Fiddle Hangout Forum Feed

Texas Girls, Scolding Wife, Rocky Road to Jericho

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 06:34:44 CST

I know I often repost the same tunes, it's just me trying to learn how to play them. Thanks for your patience.

anybody ever deal with EastMountainsMusic..?

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 05:24:31 CST

I'm thinking of buying a violin from EastMountainsMusic.Com...anybody had any good experiences with them?

Thanks!

Terry Dignon Cd Kickstarter

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 04:26:31 CST

Those of you who followed the Hangoutout post about getting the Old Time Sound may remember that I highlighted the playing of my friend Terry Dignon.. Terry is a most enthusiastic and talented young man. He is trying to get a CD produced and is doing a fundraiser... See below. Thanks

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/892039524/recording-a-quality-debut-old-time-album

Sally Ann - Chris Ryan Casbarro & Jim Pankey - (Old Time)

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 19:20:07 CST

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3p78YuCtyY

I really enjoy Chris's fiddling!

detour muddy road ahead sheet music

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 14:24:02 CST

Does anybody know where I can find the sheet music for Detour (theres a muddy road ahead) country version from westmoreland , not the Jazz version.

Or eight more miles to Lousville by Grandpa Jones.

I've tried all the obvious searches, I'm not trying to be rude, but if you don't know, I guess I don't mind a suggestion of where to look, but I would prefer the answer, not a suggestion.

Thanks, I know that looks impatient but I don't know how else to ask, without wasting mine and your time.

valentines day

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 12:38:47 CST

If your Sweetie says, "Oh, don't buy me anything for Valentine's Day.", you'd better buy something!!

how does that go?

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 12:30:25 CST

OK. I thought I would share an experience. Several times over the past few years I have expressed my frustrations with learning to play new tunes, but never being able to recall them by name (title), or recall how they are played when I remember the name. I hate it when someone says “whatcha got?” at a jam, and my mind is just a total blank. Even a list doesn’t help. The frustration comes from knowing that I can play a number of tunes. I’ve resorted to using my smart phone as a resource, and that helps. All I need is to hear about 2 seconds of a tune – and I remember everything I need. But – for me – it is embarrassing. I shouldn’t have to depend on that.

I have started a regime that is helping me – a lot. I have created playlists with tunes categorized by keys. And I’ve created spreadsheets with the names of all the tunes. I place the player on shuffle (random) and then select play. Without looking I tried to remember the title. I’ll use the list to help me, but I won’t look at the player until I have made a choice. If I’m right – I’ll make a mark in a “right column”, if I’m wrong – I’ll make a mark in the wrong column of the correct tune title. Then I select “next” and continue until I grow tired of the “game”. This lets me know where I need to focus. I don’t always do it the same way, and I have made lists for tunes I know, tunes I’m learning, tunes I’m having trouble with, but that is the jest of it.

Next level is to look at the title in the playlist and try to recall how the tune is played – then start it and make my marks on the same list.

I want to eventually include the key for each tune.

Successful? Yeap. I think so. I’ve been doing this now for a bout 3 weeks – when I think about it and have the time. This morning I went through the first level game, twice, with a list of 67 tunes, and only made one mistake. And I’m at about 70% (my worst) on level 2. That pleases me.

I’m sure there are folks who don’t need to go to these kinds of extremes. Unfortunately, I guess I’m one that does. And I am determined to find a way to get past this – and, right now, this is working for me. I would enjoy hearing what other folks are doing.

Looking for Parts - Details Inside

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 11:46:58 CST

Hello,

I hope I have posted this in the right place. If not please move or let me know which forum I can place it in.

I am looking for some fiddle parts. I use these parts to repair / bring back to life old damaged instruments then donate them to folks. I am looking for reasonable prices since I actually make $0.00 on this work of enjoyment.

I am looking for the following:
4/4 fingerboards
4/4 necks
fittings (pegs, tailpiece, etc)
bridges

I am willing to purchase good used parts as well as new.

Please let me know what you have.

Thanks Kindly,
Fiddlepluker

p.s. I know there are tons of parts (read retail) sellers out there but I am looking for something maybe you do not need or bought to many of.

Martin Beck fiddle?

