Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer!
Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer is the most extensive site for Appalachian Mountain Dulcimer players and builders on the internet. Welcome!
Join Groups and Forum discussions that interest you, make new music friends. Share photos, music clips, and videos, resources for buying instruments, music, and learning materials. Ask your beginner questions and learn to play! All are welcome here no matter what your playing style, skill level, or musical tastes. Become a member of Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer (FOTMD) community -it's friendly and totally FREE!
After joining, please read the Site Rules before posting. You'll find your very own Member Profile Page by clicking on your name link at the top of any page. Click on different links to get familiar with where things are. Questions about using the site?- ask them HERE . You've come to exactly the right place to receive or give free help and encouragement in playing music. Here on FOTMD we all learn from each other as friends. Join our block party! -Strumelia
Latest Activity
@ken-longfield
• 12 minutes ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Let's Bury The Term "Scheitholt"":
Posted a response to "Let's Bury The Term "Scheitholt"":
"The "ei" in scheitholt is pronounced as an "i" like in sight. The "ie" in German is pronounced as an "e" as in see. In Chcknj's post below "schiet" would be..."
@mark-gilston
• 44 minutes ago
• comments: 8
Liked a youtube item created by @leo-kretzner: Frazier's Jig on mountain dulcimer
Liked a youtube item created by @leo-kretzner: Frazier's Jig on mountain dulcimer
@mark-gilston
• 47 minutes ago
• comments: 0
Posted new YouTube video(s):
Come Again, Sweet Love Doth Now Invite
Come Again, Sweet Love Doth Now Invite
@davisjames
• an hour ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Let's Bury The Term "Scheitholt"":
Posted a response to "Let's Bury The Term "Scheitholt"":
"Well,well.I confess I've never heard the word "scheitholt" out loud although I play one...the apparent resemblance in the spelling to examples I cited of..."
@skip
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Just starting out, have a question:
Posted a new Comment on Just starting out, have a question:
"DAA{A} = D3-A3-A3-{A3}. DAaa says the 'aa' is A4, where they may break if tightened from 'dd. The usual difference in a string set is one bass string and 3..."
@richard-streib
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Just starting out, have a question:
Posted a new Comment on Just starting out, have a question:
"Sylvia, another option is to use a foam build up on the "handle" end of the noter. Link below to what I am talking about.
I prefer a bamboo or river cane..."
@ken-longfield
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on @okidokiebanjokie:
Posted a new Comment on @okidokiebanjokie:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Okidokiebanjokie. It's good to have you aboard. Let us know if we can help you as you begin your dulcimer journey. The mountain dulcimer is..."
@ken-longfield
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Just starting out, have a question:
Posted a new Comment on Just starting out, have a question:
"Sylvia, Wally gives you good advice. My current favorite noter is the handle cut off of an old foam brush about 4 inches long and not quite a half inch..."
@chcknj
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Let's Bury The Term "Scheitholt"":
Posted a response to "Let's Bury The Term "Scheitholt"":
"might be that there was a mix up between "scheit" and the northern dialect expression "schiet" ... >..."
@ken-longfield
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Let's Bury The Term "Scheitholt"":
Posted a response to "Let's Bury The Term "Scheitholt"":
"I put "scheit" into three translation websites, Google Translate, Reverso, and DeepL. Google comes up with "fails" or "failure" and under noun it says "Log"..."
@wally-venable
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Just starting out, have a question:
Posted a new Comment on Just starting out, have a question:
"My old fingers are OK for playing, but I use a noter which is about half an inch in diameter and six inches long. It is just cut from a 1/2" dowel from..."
@robin-thompson
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
"Giving this thread a bump. Saturday 28 March 2026 is International Appalachian Dulcimer Day-- always the last Saturday in March!
We celebrate the..."
@sylvia
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Just starting out, have a question:
Posted a new Comment on Just starting out, have a question:
"Good morning, beginner player here with McSpadden Ginger. 2 weeks in to this journey I see that drone/ noter is going to suit me well. 2 questions: my left..."
