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
@robin-thompson
• 44 minutes ago
• comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on A Skift of Snow:
Posted a new Comment on A Skift of Snow:
"Hey, @davisjames Jamie, feel free to put some pedal steel to it! "
@davisjames
• an hour ago
• comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on A Skift of Snow:
Posted a new Comment on A Skift of Snow:
"I played in and also arranged for many trad/folk bands in the past.Your music always gets my imagination going re arrangements.I like the fact that you keep..."
@diamondintherough
• 2 hours ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on @diamondintherough:
Posted a new Comment on @diamondintherough:
"Hello all. I came across this beautiful dulcimer made by Brad Conatser from 10-22-14. It’s cherry, walnut, maple and birch. Smokey Mountain Dulcimers,..."
@carol-h
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Back to Blackberry Creek:
Posted a new Comment on Back to Blackberry Creek:
"Awesome. Good memories are good medicine : ) I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thank you!
DavisJames:
I really enjoyed this.I used to stay with my grandparents in..."
@davisjames
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Back to Blackberry Creek:
Posted a new Comment on Back to Blackberry Creek:
"I really enjoyed this.I used to stay with my grandparents in the summer in a remote area of Ontario.I have similar memories."
@robin-thompson
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Blue Sky, Pink Clouds, and a Quiet Crow:
Posted a new Comment on Blue Sky, Pink Clouds, and a Quiet Crow:
"@macaodha We're glad you found the tune soothing-- we hoped it would be that sort of tune. Many thanks for giving it a listen there in Ireland. You live in..."
@strumelia
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 8
Liked a youtube item created by @beth-t: Y Gwyliau (The Holidays)
Liked a youtube item created by @beth-t: Y Gwyliau (The Holidays)
@macaodha
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Blue Sky, Pink Clouds, and a Quiet Crow:
Posted a new Comment on Blue Sky, Pink Clouds, and a Quiet Crow:
"Very soothing music on this damp cold morning here in Ireland."
@macaodha
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Y Gwyliau (The Holidays):
Posted a new Comment on Y Gwyliau (The Holidays):
"Very very nice."
@dusty
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Y Gwyliau (The Holidays):
Posted a new Comment on Y Gwyliau (The Holidays):
"What a charming tune! Thanks for sharing."
@richard-streib
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Possum Board":
Posted a response to "Possum Board":
"Nate, I am experimenting with different heights off the possum board. I'll let you know if my ears can tell a difference in tone."
@homer-ross
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Y Gwyliau (The Holidays):
Posted a new Comment on Y Gwyliau (The Holidays):
"Beautiful Beth!"
@homer-ross
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 8
Liked a youtube item created by @beth-t: Y Gwyliau (The Holidays)
Liked a youtube item created by @beth-t: Y Gwyliau (The Holidays)
@beth-t
• yesterday
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Dance to your Daddy
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Dance to your Daddy
@mark-gilston
• yesterday
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Dance to your Daddy:
Posted a new Comment on Dance to your Daddy:
"DavisJames:
Great to hear that.I once played in a folk band with a "Geordie".. he had words for this melody.
Dance to your daddy, my little laddie,
Dance..."
@beth-t
• yesterday
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Y Gwyliau (The Holidays):
Posted a new Comment on Y Gwyliau (The Holidays):
"Robin Thompson:
Beth, this is delightful!
Thanks Robin. Happy New Year to you!"
@beth-t
• yesterday
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Y Gwyliau (The Holidays):
Posted a new Comment on Y Gwyliau (The Holidays):
"DavisJames:
That's gorgeous,Beth.
Thanks Jamie. Much appreciated!"
@robin-thompson
• yesterday
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Y Gwyliau (The Holidays):
Posted a new Comment on Y Gwyliau (The Holidays):
"Beth, this is delightful! "
@robin-thompson
• yesterday
• comments: 8
Liked a youtube item created by @beth-t: Y Gwyliau (The Holidays)
Liked a youtube item created by @beth-t: Y Gwyliau (The Holidays)
@davisjames
• yesterday
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Dance to your Daddy:
Posted a new Comment on Dance to your Daddy:
"Great to hear that.I once played in a folk band with a "Geordie".. he had words for this melody."
@davisjames
• yesterday
• comments: 10
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
@davisjames
• yesterday
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Y Gwyliau (The Holidays):
Posted a new Comment on Y Gwyliau (The Holidays):
"That's gorgeous,Beth."
@davisjames
• yesterday
• comments: 4
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: Blue Sky, Pink Clouds, and a Quiet Crow
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: Blue Sky, Pink Clouds, and a Quiet Crow
@phil-myers
• yesterday
• comments: 4
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: Blue Sky, Pink Clouds, and a Quiet Crow
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: Blue Sky, Pink Clouds, and a Quiet Crow
@beth-t
• yesterday
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Ymbwyllo (Unwinding):
Posted a new Comment on Ymbwyllo (Unwinding):
"DavisJames:
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..."
