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
@marg
• 14 minutes ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Installing built-in pick up for 2004 dulcimer?":
Posted a response to "Installing built-in pick up for 2004 dulcimer?":
"(The Cherub violin mic ) Is a mic the same as a pick up, I have seen several listed as I am also looking to some kind of a way hook a pick up on a dulcimer...."
@marg
• 21 minutes ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Number 11 20 Mawhee set up:
Posted a new Comment on Number 11 20 Mawhee set up:
"Beautiful.
What is (number 8 music wire) is that the same as dulcimer strings or guitar strings?"
@marg
• 23 minutes ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on "BRITCHES FULL OF STITCHES" - Hummel:
Posted a new Comment on "BRITCHES FULL OF STITCHES" - Hummel:
"I love your Hummel. When you play it, do you always strum all the strings or do you just hit one now & than?
I wondering when dulcimers have extra..."
@marg
• 31 minutes ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Modern Mountain Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Modern Mountain Dulcimer":
"Beautiful dulcimer and I like that the fretboard is cut away. I have one like that and it allows me to put a Seymour Duncan pickup under the strings; so..."
@ken-hulme
• 2 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Making wood tuning pegs:
Posted a new Comment on Making wood tuning pegs:
"I use a stain to change color and a couple coats of tung oil, just like I do on the body."
@jimgoodin
• 2 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Modern Mountain Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Modern Mountain Dulcimer":
"Skip thanks - I think I should leave it alone now as it's much improved but thank you re filing the string slot. I had also and hand not mentioned but I put..."
@skip
• 2 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Modern Mountain Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Modern Mountain Dulcimer":
"If you have a floating bridge it can be re-positioned, which can help some. Another trick is to make the base string VSL a bit longer by modding its slot in..."
@jimgoodin
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Modern Mountain Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Modern Mountain Dulcimer":
"Skip thanks. I didn't note and just checked dime and nick again (this time right order as I think I had it backwards earlier) but they are much better in..."
@jimgoodin
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Modern Mountain Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Modern Mountain Dulcimer":
"Happy to report that I did 20 sand strokes with 320 (didn't have 400) to nut and saddle and it's notably better. @+/-10 cents where it had been more like..."
@skip
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Modern Mountain Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Modern Mountain Dulcimer":
"Dime next to the 1st fret, nickel on the 7th fret. If its high on the 7th, then mod the bridge, then check both places. Be careful about modding the nut, a..."
@john-c-knopf
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Making wood tuning pegs:
Posted a new Comment on Making wood tuning pegs:
"Ken, I'd say use ever-what you want. I don't think the sound would be affected at all."
@jimgoodin
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Modern Mountain Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Modern Mountain Dulcimer":
"I'm new to the community and latching on to this as I appreciate finding the thread for current needs I'm having. In my case my dulcimer is a bit high at..."
@hobbyhorse
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 4
Liked a group discussions item created by @granto: Classical Gas
Liked a group discussions item created by @granto: Classical Gas
@ken-longfield
• 8 hours ago
• comments: 2
Created a new Group discussion "Making wood tuning pegs":
Created a new Group discussion "Making wood tuning pegs":
"For those of us who make wood tuning pegs, what finish do you put on your pegs. I have been using shellac, but wonder if there is something better to use...."
Dulcimer Making
Dulcimer Making
@strumelia
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Small Burnsville:
Posted a new Comment on Small Burnsville:
"That's cool, Ken. "
@leny-sue
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @janene-millen: Black is the Color
Liked a youtube item created by @janene-millen: Black is the Color
@hobbyhorse
• 19 hours ago
• comments: 3
Liked a youtube item created by @granto: Minuet in G - Minor Version
Liked a youtube item created by @granto: Minuet in G - Minor Version
@irene
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 38
Posted a new Comment on more DAd than DAA instruction available?:
Posted a new Comment on more DAd than DAA instruction available?:
"When they are playing is D.....if it's "on line"....YOU can also play in Daa along with them. It will be fast and good experience for you. The first..."
@ken-hulme
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new Group discussion "Sawn-Frame Dulcemore":
Created a new Group discussion "Sawn-Frame Dulcemore":
"Somewhere here awhile back, we had a discussion about making dulcimers and other instruments with carved or sawn frames rather than sides/top/back glued up..."
Dulcimer Making
Dulcimer Making
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 38
Posted a new Comment on more DAd than DAA instruction available?:
Posted a new Comment on more DAd than DAA instruction available?:
"I'm coming in to the discussion rather late, but don't for The Wonderful World of DAA by Maddie MacNeil from Mel Bay Publishers.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a..."
