Monday, October 27, 2014

New Co. Antrim Hammered Dulcimer maker ~ Francie Mchugh!

I'm delighted to be able to tell you that Hammered Dulcimers are, 
once again, being made in Co. Antrim.
Here's a recent photo of Co Antrim man Francie Mchugh
by the harbour in Carnlough with his very first Dulcimer.
Francie Mchugh & his own self made Hammered Dulcimer.
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Here's a closer look at Francie Mchugh & his very 1st Dulcimer.

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Here's Francie Mchugh's 2nd Dulcimer,
 on display last weekend at the Roe Valley Folk Festival in Limavady.
This is an absolutely beautiful looking Dulcimer.
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Hammered Dulcimer Session in Limavady, Co. Derry!

I had a cracking session with Scottish Dulcimer player / maker Jack Bethel 
last Sunday in Limavady, Co. Derry, at the Roe Valley Folk Festival.
However, I first met up with Jack on the Saturday,
when he was playing just off the main street with the group Haggerdash.

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We met up with Francie Mchugh & were able to check out his own hand-made 
Co. Antrim Dulcimer,
the first to be made in Co. Antrim, the home of the Hammered Dulcimer in Ireland, 
for many a long year.
Hand Made Hammered Dulcimer by Francie Mchugh
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Later, we had a few tunes in a local pub, the Douglas Bar.
Jack Bethel on Dulcimer & myself on Fiddle.
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Jack Bethel on Dulcimer & myself on Fiddle.
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On the Sunday afternoon, we met up again for a few tunes, 
in the Alexander Arms Hotel.
while I played one of Jack's own Dulcimers,
alongside the band Haggerdash.
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I played one of Jack's own Dulcimers & a wee cracker it is, too.
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The full Team ~ Haggerdash .. & me
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In this shot, I'm playing my Rick Thum 17/17
Jack Bethel is playing his own hand made Dulcimer.
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Yes, playing the Dulcimer is lots of fun.
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