@chcknj
• 9 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Let's Bury The Term "Scheitholt"":
Posted a response to "Let's Bury The Term "Scheitholt"":
"... and when you cross the french border the thing is called "épinette de voges" ... that's the funny thing with Europe and its different languages. ;-) and..."
@ken-longfield
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new Group discussion "The Story of the Hummel":
Created a new Group discussion "The Story of the Hummel":
"Wilfried Ulrich's book, The Story of The Hummel , is available again in the United States. It can be purchased through this website:..."
Dulcimer Ancestors
Dulcimer Ancestors
@ken-longfield
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new Group discussion "The Story of the Hummel":
Created a new Group discussion "The Story of the Hummel":
"Anyone interested in the history of the Appalachian (mountain) dulcimer should have a copy of The Story of the Hummel by Wilfried Ulrich. The book is again..."
Mountain Dulcimer History & Traditions
Mountain Dulcimer History & Traditions
@ken-longfield
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "The Story of the Hummel":
Created a new forum topic "The Story of the Hummel":
"The Story of the Hummel book by Wilfried Ulrich is available again in United States. Check out this website:..."
@ken-longfield
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 17
Posted a new Comment on Berea Traditional Dulcimer Gathering:
Posted a new Comment on Berea Traditional Dulcimer Gathering:
"Thank for posting the link to Berea College's collection. I know the folks who attended our last Gathering appreciate seeing and handling those dulcimers...."
@randy-adams
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 0
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: Come In From the Cold
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: Come In From the Cold
@robin-thompson
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 17
Posted a new Comment on Berea Traditional Dulcimer Gathering:
Posted a new Comment on Berea Traditional Dulcimer Gathering:
"Thank you for the link, @wally-venable! "
@wally-venable
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 17
Posted a new Comment on Berea Traditional Dulcimer Gathering:
Posted a new Comment on Berea Traditional Dulcimer Gathering:
"Berea College Library recently posted an updated page on their dulcimer collection. It has data and photos of 15 instruments...."
@robin-thompson
• yesterday
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Drifting off - a lullaby :
Posted a new Comment on Drifting off - a lullaby :
"Hey, Jamie @davisjames-- we're glad you like that drop D sound with the dulcimer! Thanks for listening! "
@davisjames
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Let's Bury The Term "Scheitholt"":
Posted a response to "Let's Bury The Term "Scheitholt"":
"Yep-the Dutch word for "Shite".. Ireland and NL as well.I thought of calling it a Hummel but that seems to be a different beast.I was in Germany 10 years..."
@davisjames
• yesterday
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on Ymbwyllo (Unwinding):
Posted a new Comment on Ymbwyllo (Unwinding):
"Hello Beth.I was playing a hornpipe on the dulcimer the other day and thought "that sounds like Beth T!"...a good reference point,More,please.All the best in..."
@davisjames
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: Come In From the Cold
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: Come In From the Cold
@davisjames
• yesterday
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Drifting off - a lullaby :
Posted a new Comment on Drifting off - a lullaby :
"That's a gorgeous blend,the dulcimer tuning and drop D on the guitar."
@sylvia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 12
Posted a new Comment on Help with tuning?:
Posted a new Comment on Help with tuning?:
"A chromatic tuner app helped me a lot. Now I can tune it quickly and I’m not afraid to snap those melody strings."
@chrisshannon
• 2 days ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on @chrisshannon:
Posted a new Comment on @chrisshannon:
"Thank you for the kind words of welcome! I signed up for a class at the John C. Campbell Folk Art School for this upcoming weekend. Unfortunately, I learned..."
@leo-kretzner
• 2 days ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Frazier's Jig on mountain dulcimer:
Posted a new Comment on Frazier's Jig on mountain dulcimer:
"Thanks for feedback, everyone. Ken, yes I had the one-and-a-half added years ago; it took some getting used to but I wouldn't be without it now, even though..."