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 09:58:31 CST

I am interested in getting a Martin Beck fiddle. I have heard good things about them but wanted to possibly hear from other old time fiddlers who may have one. I myself play the old Ozarks breakdows from Missouri and Arkansas as well as old Appalachian dance tunes---so I want something with some decent projection. Like a lot of fiddlers from around here, I play on fiddles I found at an auction or won in a bet. haha I have never owned an "investment" fiddle and am not really looking for one, but I do want something that I can enjoy at a square dance and pass down through my family. Any opinions on these?

home made bridges

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 08:27:55 CST

Dear fiddling freinds, I would like to know if anyone out there has made their own Bridges? and what type of wood do you use and what way do you cut the wood in accordance the grain pattern..............................................Dennis in Az

Peg hole bushings

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 07:49:06 CST

When plugging old peg holes and drilling new ones, is it bad practice to drill the new holes concentrically in the plugs? Seems like most bushing jobs I've seen have the new holes off center from the old ones.

Thinking of starting a one man band..

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 07:11:41 CST

Maria Rainwater, Robert Mcnally, Susan Menhunin, Rosemarie Combs, Connie Marie Sunday, Jennifer Hobbs....they all seemed to pull it off pretty well.

I don't know, what do you think?

https://groups.google.com/group/rec.music.makers.bowed-strings/tree/browse_frm/month/2004-02/1d7f8f5a853289e9?hl=en&rnum=71&_done=%2Fgroup%2Frec.music.makers.bowed-strings%2Fbrowse_frm%2Fmonth%2F2004-02%3F#doc_6dbd1be8aad34145

or better yet:

http://www.disease-treatment.com/showthread.php?t=23207

hmm...interesting stuff,

and in public forums.

Congress: Instruments allowed as airline carry-ons

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 05:13:13 CST

Click here for the article.

any body have any solutions?

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Thu, 9 Feb 2012 03:41:48 CST

Hi Friends,

I just get down my computer, I am working on it, but suddenly get down and can’t get start again.

If any body have any solutions?

Did I Miss Something?

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 19:16:34 CST

How come our screen names have disappeared in place of our proper names?

I liked having the screen names. Added a certain millieu to the site. And some of them were darn clever.

What gives?

Ivory ?

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 19:05:20 CST

I saw and listened to a really good fiddler the other day who had an Ivory nut on his fiddle. I was wondering, is it as hard or harder than ebony? would they be a lot of change in the fiddles sound? (his old fiddle sounded great) and would it be ok to make a bridge out of the stuff. If you could make a bridge out of it, would it solve the warping, would it last as long or longer, and would the humidity not effect it as much? Has anyone made or tried an ivory bridge? Just thinking out loud. If you like fine carving go to Ivory Buyer.com and look at their collection of hand carved ships. Larry

Fiddle layout with all notes

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 17:53:26 CST

I had a sheet of paper that was given to me that had the whole layout and notes on the fiddle. Anyone know here I could find this to print out online. I don't even remember where I got mine.

finger boards other than ebony

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 15:37:40 CST

I would like to know if any other type of wood is used to make fingerboards?

Changing keys

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 14:31:56 CST

My fiddle teacher has challenged me to do key changes for my songs. I'm learning two things here, one this can be very fun and exciting (no it doesn't take much). And two how much I dislike the E string. If you had asked me to do something like this a year ago, I would have thought you were crazy, but changing keys helps me learn the song and remember it better. Is there anyone else out there that does this? Keep in mind I've only been playing for about 2 years and before that I played mandolin. Reading music, much less changing keys was foreign to me. This just opens up a whole lot of new possibilities at jam sessions for me! I "hear" the songs better too it seems in different keys. The E string thing, I'll get over, or get a 5 string fiddle somewhere down the road.... Susan

removing paint?

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 13:23:09 CST

Hi all

We have recently acquired a violin which has been recently painted . Any ideas on how to best remove the paint? Terpentine spotting did not remove any color. Fine sandpaper perhaps

Pics are attached

Much thanks

David & Ayala

Howdy

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 12:44:29 CST

Hey there,

Just saying hi as I'm new to this site and new to fiddle playing. I'll check back in alot but right now I'm looking for a fiddle. I'm looking at an older, higher end Cremona Friday, have read about the Song violins from China and will likely contact a couple of forum members that have been spoken of in high regard. Let me know if you have any other advice to start and thanks in advance.

