Bardic 13 Supplement?

[MyrddinParticipant]

On the final page of Bardic 13 – Bardic Music Greywolf mentions a supplementary booklet with guidance on building instruments from scratch. Where is this supplement?

I’ve built a few instruments over the years, but am always keen to learn new skills and build new stuff. Be interested if anyone knows where to find this one!

Blessings to all.

[GreywolfKeymaster]

Hi Myrddin,
What was intended to form a supplementary booklet ended up finding its way into bardic booklet 15, pages 27-44. I’m still working on building my own harp based on the outlines in bardic 15. I’m using Oak from a 600-year-old tree that fell about four years ago so is still relatively green. Having cut it to size, I’m allowing it to settle a bit more before completing the build. A real test of patience!
Incidentally, I’m just putting the finishing touches to a three-year revision of the entire bardic course the results of which should be available soon.
All good blessings,
Greywolf /|\

[MyrddinParticipant]

Hello Greywolf,
Thanks for your response – I had just worked out that Bardic 15 contained what had probably been intended as a supplement when I saw your post!
I’m impressed that you are taking on the harp, it’s a pretty big build. No doubt you will acquire any number of new skills along the way. I wish you well.
I enjoyed your ‘review’ of musicians, and while I know you can never name everyone there were one or two ‘special’ people you missed.
The great Sandy Denny (I was lucky enough to see the interation of Fairport with Sandy, Richard Thompson and Dave Swarbrick – gives away our ages somewhat!), whose “Who knows where the time goes” is one of my all time favourite songs. Another worth a listen if you haven’t heard it is “Fotheringay” – Sandy and Richard Thompson dueting on guitars. Beautiful. Swarb of course is the epitomy of the folk fiddle and mandolin musician.
Another you failed to mention, and the inspiration for my first instrument build, is Joni Mitchell. Her album ‘Blue’ led me to construct a mountain dulcimer. As a long time sufferer from MIAS (Musical Instrument Acquisition Syndrome) I couldn’t stop there. Some years ago a made a stick dulcimer, sometimes called a strumstick, with a mahogany neck and empty tin of fudge(!) as a soundbox. Very similar to your Timpan, but tuned DAD, with brass frets and a small antique hinge for a heel. It’s fretted diatonically so there are no ‘wrong’ notes and it’s easy for even non-musicians to play. I added a piezo pick-up just for fun. I’ve been “commissioned” by my eldest daughter and grandson to make a short neck version which they intend to take on camping trips with their friends to play around the campfire.
Having read booklet 15, I now fancy trying a lyre, and I’ve still got a lovely slab of mahogany which I intend to use for a lap steel guitar. So many plans, so little time!
Finally thank you for the immense effort you have, and are, putting into the course booklets, they’re superb!
Blessings
Myrddin

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