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

Ben Barr Jr
@benjamin-w-barr-jr • 20 hours ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @freddy-gene:
"Hi Fred, 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,..."
Ben Barr Jr
@benjamin-w-barr-jr • 20 hours ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @kriskitko:
"Hi Kris, 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,..."
Ben Barr Jr
@benjamin-w-barr-jr • 20 hours ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @tony:
"Hi Tony, 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,..."
Ben Barr Jr
@benjamin-w-barr-jr • 20 hours ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @dave-in-east-texas:
"Hi Dave, 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,..."
Ben Barr Jr
@benjamin-w-barr-jr • 20 hours ago • comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @marg: O Christmas Tree
Homer Ross
@homer-ross • 20 hours ago • comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @marg: O Christmas Tree
Richard Streib
@richard-streib • yesterday • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @dave-in-east-texas:
"Glad you joined Dave. Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. This is a great community. Let us know of specific questions and someone here will be able..."
Richard Streib
@richard-streib • yesterday • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @tony:
"Glad you joined Tony. Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. As a new player you may like to join the beginners group. Please ask questions as you have..."
Richard Streib
@richard-streib • yesterday • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @kriskitko:
"Glad you joined KrisKitko. Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. This is a great community of dulcimer enthusiasts. Look around and see what all is..."
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • yesterday • comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @alex-lubet: At a Dinner Party
Alex_Lubet
@alex-lubet • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "At a Dinner Party":
"A piece from my new album with vocalist Victoria Vargas.  Amy Levy Songs of Love and Loss:"
Alex_Lubet
@alex-lubet • 2 days ago • comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @leo-kretzner: Swaggering Jig on lap dulcimer
Alex_Lubet
@alex-lubet • 2 days ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Just As I Is:
"Love it.  There's something to be said for its austere quality.  Very moving."
Alex_Lubet
@alex-lubet • 2 days ago • comments: 5
Liked a youtube item created by @steve-c: Hard Time Killin' Floor Blues, capoed 4th fret key of A
Alex_Lubet
@alex-lubet • 2 days ago • comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Hard Time Killin' Floor Blues, capoed 4th fret key of A:
"Bravo.  Really interesting and different.  What a great idea."
Strumelia
@strumelia • 2 days ago • comments: 4
Liked a youtube item created by @randy-adams: Just As I Is
Strumelia
@strumelia • 2 days ago • comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @marg: O Christmas Tree
Strumelia
@strumelia • 2 days ago • comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: The Snow Lay On the Ground
Strumelia
@strumelia • 2 days ago • comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @leo-kretzner: Swaggering Jig on lap dulcimer
Strumelia
@strumelia • 2 days ago • comments: 5
Liked a youtube item created by @steve-c: Hard Time Killin' Floor Blues, capoed 4th fret key of A
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @alex-lubet: Two new reviews of my latest album
Strumelia
@strumelia • 2 days ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on God You Are Like a Wild Flower:
"I agree with everything Cindy said.  "
Strumelia
@strumelia • 2 days ago • comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: God You Are Like a Wild Flower
Alex_Lubet
@alex-lubet • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Two new reviews of my latest album":
"Hi All, I hope everyone is enjoying their respective holidays. I was fortunate to receive the gift of two new reviews of my latest album, with vocalist..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 2 days ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @kriskitko:
"Kris, I see from Facebook that you are having some trouble. Can you give me a search you did where you could not the thread (discussion) it was in? I'll do a..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 3 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @dave-in-east-texas:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Dave. It's good to have you aboard. If there are specific things you want to learn, let us know. I'm sure someone here will be able to..."
RobMachin
@robmachin • 3 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "A Very Merry Christmas to all my New Friends":
"Merry Christmas to everyone on FOTMD!"
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 3 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @tony:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Tony. Let us know what help you need and we will offer advice. This is a knowledgeable group of dulcimer enthusiasts with a great deal of..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 3 days ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @kriskitko:
"Welcome to FOTMD, KrisKitko. It is good to have you aboard. I look forward to your participation in our discussions. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 3 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "A Very Merry Christmas to all my New Friends":
"Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our mountain dulcimer friends. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
Richard Streib
@richard-streib • 3 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "A Very Merry Christmas to all my New Friends":
"Merry Christmas to one and all and a Happy New year. Blessings"
Richard Streib
@richard-streib • 3 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @freddy-gene:
"Glad you joined Freddy Gene. Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's great to have  you on board. Best wishes on your dulcimer journey."
Ethan Chastain
@ethan-chastain • 3 days ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Go Tell It On The Mountain - Mountain Dulcimer:
"@Cindy-Stammich Thanks for the kind words and point taken, Cindy. You’re absolutely right. Will work on posting longer clips. 👍  Merry..."
hugssandi
@hugssandi • 3 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "A Very Merry Christmas to all my New Friends":
"I LOOOOOOVE YOUUUUU, STRUMELIA!!  Thank you.  💚"
hugssandi
@hugssandi • 3 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Is it worth gifting this dulcimer?":
"You are amazing, Ken!!  Thank you.  "
DavisJames
@davisjames • 4 days ago • comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @dulcidom: Mary Young and Fair (trad. Scotland)
Mark Gilston
@mark-gilston • 4 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Ever seen an epinette like this?":
"I don't think it's a citera (Hungarian).  Citeras always have a horse motif, especially old one's like this.  I think it's Austrian.  There are plenty of..."
Mark Gilston
@mark-gilston • 4 days ago • comments: 0
Freddy Gene
@freddy-gene • 4 days ago • comments: 524
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
"Thanks for the welcome, Ken. Fred"
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • 4 days ago • comments: 1
Liked a group discussions item created by @ken-longfield: The Praetorius Scheitholt
Dan
@dan • 4 days ago • comments: 1
Liked a group discussions item created by @ken-longfield: The Praetorius Scheitholt
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • 4 days ago • comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on The Praetorius Scheitholt:
"Beautiful work, Ken L, and I look forward to seeing the piece from you & Ken H!  "
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • 4 days ago • comments: 1
Liked a group discussions item created by @ken-longfield: The Praetorius Scheitholt
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 4 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @freddy-gene:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Freddy Gene. This is a friendly community of mountain dulcimer enthusiasts. We are happy to have you as a part of it. Have fun exploring..."
Cindy Stammich
@cindy-stammich • 4 days ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Mary Young and Fair (trad. Scotland):
"Dulcidom, this is so pretty!  Thank you for the background on it.  I like the music inset on the side, and the photography really completes it!  Thank you..."
Cindy Stammich
@cindy-stammich • 4 days ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Go Tell It On The Mountain - Mountain Dulcimer:
"Ethan,  This is beautiful!  It is one of my favorites!  The only problem with a snippet is it’s not long enough 😉"
Cindy Stammich
@cindy-stammich • 4 days ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on God You Are Like a Wild Flower:
"John,  your beautiful wife Anne was so talented and when you sing and play these hymns she wrote, she is very much present!  There is something extremely..."
Cindy Stammich
@cindy-stammich • 4 days ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on The Life-boat:
"John, A powerful message - this is beautifully played and sung!  I am sorry you had no heat that day.  Your music warmed the spirits of those listening even..."
DavisJames
@davisjames • 4 days ago • comments: 0
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: The Old Oaks
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 4 days ago • comments: 1
Updated a Group discussion "":
"In 1619 Michael Praetorius published the second volume of Syntagma Musicum . In it tried to list all of the instruments known in his world. He described the..."