-jeff

IBMM in dire straits, possibly moving to Nashville?

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 11:14:13 CST

Here's the article in Bluegrass Today.

Los Angeles Stolen Instruments

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 09:44:45 CST

A beautiful young musician in the LA area has had 3 instruments stolen from her trunk on Superbowl Sunday.

She is now without an instrument - she is a gigging artist. This it what was taken..if you see these or have any ideas as to how to find them please email me! Thank you!

--Herman/Hermann Mueller Violin. Year 1914, made in Berkeley, CA

Serial # I-3306

Currently has shadow acoustic pickup installed on left hand side of violin. If it has been removed, there will be noticeable wear to the varnish directly to the left of the bridge where the pickup would have been.

--Breedlove Quartz 00 Mandolin

serial #12948 - Sunburst color with matte finish.

Currently has coca cola pickup on it (they may have removed this). There is also a velcro patch on the right hand side of the instrument (where an old pickup was)

--Oscar Schmidt Mandolin (By Washburn) - bright white with orange knobs for volume and tone.

Old Fort Smith, Cyril Stinnett version

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 08:07:58 CST

This is based on Cyril's version of this Midwestern classic. Key of G, with Steve Rosen on guitar.

Location on posts

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 07:56:32 CST

I've been enjoying this site for a couple of years now, have learned much, and hopefully been able to help a few others along the way. I've never made a suggestion for the website yet, but I do have one. Would it be possible, or practical, to have a more precise location listed on each post, rather than just the country as it is now? Like maybe a city or state? (Maybe even a real first name, but that's another subject) It just might make it more meaningful when talking to people. I know we can already get that information by clicking elsewhere on the site, but this might make it a lot easier. Just a suggestion. Any comments?

Playing Bluegrass 8-Week Class - Jupiter, FL (Begins This Week 2-8)

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 07:02:22 CST

Hello Everyone -

Once again, I will be holding an 8 week class for anyone interested in learning how to play bluegrass and acoustic music with others. For anyone in the Jupiter Florida area who may be interested in joining, the class starts tonight. The sessions are held in 8 week terms. All skill levels are invited to attend.

For more information, go to www.fretmentor.com.

Here is a link to the online advertising flyer:

http://www.fretmentor.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=35:bluegrass-performance-class&catid=49:music-classes-and-workshops&Itemid=16

I look forward to seeing many of you tonight.

Pleasant surprise from Thomastik--Infeld E in Strings this month

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 01:52:22 CST

The 25th Anniversary Strings magazine (March 2012) arrived yesterday, and as I read it this morning, I found a double page ad from Thomastik for Peter Infeld strings, including an E string glued to the page. Clever people these Austrians, tempting us to buy expensive strings this way.

Harold

Billy in the Lowground

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Wed, 8 Feb 2012 00:48:09 CST

I picked up this version from a recording of the legendary black stringband Gribble, Lusk, and York. I love John Lusk's fiddling-- awesome rhythm and a ton of bowing variations! I highly recommend "Altamont - Black Stringband Music from the LIbrary of Congress" for a couple of amazing OT acts. They were called "the best square dance band in five counties" for good reason! http://www.amazon.com/Altamont-Black-Stringband-Library-Congress/dp/B0000002I3/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1328690463&sr=8-1

Hope you like it!

I couldn't get to my fiddle for TWO WHOLE HOURS!!!

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Tue, 7 Feb 2012 22:50:25 CST

I was at school yesterday (I'm usually on campus all day because of bus schedules) and by about 1:30 I didn't have any homework, my brother was in classes and my friend I was going to hang out with forgot and went home, so naturally the thing I wanted to do most in the world was play my fiddle! So I went to go get it out of my locker, and there were two kids sitting in front of the lockers - specifically RIGHT in front of my locker - drawing a picture of the hall for their art class homework!!! I couldn't ask them to move so I was hoping they'd be done in a few minutes. I went outside because it was nice, warm, and sunny, and sat down on the sidewalk just outside the doorway to wait. I waited...and waited...and waited...but they still weren't done. I was starting to go crazy because I wanted my fiddle so bad. I started pacing around while I waited. All I could hear was my fiddle's frantic screams: "Let me out!!! Please come get me!! I want to be played!!!" One of my teachers, whose office is in the building, must have noticed me pacing back and forth because he brought out a chair for me and said I could sit down, lol! :) So another hour dragged SLOWLYYYYY by, and FINALLY, after what seemed like 40 years, the kids drawing the hall were done and I got to go get my fiddle out!!! I guess now I know what parents must feel like when their kid gets kidnapped...

