Mike Dana's Music Page

Mike Dana's Music Page

I began singing (in public) at the beginning of my Senior year of High School. At that time, my range was pretty much limited to "Low Bass" (basso profundo). In the years since then, I've extended my range to approximately two and a half octaves (without going falsetto), and gained the confidence to perform solo.

I sight-read in the bass clef and (being a natural mimic) learn readily by ear. To a limited extent, I can also transpose by ear, and can improvise harmonies, counter-point, and "Doo-Wop". "Favorite" styles include Folk (including Hymns), Celtic, Country, Blues, R & B, Rock and Gospel.

Percussion:

In August of 1992 I took up the Bodhrán (Celtic frame drum), which I play primarily by ear. My main Bodhrán is an 18-inch Waltons, played with a Cooperman Tipper. Additional percussion instruments include a pair of Rosewood Claves, Shakers, Finger Cymbals, various Hand Drums and a Yamaha 4-pad Electronic Drum Machine. I also play, but do not currently own, Congas and Djembe. I specialize in, but am not limited to, "Celtic"-style Rhythms.

Irish Bouzouki

In January of 1996 I bought my Irish Bouzouki from Wayne Norris at Anacortes Music Co., and began taking lessons from him.

This beautiful instrument has 8 brass-wound steel strings in 4 courses, currently tuned GDAE (low to high), one octave below the Violin and Mandolin. The top is Western Red Cedar, with a Rosewood fretboard. The neck is Mahogany, and the back and sides are of Quilted Maple. It was hand-built by William Petersen, and is serial #10. A Fishman pickup has been installed, making it rather "hot" when amplified.

I find myself doing more melody playing than anything, but am also working on "finger-picking" and strumming. I read music; and am working on my "play-by-ear" skills. My primary area of interest has been Scottish, Irish and American Folk music, but I have also worked on English & Welsh Folk, Country/Western, Rock and Gospel pieces. My goal is to be able to make it sound as beautiful as it looks.

Betty is a Washburn Lyon Electric Bass, tuned (in Fifths) to DAEB, making it "The World's Largest Electric Mandolin". I did this to avoid having to learn a separate tuning, which would distract me from my "primary" instrument, the Bouzouki. I still consider myself a "beginner" on the Bass.

Ronnie, a Washburn Maverick BT-2 Electric Guitar, has been similarly retuned (again in Fifths) to AbEbBbFCG, making it an "Electric Cittern".

Heads turn when I crank out "Kail Pot" or "Amazing Grace" on Betty, waaaaay down in the basement, and I'm currently working on a "Spanish"-sounding piece on Ronnie... I've found that I can do things on the electric, like hammer-ons and pull-offs, that just don't work as well on the high-tension strings of my Bouzouki, so this gives me considerable added flexibility.

This is a Samick "Artist Series" Mandolin, which I purchased in order to have something to practice on while my Bouzouki was in the shop having the Fishman pickup installed. It's a sweet sounding, but otherwise unremarkable instrument, giving good quality at a reasonable price. Eventually, I'd like to replace it with a Mid Missouri (or something comparable).

Links, etc.

W.A. Petersen, W. A. Peterson String Shop
6119 Lafayette Ave.,
Omaha, Nebraska 68132
USA
PHONE: (402) 558 9215
E-mail: zouk254@aol.com

Han Speek's Bouzouki Page
Mandolin Cafe
Mid Missouri Mandolin Co.

More to come...




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since 20 February, 2000

This page was last updated on 13 June, 2005.