Join a Group!   All

Beginner players

Beginner players


Are you a brand new player? Join this group and ask all...
OLD STYLE Drone & Noter players

OLD STYLE Drone & Noter...


If you are an avid fan of the older traditional mountain...
Dulcimer Making

Dulcimer Making


A group for those building dulcimers or interested in...
Modern/Chord style Players

Modern/Chord style Players


Do you play chords and fret across all strings? Then...
Fingerpicking

Fingerpicking


A place to discuss fingerpicking styles of dulcimer...
Hymn and Worship Song Players

Hymn and Worship Song Players


a place to share the hymns and worship songs we are playing.
The Music Theory Corner

The Music Theory Corner


A Group to talk about Music Theory!
Dulcimer Care & Maintenance

Dulcimer Care & Maintenance


Tips, tricks and techniques to help care for your dulcimer.
Rockin' in the Free World

Rockin' in the Free World


A group for those of you who like to play music not...
Mountain Dulcimer History & Traditions

Mountain Dulcimer History &...


Share historical information and resources on the...
Technology/Software/Amplifying

Technology/Software/Amplifying


to share info on all aspects of using tech: Amplifying,...
Singing with the Dulcimer

Singing with the Dulcimer


Here's a group for those of us who are interested in...
Arranging/composing for Dulcimers

Arranging/composing for...


A group to discuss creating arrangements of songs and...
Four-Equidistant Strings

Four-Equidistant Strings


A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
Little Dulcimers

Little Dulcimers


Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
Baritone & Bass Dulcimer Players

Baritone & Bass Dulcimer...