Have you ever had any similar experiences, where you couldn't get to your fiddle and it drove you CRAZY? :)

repairing cracks without?

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Tue, 7 Feb 2012 15:54:08 CST

Dear freinds and fixers, I am wondering if there is a way to repair cracks in a sound plate without removing the top. I know that there are ways to repair when the crack is near the sound hole (F) holes but what about those cracks that start at top bout edge or bottom edge and some times runs parralel next to Bass bar the whole length of of the instrument. I thought of finding long "C" clamps and grinding them down so that they can be easily slipped through the "F" hole, to put on the cleats, I have two cello,s that hav bad cracks, I dont want to remove the top if possible, thanks for your helping out with this..................................Dennis

Calin Wultur Fiddle FS

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Tue, 7 Feb 2012 15:49:00 CST

I have for sale a very nice Calin Wultur Koscielny #7 fiddle in a local shop on consignment but I thought I see if any FH'ers were interested. Comes with the original case and J T Prism bow.

$700.00

Henry T Fiddler

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Tue, 7 Feb 2012 15:12:50 CST

Dear freinds, anyone ever hear of Henry T Fiddler/ he was here in Yuma in January at our annual contest, he came to my house set up transferring photos from my camera to my computer, Boy howdy that guy can fiddle he won the grand championship here last month the trick and fancy event also. I just seen him in Ajo Arizona this past weekend at their annual contest, he won again, He tied with Katherin Messer and they had to do another round, he beat her by one point,, the audience went wild a lot of whooping and hollerin, He can also play a saw, something I havent seen in a long while, he is also a fan of one of my earlier influences or who I admired as a kid "Spade Cooley"..................................I just thought I would tell you he is one fine fiddler, I hope everyone gets to meet him someday, he travels around from town to town..................................................Dennis in Az

Filmed Myself Fiddling

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Tue, 7 Feb 2012 14:35:35 CST

I can understand how I drove that one Classical instructor mad. My bow goes...well it goes where I want it to go. I seem to get to the notes alright and I like my tone enough and seemingly so do my pards in the band and at the local pub. I hold my bow...well I hold it my way, trading off from a TUF to a "Russian?" in which only a few fingers hold it. I played "Cherokee Shuffle" and "Nine Pound Hamburger" and "Swallowtail Jig" and a few others in front of the camera.

I don't look as young as I used to, for some reason.

I only kept that instructor for one lesson, too, afore I fired him. He wanted to "correct" all that was good and fine and blessed and pure and fun with my fiddling.

And I ain' playin' no Gustav Mooler, either.

Sincerely,

Humbled

Tommy Peoples BOW ornamentation

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Tue, 7 Feb 2012 14:03:51 CST

OK, I've come up with the correct video that demonstrates CLearly that Tommy Peoples is doing something very interesting with his bow to get the special sound that I am trying to identify.. Watch, and tell me what he is doing with his BOW hand when he plays what seem to be triples? or is he dropping the bow on the strings? You tell me. I have been seeking that little embellishment for a long time.. HELP! LEE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHqFlS3gNMs

Just be glad you play the fiddle..

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Tue, 7 Feb 2012 13:54:39 CST

See? Now aren't you glad you mother made you play the fiddle and NOT the banjo?

Why we shoot deer ?

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Tue, 7 Feb 2012 11:42:11 CST

WHY WE SHOOT DEER

Why we shoot deer in the wild. (A letter from someone who wants to remain anonymous, who farms, writes well and actually tried this)

I had this idea that I could rope a deer, put it in a stall, feed it up on corn for a couple of weeks, then kill it and eat it. The first step in this adventure was getting a deer. I figured that, since they congregate at my cattle feeder and do not seem to have much fear of me when we are there (a bold one will sometimes come right up and sniff at the bags of feed while I am in the back of the truck not 4 feet away), it should not be difficult to rope one, get up to it and toss a bag over its head (to calm it down) then hog tie it and transport it home.