@beth-t
• yesterday
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Y Gwyliau (The Holidays):
Posted a new Comment on Y Gwyliau (The Holidays):
"Been making up my own tunes again over Christmas and the New Year. Here’s one. "
@beth-t
• yesterday
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Reynardine.:
Posted a new Comment on Reynardine.:
"You create a great atmosphere with this song Jamie. Much enjoyed it!"
@shopdad
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The use of hammer-on, pull-off and slide. ":
Posted a response to "The use of hammer-on, pull-off and slide. ":
"I like that Nate. I think I found out how cool it sounds by accident. Now it seems natural in some arrangements. Same with pull offs. Just sounds natural and..."
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The use of hammer-on, pull-off and slide. ":
Posted a response to "The use of hammer-on, pull-off and slide. ":
"Sliding between frets is one of my favorite things about playing the dulcimer. I like to use the side of my thumbnail for long slides up and down the melody..."
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Possum Board":
Posted a response to "Possum Board":
"When I build one with a double back, I usually only give it about 1/8th of an inch gap. I suspect that the size of the gap would have a subtle impact on how..."
@richard-streib
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @juhasz:
Posted a new Comment on @juhasz:
"Thank you for joining Juhasz. Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. This is a very friendly community so jump right in and join the conversations...."
@richard-streib
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @martyman:
Posted a new Comment on @martyman:
"Glad you joined Martyman.. Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. This is a great forum with a lot of information. We have a number of builders who are..."
@robin-thompson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 11
Posted a new Comment on Today In Mountain Dulcimer History: February:
Posted a new Comment on Today In Mountain Dulcimer History: February:
"Yes, David, thank you for sharing these postings monthly-- so much varied mountain dulcimer history! "
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @juhasz:
Posted a new Comment on @juhasz:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Juhasz. It's good to have you aboard. This is a wonderful community of mountain dulcimer enthusiasts. Have fun exploring the site. I look..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @cindyc:
Posted a new Comment on @cindyc:
"Hi Cindy, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the dulcimer,..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @okidokiebanjokie:
Posted a new Comment on @okidokiebanjokie:
"Hi Okidokie, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the..."
@robin-thompson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Blue Sky, Pink Clouds, and a Quiet Crow:
Posted a new Comment on Blue Sky, Pink Clouds, and a Quiet Crow:
"Hey, thanks, @dan! I counted it in because I wanted my guitar player to keep it slow. haha "
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @rita-arrington:
Posted a new Comment on @rita-arrington:
"Hi Rita, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the dulcimer,..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @martyman:
Posted a new Comment on @martyman:
"Hi Marty, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the dulcimer,..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @juhasz:
Posted a new Comment on @juhasz:
"Hi Juhasz, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the dulcimer,..."
@john-c-knopf
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Possum Board":
Posted a response to "Possum Board":
"A double-back is a permanent part of the instrument, whereas a possum-board is a temporary, removable part that the instrument can be set on. "
@homer-ross
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Possum Board":
Posted a response to "Possum Board":
"What is the difference between a double back and a possum board?"
@homer-ross
• 2 days ago
• comments: 11
Posted a new Comment on Today In Mountain Dulcimer History: February:
Posted a new Comment on Today In Mountain Dulcimer History: February:
"Thank you for this valuable resource."
@homer-ross
• 2 days ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on How Great Thou Art:
Posted a new Comment on How Great Thou Art:
"Very well played and very enjoyable. Great tune."
@homer-ross
• 2 days ago
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @phil-myers: How Great Thou Art
Liked a youtube item created by @phil-myers: How Great Thou Art
@dan
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Blue Sky, Pink Clouds, and a Quiet Crow:
Posted a new Comment on Blue Sky, Pink Clouds, and a Quiet Crow:
"Well done!"
@dan
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: Blue Sky, Pink Clouds, and a Quiet Crow
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: Blue Sky, Pink Clouds, and a Quiet Crow
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...
Florida Sunshine Dulcimer...
Florida Dulcimer Players
West Virginia players
A group just for dulcimer players in beautiful West...
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
Possum Board
Posted: Monday February 2 2026, 7:30 PM
By: @Richard Streib
By: @Richard Streib
The use of hammer-on,...
Posted: Monday February 2 2026, 7:27 AM
By: @Shopdad
By: @Shopdad
Garage Band Clean AMP?
Posted: Friday January 30 2026, 9:53 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Blue Lion model IIRS; Style...
Posted: Thursday January 29 2026, 6:37 PM
By: @Lilley Pad
By: @Lilley Pad
Leveling of frets - why?
Posted: Thursday January 29 2026, 1:51 PM
By: @Shopdad
By: @Shopdad
RIP Ron Ewing
Posted: Thursday January 29 2026, 10:22 AM
By: @cairney
By: @cairney
The Praetorius Scheitholt
Posted: Tuesday January 27 2026, 10:48 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
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
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