Lots of fun things happening at Folkcraft!
Good morning, Folkcraft supporters!
Here's the latest newsletter - I hope you enjoy reading it. There are lots of fun things happening at the Folkcraft shop, and I'll try to share a few of them here this week.
Featured video
I'll start out with some big news. Folkcraft has commissioned Mandy Tyner (aka Banjo Lemonade) to create a series of videos. Short videos, just a minute or two long. Each video will demonstrate or teach something about dulcimer - something useful for the everyday player. Hopefully a "nugget" of information or a skill you can use in your everyday playing.
Our inaugural video is all about getting comfortable with the 1 1/2 fret. Here's a link to the page at Folkcraft.com that has the video, plus the PDF showing the two etudes that Mandy has prepared for us this week.
Featured dulcimer player
Starting next week I'll be featuring a dulcimer player in the newsletter. This is going to be a lot of fun, but I need your help!
Reply to this email with your photo and your bio. I'll put it in an upcoming newsletter. The photo should show both YOU and your Folkcraft dulcimer. Something casual (aka in your living room) is perfect.
In your bio, please include things like how long you've played, where you perform - church, living room, coffee shop, etc - and your favorite thing about your dulcimer. Club affiliation if you have one. Anything at all you want to share is good. If you have videos on YouTube, include a link to your channel. (Mary Ellen I'm thinking about you!)
I can't wait to see what y'all come up with. Sharing our own dulcimer experiences, and reading about other folks' stories. Don't be shy! (and feel free to leave out your location, or your last name, if having that info online makes you uncomfortable - it isn't a problem)
Ultimately, I'll probably make a page on the Folkcraft.com website that shows your photos and bios.
Our featured download this week? Aaron O'Rourke's "The Best Tunes You Never Play". This book (like everything Aaron does) is awesome. Great songs, plus clear and readable tablature. You can't go wrong with this book - 59 pages, 30 songs, plus 30 downloadable audio tracks (with Aaron playing the tunes for you to hear). Here's a link.
I'm not biased in any way. But... Everything that Aaron does is utterly awesome. Seriously awesome.
As always, thank you for your continued support of Folkcraft Instruments - we've been making dulcimers since 1968 - 53 years - and YOU are the reason we still make them.
That's all for this week - thank you for reading!
Sincerely,
Richard Ash