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
• 2 hours ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on @kristanvw:
Posted a new Comment on @kristanvw:
"Welcome Kristanvw to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Glad you joined. This is a friendly and active forum. Look around and see what all is here. Be sure to..."
@davisjames
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 18
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: In The Morning, Very Early; Tune: Beach Spring, Text: Anne McKinstry
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: In The Morning, Very Early; Tune: Beach Spring, Text: Anne McKinstry
@davisjames
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 15
Liked a youtube item created by @dan-evans: Banks Of The Lee - Irish folk melody
Liked a youtube item created by @dan-evans: Banks Of The Lee - Irish folk melody
@robin-thompson
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on A Tune For Cece:
Posted a new Comment on A Tune For Cece:
"That dulcimer sounds great! "
@strumelia
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Headin' South:
Posted a new Comment on Headin' South:
"Very nicely played!"
@ken-longfield
• 12 hours ago
• comments: 2
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: Headin' South
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: Headin' South
@ken-longfield
• 12 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Anyone have experience with a Black Mountain dulcimer?":
Posted a response to "Anyone have experience with a Black Mountain dulcimer?":
"My experience with Black Mountain dulcimers is that they are good instruments. They are not fancy, but are well built, play well, and sound good. Back in the..."
@wally-venable
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Anyone have experience with a Black Mountain dulcimer?":
Posted a response to "Anyone have experience with a Black Mountain dulcimer?":
"You should consider taking your current instrument to the shop and playing both side by side. The important thing is which one suits your ear better."
@robin-thompson
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Headin' South:
Posted a new Comment on Headin' South:
"Your tune has the on-the-move traveling feel to it, Jamie, and also seems to evoke a simpler time. Nice. "
@robin-thompson
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 2
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: Headin' South
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: Headin' South
@mr-phil
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 4
Liked a music item created by @robert-schuler: rock the cradle joe
Liked a music item created by @robert-schuler: rock the cradle joe
@pghmatt
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Anyone have experience with a Black Mountain dulcimer?":
Created a new forum topic "Anyone have experience with a Black Mountain dulcimer?":
"I am exploring options locally to upgrade my current dulcimer. A shop locally has one from Black Mountain for sale. They look nice but could not find..."
@stephen-d-barrett
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Signed @gwen-caeli's Guestbook:
Signed @gwen-caeli's Guestbook:
"
Stephen Barrett:
Love "Fresh Airs" book.
Thanks."
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @dan: Number 7_25 London
Liked a forum discussions item created by @dan: Number 7_25 London
@dan
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Number 7_25 London":
Created a new forum topic "Number 7_25 London":
"This was a fun piece. It is loosely based on an instrument made by Dale London back in the 90's. The piece needed some repair work done and I had the..."
@dan
• yesterday
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Number 6_25 Jinny sound clip:
Posted a new Comment on Number 6_25 Jinny sound clip:
"https://imgur.com/x66YYUF"
@homer-ross
• 2 days ago
• comments: 15
Posted a new Comment on Banks Of The Lee - Irish folk melody:
Posted a new Comment on Banks Of The Lee - Irish folk melody:
"Beautiful!"
@phil-myers
• 2 days ago
• comments: 12
Posted a new Comment on Natchez Under The Hill:
Posted a new Comment on Natchez Under The Hill:
"Thanks for your kind words Davisjames! i have a Tom Yocky built in 2005 with a golden retriever and paw prints named Ellie after my sweet pup."
@ken-longfield
• 3 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @krigelman:
Posted a new Comment on @krigelman:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Krigelman. It's good to have you aboard. If you look around Chattanooga you will some very good dulcimer players there. Have fun exploring..."
@beth-t
• 3 days ago
• comments: 15
Liked a youtube item created by @dan-evans: Banks Of The Lee - Irish folk melody
Liked a youtube item created by @dan-evans: Banks Of The Lee - Irish folk melody
@davisjames
• 3 days ago
• comments: 12
Posted a new Comment on Natchez Under The Hill:
Posted a new Comment on Natchez Under The Hill:
"I like the sound holes on your dulcimer(maple leaves)!So far I've got diamonds( John Knopf Galax),cats,(Tom Yockie chromatic),a dove carrying an olive..."