@banjostray
• yesterday
• comments: 38
Posted a new Comment on more DAd than DAA instruction available?:
Posted a new Comment on more DAd than DAA instruction available?:
"Thanks guys, I’ll add these titles to my Christmas wish list!"
@robin-thompson
• yesterday
• comments: 38
Posted a new Comment on more DAd than DAA instruction available?:
Posted a new Comment on more DAd than DAA instruction available?:
"Though I don't play chord style, I have Larkin Bryant's book and it is wonderful-- I second @John-W-Mckinstry and recommend it! :) I am not familiar with the..."
@john-w-mckinstry
• yesterday
• comments: 38
Posted a new Comment on more DAd than DAA instruction available?:
Posted a new Comment on more DAd than DAA instruction available?:
"Hi Eric, Getting back to your original question of DAa tutor material, I have found the following helpful:
"Welcome To The Mountain Dulcimer" by Anne..."
@robin-thompson
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Minuet in G - Minor Version:
Posted a new Comment on Minuet in G - Minor Version:
"So doggone cool, Grant. "
@irene
• 2 days ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Black is the Color:
Posted a new Comment on Black is the Color:
"VERY VERY BEAUTIFUL. I sang that for years with my guitar....married a wonderful black haired Polynesian man...............my his wondrous..."
@richard-streib
• 2 days ago
• comments: 38
Posted a new Comment on more DAd than DAA instruction available?:
Posted a new Comment on more DAd than DAA instruction available?:
"dulcinina:
You are right. But check out TTAD, The Traditional Appalachian Dulcimore. This group is devoted to traditional N/D playing and there is TAB..."
@dulcinina
• 2 days ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Mississippi Sawyer:
Posted a new Comment on Mississippi Sawyer:
"Wow, Dan! Fabulous. Nina"
@dulcinina
• 2 days ago
• comments: 38
Posted a new Comment on more DAd than DAA instruction available?:
Posted a new Comment on more DAd than DAA instruction available?:
"You are right. But check out TTAD, The Traditional Appalachian Dulcimore. This group is devoted to traditional N/D playing and there is TAB available in..."
@john-w-mckinstry
• 2 days ago
• comments: 38
Posted a new Comment on more DAd than DAA instruction available?:
Posted a new Comment on more DAd than DAA instruction available?:
"Hi Eric, I love DAa. It is very tradional and beautiful. Dan Evans, a noted player from the U.K, has written an article
"My Approach to the Dulcimer" or..."
@gregg-schneeman
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on "BRITCHES FULL OF STITCHES" - Hummel:
Posted a new Comment on "BRITCHES FULL OF STITCHES" - Hummel:
"Besides this Hummel video I have also made four Bowed Psaltery videos in four keys of this good learner tune on my YouTube channel. I hope folks visit and..."
@gregg-schneeman
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new YouTube video:
"BRITCHES FULL OF STITCHES" - Hummel
"BRITCHES FULL OF STITCHES" - Hummel
@ariane
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Warm Up - New Online Music Project:
Posted a new Comment on Warm Up - New Online Music Project:
"My 2nd ONLINE MUSIC PROJECT "Warm Up" has entered the next stage...Ron Zuckerman added his wonderful bass line to it."
@robin-thompson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Mississippi Sawyer:
Posted a new Comment on Mississippi Sawyer:
"Very cool MS!"
@phil-myers
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Modern Mountain Dulcimer For Sale":
Posted a response to "Modern Mountain Dulcimer For Sale":
"Gary, this one is 27" VSL. Also has 1 1/2 and 8 1/2 frets"
@granto
• 3 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Minuet in G - Minor Version:
Posted a new Comment on Minuet in G - Minor Version:
"Strumelia:
Very nice, Grant!
Is that dulcimer body 'in the white' because of unfinished wood, or did you actually paint it white? (I have a white..."
@gary-warnock
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Modern Mountain Dulcimer For Sale":
Posted a response to "Modern Mountain Dulcimer For Sale":
"Some have 25” though"
@ken-hulme
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Modern Mountain Dulcimer For Sale":
Posted a response to "Modern Mountain Dulcimer For Sale":
"Standard MMD VSL is 27"."
@strumelia
• 3 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Number 11 20 Mawhee set up:
Posted a new Comment on Number 11 20 Mawhee set up:
"Real handsome dulcimer, Dan!"
@strumelia
• 3 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Minuet in G - Minor Version:
Posted a new Comment on Minuet in G - Minor Version:
"Very nice, Grant!
Is that dulcimer body 'in the white' because of unfinished wood, or did you actually paint it white? (I have a white langspil so i..."
@strumelia
• 3 days ago
• comments: 3
Liked a youtube item created by @granto: Minuet in G - Minor Version
Liked a youtube item created by @granto: Minuet in G - Minor Version
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...
