Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer!
Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer is the most active and extensive site for Appalachian Mountain Dulcimer players and builders on the internet. Welcome!
Join Groups and Forum discussions that interest you, connect with new music friends, share photos, music clips, and videos, explore resources for buying instruments, music, and learning materials. Ask your beginner questions and learn to play your favorite tunes! All who love the Appalachian dulcimer are welcome here no matter what your style, skill level, or musical tastes. Fear not!...beginner players are especially encouraged. Become a member of Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer (FOTMD) community -it's easy, friendly, and FREE!
After joining, please read the Site Rules before posting. You'll find your very own Member Profile Page by clicking on your name in the links navigation bar across the top of any page.. and you'll be all set to join in the fun. Click on different areas and links to get familiar with where things are. Questions about using the new site?- ask them HERE on our site questions forum. Don't be shy- you've come to exactly the right place to receive or give friendly 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
@traildad
• 2 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "VSL, Tuning and Breaking Strings":
Created a new forum topic "VSL, Tuning and Breaking Strings":
"I’ve read that a shorter or longer VSL is beneficial for different tunings especially to keep from breaking strings on the highest notes. I'm wondering how..."
@john-c-knopf
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Jon Pickow's last performance":
Posted a response to "Jon Pickow's last performance":
"THIS, THIS is the way the dulcimore was meant to be played. Soft accompaniment to the solo singing voice.
Not even playing the same notes, but harmonizing..."
@dusty-turtle
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on The Strawberry Blossom:
Posted a new Comment on The Strawberry Blossom:
"Thanks for your comments, @sam. Had I been familiar with fiddle versions of this tune, I might never have tried it on the dulcimer. But I learned it from..."
@sam
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on The Strawberry Blossom:
Posted a new Comment on The Strawberry Blossom:
"Not familiar with the tune Dusty, but really liked your rendition. The pauses and breaks all seemed appropriate. Very nice sounding dulcimer."
@ken-longfield
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Jon Pickow's last performance":
Posted a response to "Jon Pickow's last performance":
"Robin and Dusty, you're welcome. I was unclear as to whether this video is a clip from a larger video which PBS Craft in America filmed. I do hope there is..."
@strumelia
• 8 hours ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @ken-longfield: Jon Pickow's last performance
Liked a forum discussions item created by @ken-longfield: Jon Pickow's last performance
@dusty-turtle
• 9 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Jon Pickow's last performance":
Posted a response to "Jon Pickow's last performance":
"It's wonderful that this has been preserved. Notice that the dulcimer is not repeating the melody as Jon sings but playing a counter melody/harmony part to..."
@robin-thompson
• 9 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Jon Pickow's last performance":
Posted a response to "Jon Pickow's last performance":
"Oh, Ken, this is a treasure. Thanks to you and to the Appalachian School of Luthiery in Hindman!
Rest in peace, Jon Pickow. "
@ken-longfield
• 9 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Jon Pickow's last performance":
Created a new forum topic "Jon Pickow's last performance":
"Here is a video of Jon Pickow, one of Jean Richie's and George Pickow's sons, made by PBS a few days before he died. PBS Craft in America has given us..."
@dusty-turtle
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on REM cover of The One I Love:
Posted a new Comment on REM cover of The One I Love:
"Pretty cool indeed."
@dusty-turtle
• 12 hours ago
• comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on A life in Dulcimers:
Posted a new Comment on A life in Dulcimers:
"Thanks, @robin-thompson. I took that picture of Bubbles the day the octave dulcimer by David Beede arrived. It's hard to believe how long ago that was!"
@gordon-hardy
• 12 hours ago
• comments: 1
Liked a group discussions item created by @robin-thompson: REM cover of The One I Love
Liked a group discussions item created by @robin-thompson: REM cover of The One I Love
@robin-thompson
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 5
Liked a photos item created by @dusty-turtle: River City Dulcimers
Liked a photos item created by @dusty-turtle: River City Dulcimers
@strumelia
• 17 hours ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @robin-thompson: Dolly on mountain dulcimer
Liked a forum discussions item created by @robin-thompson: Dolly on mountain dulcimer
@strumelia
• 17 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dolly on mountain dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Dolly on mountain dulcimer":
"Who doesn't love Dolly? "
@strumelia
• 17 hours ago
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @granto: Arkansas Traveler - with minor version!