A Group for discussing the unique aspects of playing...
fans of Jean Ritchie

fans of Jean Ritchie


A group for those of us who have been inspired by...
Early & Classical Music

Early & Classical Music


For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
Help Me Learn this Song

Help Me Learn this Song


Need help learning to play a particular song? Let another...
I have extra frets.....

I have extra frets.....


This group is for those who have a 1 1/2 fret, an 8 1/2...
Public Domain... or Not?

Public Domain... or Not?


Ever wanted to record or post that tune, but you just...
Dulcimer Therapy

Dulcimer Therapy


This group is dedicated to those that visit, or have a...
Home Studio Recording

Home Studio Recording


Recording dulcimers, vocals and other instruments in the...
Dulcimer Ancestors

Dulcimer Ancestors


Looking at some of the ancestors of the Mountain...
Dulcimer teachers

Dulcimer teachers


Do you teach dulcimer? Are you helping others to learn?
Stick Dulcimers/Strumsticks

Stick Dulcimers/Strumsticks


Regardless of what name you favor, this group is a...
Chromatic Dulcimers

Chromatic Dulcimers


For players who enjoy playing dulcimers with ALL the frets!
UK and European Mountain Dulcimers

UK and European Mountain...


A group which hopefully allows players/makers in this...
Box Dulcimers

Box Dulcimers


A group for those who play, make, or admire all types...
Galax Dulcimer Lovers

Galax Dulcimer Lovers


Just a group to discuss all things Galax Dulcimer. Tips...
Call the Tune

Call the Tune


"Call the Tune" is a place to post audio and video...
Civil War era music

Civil War era music


For discussing music that was played around the time of...
GIG TALK!

GIG TALK!


Do you play gigs? Tell us about your good and not-so-good...
Scrap/Recycled wood Dulcimer Challenge

Scrap/Recycled wood...


A group for those thrifty and creative folk who like to...
Rosin the Bow!

Rosin the Bow!


Welcome to all who play music using a bow on any type of...
Challenged Players

Challenged Players


A meeting place for players dealing with disabilities.
NorthEastern U.S. dulcimer players

NorthEastern U.S. dulcimer...


For those of us who live in the northeastern United States.
Virginia Dulcimer Players

Virginia Dulcimer Players


Just thought it would be neet to know how many other...
Prayers, Hugs, and Kindness

Prayers, Hugs, and Kindness


A group for private sharing and support, whether you are...
6 string dulcimers

6 string dulcimers


Owning and playing a 6 string, regardless of tuning, and...
California Dulcimer Dreamin'

California Dulcimer Dreamin'


For dulcimer players living in or just visiting California
North Carolinians Plus

North Carolinians Plus


The Three Sides of North Carolina: Mountains / Piedmont /...
Texas Dulcimer Enthusiasts

Texas Dulcimer Enthusiasts


Howdy ya'll! Come on by for a cup o' joe and jammin....
Kentucky Dulcimer Players

Kentucky Dulcimer Players


A group for any players from Kentucky where we can meet...
West Virginia players

West Virginia players


A group just for dulcimer players in beautiful West...
Florida Sunshine Dulcimer Group

Florida Sunshine Dulcimer...


Florida Dulcimer Players
Pacific Northwest Players

Pacific Northwest Players


For players who live in or have strong connections to the...
Missouri Dulcimer Players

Missouri Dulcimer Players


for all the Show Me State dulcimer players
Indiana Players

Indiana Players


Welcome all dulcimer players in the state of Indiana!...
North of the Lakes

North of the Lakes


for any MD players in Upper Canada (aka Ontario) and the...
Arkansas Mtn Dulcimer Players

Arkansas Mtn Dulcimer Players


For those who live in Arkansas and love playing the...
AussieTalk!

AussieTalk!


For dulcimer players in Australia.-Be sure to create...
Site Moderators Group

Site Moderators Group


A private group to allow FOTMD moderators to communicate...

Latest Audio

  All
The Old Oaks
"Drunk" with a pseudo pump organ.
drunk at night and dry in the morning
A Light in the Window
The wandering fiddler.
Tiptoe Hornpipe.
Awake Early - with Billy Boy in the room
Little Red Lark
Myfanwy
Overwintering
A Skift of Snow
Blue skies
Peter’s song
Ymbwyllo (Unwinding)
Crawdad Song
Planxty Seymour Cleland
Ramblin' Round.
Isabella
Peace
Varsoviana
 Sharbot's Waltz.
Seven Years.
I Am a Poor Wayfaring Stranger
A Tune For Cece
Headin' South
Pine Cones
Number 6_25 Jinny sound clip
Maggie Darling[tearjerker on the teardrop].
Brian Boru's March
Prairie Medley.

