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
@richard-streib
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @wendell-whitcher:
Posted a new Comment on @wendell-whitcher:
"Welcome Wendell Whitcher to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Its great to have you join. Sounds like you have made a good start on your dulcimer journey...."
@richard-streib
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @dawson:
Posted a new Comment on @dawson:
"So glad you joined, Dawson. Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer from a fellow North Carolinian. Best wishes on refinishing and selling those 40..."
@ken-longfield
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @wendell-whitcher:
Posted a new Comment on @wendell-whitcher:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Wendell. It is good to have you aboard. There is a great deal of information and resources here. Have fun exploring this site. If you have..."
@ken-longfield
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on collection of folklorist Ellen Stekert:
Posted a new Comment on collection of folklorist Ellen Stekert:
"Great stuff! Thanks for sharing it with us Robin.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@strumelia
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 4
Liked a group discussions item created by @strumelia: Bowing box dulcimers
Liked a group discussions item created by @strumelia: Bowing box dulcimers
@strumelia
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 3
Liked a group discussions item created by @robin-thompson: Aubrey Atwater presentation on Jean Ritchie (December 2022)
Liked a group discussions item created by @robin-thompson: Aubrey Atwater presentation on Jean Ritchie (December 2022)
@robin-thompson
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on collection of folklorist Ellen Stekert:
Posted a new Comment on collection of folklorist Ellen Stekert:
"I stumbled onto the YouTube channel to which I've linked and that led me to Ms. Stekert's web page. I look forward to seeing more added to the site!..."
@ken-longfield
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 5
Liked a group discussions item created by @robin-thompson: collection of folklorist Ellen Stekert
Liked a group discussions item created by @robin-thompson: collection of folklorist Ellen Stekert
@david-bennett
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 12
Posted a new Comment on Today In Mountain Dulcimer History: JULY:
Posted a new Comment on Today In Mountain Dulcimer History: JULY:
"Today In Mountain Dulcimer History: JULY..."
@davisjames
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 10
Liked a music item created by @dulcimermaid: Bonny Sweet Robin.
Liked a music item created by @dulcimermaid: Bonny Sweet Robin.
@strumelia
• 8 hours ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on collection of folklorist Ellen Stekert:
Posted a new Comment on collection of folklorist Ellen Stekert:
"Robin, how wonderful that you found this material and are pointing us to it... thank you!"
@strumelia
• 8 hours ago
• comments: 5
Liked a group discussions item created by @robin-thompson: collection of folklorist Ellen Stekert
Liked a group discussions item created by @robin-thompson: collection of folklorist Ellen Stekert
@strumelia
• 8 hours ago
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @ondrej: 3x Gospel for DAD Dulcimer
Liked a youtube item created by @ondrej: 3x Gospel for DAD Dulcimer
@alex-lubet
• 9 hours ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on collection of folklorist Ellen Stekert:
Posted a new Comment on collection of folklorist Ellen Stekert:
"I don't think I ever met her, but she was my colleague at the University of Minnesota."
@robin-thompson
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on collection of folklorist Ellen Stekert:
Posted a new Comment on collection of folklorist Ellen Stekert:
"another recording made by Ms. Stekert: "
@robin-thompson
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 5
Created a new Group discussion "collection of folklorist Ellen Stekert":
Created a new Group discussion "collection of folklorist Ellen Stekert":
"Folklorist Ellen Stekert is now 90 years old. It appears material from her folklore collection will be added to in future. I'm including a couple links..."
fans of Jean Ritchie
fans of Jean Ritchie
@john-c-knopf
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on 3x Gospel for DAD Dulcimer:
Posted a new Comment on 3x Gospel for DAD Dulcimer:
"Thank you, friend,for those hymns! "
@ken-longfield
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @ondrej: 3x Gospel for DAD Dulcimer
Liked a youtube item created by @ondrej: 3x Gospel for DAD Dulcimer
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @dawson:
Posted a new Comment on @dawson:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Dawson. It's good to have you aboard. You have quite the project ahead of you, Refinishing 40 dulcimers is quite the task. I look forward..."
@strumelia
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @dawson:
Posted a new Comment on @dawson:
"Welcome to FOTMD. I look forward to hearing more about your father and his dulcimer journey. "
@phil-myers
• yesterday
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @carol-h: My Icelandic langspil
Liked a youtube item created by @carol-h: My Icelandic langspil
@davisjames
• yesterday
• comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on Bonny Sweet Robin. :
Posted a new Comment on Bonny Sweet Robin. :
"Lovely.In my mind's eye I can see what you're doing with the pick and it's very creative.The melody is very similar to a ballad I used to be singing,"As I..."
