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
@kirsten
• an hour ago
• comments: 527
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
"Good eye! Yes it's a Keith Young. My father has the history of the collection and we're doing knowledge transfer now. I can ask him tomorrow.
My parents..."
@ken-longfield
• 2 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @kirsten:
Posted a new Comment on @kirsten:
"Kirsten, that's a beautiful courting dulcimer. Do you know if the top is butternut? It looks like the rest of the dulcimer might be walnut. Was it made by..."
@kirsten
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 527
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
"Hi, Ken! Thank you for the welcome.
My mother was a dulcimer teacher and collected Keith Young instruments. She had a couple of Bill Berg's as well. I'm..."
@richard-streib
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @kirsten:
Posted a new Comment on @kirsten:
"Glad you joined Kirsten. Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. How special to have your mother's collection. I am sure you treasure that. Jump right..."
@banjostray
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 0
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Da Slockit Light
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Da Slockit Light
@ken-longfield
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @kirsten:
Posted a new Comment on @kirsten:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Kirsten. It's good to have you aboard. You will find this a welcoming and knowledgeable group of mountain dulcimer enthusiasts. Don't be..."
@strumelia
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 8
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: All the Abandoned Mines (with birds singing outside)
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: All the Abandoned Mines (with birds singing outside)
@dusty
• 9 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Family History & Tales of Walt Martin & Sunhearth Dulcimers":
Posted a response to "Family History & Tales of Walt Martin & Sunhearth Dulcimers":
"Welcome to FOTMD, Lara. You should indeed be proud. Both Sunhearth and Bear Meadow have attainted the status of legends in the dulcimer community for both..."
@dusty
• 9 hours ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @larawilder: Family History & Tales of Walt Martin & Sunhearth Dulcimers
Liked a forum discussions item created by @larawilder: Family History & Tales of Walt Martin & Sunhearth Dulcimers
@larawilder
• 9 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Family History & Tales of Walt Martin & Sunhearth Dulcimers":
Created a new forum topic "Family History & Tales of Walt Martin & Sunhearth Dulcimers":
"I am a member of the Martin family who grew up going to Sunhearth every year. I am also the daughter of DwainW. of Bear Meadow dulcimers.
I would love to..."
@larawilder
• 10 hours ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @strumelia: FAQ / member guidelines- Please read!
Liked a forum discussions item created by @strumelia: FAQ / member guidelines- Please read!
@ken-longfield
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on @larawilder:
Posted a new Comment on @larawilder:
"Lara, I don't know anything about the 4th of July gathering. As to the proper forum, I think the General Mountain Dulcimer forum would be the best place to..."
@phil-myers
• 12 hours ago
• comments: 8
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: All the Abandoned Mines (with birds singing outside)
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: All the Abandoned Mines (with birds singing outside)
@robin-thompson
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on All the Abandoned Mines (with birds singing outside) :
Posted a new Comment on All the Abandoned Mines (with birds singing outside) :
"@john-c-knopf Yes, there you were playing your cool build of an Uncle Will Singleton style mountain dulcimer right there on the sidewalk! "
@john-c-knopf
• yesterday
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on All the Abandoned Mines (with birds singing outside) :
Posted a new Comment on All the Abandoned Mines (with birds singing outside) :
"Same to you, Robin! You two make some fine music. I'm glad we met way back in Berea at the Dulcimer Homecoming."
@larawilder
• yesterday
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on @larawilder:
Posted a new Comment on @larawilder:
"Richard Streib:
Welcome Lara Wilder to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. So glad you joined. This is a great community of wonderful dulcimer people. We have..."
@larawilder
• yesterday
• comments: 527
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
"Hi Ken,
Thanks so much for the warm welcome! I love that you have one of my great uncles dulcimers! That is so wonderful to hear.It’s true… I have so many..."
@robin-thompson
• yesterday
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on All the Abandoned Mines (with birds singing outside) :
Posted a new Comment on All the Abandoned Mines (with birds singing outside) :
"Hey, @john-c-knopf Thanks so much for listening and we're glad you like the tune. Wishing you good health and great joy in 2026! "
@alex-lubet
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "New editor looking for dulcimer stories":
Posted a response to "New editor looking for dulcimer stories":
"Your newsletter is fabulous. I encourage everyone to check it out...."
@alex-lubet
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @redmando: New editor looking for dulcimer stories
Liked a forum discussions item created by @redmando: New editor looking for dulcimer stories
@john-c-knopf
• yesterday
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on All the Abandoned Mines (with birds singing outside) :
Posted a new Comment on All the Abandoned Mines (with birds singing outside) :
"Nice, nice!"
@robin-thompson
• yesterday
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on All the Abandoned Mines (with birds singing outside) :
Posted a new Comment on All the Abandoned Mines (with birds singing outside) :
"Yes, @dusty, canaries in the mines.
Ohio's worst mine disaster was in Millfield OH in November 1930-- Millfield is not too far away from us. I'm going..."
@dusty
• yesterday
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on All the Abandoned Mines (with birds singing outside) :
Posted a new Comment on All the Abandoned Mines (with birds singing outside) :
"Robin, the birds offer more than a generic sense of hope. We know that canaries were once brought into the coal mines because their illness or death would..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• yesterday
• comments: 8
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: All the Abandoned Mines (with birds singing outside)
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: All the Abandoned Mines (with birds singing outside)
@robin-thompson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on All the Abandoned Mines (with birds singing outside) :
Posted a new Comment on All the Abandoned Mines (with birds singing outside) :
"@macaodha Val, as I think of the contrast with the tune title, the birdsong speaks of hope. I'd forgotten we'd even made this recording with the window open..."
