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
@jack-ferguson
• an hour ago
• comments: 0
Posted new YouTube video(s):
Simple Gifts on My Latest Cherry Walnut Electric TD
Simple Gifts on My Latest Cherry Walnut Electric TD
@john-c-knopf
• an hour ago
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on @christine-fox-roberts:
Posted a new Comment on @christine-fox-roberts:
"Christine, from here it looks like it just needs a gentle cleaning with a soft moist cloth, then possibly a coat of Johnson's paste wax, buffed to make the..."
@christine-fox-roberts
• 2 hours ago
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on @christine-fox-roberts:
Posted a new Comment on @christine-fox-roberts:
"Can I send the dulcimer to someone on this website who can provide some TLC and restore the instrument to a better condition?"
@shopdad
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 11
Posted a new Comment on @shopdad:
Posted a new Comment on @shopdad:
"I'm back, I had some problems getting on the site. A note said I didn't have permission/ Probably an operator problem.
Anyway, It's been a busy few weeks..."
@richard-streib
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @sylvia:
Posted a new Comment on @sylvia:
"Glad you joined Sylvia. Welcome to a wonderful community of dulcimer players. Enjoy your Ginger. If you have questions feel free to ask. We are here to help..."
@richard-streib
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on @christine-fox-roberts:
Posted a new Comment on @christine-fox-roberts:
"Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. What a treasure you have found in your mother's attic. It is for sure a keepsake. From the pictures it look to..."
@richard-streib
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @andy-ewers:
Posted a new Comment on @andy-ewers:
"Glad you joined Andy ewers. Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Congratulations on finding your first dulcimer. There is a lot of information here...."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on @kirsten:
Posted a new Comment on @kirsten:
"Hi Kristen, 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
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @momkertz:
Posted a new Comment on @momkertz:
"Hi Mom, 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
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @wiz:
Posted a new Comment on @wiz:
"Hi Wiz, 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
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @david-of-sw-missouri:
Posted a new Comment on @david-of-sw-missouri:
"Hi David, 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
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @randyb:
Posted a new Comment on @randyb:
"Hi Randy, 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
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @johnel:
Posted a new Comment on @johnel:
"Hi Johnel, 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
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @andy-ewers:
Posted a new Comment on @andy-ewers:
"Hi Andy, 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
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on @christine-fox-roberts:
Posted a new Comment on @christine-fox-roberts:
"Hi Christine, 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
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @sylvia:
Posted a new Comment on @sylvia:
"Hi Sylvia, 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,..."
@christine-fox-roberts
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on @christine-fox-roberts:
Posted a new Comment on @christine-fox-roberts:
"Here are photos of the Jethro Amburgey dulcimer that I found in my mother's attic. I doubt I will learn to play it, but want to restore the condition of the..."
@strumelia
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on @christine-fox-roberts:
Posted a new Comment on @christine-fox-roberts:
"I echo what Ken said. You are a lucky, lucky lady finding such a wonderful and historic dulcimer in your mother's attic! I too would love to see photos of..."
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @sylvia:
Posted a new Comment on @sylvia:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Sylvia. It's good to have you aboard. What tuning are you planning to use on your Ginger? Most players today use a DAd tuning. You picked a..."
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on @christine-fox-roberts:
Posted a new Comment on @christine-fox-roberts:
"Welcome to FOMTD, Christine. It's good to have you aboard. You found a treasure in your mother's attic. Jethro Amburgey is a direct descendant in the James..."
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @andy-ewers:
Posted a new Comment on @andy-ewers:
"Welcome to FOMTD, Andy. It's good to have you aboard. Let us know if you have any questions or need any help as you begin your dulcimer journey. This is a..."
@olddog75
• yesterday
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @dulcidom: The Brink of the White Rock (trad. Ireland)
Liked a youtube item created by @dulcidom: The Brink of the White Rock (trad. Ireland)
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @johnel:
Posted a new Comment on @johnel:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Johnel. It is good to have you aboard. We have a great community of mountain dulcimer enthusiasts here and some of build them. If you have..."