Arranging/composing for...
A group to discuss creating arrangements of songs and...
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...
Dulcimer Therapy
This group is dedicated to those that visit, or have a...
Little Dulcimers
Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
Four-Equidistant Strings
A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
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...
Public Domain... or Not?
Ever wanted to record or post that tune, but you just...
Stick Dulcimers/Strumsticks
Regardless of what name you favor, this group is a...
I have extra frets.....
This group is for those who have a 1 1/2 fret, an 8 1/2...
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...
Call the Tune
"Call the Tune" is a place to post audio and video...
Dulcimer Ancestors
Looking at some of the ancestors of the Mountain...
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...
Prayers, Hugs, and Kindness
A group for private sharing and support, whether you are...
Challenged Players
A meeting place for players dealing with disabilities.
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
All
Showcase your music event or business here!
Showcase your music event or business here
Latest Forum Posts All
Installing built-in pick up...
Posted: Tuesday September 22 2020, 9:42 PM
By: @marg
By: @marg
Modern Mountain Dulcimer
Posted: Tuesday September 22 2020, 9:25 PM
By: @marg
By: @marg
Modern Mountain Dulcimer...
Posted: Sunday September 20 2020, 9:52 AM
By: @Phil Myers
By: @Phil Myers
Hurricane Sally
Posted: Thursday September 17 2020, 11:46 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Embarrassed: just picking...
Posted: Thursday September 17 2020, 6:08 AM
By: @NateBuildsToys
By: @NateBuildsToys
Anyone bidding"
Posted: Thursday September 17 2020, 5:49 AM
By: @Susie
By: @Susie
If I Had a Hammer...
Posted: Wednesday September 16 2020, 8:33 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
I ordered my own dulcimer
Posted: Tuesday September 15 2020, 10:34 AM
By: @traildad
By: @traildad
Does anyone know what kind...
Posted: Monday September 14 2020, 10:24 AM
By: @Ilenef
By: @Ilenef
Contra dancing :)
Posted: Sunday September 13 2020, 1:20 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Healthy Living- healthy...
Posted: Saturday September 12 2020, 8:16 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Virtual Dulcimer Festival...
Posted: Friday September 11 2020, 3:50 PM
By: @Lois Sprengnether Keel
By: @Lois Sprengnether Keel
McSpadden Dulcimer with 1+...
Posted: Wednesday September 9 2020, 5:57 PM
By: @Parker Buckley
By: @Parker Buckley
The Drifting Thread...
Posted: Wednesday September 9 2020, 12:35 PM
By: @Lois Sprengnether Keel
By: @Lois Sprengnether Keel
Any banjo players out there?
Posted: Tuesday September 8 2020, 11:10 PM
By: @Jim Yates
By: @Jim Yates
How is the COVID-19...
Posted: Monday September 7 2020, 12:02 PM
By: @LisavB
By: @LisavB
The Mountain Minor movie
Posted: Sunday September 6 2020, 3:30 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Song Identification Help
Posted: Saturday September 5 2020, 10:20 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Heard of "The Left Hand...
Posted: Saturday September 5 2020, 7:24 PM
By: @Gregg Schneeman
By: @Gregg Schneeman
Choice of Wood: Pertinent...
Posted: Friday September 4 2020, 8:25 PM
By: @Lisa Golladay
By: @Lisa Golladay
Want to get a fretting...
Posted: Friday September 4 2020, 11:32 AM
By: @pattyfromor
By: @pattyfromor
What's the deal with...
Posted: Wednesday September 2 2020, 8:26 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Are there fretless dulcimers?
Posted: Wednesday September 2 2020, 5:05 AM
By: @NateBuildsToys
By: @NateBuildsToys
Glass Bottle Resonator...
Posted: Tuesday September 1 2020, 11:14 PM
By: @NateBuildsToys
By: @NateBuildsToys
worldwide Play Music on the...
Posted: Monday August 31 2020, 8:59 PM
By: @David Bennett
By: @David Bennett
Magnetic pickup vs Piezo vs...
Posted: Monday August 31 2020, 1:57 PM
By: @John C. Knopf
By: @John C. Knopf
Loaner Dulcimer
Posted: Friday August 28 2020, 1:30 PM
By: @Ken Hulme
By: @Ken Hulme
Assessing Tone
Posted: Friday August 28 2020, 1:56 AM
By: @NateBuildsToys
By: @NateBuildsToys
Blair fret compare -...
Posted: Friday August 28 2020, 1:33 AM
By: @NateBuildsToys
By: @NateBuildsToys
Hurricane Laura's Impact on...
Posted: Thursday August 27 2020, 5:24 PM
By: @Steven Berger
By: @Steven Berger
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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