Just had to show off my latest woodworking project. A Hammered Dulcimer which is a beautiful instrument usually used to play Celtic music, but also used in Oriental and Jazz. The project took about three weeks, working an hour or so after work. Lots of fun and very rewarding. but the first tuning of the Beast was a bear.
To keep on topic, I suppose this is an update. The length of my hair is a bit disappointing after 5 years, but it IS still growing. The top is still thinning, but the sides and back are very healthy. I figure I will never be bald, but even a skullet is fun to have. When people ask me about my long hair, I simply reply: "I refuse to grow old gracefully" HA!
A Good Day to all
Walter White Tail
That is one sweet dulcimer, Walter. Well done!
Worry not about the skullet; many of us will likely wind up there at some point in our careers.
Thanks for the kind words.....
Both projects are "Work in Progress" HA!
Take Care
Walter
Wow that is some intricate instrument Walter, I never really looked closely at one before like I was doing at this picture usually because I am entranced watching the players do their thing and I love the music so much it carries me away lol. I love these when they are at Renaissance Faires and Celtic concerts.
All those tuning pegs and the scalloped holes in the bridge that is just beautiful work Walter, you have great reason to be proud. Did you know how to play the dulcimer already or is learning the next step in your plan?
Hey Walter your hair looks very cool and that is what matters, not how long it takes to get there. I would love to see you post your pictures more often don't think because your hair isn't growing that fast that we don't want to see you :) I for one would love to see more of the beautiful desert you inhabit, these two pics are just too rare!
Hammer on Walter! LOL
Even more kind words !
Yup, next step is to learn how to play the monster ! I have a bit of a music background, so hopefully it will not be too painful a process.
Don't know about more updates.....I only have a "good hair day" once every 5 years ! HA!
It is Autumn here in the desert now (nights are just nearing freezing, day are still in the 70's)....just Beautiful.
Walter
Dear Walter,
I am so glad to see more of you. It makes you easier to recognize in person one of these days.
You might want to rethink your response about your hair. Isn't taking pleasure in what you have being graceful? I think of the people that fiddle with colors to cover beautiful white hair as the ones not growing old gracefully. Next time people ask change "refuse" to "choose" and see what they say!
Elizabeth
Elizabeth
Such kind words !! Thanks
I do look forward to finally meeting one of these days.....How I regret that work prevented our meeting in Beatty that day.
Love your wedding photo....my Best to You and Bill.
Walter
Beautiful hair, and beautiful dulcimer!
Looks like you're having fun. Maybe you can try playing a song and post it here? :P
P;
Thanks for the words.....I have to learn how to play the critter now....so please do not expect a concert in the
foreseeable future ! HA!
You expressed an interest in the Dulcimer building process....I will email you with some details.
Take Care
Walter
That looks like a fine piece of work on the dulcimer; you evidently have talent here. I understand the first tuning of new strings (as on a guitar)is usually lengthy, as they stretch and settle in.
There is quite a noticeable change from your avatar pic to these update photos. I don't see a skullet at all. Just keep up keeping up & looking good!
George
George:
Thanks for the words.....I am a piano technician (on the side)so was lulled into a false sense of security that stringing and tuning something "that small" would be easy....WRONG, it is easier to string a Grand Piano. HA!
The skullet is there.....just hiding in the back ! HA!
Take Care
Walter
The hammered dulcimer is one of my favorite instrument and the one you built looks beautiful!
My wife tries to get my to cut by saying that my long hair is not going to hide my bald spot. To that I tell her "thats' not important to me, thats' not why I'm growing long hair". I'll have to add "I refuse to grow old gracefully". Thanks.
Bruce
Bruce;
Thanks for the words ! I have been tweaking the tuning and working through some basic tunes the past couple of days.....gonna take a while before I am standing a street corner with a metal cup ! HA!
Glad you like the "not growing old gracefully line". See Elizabeth's suggestion above, though.
Walter