Liked a youtube item created by @granto: Arkansas Traveler - with minor version!
@strumelia
• 17 hours ago
• comments: 5
Liked a photos item created by @dusty-turtle: River City Dulcimers
Liked a photos item created by @dusty-turtle: River City Dulcimers
@robin-thompson
• 17 hours ago
• comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on A life in Dulcimers:
Posted a new Comment on A life in Dulcimers:
"I'm so glad you took this photo, Dusty! Though I am just now seeing it (and the date it was posted)-- what a delight it is to see today. "
@robin-thompson
• 17 hours ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on The Post War Dream - Pink Floyd cover:
Posted a new Comment on The Post War Dream - Pink Floyd cover:
"I'm not familiar with the PF version, Tom, yet like this very much. "
@robin-thompson
• 17 hours ago
• comments: 1
Created a new Group discussion "REM cover of The One I Love":
Created a new Group discussion "REM cover of The One I Love":
"I just watched this on YT-- pretty cool! "
Rockin' in the Free World
Rockin' in the Free World
@robin-thompson
• 18 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Jerusalem Ridge":
Posted a response to "Jerusalem Ridge":
"@fishdoc I've been thinking over your request and the only mountain dulcimer player who came to mind who might have a version of easy tablature is Don Pedi...."
@steve-c
• 19 hours ago
• comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on A life in Dulcimers:
Posted a new Comment on A life in Dulcimers:
"Dusty-Turtle, thanks that helps."
@irene
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @robin-thompson: Dolly on mountain dulcimer
Liked a forum discussions item created by @robin-thompson: Dolly on mountain dulcimer
@irene
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @granto: Arkansas Traveler - with minor version!
Liked a youtube item created by @granto: Arkansas Traveler - with minor version!
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Drifting Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Drifting Thread...":
"Thank you dulcinate. I have already asked about it, but they told me the hospital's physical therapy is closed down due to the pandemic. They tell me I will..."
@dusty-turtle
• yesterday
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Arkansas Traveler - with minor version!:
Posted a new Comment on Arkansas Traveler - with minor version!:
"Sounds greato, Granto. It's nice to see you making such fine use of the Blue Lion."
@dusty-turtle
• yesterday
• comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on A life in Dulcimers:
Posted a new Comment on A life in Dulcimers:
"@steve-c, I've had the Probst strung as a baritone for the last year or so. Here is a video of me playing it from a few months back. The dulcimer has a..."
@steve-c
• yesterday
• comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on A life in Dulcimers:
Posted a new Comment on A life in Dulcimers:
"Do you still play this? What do you like most about it?"
@granto
• yesterday
• comments: 1
Posted a new YouTube video:
Arkansas Traveler - with minor version!
Arkansas Traveler - with minor version!
@adulcinate
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Drifting Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Drifting Thread...":
"Good luck Ken! I had openheart surgery a few years ago. My only advice is, if they give you any physical therapy, try to do it. What they gave me really..."
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Drifting Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Drifting Thread...":
"Thank you Jan, Skip, and AngelinaCat. I don't think I'll need a lift chair. I guess I'll find out about getting out a chair while at the hospital.
Ken
"The..."
@angelinacat
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Drifting Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Drifting Thread...":
"Dear Ken:
I hope and pray that all goes well for you and your family."
@skip
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Drifting Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Drifting Thread...":
"Welcome to the zipper club, assuming you're not having the computer aided version. You're not going to lift anything very heavy or even close a car door for..."
@jan-potts
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Drifting Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Drifting Thread...":
"Perhaps a lift chair to rent? I hope you come through your surgery in great shape and heal quickly!"
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Drifting Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Drifting Thread...":
"Thank you folkfan.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@strumelia
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "FOTMD Chat Room!":
Posted a response to "FOTMD Chat Room!":
"Yes i applied a fix last night but hadn't gotten around to asking you guys if it worked. Good to hear.How about you, @jost is it working now for you too?"
@skip
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "FOTMD Chat Room!":
Posted a response to "FOTMD Chat Room!":
"I've been on the road and this is the 1st time I could check back. The chat room seems to be working now on my laptop and tablet, at least the 'hello all'..."