I filled the cattle feeder then hid down at the end with my rope. The cattle, having seen the roping thing before, stayed well back. They were not having any of it. After about 20 minutes, my deer showed up - 3 of them. I picked out a likely looking one, stepped out from the end of the feeder, and threw my rope.

The deer just stood there and stared at me. I wrapped the rope around my waist and twisted the end so I would have a good hold. The deer still just stood and stared at me, but you could tell it was mildly concerned about the whole rope situation. I took a step towards it, it took a step away. I put a little tension on the rope, and then received an education.

The first thing that I learned is that, while a deer may just stand there looking at you funny while you rope it, they are spurred to action when you start pulling on that rope.
That deer EXPLODED.

The second thing I learned is that pound for pound, a deer is a LOT stronger than a cow or a colt. A cow or a colt in that weight range I could fight down with a rope and with some dignity. A deer-- no Chance. That thing ran and bucked and twisted and pulled. There was no controlling it and certainly no getting close to it. As it jerked me off my feet and started dragging me across the ground, it occurred to me that having a deer on a rope was not nearly as good an idea as I had originally imagined. The only upside is that they do not have as much stamina as many other animals.

A brief 10 minutes later, it was tired and not nearly as quick to jerk me off my feet and drag me when I managed to get up. It took me a few minutes to realize this, since I was mostly blinded by the blood flowing out of the big gash in my head. At that point, I had lost my taste for corn-fed venison. I just wanted to get that devil creature off the end of that rope.

I figured if I just let it go with the rope hanging around its neck, it would likely die slow and painfully somewhere. At the time, there was no love at all between me and that deer. At that moment, I hated the thing, and I would venture a guess that the feeling was mutual.
Despite the gash in my head and the several large knots where I had cleverly arrested the deer's momentum by bracing my head against various large rocks as it dragged me across the ground, I could still think clearly enough to recognize that there was a small chance that I shared some tiny amount of responsibility for the situation we were in. I didn't want the deer to have to suffer a slow death, so I managed to get it lined back up in between my truck and the feeder - a little trap I had set before hand....kind of like a squeeze chute. I got it to back in there and I started moving up so I could get my rope back.

Did you know that deer bite?

They do! I never in a million years would have thought that a deer would bite somebody, so I was very surprised when ...... I reached up there to grab that rope and the deer grabbed hold of my wrist. Now, when a deer bites you, it is not like being bit by a horse where they just bite you and slide off to then let go. A deer bites you and shakes its head--almost like a pit bull. They bite HARD and it hurts.

The proper thing to do when a deer bites you is probably to freeze and draw back slowly. I tried screaming and shaking instead. My method was ineffective.

It seems like the deer was biting and shaking for several minutes, but it was likely only several seconds. I, being smarter than a deer (though you may be questioning that claim by now), tricked it. While I kept it busy tearing the tendons out of my right arm, I reached up with my left hand and pulled that rope loose.

That was when I got my final lesson in deer behavior for the day.

Deer will strike at you with their front feet. They rear right up on their back feet and strike right about head and shoulder level, and their hooves are surprisingly sharp ... I learned a long time ago that, when an animal - like a horse - strikes at you with their hooves and you can't get away easily, the best thing to do is try to make a loud noise and make an aggressive move towards the animal. This will usually cause them to back down a bit so you can escape.

This was not a horse. This was a deer, so obviously, such trickery would not work. In the course of a millisecond, I devised a different strategy. I screamed like a woman and tried to turn and run. The reason I had always been told NOT to try to turn and run from a horse that paws at you is that there is a good chance that it will hit you in the back of the head.
Deer may not be so different from horses after all, besides being twice as strong and 3 times as evil, because the second I turned to run, it hit me right in the back of the head and knocked me down..

Now, when a deer paws at you and knocks you down, it does not immediately leave. I suspect it does not recognize that the danger has passed. What they do instead is paw your back and jump up and down on you while you are laying there crying like a little girl and covering your head.