@dusty
• 2 days ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Frazier's Jig on mountain dulcimer:
Posted a new Comment on Frazier's Jig on mountain dulcimer:
"Your left hand is masterful here, Leo. Despite the triple meter, your right hand can be fully relaxed, slowly going back-and-forth, as your left hand uses..."
@wally-venable
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Let's Bury The Term "Scheitholt"":
Posted a response to "Let's Bury The Term "Scheitholt"":
""As to the linguistic issue, scheiße is the German word for sh*t. Scheit in the 16th century was log or piece of wood. I think that is still the translation..."
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @ken-longfield: Let's Bury The Term "Scheitholt"
Liked a forum discussions item created by @ken-longfield: Let's Bury The Term "Scheitholt"
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @jerry-posner: Geoffrey R. Johnson Dulcimer?
Liked a forum discussions item created by @jerry-posner: Geoffrey R. Johnson Dulcimer?
@ken-longfield
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Let's Bury The Term "Scheitholt"":
Posted a response to "Let's Bury The Term "Scheitholt"":
"Wally, thanks for your comments. I found no evidence of shops making musical instruments in Pennsylvania making zitters. There were some violin makers and of..."
@wally-venable
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Let's Bury The Term "Scheitholt"":
Posted a response to "Let's Bury The Term "Scheitholt"":
"Ken Longfield and Ken Hulme said""These instruments were constructed by craftsmen on an individual basis probably in home workshops. There is no record of..."
@dusty
• 3 days ago
• comments: 8
Liked a youtube item created by @leo-kretzner: Frazier's Jig on mountain dulcimer
Liked a youtube item created by @leo-kretzner: Frazier's Jig on mountain dulcimer
@dusty
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Let's Bury The Term "Scheitholt"":
Posted a response to "Let's Bury The Term "Scheitholt"":
"Interesting and persuasive stuff, Ken. Thanks for sharing."
@rob-williams
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Geoffrey R. Johnson Dulcimer? ":
Posted a response to "Geoffrey R. Johnson Dulcimer? ":
"Jerry- I know you posted this query about your Geoffrey Johnson Dulcimer 2 years ago but I'm just getting around to finding it. I also have a Johnson made..."
@robin-thompson
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Let's Bury The Term "Scheitholt"":
Posted a response to "Let's Bury The Term "Scheitholt"":
"There will be no burning of mountain dulcimers here at my house! "
@ken-longfield
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Let's Bury The Term "Scheitholt"":
Posted a response to "Let's Bury The Term "Scheitholt"":
"A comment I received via email suggested a better way of saying: In German, scheit means log or piece of wood, while holt or holz means wood. I like the..."
@robin-thompson
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Let's Bury The Term "Scheitholt"":
Posted a response to "Let's Bury The Term "Scheitholt"":
"Thanks, Ken L & Ken H for the research and your article! One thing I realize is the story of the Appalachian dulcimer and its origins is still being..."
@robin-thompson
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @ken-longfield: Let's Bury The Term "Scheitholt"
Liked a forum discussions item created by @ken-longfield: Let's Bury The Term "Scheitholt"
@ken-longfield
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Let's Bury The Term "Scheitholt"":
Posted a response to "Let's Bury The Term "Scheitholt"":
"Here is a bibliography for the article.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song." "
@ken-longfield
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Let's Bury The Term "Scheitholt"":
Created a new forum topic "Let's Bury The Term "Scheitholt"":
"I learned today that theme of February, 2026 issue of Dulcimer Players News will not be "tradition." I submitted an article in 2024 and was asked if it could..."
@ken-longfield
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "fret markers.":
Posted a response to "fret markers.":
"Oh my, Strumelia, that poor guitar!
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@wally-venable
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "fret markers.":
Posted a response to "fret markers.":
"I have dot placed stickers, using stationary department dots or masking tape, on one or two of the instruments I own, but if I buy a modestly priced dulcimer..."
