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 in 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 player 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. 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.. and you'll be able to join in the fun. Click on different areas and links to get familiar with where things are. Questions about using the site?- ask them HERE . Don't be shy- 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
@rojo
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Show us your sound holes!":
Posted a response to "Show us your sound holes!":
"Back to the drawing board!"
@rojo
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Show us your sound holes!":
Posted a response to "Show us your sound holes!":
"Testing to see if I've managed to crop photo to useable size."
@dusty-turtle
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Gentle Annie:
Posted a new Comment on Gentle Annie:
"Thanks, @Learning-Always. I appreciate your taking the time to comment."
@ken-hulme
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Soundhole reinforcement:
Posted a new Comment on Soundhole reinforcement:
"When I made intricate sound holes I used both wood and fabric reinforcements glued on the inside. These days a diamond or an F scroll are the extent on my..."
@jimws
• 9 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Mountain Dulcimer Club - Somerset, Pa":
Created a new forum topic "Mountain Dulcimer Club - Somerset, Pa":
"I'll be volunteering at a state park outside Somerset, Pa in 2021 & would like to hook up with a club/group that play the mountain dulcimer in..."
@dulcicat
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Gila Mountain Dulcimer - Never Played":
Posted a response to "Gila Mountain Dulcimer - Never Played":
"I’m sorry I never knew Kerry. I’ve heard many say what you just said about her. This instrument was bought by a Grandmother for her dulcimer playing..."
@dusty-turtle
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
"Good for you, Venni! That's awfully fast progress. I think my first song was Mary Had a Little Lamb."
@ken-hulme
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Gila Mountain Dulcimer - Never Played":
Posted a response to "Gila Mountain Dulcimer - Never Played":
"Kerry (R.I.P.) was a lovely lady, a great player, and a fabulous builder. I miss her.How is it that this dulcimer was never brought to life?"
@venni
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
"I made a lot of progress with my dulcimer and can play four songs:
Carol of the Bells - Joshua Messick
Wildwood Flower - David Schnaufer
False Love - Paul..."
@dulcicat
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Gila Mountain Dulcimer - Never Played":
Created a new forum topic "Gila Mountain Dulcimer - Never Played":
"Never played Gila Mountain Dulcimer made by Kerry Anderson Coates. Walnut and Butternut. Hand carved and hand painted. $1200 includes instrument, shipping,..."
@lois-sprengnether-keel
• 15 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Indoor House Plants":
Posted a response to "Indoor House Plants":
"UPDATE: The "non-astilbe" was a Kalanchoe or "Widow's Thrill." It looks like at times I may have over-watered it. Was tempted seeing the cheery yellow..."
@learning-always
• 17 hours ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on "BUGALED BREIZH" - CRISTIAN HUET - DULCIMER:
Posted a new Comment on "BUGALED BREIZH" - CRISTIAN HUET - DULCIMER:
"Wow, this is lovely! Thanks so much for sharing."
@lois-sprengnether-keel
• 19 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Indoor House Plants":
Posted a response to "Indoor House Plants":
"The non-astilbe is now gone. In its final days there wasn't enough left to identify unfortunately. I could swear I went online for that ages ago, but..."
@dusty-turtle
• 19 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "What's fer dinner?":
Posted a response to "What's fer dinner?":
"Save me a place at the table, Strumelia. That sounds delicious."
@strumelia
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "What's fer dinner?":
Posted a response to "What's fer dinner?":
"Our two best friends are a couple in our neighborhood who are a little older than us. We like to do nice little things back and forth for each other when we..."
@phil-myers
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 8
Liked a youtube item created by @cristian-huet: "BUGALED BREIZH" - CRISTIAN HUET - DULCIMER
Liked a youtube item created by @cristian-huet: "BUGALED BREIZH" - CRISTIAN HUET - DULCIMER
@phil-myers
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @granto: The Lilting Banshee
Liked a youtube item created by @granto: The Lilting Banshee
@ocean-daughter
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
"Hello, Andi, and welcome! I know how it feels to be the only dulcimer player you know.
If you're able to attend virtual groups or classes, that might help..."
@strumelia
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Indoor House Plants":
Posted a response to "Indoor House Plants":
"Now you can simply call that plant "The non-astilbe", Lois. lolol If you could attach a photo of it here, I 'might' be able to recognize what it is.
Your..."
@dusty-turtle
• 2 days ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on The Lilting Banshee:
Posted a new Comment on The Lilting Banshee:
"Dizzying speed and stellar accuracy. Remarkably playing, Grant."
