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
@davisjames
• an hour ago
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on Simple Gifts on My Latest Cherry Walnut Electric TD:
Posted a new Comment on Simple Gifts on My Latest Cherry Walnut Electric TD:
"Hi Jack.Good to hear you playing on your latest creation.The scheitholt you built for me is the most beautiful instrument I've ever played and I have played..."
@wally-venable
• 2 hours ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Patty Looman Birthday Jam:
Posted a new Comment on Patty Looman Birthday Jam:
"The late Bob Lackey used to post the Patty Looman Birthday Jam. I'll follow in his footsteps for this year.
Mark your calendars on Feb 7, 2026 for the Patty..."
@davisjames
• 2 hours ago
• comments: 0
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Come Again, Sweet Love Doth Now Invite
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Come Again, Sweet Love Doth Now Invite
@davisjames
• 2 hours ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Good Morning to Your Nightcap:
Posted a new Comment on Good Morning to Your Nightcap:
"That's delightful.Glad you kept it rolling as long as you did."
@noah-cline
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Amazing Grace on Mountain Dulcimer:
Posted a new Comment on Amazing Grace on Mountain Dulcimer:
"Cindy Stammich:
This is one of my all-time favorite hymns, and you played it beautifully! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you, Cindy!"
@ken-longfield
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Praetorius Scheitholt":
Posted a response to "The Praetorius Scheitholt":
"Thanks, Dusty. That link allows you to download the article which I have had for quite some time. It is easier than having people send me a PM to receive..."
@wally-venable
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Praetorius Scheitholt":
Posted a response to "The Praetorius Scheitholt":
"Checking back, I Googled the title " Seeger, Charles, The Appalachian Dulcime r"
and got the link..."
@ken-longfield
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Praetorius Scheitholt":
Posted a response to "The Praetorius Scheitholt":
"I searched for the article here but didn't find. I'm probably not entering the right search criteria to narrow it down. I have a pdf of the article that..."
@wally-venable
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Praetorius Scheitholt":
Posted a response to "The Praetorius Scheitholt":
"I had not found the Charles Seeger article before, even though it is posted on FOTMD. Perhaps it is new here.
To me, there are some interesting side issues...."
@john-petry
• 17 hours ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on @sylvia:
Posted a new Comment on @sylvia:
"They are on the way.....Well, at least they are in the mail box for Pick up on the 'morrow....
Hope they are a help to you. Please give me any request for..."
@robin-thompson
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 14
Posted a new Comment on Sweet Yellows and Pinks:
Posted a new Comment on Sweet Yellows and Pinks:
"@davisjames I just listened (to remind me of what we played) and was surprised at how we played the tune so I had the guitar player listen, too. We're happy..."
@ken-longfield
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Praetorius Scheitholt":
Posted a response to "The Praetorius Scheitholt":
"I just received word that the article is posted to this website...."
@ken-longfield
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Praetorius Scheitholt":
Posted a response to "The Praetorius Scheitholt":
"You're welcome, Strumelia and thank you for the compliment."
@sam-edelston
• yesterday
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Dulcimers at Carnegie Hall:
Posted a new Comment on Dulcimers at Carnegie Hall:
"Great questions, Ken.
Yes, Elaine asked to be plugged in out of a concern that her bass dulcimer would be inaudible otherwise.
For the rest of us, it was..."
@davisjames
• yesterday
• comments: 14
Posted a new Comment on Sweet Yellows and Pinks:
Posted a new Comment on Sweet Yellows and Pinks:
"What an interesting melody."
@strumelia
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Praetorius Scheitholt":
Posted a response to "The Praetorius Scheitholt":
"Ken, it's beautiful! Thank you for sharing this."
@strumelia
• yesterday
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on The Praetorius Scheitholt:
Posted a new Comment on The Praetorius Scheitholt:
"I'm just adding a link here to your other post in the General Forum, which has the attached article and more info, Ken. Thanks!"
@strumelia
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @ken-longfield: The Praetorius Scheitholt
Liked a forum discussions item created by @ken-longfield: The Praetorius Scheitholt
@robin-thompson
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @ken-longfield: The Praetorius Scheitholt
Liked a forum discussions item created by @ken-longfield: The Praetorius Scheitholt
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Praetorius Scheitholt":
Posted a response to "The Praetorius Scheitholt":
"Here is the article that was to appear in Dulcimer Players News. Originally it was scheduled for November, 2025 but postponed until February, 2026. I heard..."
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "The Praetorius Scheitholt":
Created a new forum topic "The Praetorius Scheitholt":
"I created a thread about this in the Groups area, but I have the feeling that not too many people explore the Groups section. So I am recreating it here in..."
