Homestead mailing list

[Roy Morgan <k1lky AT earthlink.net>]

On Jun 29, 2008, at 10:12 PM, WF Smith wrote:

> One extreme use of the trapezoidal machine:
> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6YZBcxkNKI&feature=related

That playing reminds me of a Japanese student at my college.  He  
played the piano with astounding rapidity. Everything the same speed:  
too fast.  No feeling. No melody.  No subtlety at all.


On Jun 29, 2008, at 9:53 PM, Clansgian AT wmconnect.com wrote:
> ..
> Pentagonal, indeed!   It's a trapezoid!

Of course - four sides, left and right sides at an angle.

> > > There are two sets of strings interlaced at an angle  .
>
> Or three on some bass instruments.

Maybe I should not expect to begin learning on such a one.

>   ...  Each course of
> strings sounds two notes.

I thought that might be the case, but wasn't sure.

> There are diatonic hammered dulcimers,

Would such an instrument be "able to play in all keys"?

> Yes indeed!  But the trick is to make the box so that the 700lbs of  
> tension
> from all the strings doesn't rip it apart before it is up to pitch.

That certainly makes sense.  Same for old pianos that have to have a  
new sounding board, I understand.

> ... the whistle player
> passed around a bottle of Bushmill.

I learn that "The Old Bushmills Distillery was founded in 1608"  No  
doubt their modern products benefit from all those years of experience.

Roy

Roy Morgan
k1lky AT earthlink.net
Lovettsville, VA 20180