@macaodha
• 2 days ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on All the Abandoned Mines (with birds singing outside) :
Posted a new Comment on All the Abandoned Mines (with birds singing outside) :
"Good to hear this again. Best wishes for 2026."
@robin-thompson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on Today In Mountain Dulcimer History: January:
Posted a new Comment on Today In Mountain Dulcimer History: January:
"Dulcie Meadows learned to play the dulcimer as it hung on the wall-- wow, good on her! The Honaker dulcimer shape is very cool "
@dan
• 2 days ago
• comments: 8
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: All the Abandoned Mines (with birds singing outside)
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: All the Abandoned Mines (with birds singing outside)
@dusty
• 2 days ago
• comments: 8
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: All the Abandoned Mines (with birds singing outside)
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: All the Abandoned Mines (with birds singing outside)
@robin-thompson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 8
https://fotmd.com/robin-thompson/uploaded_audio/1356/all-the-abandoned-mines-with-birds-singing-outside
https://fotmd.com/robin-thompson/uploaded_audio/1356/all-the-abandoned-mines-with-birds-singing-outside
@redmando
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "New editor looking for dulcimer stories":
Posted a response to "New editor looking for dulcimer stories":
"Hello Karen - good to hear from you again. Yes, Sandie did set a high bar so I will have my work cut out. I will definitely get back to you with an idea or..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @grizelda:
Posted a new Comment on @grizelda:
"Hi Zelda, 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 @clarkxxx:
Posted a new Comment on @clarkxxx:
"Hi Clark, 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 @kmeisel:
Posted a new Comment on @kmeisel:
"Hi Kmeisel, 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..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @amyc:
Posted a new Comment on @amyc:
"Hi Amy, 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,..."
@robin-thompson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 8
https://fotmd.com/robin-thompson/uploaded_audio/1356/all-the-abandoned-mines-with-birds-singing-outside
https://fotmd.com/robin-thompson/uploaded_audio/1356/all-the-abandoned-mines-with-birds-singing-outside
@robin-thompson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 8
Created a new Audio File:
All the Abandoned Mines (with birds singing outside)
Created a new Audio File:
All the Abandoned Mines (with birds singing outside)
@karen-b
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "New editor looking for dulcimer stories":
Posted a response to "New editor looking for dulcimer stories":
"Hey there Steve! Congratulations on your new gig! Sandie set a high bar, but they’ve selected a talented guy to follow in her footsteps. Happy to help if..."
@robin-thompson
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @redmando: New editor looking for dulcimer stories
Liked a forum discussions item created by @redmando: New editor looking for dulcimer stories
@redmando
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "New editor looking for dulcimer stories":
Created a new forum topic "New editor looking for dulcimer stories":
"Hello - for some reason I seem to have volunteered to be the new editor of the quarterly UK dulcimer club magazine "Nonsuch News". I am therefore looking for..."
@richard-streib
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
"cairney:
Happy New Year! May you live 2026 in reckless, musical abandon! Learning songs you never thought you could play, giving performances anywhere they..."
@alex-lubet
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
"In answer to your question, in our home we celebrate Hanukah and New Year's. For Hanukah, we light our menorah and make potato pancakes. Our kids are..."
@alex-lubet
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @strumelia: The Positive Thread...
Liked a forum discussions item created by @strumelia: The Positive Thread...
@strumelia
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
"Here's to more peace, kindness, and compassion in this world of ours for 2026. Wishing you all a joyful new year. oxo"
@davisjames
• 3 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on The Rosebud of Allenvale:
Posted a new Comment on The Rosebud of Allenvale:
"Thanks guys,this tune has long been a favourite of mine since I heard it in the practice room at a fiddle contest in Ontario's 70's.On another note,I had a..."
@barnjam
• 3 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Click Old Hen (AAC Dulcimer Tuning):
Posted a new Comment on Click Old Hen (AAC Dulcimer Tuning):
"Strumelia:
This is so well done!!! I especially like the clicking of the bones. Awesome.
Thanks so much and Happy New Year! Those bones are made of..."
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
Family History & Tales of...
Posted: Sunday January 4 2026, 1:47 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
New editor looking for...
Posted: Saturday January 3 2026, 6:06 PM
By: @Alex_Lubet
By: @Alex_Lubet
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
International Appalachian...
Posted: Tuesday December 30 2025, 9:37 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
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
Cyndi Lauper Walk Away Renee
Posted: Thursday November 20 2025, 2:37 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Searching for tab for...
Posted: Saturday November 15 2025, 1:02 AM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Goodbye my old friend
Posted: Thursday November 13 2025, 10:30 AM
By: @John Pettreemusic
By: @John Pettreemusic
Blue Lion model IIRS; Style...
Posted: Tuesday November 11 2025, 9:31 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Looking for Info on Laurel...
Posted: Monday November 10 2025, 2:00 PM
By: @Jerry Posner
By: @Jerry Posner
Advice for fire-damaged...
Posted: Sunday November 9 2025, 9:27 AM
By: @Wally Venable
By: @Wally Venable
History of Pinewoods folk...
Posted: Tuesday November 4 2025, 8:55 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Read the Site Rules
Our Welcome Wagon!
3 CHEERS to our Volunteer Greeters ...for making new members feel right at home :
Jim Fawcett  |
Benjamin Barr  |
Richard Streib  |
Ken Longfield  |
Single Instructor Events / Classifieds
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Membership in Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer is FREE to all. We gratefully accept donations towards the costs of maintaining this site- which includes hundreds of dollars annually in server and software costs. (you don't have to have a Paypal account to donate- Paypal accepts simple credit card payments as well.) A minimum donation of $5 please. Read HERE about FOUR different ways you can help support FOTMD. Questions? email contact@fotmd.com Together we can keep FOTMD up and running! Click the Paypal button below to make a quick site donation:
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