@richard-streib
• 3 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @krigelman:
Posted a new Comment on @krigelman:
"Welcome Krigelman to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. So great of you to join. This is a very active forum with lots of friendly people. Look around at all..."
@robin-thompson
• 3 days ago
• comments: 18
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: In The Morning, Very Early; Tune: Beach Spring, Text: Anne McKinstry
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: In The Morning, Very Early; Tune: Beach Spring, Text: Anne McKinstry
@strumelia
• 4 days ago
• comments: 18
Posted a new Comment on In The Morning, Very Early; Tune: Beach Spring, Text: Anne McKinstry:
Posted a new Comment on In The Morning, Very Early; Tune: Beach Spring, Text: Anne McKinstry:
"Beautifully played and sung. And wonderful words written by Anne."
@strumelia
• 4 days ago
• comments: 18
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: In The Morning, Very Early; Tune: Beach Spring, Text: Anne McKinstry
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: In The Morning, Very Early; Tune: Beach Spring, Text: Anne McKinstry
@beth-t
• 4 days ago
• comments: 19
Posted a new Comment on Dadl Dau/Gwŷr Pendref/I Lawr â'r Ffrancwyr:
Posted a new Comment on Dadl Dau/Gwŷr Pendref/I Lawr â'r Ffrancwyr:
"olddog75:
YIKES! That was goood! Thanks for the posting
And thank you for the feedback @olddog75! 😊"
@frank-dudgeon
• 4 days ago
• comments: 19
Liked a youtube item created by @beth-t: Dadl Dau/Gwŷr Pendref/I Lawr â'r Ffrancwyr
Liked a youtube item created by @beth-t: Dadl Dau/Gwŷr Pendref/I Lawr â'r Ffrancwyr
@olddog75
• 4 days ago
• comments: 19
Posted a new Comment on Dadl Dau/Gwŷr Pendref/I Lawr â'r Ffrancwyr:
Posted a new Comment on Dadl Dau/Gwŷr Pendref/I Lawr â'r Ffrancwyr:
"YIKES! That was goood! Thanks for the posting"
@olddog75
• 4 days ago
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: I walk in beauty
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: I walk in beauty
@robin-thompson
• 5 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
"@strumelia We were happy she learned the little tune and made it a little cello tune. (a very little cello emoji haha) "
@strumelia
• 5 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
"@robin-thompson , that is so wonderful!"
@strumelia
• 5 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Pine Cones:
Posted a new Comment on Pine Cones:
"This is quite beautiful. Your voice goes well with this dulcimer tone. The piece is emotive and has an ancient feel to it. Well done."
@davisjames
• 5 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Prairie Medley.:
Posted a new Comment on Prairie Medley.:
"I used a felt pick because my chromatic is very treble sounding and it took some of the edge off.It does tend to slip out of my fingers,thus the pauses on..."
@robin-thompson
• 6 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Pine Cones:
Posted a new Comment on Pine Cones:
"Nicely composed, played, and sung, SofR! "
@beth-t
• 6 days ago
• comments: 19
Posted a new Comment on Dadl Dau/Gwŷr Pendref/I Lawr â'r Ffrancwyr:
Posted a new Comment on Dadl Dau/Gwŷr Pendref/I Lawr â'r Ffrancwyr:
"Homer Ross:
Thanks for sharing Beth. I loved it!
Cheers Homer! 😊"
@studentofrhythm
• 6 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Cuncti Simus Concanentes:
Posted a new Comment on Cuncti Simus Concanentes:
"Thanks all!"
@peter-harklau
• 6 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
"Thanks for this. Dusty Turtle"]
Kurt Vonnegut in a letter to high school students:
Practice any art, music, singing, dancing, acting, drawing, painting,..."
@ken-longfield
• 6 days ago
• comments: 4
Liked a music item created by @dan: Number 6_25 Jinny sound clip
Liked a music item created by @dan: Number 6_25 Jinny sound clip
@dan
• 6 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Number 6_25 Jinny sound clip:
Posted a new Comment on Number 6_25 Jinny sound clip:
"Thank you all! This piece went to a family in Indiana so maybe a few more folks up that way will get to experience it."
@homer-ross
• 6 days ago
• comments: 19
Posted a new Comment on Dadl Dau/Gwŷr Pendref/I Lawr â'r Ffrancwyr:
Posted a new Comment on Dadl Dau/Gwŷr Pendref/I Lawr â'r Ffrancwyr:
"Thanks for sharing Beth. I loved it!"