@jennifer-landry
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "fret markers.":
Posted a response to "fret markers.":
"Thanks for the tip about that. My dulcimers live in their cases with their humidifiers as our house is dry as heck all winter even with room humidifiers so..."
@strumelia
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "fret markers.":
Posted a response to "fret markers.":
"I thought i'd add one little tip here... Wooden dulcimers and other instruments tend to darken over time when exposed to light. This can be a nice thing, for..."
@olddog75
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: Come In From the Cold
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: Come In From the Cold
Join a Group! All
Beginner players
Are you a brand new player? Join this group and ask all...
OLD STYLE Drone & Noter...
If you are an avid fan of the older traditional mountain...
Dulcimer Making
A group for those building dulcimers or interested in...
Modern/Chord style Players
Do you play chords and fret across all strings? Then...
Fingerpicking
A place to discuss fingerpicking styles of dulcimer...
Hymn and Worship Song Players
a place to share the hymns and worship songs we are playing.
The Music Theory Corner
A Group to talk about Music Theory!
Dulcimer Care & Maintenance
Tips, tricks and techniques to help care for your dulcimer.
Rockin' in the Free World
A group for those of you who like to play music not...
Mountain Dulcimer History &...
Share historical information and resources on the...
Technology/Software/Amplifying
to share info on all aspects of using tech: Amplifying,...
Singing with the Dulcimer
Here's a group for those of us who are interested in...
Arranging/composing for...
A group to discuss creating arrangements of songs and...
Four-Equidistant Strings
A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
Little Dulcimers
Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
Baritone & Bass Dulcimer...
A Group for discussing the unique aspects of playing...
fans of Jean Ritchie
A group for those of us who have been inspired by...
Early & Classical Music
For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
Help Me Learn this Song
Need help learning to play a particular song? Let another...
I have extra frets.....
This group is for those who have a 1 1/2 fret, an 8 1/2...
Public Domain... or Not?
Ever wanted to record or post that tune, but you just...
Dulcimer Therapy
This group is dedicated to those that visit, or have a...
Home Studio Recording
Recording dulcimers, vocals and other instruments in the...
Dulcimer Ancestors
Looking at some of the ancestors of the Mountain...
Dulcimer teachers
Do you teach dulcimer? Are you helping others to learn?
Stick Dulcimers/Strumsticks
Regardless of what name you favor, this group is a...
Chromatic Dulcimers
For players who enjoy playing dulcimers with ALL the frets!
UK and European Mountain...
A group which hopefully allows players/makers in this...
Box Dulcimers
A group for those who play, make, or admire all types...
Galax Dulcimer Lovers
Just a group to discuss all things Galax Dulcimer. Tips...
Call the Tune
"Call the Tune" is a place to post audio and video...
Civil War era music
For discussing music that was played around the time of...
GIG TALK!
Do you play gigs? Tell us about your good and not-so-good...
Scrap/Recycled wood...
A group for those thrifty and creative folk who like to...
Rosin the Bow!
Welcome to all who play music using a bow on any type of...
Challenged Players
A meeting place for players dealing with disabilities.
NorthEastern U.S. dulcimer...
For those of us who live in the northeastern United States.
Virginia Dulcimer Players
Just thought it would be neet to know how many other...
Prayers, Hugs, and Kindness
A group for private sharing and support, whether you are...
6 string dulcimers
Owning and playing a 6 string, regardless of tuning, and...
California Dulcimer Dreamin'
For dulcimer players living in or just visiting California
North Carolinians Plus
The Three Sides of North Carolina: Mountains / Piedmont /...
Texas Dulcimer Enthusiasts
Howdy ya'll! Come on by for a cup o' joe and jammin....
Kentucky Dulcimer Players
A group for any players from Kentucky where we can meet...
West Virginia players
A group just for dulcimer players in beautiful West...
Florida Sunshine Dulcimer...
Florida Dulcimer Players
Pacific Northwest Players
For players who live in or have strong connections to the...
