Lots has happened since September, my last post, and a whole lot is going on starting today! First, the new Masterworks Dulciforte was shipped and received in November. When the box arrived, I noticed the cardboard was torn on the underside. The box was labeled “FRAGILE” and “High Valued Item” on all sides…but, as my luck would have it, the dulcimer was damaged in shipping. Booooooo!
After opening and careful inspection, it appears that something heavy was dropped on the dulcimer box, cracking the underside of the instrument near the handle. My heart sank after waiting for so long and looking forward to growing into it. Fortunately, the instrument was fully insured, and I notified Masterworks right away. They said they will start making me another one—so another long wait, I’m afraid.
The “good” news is that the playing side of the instrument wasn’t damaged, and after a few good tunings, it seems to play well. It looks and sounds wonderful, and I’m sure my next one will as well. I do get to practice with it and get used to the new hammer patterns for the low bass notes.
So, on to the next big thing while I wait for the replacement to arrive. Starting today, I head to the recording studio to work on my next album. I’ve been thinking, planning, and practicing for months now, and this afternoon I start working with Kevin, my engineer, to put it all together. I’m so excited about this project and looking forward to what comes from it.
It will be a very eclectic mix of music, with some of my original tunes, a couple of covers done my way, and, to round off the experience, a few fiddle tunes. I’ve been contacting musicians and arranging studio time to get the tracks recorded this month. My goal is to record all the tracks this month and then take my time mixing and mastering to get the sound that’s been bouncing around in my head. We’ll see how it all goes, but I’m very excited to get going!
Last, and certainly not least, I need to put together all the materials for next month’s Quarrantune Festival. I’m so fortunate to be included as one of the instructors for the February festival. I have four classes that I’ll be teaching and am really looking forward to sharing what I can with the dulcimer community. I’m bouncing around some fun ideas to make the classes more interesting, but they all require some planning, practicing, and even trying them out with a few people for feedback before the festival.
Bring on the new year!!!