Gail Garin
Folkcraft: How long have you been playing the dulcimer?Gail: I have been playing the mountain dulcimer since 1979, when I bought an instrument at a Renaissance Fair for the outrageous price of $65 (those were the days!) I have had a number of dulcimers made by other luthiers over the years, but I have to say that my Folkcraft dulcimers, obtained within the last 10 years, are my favorites, both for sound and ease of playing.
Folkcraft: When did you get your first Folkcraft dulcimer?
Jacquie: My walnut Folkcraft was purchased from Dave Haas at the Dutchland Dulcimer Festival in PA by my spouse. It is a 27" VSL and she soon discovered that it was too large for her short fingers, and she gave it up for a 23" VSL. Lucky me! It became mine! Then, in 2022 I had a custom dulcimer made to specifications best for fingerpicking, which I do more than strumming, particularly to back up my singing.
Gail: I play and sing with the dulcimer, and do my own arranging. I play at church and have done programs for Senior Centers. I live in a retirement community and regularly play with residents in the Assisted Living and Medical wings. And I love to play all by myself. As a teen I used to sit on a rock in a creek behind my house and play
my guitar and sing. Playing music is my meditation and therapy!
Folkcraft: What other hobbies, or interests, do you have besides playing dulcimer?
Gail: I also play the hammered dulcimer and ukulele. There are too many songs, too many instruments, and too little time! In between playing instruments I walk my dog, read, and sing in a couple of choirs. Oh, and I like to embroider and quilt—I always decorate my instrument cases, which means I have covered up the Folkcraft logo.....sorry about that!