@carol-h
• yesterday
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on My Icelandic langspil:
Posted a new Comment on My Icelandic langspil:
"It's my pleasure! And thank you very much!❤️
Strumelia:
Thank you for posting this video... it's GREAT, and so inspiring!
"
@carol-h
• yesterday
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on My dulcimer life:
Posted a new Comment on My dulcimer life:
"Thank you, Ken!
Ken Longfield:
That's a very pretty langspil. I look forward to hearing you play it. I recently translated Stig Wallin's 1952 book, Die..."
@robin-thompson
• yesterday
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @carol-h: My Icelandic langspil
Liked a youtube item created by @carol-h: My Icelandic langspil
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @psuite:
Posted a new Comment on @psuite:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Psuite. It's good to have you aboard. Please post some photos of the instrument in question and we will respond. As Richard noted this is a..."
@strumelia
• yesterday
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on My Icelandic langspil:
Posted a new Comment on My Icelandic langspil:
"Thank you for posting this video... it's GREAT, and so inspiring! "
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on My dulcimer life:
Posted a new Comment on My dulcimer life:
"That's a very pretty langspil. I look forward to hearing you play it. I recently translated Stig Wallin's 1952 book, Die Schwedishe Hummel, published. by the..."
@carol-h
• yesterday
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on My dulcimer life:
Posted a new Comment on My dulcimer life:
"Thank you! I have a short video of me playing samples on it. I will post it : )
Strumelia:
That is so terrific in every way! I hope you can post a..."
@robin-thompson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 6
Liked a photos item created by @carol-h: my icelandic langspil
Liked a photos item created by @carol-h: my icelandic langspil
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on My dulcimer life:
Posted a new Comment on My dulcimer life:
"That is so terrific in every way! I hope you can post a little vid soon ...nothing too fancy, just to show us some fun things on it. "
@carol-h
• 2 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on My dulcimer life:
Posted a new Comment on My dulcimer life:
"Thank you!
It is brand new and made by Robert Worth. It's made with cherry and purpleheart woods, has a diatonic fretboard (as you can see) and is tuned..."
@john-w-mckinstry
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Wayfarin' Stranger:
Posted a new Comment on Wayfarin' Stranger:
"Thank you Robin for giving me that feedback and encouragement. John"
@robin-thompson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Wayfarin' Stranger:
Posted a new Comment on Wayfarin' Stranger:
"Such a nice version of this beautiful folk song, John. "
@pierre-yves-donnio
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: La Sansonette
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: La Sansonette
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on My dulcimer life:
Posted a new Comment on My dulcimer life:
"Oh wow. What a gorgeous Langspil !! I have one as well.Please tell us more about this beauty."
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 6
Liked a photos item created by @carol-h: my icelandic langspil
Liked a photos item created by @carol-h: my icelandic langspil
@john-w-mckinstry
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Wayfarin' Stranger:
Posted a new Comment on Wayfarin' Stranger:
"Thank you Gordon. I am glad that we share the love of these old folk hymns."
@richard-streib
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @psuite:
Posted a new Comment on @psuite:
"Welcome Psuite to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. We are glad to have you. This is an active community with a good bit of knowledge and experience..."
@gordon-hardy
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Wayfarin' Stranger:
Posted a new Comment on Wayfarin' Stranger:
"A great rendition John. A fine old song. Thank you."
@lois-hornbostel
• 2 days ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on @lois-hornbostel:
Posted a new Comment on @lois-hornbostel:
"6/29/26 FOTMD members are invited to visit my website. It's listed here, but not live. Just follow the common process of putting www.DulcimerMusic.Net at the..."
@lois-hornbostel
• 2 days ago
• comments: 535
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
"6/29/26 Hi, Ken. Good to hear from you again. I appreciate all your interest in the roots of the mountain dulcimer. If you clicked on www.DulcimerMusic.Net..."
@lois-hornbostel
• 2 days ago
• comments: 535
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
"6/29/26 Hi, Ken. Good to hear from you again. I appreciate all your interest in the roots of the mountain dulcimer. If you clicked on www.DulcimerMusic.Net..."
@olddog75
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Liked a music item created by @conrad-vispo: Schottis från Kalix
Liked a music item created by @conrad-vispo: Schottis från Kalix
@robin-thompson
• 3 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on A Bed of Marigolds :
Posted a new Comment on A Bed of Marigolds :
"Thank you from me and the accompanist, Jamie @davisjames! "
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...
