Dulcimerica with Bing Futch - Episode 475 - "Noter & Quill" - Mountain Dulcimer

[@juliesaint-pierre7588]

very nice teaching

[@bingfutch]

Thank you!

[@DukeVan]

This was how I learned to play back in the 70’s on a Jess Patterson dulcimer and a Jean Ritchie songbook. I didn’t know there was any other way to play! Since attending festivals and workshops I learned chording and other methods. The noter I have now is flat on top, round on the bottom. I use the thumb on top style. On one end I’ve glued a thin strip of leather to give a softer sound if that’s what I’m after. The plain end gives me that familiar “twang, twang, twang”!

[@bingfutch]

That's fabulous! Sounds a bit like a mountain dulcimer hammer that's used in the other hand. I'll have to break that out here pretty soon. Thanks for watching!

[@jazzcatt]

Where did you get that Dulcimer you are playing? I just learned about the 'extra' back on them and what it is for. I don't know what it is called though. I'd like to know if you happen to read this. Thanks!

[@bingfutch]

That's a Folkcraft Instruments custom mountain dulcimer made of oak. The extra bit is called a Galax back and it's basically a custom possum board for increasing sound clarity and volume.

[@jillgeary1313]

Happy New Year Bing! I first started noter/drone, thought I "had" to play DAd chord/melody, and now I'm back to the sound that I first fell in love with - with the noter + the drones! It would be interesting to see some noter/drone in different tunings (DAA) plus demo-ing the reverse capo on the low D to play in the key of A. God Bless!

[@bingfutch]

Thanks, Jill! There'll be some more explorations of this throughout the 13th season for sure. Thanks for watching!

[@LilCraftyNook]

Nice beard!! Very distinguished!! Happy New Year!! Love the history and good technique lesson. I have two noters, one soft wood and the other of hard.and shellaked. Keep up the good work!!👍🏻😊

[@bingfutch]

Haha, thank you!

[@ianmoore5701]

Why strip the feather? I’ve never seen anyone play without the “feather.” Even in pictures.

[@bingfutch]

It's a personal preference. Feathers can get quite sticky and smelly when sweaty hands have been gripping them for a while.