Coming Events   All

No Coming Events


Latest gallery Photos   All

New Harmony dulcimer on scarf.jpg
Ron Gibson dulcimer on afghan-2025.jpg
Carol Hatfield - Back to Blackberry Creek foldout.png
Open Night 2025 Plakat.png
me playing Mastertone-Gary on whistle-FC-Feb 2025.jpg
Dexter with dulcimers, couch-2025.jpg
Ferguson dulcimer-me-flute circle Aug 2024-2.jpg
Me playing Mastertone-4-FC-Feb 2025.jpg
IMG_0188.jpeg
IMG_0190.jpeg
IMG_0189.jpeg
20240904_170509.jpg
20240829_111806.jpg
20240817_111810.jpg
20240618_151715.jpg
20250709_093431.jpg
20250628_122610.jpg
Ash-and-Chechan-dulcimer.jpg

Latest Forum Posts   All

At a Dinner Party

Posted: Friday December 26 2025, 5:39 PM
By: @Alex_Lubet

Two new reviews of my...

Posted: Friday December 26 2025, 1:09 PM
By: @Alex_Lubet

A Very Merry Christmas to...

Posted: Thursday December 25 2025, 5:10 PM
By: @RobMachin

Is it worth gifting this...

Posted: Wednesday December 24 2025, 7:30 PM
By: @hugssandi

Ever seen an epinette like...

Posted: Wednesday December 24 2025, 1:55 PM
By: @Mark Gilston

How Many Dulcimers Do You...

Posted: Monday December 22 2025, 1:26 PM
By: @RDaleMc

Directing Facebook Dulcimer...

Posted: Monday December 22 2025, 1:21 PM
By: @RDaleMc

Peterson Tuner

Posted: Sunday December 21 2025, 4:17 PM
By: @Robin Thompson

Plucked psaltries

Posted: Wednesday December 17 2025, 6:22 PM
By: @Mr. Woolery

Western North Carolina...

Posted: Tuesday December 16 2025, 4:24 PM
By: @Ken Longfield

Retuning

Posted: Wednesday December 10 2025, 6:31 AM
By: @Strumelia

Blue Lion Soprano Dulcimer...

Posted: Monday December 8 2025, 10:29 AM
By: @Debi

My dulcimer collection

Posted: Thursday December 4 2025, 10:59 AM
By: @Strumelia

Cyndi Lauper live

Posted: Sunday November 30 2025, 10:47 AM
By: @Strumelia

Playing with hand issues

Posted: Friday November 28 2025, 1:51 PM
By: @John Pettreemusic

The Positive Thread...

Posted: Thursday November 27 2025, 11:29 AM
By: @Banjostray

Shifting bridge and nut

Posted: Sunday November 23 2025, 10:03 PM
By: @Shopdad

Leveling of frets - why?

Posted: Sunday November 23 2025, 9:33 PM
By: @Shopdad

Cyndi Lauper Walk Away Renee

Posted: Thursday November 20 2025, 2:37 PM
By: @Robin Thompson

Searching for tab for...

Posted: Saturday November 15 2025, 1:02 AM
By: @Dusty Turtle

Goodbye my old friend 

Posted: Thursday November 13 2025, 10:30 AM
By: @John Pettreemusic

Blue Lion model IIRS; Style...

Posted: Tuesday November 11 2025, 9:31 AM
By: @Robin Thompson

Looking for Info on Laurel...

Posted: Monday November 10 2025, 2:00 PM
By: @Jerry Posner

Advice for fire-damaged...

Posted: Sunday November 9 2025, 9:27 AM
By: @Wally Venable

History of Pinewoods folk...

Posted: Tuesday November 4 2025, 8:55 PM
By: @Strumelia

Child ballads playlist on...

Posted: Friday October 31 2025, 7:26 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle

equal intonation versus...

Posted: Friday October 31 2025, 5:30 PM
By: @Ken Longfield

the bridge “saddle”

Posted: Friday October 31 2025, 5:05 PM
By: @Nate

TK O'Brien Walnut Creek...

Posted: Friday October 31 2025, 10:40 AM
By: @BJ Jordan

Listing A Dulcimer For Sale

Posted: Tuesday October 28 2025, 5:57 PM
By: @Old Dawg

Read the Site Rules

Our Welcome Wagon!

3 CHEERS to our Volunteer Greeters ...for making new members feel right at home :

Jim Fawcett greeterjim.jpg Benjamin Barr greeterben.jpg
  Richard Streib RStreibwithdulcimer_2017_200px.jpg Ken Longfield greeterken.jpg
 

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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