@richard-streib
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @johnel:
Posted a new Comment on @johnel:
"Welcome Johnel to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. So glad you joined. Best wishes on your build for the great grand daughter. Let us know if you have..."
@carol-h
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Patchwork:
Posted a new Comment on Patchwork:
"Thank you very much!
Homer Ross:
Wonderful tune.
"
@strumelia
• 3 days 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":
"Lara, what a wonderful little story of the Sunhearth tradition around the 4th of July! Thank you for starting this great thread."
@richard-streib
• 3 days ago
• comments: 359
Posted a new Comment on @richard-streib:
Posted a new Comment on @richard-streib:
"That is a beautiful dulcimer. Can't wait to hear you make some beautiful music with it."
@ken-longfield
• 3 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @randyb:
Posted a new Comment on @randyb:
"Welcome to FOTMD, RandyB. It's good to have you aboard. You inherited a wonderful mountain dulcimer from your father. Jim Good's Mastertone dulcimers are..."
@randyb
• 3 days ago
• comments: 359
Posted a new Comment on @richard-streib:
Posted a new Comment on @richard-streib:
"Thank you. Looking forward to it.
Just found out it's a Jim Good from Mastertone Dulcimers. Given he was about 10 miles from where I grew up, I wouldn't be..."
@richard-streib
• 3 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @randyb:
Posted a new Comment on @randyb:
"Welcome RandyB to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. So glad you joined. How special it is to have inherited your father's dulcimer. The sound of the dulcimer..."
@richard-streib
• 3 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @david-of-sw-missouri:
Posted a new Comment on @david-of-sw-missouri:
"Glad you joined David of SW Missouri. Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. You have certainly come to the best place to learn all about the mountain..."
@homer-ross
• 3 days ago
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @dan-evans: extracts from FolkStream concert
Liked a youtube item created by @dan-evans: extracts from FolkStream concert
@homer-ross
• 3 days 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
@davisjames
• 3 days ago
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @dulcidom: The Brink of the White Rock (trad. Ireland)
Liked a youtube item created by @dulcidom: The Brink of the White Rock (trad. Ireland)
@larawilder
• 3 days 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":
"I’m stealing this post from my dad who tells the tale of The first Fourth of July festival at Sunhearth.
“ Hi folks, thanks for welcoming Lara. She mentions..."
@ken-longfield
• 3 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @david-of-sw-missouri:
Posted a new Comment on @david-of-sw-missouri:
"Welcome to FOTMD, David. It's good to have you aboard. This is a great place to learn about the mountain dulcimer. If you have any questions, just ask. We..."
@strumelia
• 4 days ago
• comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on @larawilder:
Posted a new Comment on @larawilder:
"Thanks Dusty, good suggestion! Let's continue these wonderful comments in Lara's discussion thread she started just for it. "
@strumelia
• 4 days 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
@dan-evans
• 4 days ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on extracts from FolkStream concert :
Posted a new Comment on extracts from FolkStream concert :
"3 pieces are featured here : - i) Le Ruisseau Du Moulin / The Mill Stream (D Evans), ii Cascade (D Evans) & iii) Banks Of The Lee (trad, arr, D Evans) "
@david-of-sw-missouri
• 4 days ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Happy New Year!:
Posted a new Comment on Happy New Year!:
"Cindy, can you send a video of “Oxology” please? "
@robin-thompson
• 4 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on A Walk Out the Hollow :
Posted a new Comment on A Walk Out the Hollow :
"Thanks so much for listening, Jamie! I always hope I've titled a tune which matches the tune itself. "
@dusty
• 4 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Down the river I go uncle Joe:
Posted a new Comment on Down the river I go uncle Joe:
"Is it possible to have too much fun?"
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: 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
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
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:
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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.