@folkfan
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Drifting Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Drifting Thread...":
"Ken, the best of luck on your surgery and for recuperation. If you can determine what sort of limitations you will face after surgery, then you might have a..."
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Drifting Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Drifting Thread...":
"Thank you Bob.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@bob-reinsel
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Drifting Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Drifting Thread...":
"Ken, I hope everything goes well for you!"
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Drifting Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Drifting Thread...":
"Thank you Lisa.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Drifting Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Drifting Thread...":
"Thanks Robin. That is interesting. They mentioned not lifting anything over 10 pounds for 6 to 8 weeks and I am certainly over that weight. I'll see what..."
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Drifting Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Drifting Thread...":
"Ken, we'll all be rooting for you, and you will be sorely missed here while you are in the hospital. Here's to your rapid recovery ...and to feeling way..."
@robin-thompson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Drifting Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Drifting Thread...":
"Ken, the thing with getting out of a chair and out of bed had to do with if my dad used his arms to bear weight, the internal wiring at the ribs where the..."
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Drifting Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Drifting Thread...":
"Thank you, Dusty and Robin. One of the PAs told me that I am one of the youngest patients in the line for surgery which, at 74, made me feel good. I don't..."
@robin-thompson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Drifting Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Drifting Thread...":
"@ken-longfield I am sorry you were injured yet am glad the surgeon has good remedy! You will be sorely missed during your time away yet I will be praying..."
@dusty-turtle
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Drifting Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Drifting Thread...":
"@ken-longfield, I guess if they want to perform open-heart surgery, you must be in pretty good health. Still, I'm sure it won't be fun for you. Best of..."
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Drifting Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Drifting Thread...":
"I spent about 5 1/2 hours at our regional medical center today. The purpose was to meet with the head of cardiac surgery and undergo pre-surgical tests. On..."
@zinniapatch
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Anyone with Deering dulcimer info?":
Posted a response to "Anyone with Deering dulcimer info?":
"Ken Hulme
Thanks for replying. I downloaded your article. Lots of good information! It answered a lot of questions that we have had; also a lot of stuff..."
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...
Fingerpicking
A place to discuss fingerpicking styles of dulcimer...
Modern/Chord style Players
Do you play chords and fret across all strings? Then...
Hymn and Worship Song Players
a place to share the hymns and worship songs we are playing.
Rockin' in the Free World
A group for those of you who like to play music not...
The Music Theory Corner
A Group to talk about Music Theory!
Dulcimer Care & Maintenance
Tips, tricks and techniques to help care for your dulcimer.
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...
fans of Jean Ritchie
A group for those of us who have been inspired by...
Arranging/composing for...
A group to discuss creating arrangements of songs and...
Help Me Learn this Song
Need help learning to play a particular song? Let...
Little Dulcimers
Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
Dulcimer Therapy
This group is dedicated to those that visit, or have a...
Four-Equidistant Strings
A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
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 teachers
Do you teach dulcimer? Are you helping others to learn?
Baritone Dulcimer Players
A Group for discussing the unique aspects of playing...
UK and European Mountain...
A group which hopefully allows players/makers in this...
Stick Dulcimers/Strumsticks
Regardless of what name you favor, this group is a...
Home Studio Recording
Recording dulcimers, vocals and other instruments in the...
Early & Classical Music
For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
Collector's Corner
A group where collectors of antique, vintage, or rare...
Dulcimer Ancestors
Looking at some of the ancestors of the Mountain...
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...
Box Dulcimers
A group for those who play, make, or admire all types of...
Galax Dulcimer Lovers
Just a group to discuss all things Galax Dulcimer. Tips...
Chromatic Dulcimers
For players who enjoy playing dulcimers with ALL the frets!
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...
Challenged Players
A meeting place for players dealing with disabilities.
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
Virginia Dulcimer Players
Just thought it would be neet to know how many other...
NorthEastern U.S. dulcimer...
For those of us who live in the northeastern United States.
Texas Dulcimer Enthusiasts
Howdy ya'll! Come on by for a cup o' joe and jammin....
North Carolinians Plus
The Three Sides of North Carolina: Mountains / Piedmont /...
Kentucky Dulcimer Players
A group for any players from Kentucky where we can meet...
