Glad To Be Here / New Dulcimer For Bing

Before starting my employment with Folkcraft Instruments, I was working for a grocery store between 50 and 60 hours per week (on salary), having 3 to 5 bosses (depending on which day it was), and all the while playing guitar in 2 bands. I was convinced (and extremely hopeful) that this job was only temporary, and that something more suiting and self-rewarding was waiting for me.

After 3+ years at a desk, pumping out ads that promoted 79¢ 2 liters of Diet Cherry Pepsi, $1/lb. spare ribs, and 6 for $3.00 boxes of macaroni and cheese, something did come along. My mom informed me of an ad in the job postings for a graphic designer (my degree is in fine arts), with a focus on music (YES!!). It didn't take me long to apply.

It was Christmas Eve, 2006, and I had just gotten done "helping out the stores" by wearing a hair net and rolling cheese balls in the deli all day, when Richard Ash gave a call and offered me the job. I would've reported to work at 8am Christmas Day.

The reason for this back-story is to emphasize how blessed I feel to be a part of the music business, the folk scene, and Folkcraft Instruments. While I truly love nearly all aspects of my job here at Folkcraft, there are a couple that stand out above the rest: having a hand in the design evolution of a still relatively young instrument, and all the interesting people I meet. To be even more specific: the man with dulcimer in hand, Mr. Bing Futch. Which segues nicely into "part 2" of today's community post (I'll apologize in advance as this post turns into a novel).

Last week we finished work on Bing's latest "wish list" dulcimer - a Folkcraft custom chromatic with koa body, Sitka spruce top and ebony accents. And, in keeping with the dulcimer evolution, this functioning work of art has a 28 inch scale length (a little longer than the 27 Folkcraft standard, but not longer than the 29 1/4 "California Style" FolkRoots).

"Mele" (Hawaiian for "song"), the newest Futch family member.

I spoke with Bing shortly after he received it, and was thrilled with how pleased he was. (Additional information on the dulcimer can be viewed at Bing's website or here at Folkcraft.) A self-appointed part of my job is keeping Bing happy, whether it be through the instruments, or closing down Broadway street and then listening to the birds sing as the sun rises in Nashville: "See you tomorrow, Bing." "It is tomorrow, Nick." Ask him sometime... it's epic.

Getting ready to hit the Nashville streets.

So while I like Diet Cherry Pepsi, ribs and mac'n'cheese, I love music. I'm happy to be here at all, and the combination of the mountain dulcimer, Folkcraft, and folks like Bing make that statement all the more true.

Thank you so much for reading.