Missouri Dulcimer Players
for all the Show Me State dulcimer players
Indiana Players
Welcome all dulcimer players in the state of Indiana!...
North of the Lakes
for any MD players in Upper Canada (aka Ontario) and the...
Arkansas Mtn Dulcimer Players
For those who live in Arkansas and love playing the...
AussieTalk!
For dulcimer players in Australia.-Be sure to create...
Site Moderators Group
A private group to allow FOTMD moderators to communicate...
Latest Videos
All
Latest Forum Posts All
Let's Bury The Term...
Posted: Saturday January 24 2026, 3:47 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
International Appalachian...
Posted: Saturday January 24 2026, 9:02 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
The Story of the Hummel
Posted: Friday January 23 2026, 11:03 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Geoffrey R. Johnson Dulcimer?
Posted: Wednesday January 21 2026, 9:01 PM
By: @Rob Williams
By: @Rob Williams
fret markers.
Posted: Wednesday January 21 2026, 12:41 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Low-maintenance/easy-to-pla...
Posted: Thursday January 15 2026, 9:11 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
chromatic V.S.L.
Posted: Monday January 12 2026, 4:57 PM
By: @Lilley Pad
By: @Lilley Pad
Family History & Tales of...
Posted: Friday January 9 2026, 10:34 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
More or less overtones
Posted: Wednesday January 7 2026, 4:06 PM
By: @Dwain Wilder
By: @Dwain Wilder
New editor looking for...
Posted: Monday January 5 2026, 5:36 AM
By: @Redmando
By: @Redmando
The Positive Thread...
Posted: Thursday January 1 2026, 4:51 PM
By: @Richard Streib
By: @Richard Streib
How do I create a new forum...
Posted: Wednesday December 31 2025, 5:25 PM
By: @Bob
By: @Bob
My dulcimer collection
Posted: Tuesday December 30 2025, 9:34 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Chet Hines “dulcimore”
Posted: Monday December 29 2025, 8:47 AM
By: @paula
By: @paula
At a Dinner Party
Posted: Friday December 26 2025, 5:39 PM
By: @Alex_Lubet
By: @Alex_Lubet
Two new reviews of my...
Posted: Friday December 26 2025, 1:09 PM
By: @Alex_Lubet
By: @Alex_Lubet
A Very Merry Christmas to...
Posted: Thursday December 25 2025, 5:10 PM
By: @RobMachin
By: @RobMachin
Is it worth gifting this...
Posted: Wednesday December 24 2025, 7:30 PM
By: @hugssandi
By: @hugssandi
Ever seen an epinette like...
Posted: Wednesday December 24 2025, 1:55 PM
By: @Mark Gilston
By: @Mark Gilston
How Many Dulcimers Do You...
Posted: Monday December 22 2025, 1:26 PM
By: @RDaleMc
By: @RDaleMc
Directing Facebook Dulcimer...
Posted: Monday December 22 2025, 1:21 PM
By: @RDaleMc
By: @RDaleMc
Peterson Tuner
Posted: Sunday December 21 2025, 4:17 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Plucked psaltries
Posted: Wednesday December 17 2025, 6:22 PM
By: @Mr. Woolery
By: @Mr. Woolery
Western North Carolina...
Posted: Tuesday December 16 2025, 4:24 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Retuning
Posted: Wednesday December 10 2025, 6:31 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Blue Lion Soprano Dulcimer...
Posted: Monday December 8 2025, 10:29 AM
By: @Debi
By: @Debi
Cyndi Lauper live
Posted: Sunday November 30 2025, 10:47 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Playing with hand issues
Posted: Friday November 28 2025, 1:51 PM
By: @John Pettreemusic
By: @John Pettreemusic
Shifting bridge and nut
Posted: Sunday November 23 2025, 10:03 PM
By: @Shopdad
By: @Shopdad
Leveling of frets - why?
Posted: Sunday November 23 2025, 9:33 PM
By: @Shopdad
By: @Shopdad
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