See What’s Up

The Cumberland Gap Dulcimer Gathering

Thu, 13 May 2010 07:07:53 -0500

We enjoyed seeing friends and hearing the good music at the Cumberland Gap this past week. The atmosphere in the Park and the beautiful weather added to the event.

A BIG THANK YOU TO TERRY AND PAM LEWIS FOR CREATING THIS OPPORTUNITY FOR THE REST
OF US!

Southern Regional Champion - Sarah Morgan

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 15:57:38 -0500

The music was good in Mountain View this weekend at the Southern Regional Mountain Dulcimer Competition. Congradulations Sarah!!

Q & A

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 16:19:12 -0500

Q: What is the resonator (R) back and what does it do?

A: The resonator back is the bottom of an instrument with two soundboards. I refer to them as the top and bottom soundboards. The airholes are in the top soundboard. On these instruments the sound projects upward as well as outward. This gives the dulcimer more sound but does not really make it louder. The R-back is probably our most frequently requested feature. Opinion varies widely on how effectively it improves the sound. I hope each of you will try one when you get a chance as I would value your opinions.

Stay in tune,
David

Q and A

Wed, 10 Mar 2010 20:14:15 -0600

Q: Why do you use the “seven cluster” for the MMD signature
soundhole?

A: There are two reasons. One, since I was a boy, I have admired the seven cluster diamond rings that gents wore. When I started searching for one of my own, my special friend, Geoff found one for me immediately. He told me that, in his family, the seven cluster was a reminder to always keep a day of rest and reflection in each week. One should always plan for the other six days of the week to revolve round and about that special day instead of letting each day get further and further from that special day as the week passes by. Seven, Sabbath, Perfect...
Second, in the search for the perfect soundhole, we must understand that soundhole is a complete misnomer. It is in all reality an “air pressure equalization hole” which allows the dulcimer soundbox to vibrate freely so that the soundboard can slap the air and create a sound wave that then strikes our eardrum and hopefully makes our brain smile.
In my opinion, the seven cluster is the perfect symbol and the perfect “air pressure equalization hole”.

Stay in tune,
David

* Geoff had an extraordinary personal motto:
“Always be as good to everyone as they will let you be.”

Q and A

Fri, 5 Feb 2010 00:00:00 -0600

Q: Does MMD ever make any traditional diatonic dulcimers?

A: Yes! We’ve made them for over 15 years now. Our standard diatonic instrument has a Poplar body, Paulownia soundboard with an Osage Orange overlay. It has the MMD signature appearance including peghead and sound holes. We use 14:1 machines and include a gig bag for the great price of $400.
Of course you may order upgraded diatonic models or just slip a
.014 melody string on your regular MMD and join the jam in DAA.

Stay in tune,
David

New Year’s Greetings from the McKinney’s at Modern Mountain Dulcimer

Tue, 29 Dec 2009 19:52:09 -0600

This has been an eventful year. We’ve been building a house on the same property as our dulcimer workshop and finally moved in just before Thanksgiving. Webster was 16 in November and is becoming quite a good wood turner. Kathy has had the opportunity to take classes to increase her computer skills. Today is David’s birthday. He gave himself a BMW motorcycle a few monthes ago, but he got what he REALLY wanted for his birthday; a few days off.

UNICOI

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 10:08:56 -0600

We just returned from a a very busy and exciting festival in north Georgia.
We at Modern Mountain Dulcimer wish to thank the officers of the North Georgia Foothills Dulcimer Assossiation, especially Sally Long, for all their hard work to provide an event that was well organized, educational and down right fun for all. Many thanks!