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....
California Dulcimer Dreamin'
For dulcimer players living in or just visiting California
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
.jpg "1 (2).jpg")
.jpg "1 (3).jpg")
.jpg "McSpaddenSycamore (1).jpg")
Latest Forum Posts All
Diamond 6-String...
Posted: Sunday June 28 2026, 5:47 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Sad news about Wayne Seymour
Posted: Sunday June 28 2026, 11:27 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Luthiers, Builder question...
Posted: Friday June 26 2026, 5:06 PM
By: @James Bryant
By: @James Bryant
For sale: Mark Eubank...
Posted: Wednesday June 24 2026, 2:18 PM
By: @rogerdmac
By: @rogerdmac
Tab for Goddesses 1651
Posted: Tuesday June 23 2026, 9:22 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Box Dulcimer Project
Posted: Tuesday June 23 2026, 7:52 PM
By: @Richard Streib
By: @Richard Streib
Amy Grant: Carolina in My...
Posted: Sunday June 21 2026, 12:54 AM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Bad string?
Posted: Tuesday June 16 2026, 10:48 AM
By: @Alex_Lubet
By: @Alex_Lubet
Does anyone remember the...
Posted: Saturday June 13 2026, 9:22 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
tremolo
Posted: Thursday June 11 2026, 4:34 PM
By: @Wally Venable
By: @Wally Venable
The Stradivarius Effect
Posted: Wednesday June 10 2026, 6:09 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Please, if you can...
Posted: Monday June 8 2026, 9:17 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Gardner Dulcimers -...
Posted: Sunday June 7 2026, 10:03 AM
By: @Wally Venable
By: @Wally Venable
Dulcimer Rescue - Paul Pyle...
Posted: Sunday June 7 2026, 12:21 AM
By: @canard
By: @canard
String-changing adventure...
Posted: Friday May 29 2026, 2:30 PM
By: @Nate
By: @Nate
Article Published
Posted: Friday May 29 2026, 1:25 PM
By: @Shopdad
By: @Shopdad
Dr woodson
Posted: Thursday May 28 2026, 7:37 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
FREE to good home...with a...
Posted: Wednesday May 27 2026, 10:51 PM
By: @John Pettreemusic
By: @John Pettreemusic
The Swedish Hummel
Posted: Saturday May 23 2026, 8:44 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Thrift Auction: Early Paul...
Posted: Sunday May 17 2026, 12:34 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Affordable Sleeper Listing...
Posted: Sunday May 17 2026, 11:01 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Dulcimer instruction in...
Posted: Wednesday May 13 2026, 11:27 PM
By: @John Pettreemusic
By: @John Pettreemusic
Gary Gallier just passed away.
Posted: Wednesday May 13 2026, 11:22 PM
By: @John Pettreemusic
By: @John Pettreemusic
Sad news: Christophe...
Posted: Wednesday May 13 2026, 8:13 PM
By: @Richard Streib
By: @Richard Streib
Dulcimer effects
Posted: Wednesday May 13 2026, 9:09 AM
By: @John C. Knopf
By: @John C. Knopf
6 String Baritone Dulcimers
Posted: Saturday May 9 2026, 6:04 AM
By: @Susie
By: @Susie
Indoor House Plants
Posted: Monday May 4 2026, 6:59 PM
By: @Richard Streib
By: @Richard Streib
Travel dulcimer/strumstick...
Posted: Friday May 1 2026, 6:46 AM
By: @Shopdad
By: @Shopdad
McSpadden 'Skunk Stripe'...
Posted: Thursday April 23 2026, 9:12 AM
By: @Mike the Beginner
By: @Mike the Beginner
Fret Rocker
Posted: Saturday April 18 2026, 8:21 AM
By: @Matt Berg
By: @Matt Berg
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
Help Keep FOTMD up and Running!
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:
NEW!- Would you like to become a Special Patron of FOTMD? All donations are 100% applied to paying for site maintenance. Your generosity makes a big difference in what we can do to improve FOTMD! Become a special 'Patron Member' simply by making a single donation of $35 or more.
In return, your patronage will be recognized for a year with a special Patron designation banner that will be displayed prominently under your member picture on your profile page. Your Patron ID will show others your generosity in supporting this special site! Above is what the Patron label looks like on member profile pages, right under your member picture.