I finally managed to crawl under the truck and the deer went away.
So now I know why when people go deer hunting they bring a rifle with a scope......to sort of even the odds!!

All these events are true so help me God... An Educated Farmer.

Happy Birthday Mr. Dickens!

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Tue, 7 Feb 2012 08:44:53 CST

Charles Dickens, one of the greatest writers in the English language, was born on this day 200 years ago. Many Happy Returns Mr. Dickens, although I don't know if it matters much to him now.

He also paid his first visit to the US at this time in 1842 - 170 years ago.

Changes NOT Welcome ...

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Tue, 7 Feb 2012 08:22:59 CST

What has become of the "South Plains College" thread? I know it's been locked, but why does the thread not show up AT ALL under the "Playing Advice" category? Was this intentional?

The changes that have occurred in this forum, over the last year, have all seemed negative to me. Numerous complaints about the new "improved" functionality have all been ignored. This forum has been useful to me (and to MANY others), but it is less so, now.

Topic moved from Playing Advice forum - wormbower

New 5-string

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Tue, 7 Feb 2012 00:10:10 CST

I bought a nice 5-string fiddle from another FHO member. I spent hours tonight playing my regular tunes a string or two down, having fun experiencing the deep darkness of the lower registers. Now I'm wonder what else I can do with it.

On my other fiddles, I usually keep the G string tuned up to A. Does anyone who plays a 5-string cross-tune? I tried an AADAE tuning, with the two bottom As an octave apart. I play Richmond Cotillion with chords on the second part of the B section, and with my new 5-string, even my old dog paid attention! What else can I do with my new toy? I was thinking I might try an EAEAE tuning, but worried that the C string would be over-stressed with an E tuning, so I might wait and try an octave violin string (thanks again to the FHO member who sent me octave strings! You know who you are...) or a viola string.

What suggestions do you have? Anyone else out there play a 5-string? Now that I have my wonderful new fiddle, I'm wondering what I can do with it.

On Moderators, hidden posts, topics gone awry

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Mon, 6 Feb 2012 17:30:41 CST

Today, in a topic that has now been locked, a member posted the following:

-------------------------------------

OK - I've held off until now (which was probably wise) but I have to say:

TO THE MODERATORS (Whom I'm also tempted to refer to as Moe, Curly and Larry, although I won't - I don't think Shemp was in on this):

What in THE WORLD has happened to this thread? I looked in a few times last night and saw different names listed in the "last post" column, but when I clicked on the thread those posts were not there. What happened to the very thoughtful and honest post by Topcat (Good on ya, Topcat!) and the dramatic departure of the OP, riding in her swanboat? It was gone before I could wish her "Aloha." There were others too, and they are still listed on their respective homepages, so I know I wasn't hallucinating.

I thought this thread should have been locked long ago, and tried to nudge it in that direction, but if you're going to let it run its course (a foolish idea IMHO), you should do so without monkeying with it. As it was it made perfect dramatic sense - character was revealed, and the loose ends of the plot were tied up. Now it reads like Oliver Twist with some of the installments missing.

In the past, if a moderator needed to delete a post, or part of one, it was so indicated. I think you should continue to do this, and also you all should get together with Eric and see if you can all get on the same page for your actions.

Just my $.02 of course.

-------------------------------------

First, an explanation and an apology. After a series of inappropriate posts, several moderators, including myself, posted admonitions to discuss the topic with civility. It didn't take long before the topic devolved again. A long string of posts responded to the new inappropriate posts, while some members disregarded the nonsense and attempted to revive the original topic of discussion. The situation moved fast, and I was notified, while I happened to be working on a work-related writing project that had a hard deadline of today. I HID (but did not delete) the inappropriate posts and the posts responding to them in an attempt to defuse the tension that was developing and get the thread back to the original valuable conversation. I apologize for not indicating that I had hidden posts. When I occasionally edit posts, I always try to leave a note of explanation. It's not as easy to leave a note on a post that's been hidden, but I should have explained my action in a new post, and will endeavor to do that in the future.

