Search:

Sorry if it seemed like a rant - sometimes I get a little overloaded with non-period instruments at events, especially steel or nylon strings on fiddles, banjos or guitars, when the proper authentic...

Yes, stay away from the bodhrans, mandolins, String basses (upright bass), fiddles or banjos with steel or synthetic strings, electric guitars, "old timey" tunes (i.e. early twentieth century) Some...

Do you have any info on the original Libby Prison Minstrels you model yourselves after, as mentioned on your stuff on YouTube and your website? Did they use 3/4 String Bass or full size?

Eric...

Ah, yes, I forgot about that brand. That was one of the first American makers, if I recall. There are so many makers of traditional gut strings, (and silk gut combos for guitars), that it is no...

Did the minstrel group you model yourselves after use string bass? BTW, Pirastro Chorda strings, Dlugolecki, and Aquila are excellent makers of period correct gut strings. Are there any other brands...

Just curious, because I know gut strings for string basses can be quite expensive.

Eric Marten

I looked at some of your photos and videos. Looks interesting. What are the strings on your string instruments made of?

Eric Marten

I have to remember to read a little more slowly. "Gentlemen taking advantage of the discount are expected to dance with unattached ladies" With my cheap reading glasses, and reading quickly, I read...

I agree. It's near impossible to prove a negative, but when you spend years reviewing original sources and descriptions, and never come across something like this, it's generally a good idea to not...

For those interested who will be in the New York/Long Island are this weekend, Old Bethpage Village Restoration will be holding their annual Candlelight Evenings this Friday, Saturday and Sunday,...

For those interested in the sound of the fiddle in the Civil War era, you might do a search on this site for De-farbing a violin/fiddle, or "Violins and other period instruments". It is actual quite...

Jari:

Thank you so much for posting. Beautiful job - I was close to tears. Something for the holiday besides picnics and barbeques.

eric marten

I'm baffled by these videos of modern musicians. I don't get the point. BTW, Who'll Be King But Charlie is one of the best (fiddle) tunes ever.

Eric Marten

Will:

Thanks for your very thorough (as usual) list. But just to be sure, are the tunes you listed the ones you feel ARE, or ARE NOT, the best documented tunes for CW impressions? Its not too...

Thank you, Kevin, for posting that. There is more there than someone could adequately go through in an entire lifetime. I actually scanned (quickly) through all of the hundreds of resources, and so...

Interesting discussion. - I have a somewhat related question: Was it pretty much expected that a gentleman would immediately remove his hat upon entering a building, such as an inn, house,...

Ditto - Missed you guys.

Eric Marten

Edward:

Absolutely not. I'll bet they weren't period instruments either. If they were so inconsiderate, or deceptive, as to play a 20th century bluegrass song, I'm sure they didn't care about...

Yes, of course. However, it is just as easy to use only period instruments. Any violin can be "converted" to period style in about 15 minutes. The gut strings (Pirastro Chorda and other brands)...

Dave:

Nothing "wrong" with violas in this context, if they are historically correct set-up, -just that it wasn't as commonplace as violin/fiddle. I usually prefer the commonplace to the...

Mrs. Lawson, and Colleen:

I did not mean to unduly criticize anyone who is developing an authentic period impression. After being music historian at a very fine living history museum for going on...

This is a continuation of the discussion on civilian units. The moderators felt it best to continue the excellent dialogue without taking away from the original poster's queries about citizens units....

Scott:

The Saylor's Creek event I was referring to, I believe was '84. I think we did meet. As far as the music, I hope I haven't become a "music Nazi" myself though I have become as meticulous...

That Saylors Creek event was my initiation into real re-enacting. I'd done some living history (training Camp Winfield Scott) as civilian and musician before that. The event was an eye-opener. I...

Will:

Always nice conversing with you. I am just so dis-heartened when I hear so many really talented musicians, great musical selections, but performed on totally inappropriate instruments. You...