieval. Mysterious. Bravo!

[@Pteromandias]

Hey! Just watching random videos, and Black Mountain! I love Black Mountain. I went to Owen in Swannanoa.

[@tonyleeglenn]

I went to Mitchell High and used to play football and basketball against Owen High. I had to guard Brad Daugherty when I played. I'm 6-2 and he was 6-11 - that was mission impossible!

[@AnubhavShah]

wow. awesome stuff...

[@musigraphy]

Awesome!!

[@Wonderwhatyouare]

this is great

[@GodsFavoriteBassPlyr]

Brilliant.

[@adrianamburn8586]

OMG, that is so beautiful 😍

[@georgcantor7172]

I like his technique....he will use his fingers and strum or pick the individual strings. He doesn't confine himself to using the little hammers only. I wonder if one can also strike the strings with one's finger and create a sound that way...much like certain rock guitarists (Van Halen?) who'll percuss their electric guitar strings with their fingers to get a certain sound.

[@deepak2268]

Great !!!

[@danielr.schafer9504]

Nice!

[@logaudet]

why are the people in the shop not listening? this is so beautiful

[@bohemian46]

Because it is a retail store for profit. It is not a performance venue.I easily tuned out the chatter as I had a profound interest and am able to focus.

[@leannabealemusic]

I own one of these now. I came here to show someone what I was talking about. 😊

[@ramameir]

Wonderful sound and playing..thank you....Where can i buy this same instrument ?

[@Mattypantaloons]

Awesome