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Dulcimers at Carnegie Hall:
Posted a new Comment on Dulcimers at Carnegie Hall:
"Thanks for posting this Sam. You folks did a wonderful job. Just a bit curious here. How were the instruments miked? It looks like Elaine is plugged in. Are..."
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Ron Ewing Mountain Dulcimer:
Posted a new Comment on Ron Ewing Mountain Dulcimer:
"You are fortunate to have a Ron Ewing dulcimer. He did great work in building them. Enjoy playing this dulcimer.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@robin-thompson
• yesterday
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Ron Ewing Mountain Dulcimer:
Posted a new Comment on Ron Ewing Mountain Dulcimer:
"Your Ewing dulcimer is beautiful, Masaki-- Ron was both a great luthier and mountain dulcimer player.
Perhaps you have learned the sad news that Ron Ewing..."
@banjostray
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Come Again, Sweet Love Doth Now Invite
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Come Again, Sweet Love Doth Now Invite
@banjostray
• 2 days ago
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @noah-cline: Good Morning to Your Nightcap
Liked a youtube item created by @noah-cline: Good Morning to Your Nightcap
@dusty
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Liked a group discussions item created by @sam-edelston: Dulcimers at Carnegie Hall
Liked a group discussions item created by @sam-edelston: Dulcimers at Carnegie Hall
@randy-adams
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Liked a group discussions item created by @sam-edelston: Dulcimers at Carnegie Hall
Liked a group discussions item created by @sam-edelston: Dulcimers at Carnegie Hall
@sam-edelston
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Dulcimers at Carnegie Hall:
Posted a new Comment on Dulcimers at Carnegie Hall:
"Thanks, Dusty!
Huge honor. Huge thrill. Incomparable experience. We were all a bit like giddy tourists, taking photos at the stage door, in the dressing..."
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 14
Posted a new Comment on Help with tuning?:
Posted a new Comment on Help with tuning?:
"In 2018 a friend of mine asked if I would like to examine the dulcimer collection at the Smithsonian with him and another friend. He set up the meeting. We..."
@sylvia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 14
Posted a new Comment on Help with tuning?:
Posted a new Comment on Help with tuning?:
"Ken, please tell me more about the Smithsonian visit and getting to play Richard Farina's dulcimer. Were you there at the behest of the Smithsonian?..."
@sylvia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 11
Posted a new Comment on @john-petry:
Posted a new Comment on @john-petry:
"Well I accept your kind offer.
Thank you so much,
warm regards
Sylvia Bailey
210 Hancock St., Apt. 303
Ithaca, NY 14850"
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on @rita-arrington:
Posted a new Comment on @rita-arrington:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Rita. It's good to have you aboard. This is a wonderful group of mountain dulcimer enthusiasts. Let us know if you have any questions. I..."
@dusty
• 3 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Dulcimers at Carnegie Hall:
Posted a new Comment on Dulcimers at Carnegie Hall:
"Thanks, Sam, for representing the dulcimer so well. That must have been a thrill to perform at Carnegie!"
@ken-longfield
• 3 days ago
• comments: 4
Liked a group discussions item created by @sam-edelston: Dulcimers at Carnegie Hall
Liked a group discussions item created by @sam-edelston: Dulcimers at Carnegie Hall
@john-petry
• 3 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on @sylvia:
Posted a new Comment on @sylvia:
"Hello again,
I make noters as part of my shop. I've had the opportunity to customize for a few customers. Longer, fatter (the noters) notched and plain...."
@sam-edelston
• 3 days ago
• comments: 4
Updated a Group discussion "":
Updated a Group discussion "":
"Last Sunday, January 18, 2026, a group of us performed on (mostly) mountain dulcimers at Carnegie Hall in New York City. This was part of the 17th Annual..."
Rockin' in the Free World
Rockin' in the Free World
@sam-edelston
• 3 days ago
• comments: 4
Created a new Group discussion "Dulcimers at Carnegie Hall":
Created a new Group discussion "Dulcimers at Carnegie Hall":
"Last Sunday, January 18, 2026, a group of us performed on (mostly) mountain dulcimers at Carnegie Hall in New York City. This was part of the 17th Annual..."
Rockin' in the Free World
Rockin' in the Free World
@richard-streib
• 3 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @okidokiebanjokie:
Posted a new Comment on @okidokiebanjokie:
"Glad you joined Okidokiebanjokie. Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Congratulations on getting your first dulcimer. It is a fun instrument to play..."
@davisjames
• 3 days ago
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on Brian Boru's March:
Posted a new Comment on Brian Boru's March:
"To reiterate.A wonderful melody so well played."
@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"":
"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
• 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
@mark-gilston
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted new YouTube video(s):
Come Again, Sweet Love Doth Now Invite
Come Again, Sweet Love Doth Now Invite
@davisjames
• 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"":
"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
• 3 days 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
• 3 days 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..."
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
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
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
Read the Site Rules
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