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...
Little Dulcimers
Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
Baritone & Bass Dulcimer...
A Group for discussing the unique aspects of playing...
Four-Equidistant Strings
A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
fans of Jean Ritchie
A group for those of us who have been inspired by...
Help Me Learn this Song
Need help learning to play a particular song? Let another...
Early & Classical Music
For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
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...
UK and European Mountain...
A group which hopefully allows players/makers in this...
Chromatic Dulcimers
For players who enjoy playing dulcimers with ALL the frets!
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...
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....
6 string dulcimers
Owning and playing a 6 string, regardless of tuning, and...
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...
FOTMD on the Road
Are your traveling, on vacation, on your way to a...
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
![Maggie Darling[tearjerker on the teardrop].](https://fotmd.com/uploaded_audio/image/audio_image/1323/large/crop=auto)
Latest Forum Posts All
Anyone have experience with...
Posted: Friday July 18 2025, 9:23 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Number 7_25 London
Posted: Thursday July 17 2025, 1:46 PM
By: @Dan
By: @Dan
The Positive Thread...
Posted: Monday July 14 2025, 8:02 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Mr Dusty T
Posted: Saturday July 12 2025, 6:34 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Lefties
Posted: Thursday July 10 2025, 5:07 PM
By: @Alex_Lubet
By: @Alex_Lubet
Apologies
Posted: Wednesday July 9 2025, 7:41 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
No grooves on bridge revisited
Posted: Monday July 7 2025, 5:56 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Black Thomas replication
Posted: Saturday July 5 2025, 8:35 AM
By: @Dan
By: @Dan
Tuning down a half step
Posted: Friday July 4 2025, 11:15 AM
By: @Lorilee
By: @Lorilee
Pluck by Linda Paulus
Posted: Wednesday July 2 2025, 7:50 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Reasons NOT To Get a Chromatic
Posted: Monday June 30 2025, 4:33 PM
By: @Alex_Lubet
By: @Alex_Lubet
Guitar strap (Straplok)
Posted: Saturday June 28 2025, 6:35 PM
By: @Lilley Pad
By: @Lilley Pad
When to replace tuners
Posted: Thursday June 26 2025, 10:46 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Value of a Mize Dulcimer
Posted: Tuesday June 24 2025, 11:35 AM
By: @John Pettreemusic
By: @John Pettreemusic
For our new members - The Chat
Posted: Tuesday June 24 2025, 9:45 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
My happiness with Heinrich...
Posted: Sunday June 22 2025, 6:40 PM
By: @Mountainmender
By: @Mountainmender
Which melody string to...
Posted: Sunday June 22 2025, 5:58 PM
By: @Paderau
By: @Paderau
Hello, Hi again!
Posted: Sunday June 22 2025, 4:36 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Price estimate on old dulcimer
Posted: Thursday June 19 2025, 1:03 AM
By: @Molly McCurdy
By: @Molly McCurdy
New to the group, several...
Posted: Wednesday June 18 2025, 11:51 AM
By: @Alex_Lubet
By: @Alex_Lubet
Are string breaks dangerous?
Posted: Monday June 16 2025, 10:12 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Tuning my new Dulcimer
Posted: Saturday June 14 2025, 10:11 PM
By: @calvin
By: @calvin
Replacing wood tuners
Posted: Saturday June 14 2025, 7:04 AM
By: @Richard Streib
By: @Richard Streib
Brass instruments
Posted: Thursday June 12 2025, 6:00 PM
By: @ryan-carey
By: @ryan-carey
Introduce Yourself!
Posted: Thursday June 12 2025, 7:04 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
What to Look For When...
Posted: Friday June 6 2025, 4:31 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
larry Barringer
Posted: Thursday June 5 2025, 12:52 PM
By: @calvin
By: @calvin
WANTED: Blue Lion teardrop
Posted: Monday June 2 2025, 6:54 PM
By: @Jill Geary
By: @Jill Geary
Bar Cords
Posted: Sunday June 1 2025, 4:00 AM
By: @Lilley Pad
By: @Lilley Pad
Mountain Dulcimer on The...
Posted: Saturday May 24 2025, 12:38 PM
By: @Jim Yates
By: @Jim Yates
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.