The Gift of Music

[TaylorGirl]

A childhood friend (who I recently reconnected with, via Facebook) very generously gifted me a mountain dulcimer that was owned by her grandma. My friend received the dulcimer when her grandma died in the late 90's. Nobody in her family played dulcimer, and she saw that I did. So, she contacted me to see if I'd like it. She wanted to see it played and enjoyed, rather than sitting in a closet. It is a solid wood (walnut) dulcimer. I offered her money for the dulcimer and for shipping. She wouldn't take it. She said grandma wouldn't have wanted it that way. Grandma taught her to be generous in life.

After receiving the dulcimer, which is like new, I had it set-up at Elderly Instruments. I had a couple extra frets added (to be in the configuration that I play). The luthier was impressed by the quality of the instrument, including the sound and intonation. I just got it back and it's ready to make music again. It sounds/plays really nice. Now we are planning a trip to South Carolina so we can meet up and my friend can see/hear the dulcimer being played. The gift of music!

[timfitz63]

Very cool, Susie!  That's a fine looking instrument, especially given it's apparent age.  Enjoy!

[TaylorGirl]

Very cool, Susie!  That's a fine looking instrument, especially given it's apparent age.  Enjoy!

Thanks Tim. It's almost 30 years old. In the dulcimer world, it's cool to have these older dulcimers that are well made and well cared for. This one was made by a luthier in Pigeon Forge, TN. I have another one from that same area (different builder).

[Strumming Fool]

That's a lovely-looking instrument, and it appears that a lot of love was put into it both during and after construction. What a blessing for you! Congrats from a fellow walnut-nut!

[TaylorGirl]

That's a lovely-looking instrument, and it appears that a lot of love was put into it both during and after construction. What a blessing for you! Congrats from a fellow walnut-nut!

Thanks SF! When it comes to dulcimers, I'm definitely a walnut-nut.

[Minnesotaman]

A beautiful story, a beautiful friend and a beautiful dulcimer.

[TaylorGirl]

A beautiful story, a beautiful friend and a beautiful dulcimer.

Thanks.... yes, yes, and yes.

[Frettingflyer]

What a great backstory for this Dulcimer Taylorgirl. So glad it found its way to you so more beautiful music can be made by it.

[mgap]

That is a beautiful instrument TaylorGirl.  I hope you will enjoy all that walnut goodness for years to come. 

[TaylorGirl]

Thanks guys, yes, it is going to make beautiful music. And, I keep a picture of grandma in the case. Played yesterday.....it's got a real pretty voice. Nice sustain.

[Cindy]

It looks to be in fantastic shape for an instrument that old. Congrats on such a nice acquisition. And what a nice friend to give it to you. Maybe you can record some songs for her?

[TaylorGirl]

It looks to be in fantastic shape for an instrument that old. Congrats on such a nice acquisition. And what a nice friend to give it to you. Maybe you can record some songs for her?

Yes Cindy, it's like new. Either her grandma took great care of it, or she didn't play it much. My friend asked for a recording, but we may instead, visit her in SC next year.