As for the comments on the moderators' handling of the thread, I can assure you that there was an extensive and very thoughtful conversation behind the scenes (most of what moderators do is behind the scenes) all day yesterday (Superbowl Sunday) and today (a work day, for me, at least). Moderators hear it when they don't lock a topic someone thinks should be locked. They hear it louder when they lock a topic someone thinks shouldn't have been locked. I tend to err on the side of lighthandedness. I see the FHO forums as a place to exchange ideas, even if the discussion sometimes gets a little hot. We have a nice set of rules and guidelines (worth reviewing), and I try to let them guide my moderating.

In my short time with the new moderators, I think they are doing a terrific job and are all very thoughtful, caring, and dedicated members of the FHO. You may not realize that moderators receive NOTHING (not even a T-shirt) for their services. We also have real lives, just like everyone else here, and may not be able to tend to issues on the spot. I don't think it is fair (or very nice) to call the moderators names like Moe, Curly, and Larry.

Paul

sligo "cut"

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Mon, 6 Feb 2012 13:58:08 CST

In Sligo fiddling, what is the embellishment called a "cut"? LEE

Activating a video

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Mon, 6 Feb 2012 12:45:24 CST

When I post a youtube video via cut and paste it just comes out 'black'... On my computer, it must be in blue in order for someone to 'click and play' it.. How do I get that done? LEE

Sligo 'bow drop' sound

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Mon, 6 Feb 2012 12:33:03 CST

It seems that the little "bow drop" sound that I hear in Sligo fiddling is just that... the bow dropping on the string. It doesn't seem to be an ornamentation done by the left hand.. Am I right? I often wonder how they get that sound. Can anyone enlighten me?? You can hear it in the youtube video listed below. I don't know how to "activate' it, sorry.. LEE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3_flqxFuNM4

rosin buildup

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Mon, 6 Feb 2012 12:09:36 CST

.. From time to time I wonder why my playing doesn't sound smooth. Then, I remember to wipe off excess rosin from THE STRINGS.....Duh! I always sound better after that..LEE

Two Nice Reels

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Mon, 6 Feb 2012 10:31:18 CST

Two reels that are close to my heart - I feel like they represent me as much as the people who taught me.

In fact I was recording The Irish Washerwoman and I wasn't happy with the takes so I recorded two tunes that I enjoy. It sounded so much better. Just simple one track recording with a touch of 'verb to fatten it up a bit.

Hope you enjoy

Cukoos Nest

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Mon, 6 Feb 2012 10:13:16 CST

Would be much appreciated if someone could do a tab for this one.

Thanks

Cajun style

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Mon, 6 Feb 2012 08:52:04 CST

I have played the occaisonal Cajun tune and always loved them even though most of what I know and care about is Appalachian. A recent trip through Louisiana has my juices flowing. Any of you Cajun fiddlers have any "Cajun 101 for Dummies" advice?

Maybe some starting progression of easy to more difficult tunes? Also, I see that "seconding" is an important part of the genre. Anybody able to or interested in discussing that?

thanks

Greg

Irish Fiddle - Good Starting Tunes

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Sun, 5 Feb 2012 20:09:02 CST

I'm looking for some suggestions on good Irish tunes to introduce my 11 yo daughter to. She's been playing old time for a couple years and playing basic melodies well with some nuance, she can't read music on fiddle, but learns by ear quite well. I'm pretty well versed in Southern Old Time and Missouri Fiddling, particularly Missouri Valley, so when she asked if I knew any Irish tunes she could learn from me I was at a loss, but I figured I could come to this online community and get some good feedback on where to start.

Any tune suggestions?

What Key?

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Sun, 5 Feb 2012 18:47:03 CST

If I have a key of G tune and it starts on an open D, what would the key be if I started on open A, also on open G? The tune in question and would apply to others, is "Will the circle be Unbroken" I can start it on G. D or A, I just don't know what to call the key. Can this be determined by the circle of fifths?

Aligning pins

eric@fiddlehangout.com — Sun, 5 Feb 2012 09:25:31 CST

I just removed the back on a fiddle for the first time. Got it back on and it looks purty good, but could be better.

Is there a convention as to when you use the little aligning dowels you see in the heel and/or end blocks on some repaired violins? It would have made it easier to get the back on in the same place.