@lois-sprengnether-keel
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Indoor House Plants":
Posted a response to "Indoor House Plants":
"Mandevilla is indeed an outdoor plant. Each year I have 2 at the entrance to our house and 1 in the sun room (which is unheated, so normally the plant dies..."
@terry-wilson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
"Hi Andi,
Welcome to the forum. There are many friends here that will gladly help you along in your journey.
“The dulcimer is an unknown instrument in..."
@john-c-knopf
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
"Andi, your English is very good, and you write it well. Welcome to our dulcimer site!
We have something for everybody here, whether you like to play the..."
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
"Welcome Andi. You are doing much better with English than I could do with Spanish. Go ahead and ask questions. We will try to help you along on your dulcimer..."
@andibear
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
"Hi!!
My name is Andi and I'm a beginner player of mountain dulcimer from Spain.
First of all excuse my bad english or my faults, english is not my first..."
@susie
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Ron Ewing Dulcimettes:
Posted a new Comment on Ron Ewing Dulcimettes:
"John and Dusty, thank you for your feedback, comments, suggestions. I appreciate the video's too. I'm going to have to contact Ron through his website and..."
@dusty-turtle
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Ron Ewing Dulcimettes:
Posted a new Comment on Ron Ewing Dulcimettes:
"Hi Susie,
I own two of Ron's dulcimettes. One is an octave dulcimette with just three strings and the other is a six string baritone dulcimette, which is..."
@john-shaw
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Ron Ewing Dulcimettes:
Posted a new Comment on Ron Ewing Dulcimettes:
"Hello Susie, I have been the happy owner of a Ron Ewing dulcimette for 30 years. As I am sure others will say he is a top-quality maker. As far as I know..."
@susie
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Created a new Group discussion "Ron Ewing Dulcimettes":
Created a new Group discussion "Ron Ewing Dulcimettes":
"Who here owns one? What are your thoughts/suggestions? Is Ron Ewing even building them anymore (I'm sure he's getting up there in age)? I'm toying with the..."
Little Dulcimers
Little Dulcimers
@john-c-knopf
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Soundhole reinforcement:
Posted a new Comment on Soundhole reinforcement:
"Bill, I use a narrow, thin strip of the same wood, and glue it at an angle (not necessarily 90 degrees) under the top, where it won't show.
You can go with..."
@gary-major
• 2 days ago
• comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on Hard Times Come Again No More:
Posted a new Comment on Hard Times Come Again No More:
"Beautiful Dulcimer and nice sound. Thank you"
@dusty-turtle
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Liked a youtube item created by @granto: Cello Suite 1 - Courante - Bach
Liked a youtube item created by @granto: Cello Suite 1 - Courante - Bach
@ocean-daughter
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Virtual Festivals--what's your experience, or your thoughts?":
Posted a response to "Virtual Festivals--what's your experience, or your thoughts?":
"I did have another thought about a benefit virtual festivals have given me--they are helping me get to know who's out there, in terms of well-known teachers..."
@ocean-daughter
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Virtual Festivals--what's your experience, or your thoughts?":
Posted a response to "Virtual Festivals--what's your experience, or your thoughts?":
"@dusty-turtle, thank you for that detailed response. Wow, thank you for taking the time!
I play fingerdance with a flatpick, mostly melody-drone; I'm..."
@ken-hulme
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Show us your sound holes!":
Posted a response to "Show us your sound holes!":
"You're right Dusty. Very few actually carve/cut a Celtic knot soundhole. Most use a laser-cut rosette for that sort of intricate work."
@dusty-turtle
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Virtual Festivals--what's your experience, or your thoughts?":
Posted a response to "Virtual Festivals--what's your experience, or your thoughts?":
"ocean-daughter: One thing I've wanted is to develop technique--to make the notes sound connected @ocean-daughter, I don't want to ignore this comment...."
@ken-hulme
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "delicate sound hole reinforcement":
Posted a response to "delicate sound hole reinforcement":
"In addition to the things Ken mentions, some builders use card stock or heavy paper, even thin goatskin; basically anything that doesn't have grain like wood..."
@bill-robison
• 3 days ago
• comments: 2
Created a new Group discussion "Soundhole reinforcement":
Created a new Group discussion "Soundhole reinforcement":
"What material do you use to reinforce the intricate soundhole designs? Wood at a90 deg to grain for fabric with glue? I don't have access to a laser or..."
Dulcimer Making
Dulcimer Making
@ken-longfield
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "delicate sound hole reinforcement":
Posted a response to "delicate sound hole reinforcement":
"Bill, a lot of it depends upon the design. Some folks put a thin piece of wood under the sound hole area with the grain running perpendicular to the top..."