6 string dulcimers
Owning and playing a 6 string, regardless of tuning, and...
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
FOTMD on the Road
Are your traveling, on vacation, on your way to a...
North of the Lakes
for any MD players in Upper Canada (aka Ontario) and the...
Indiana Players
Welcome all dulcimer players in the state of Indiana!...
AussieTalk!
For dulcimer players in Australia. -Be sure to create...
Arkansas Mtn Dulcimer Players
For those who live in Arkansas and love playing the...
Site Moderators Group
A private group to allow FOTMD moderators to communicate...
Latest Videos
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Showcase your music event or business here!
Showcase your music event or business here
Latest Forum Posts All
VSL, Tuning and Breaking...
Posted: Friday January 22 2021, 11:41 PM
By: @traildad
By: @traildad
Jon Pickow's last performance
Posted: Friday January 22 2021, 10:10 PM
By: @John C. Knopf
By: @John C. Knopf
Dolly on mountain dulcimer
Posted: Friday January 22 2021, 8:56 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Jerusalem Ridge
Posted: Friday January 22 2021, 7:25 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
The Drifting Thread...
Posted: Thursday January 21 2021, 11:31 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
FOTMD Chat Room!
Posted: Thursday January 21 2021, 3:25 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Anyone with Deering...
Posted: Wednesday January 20 2021, 10:45 PM
By: @zinniapatch
By: @zinniapatch
Ginger McSpadden Dulcimer...
Posted: Monday January 18 2021, 5:39 PM
By: @Jill Geary
By: @Jill Geary
What Are You Working On?
Posted: Monday January 18 2021, 1:58 PM
By: @nateprentice
By: @nateprentice
How is the COVID-19...
Posted: Monday January 18 2021, 12:12 PM
By: @LisavB
By: @LisavB
Can someone help Identify...
Posted: Sunday January 17 2021, 3:25 PM
By: @Nathina
By: @Nathina
Hungarian Citera played...
Posted: Sunday January 17 2021, 12:00 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
IMRAMA contrabass &...
Posted: Sunday January 17 2021, 9:45 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Introduce Yourself!
Posted: Saturday January 16 2021, 1:43 PM
By: @nateprentice
By: @nateprentice
A Luthier who used pegs to...
Posted: Saturday January 16 2021, 11:03 AM
By: @Nathina
By: @Nathina
article about world globes...
Posted: Friday January 15 2021, 7:28 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Translating tab to printed...
Posted: Monday January 11 2021, 11:43 AM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
My voyage to the lute...
Posted: Sunday January 10 2021, 3:45 PM
By: @jost
By: @jost
Hollow or solid fret boards
Posted: Sunday January 10 2021, 12:28 PM
By: @Dan
By: @Dan
Spambots on soundcloud
Posted: Sunday January 10 2021, 9:43 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
A moment of reflection
Posted: Friday January 8 2021, 12:39 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
I got a new ukulele
Posted: Friday January 8 2021, 9:34 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Short film on luthier...
Posted: Wednesday January 6 2021, 6:17 PM
By: @dulcinina
By: @dulcinina
"Floating" Fretboards
Posted: Tuesday January 5 2021, 6:05 PM
By: @robert schuler
By: @robert schuler
Recommendations on capos
Posted: Monday January 4 2021, 8:47 PM
By: @Art S
By: @Art S
Blue Lion Dulcimers why so...
Posted: Monday January 4 2021, 7:13 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Fret Markers
Posted: Monday January 4 2021, 10:58 AM
By: @Nathina
By: @Nathina
Hearts Of The Dulcimer...
Posted: Saturday January 2 2021, 4:27 PM
By: @Patricia Delich
By: @Patricia Delich
Cigar Box Guitar
Posted: Saturday January 2 2021, 7:32 AM
By: @Jim Fawcett
By: @Jim Fawcett
Sad News -- RIP Ralph Lee...
Posted: Thursday December 31 2020, 3:05 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Read the Site Rules
Our Welcome Wagon!
3 CHEERS to our Volunteer Greeters ...for making new members feel right at home :
Jim Fawcett 
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Rob Lackey 
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Richard Streib 
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Ken Longfield 
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Benjamin Barr 
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Single Instructor Events / Classifieds
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