@dusty-turtle
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "delicate sound hole reinforcement":
Posted a response to "delicate sound hole reinforcement":
"I'm totally ignorant of instrument design, Bill, so I can't help you. But if you don't get good answers here, you might consider joining the Dulcimer..."
@bill-robison
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "delicate sound hole reinforcement":
Created a new forum topic "delicate sound hole reinforcement":
"I have seen many sound hole designs on here and was wondering what you use for reinforcement under and around those intricate designs."
@strumelia
• 3 days ago
• comments: 11
Liked a youtube item created by @flint-hill: Wayfaring Stranger
Liked a youtube item created by @flint-hill: Wayfaring Stranger
@ocean-daughter
• 3 days ago
• comments: 11
Posted a new Comment on Wayfaring Stranger:
Posted a new Comment on Wayfaring Stranger:
"I just came across this through a search and I love it! It has a wonderfully lonely old-time feeling to it. I haven't been much of a finger-picker, but..."
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...
Baritone Dulcimer Players
A Group for discussing the unique aspects of playing...
Dulcimer teachers
Do you teach dulcimer? Are you helping others to learn?
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...
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
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Showcase your music event or business here
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Latest Forum Posts All
Show us your sound holes!
Posted: Monday March 8 2021, 1:04 AM
By: @rojo
By: @rojo
Mountain Dulcimer Club -...
Posted: Sunday March 7 2021, 9:18 PM
By: @jimws
By: @jimws
Gila Mountain Dulcimer -...
Posted: Sunday March 7 2021, 5:24 PM
By: @DulciCat
By: @DulciCat
The Positive Thread...
Posted: Sunday March 7 2021, 5:17 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Indoor House Plants
Posted: Sunday March 7 2021, 2:46 PM
By: @Lois Sprengnether Keel
By: @Lois Sprengnether Keel
What's fer dinner?
Posted: Sunday March 7 2021, 11:13 AM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Introduce Yourself!
Posted: Sunday March 7 2021, 12:31 AM
By: @ocean-daughter
By: @ocean-daughter
Virtual Festivals--what's...
Posted: Friday March 5 2021, 6:31 PM
By: @ocean-daughter
By: @ocean-daughter
delicate sound hole...
Posted: Friday March 5 2021, 5:02 PM
By: @Ken Hulme
By: @Ken Hulme
Discussing virtual festival...
Posted: Friday March 5 2021, 12:49 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Feedback on new instrument
Posted: Friday March 5 2021, 9:36 AM
By: @Ken Hulme
By: @Ken Hulme
Shoat Hogfiddle for sale
Posted: Wednesday March 3 2021, 3:21 PM
By: @Kevin R.
By: @Kevin R.
Legacy Straps Review
Posted: Wednesday March 3 2021, 8:24 AM
By: @Susie
By: @Susie
Hearts Of The Dulcimer...
Posted: Tuesday March 2 2021, 5:16 PM
By: @Patricia Delich
By: @Patricia Delich
How to get adhesive residue...
Posted: Tuesday March 2 2021, 5:13 PM
By: @ocean-daughter
By: @ocean-daughter
Start new thread or revive...
Posted: Tuesday March 2 2021, 2:31 PM
By: @ocean-daughter
By: @ocean-daughter
Researching a dulcimer I...
Posted: Sunday February 28 2021, 6:43 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Show Us Your Pets!
Posted: Saturday February 27 2021, 1:25 PM
By: @Richard Streib
By: @Richard Streib
Where do I start?
Posted: Thursday February 25 2021, 5:10 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
John Frazier dulcimer
Posted: Wednesday February 24 2021, 8:21 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
basic music advice from...
Posted: Wednesday February 24 2021, 12:45 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Where have all the...
Posted: Sunday February 21 2021, 7:05 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Steeleye Span & John...
Posted: Sunday February 21 2021, 5:10 PM
By: @FoundryRat
By: @FoundryRat
Richard Troughear MD made...
Posted: Sunday February 21 2021, 2:53 PM
By: @John C. Knopf
By: @John C. Knopf
Texas-bound J. E. Thomas...
Posted: Saturday February 20 2021, 7:36 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Zebrawood F# Native...
Posted: Thursday February 18 2021, 12:35 PM
By: @Susie
By: @Susie
How is the COVID-19...
Posted: Tuesday February 16 2021, 6:46 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Choosing Your String Gauge
Posted: Tuesday February 16 2021, 8:38 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Grant Olson Website
Posted: Saturday February 13 2021, 4:59 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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