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
@bob-stephens
• 28 minutes ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on a VERY strange hypothetical:
Posted a new Comment on a VERY strange hypothetical:
"Nate, You just described my standard steel string design exactly and I can verify that it works very well- so maybe your idea wasn't so bizarre after all...."
@ken-longfield
• an hour ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Wide World of Mountain Dulcimer Variations:
Posted a new Comment on Wide World of Mountain Dulcimer Variations:
"Leo, thanks for posting theses photos. It is fun to see the variety of shapes, sizes, etc. of mountain dulcimers. I look forward to your additions to the..."
@john-c-knopf
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Wide World of Mountain Dulcimer Variations:
Posted a new Comment on Wide World of Mountain Dulcimer Variations:
"That soundhole looks like a primo place to lose your pick in! But the pick would come right back out easily."
@strumelia
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on a VERY strange hypothetical:
Posted a new Comment on a VERY strange hypothetical:
"Hi Nate! Look up some images of Cretan Lyra - an old Greek bowed folk instrument which has a soundpost that goes through a large hole in the soundboard to..."
@robin-thompson
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Cello Suite 1 - Prelude - Bach (Mountain Dulcimer!):
Posted a new Comment on Cello Suite 1 - Prelude - Bach (Mountain Dulcimer!):
"I watched this on YT the other day, Grant-- wow! So clean. And the cello suite sounds so good played on not-a-cello. :)"
@ken-hulme
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on a VERY strange hypothetical:
Posted a new Comment on a VERY strange hypothetical:
"Your skyscraper bridge will lose ANY sound production from the top. I fail to see how this could be "a much more efficient" use of string energy...."
@natebuildstoys
• 12 hours ago
• comments: 3
Created a new Group discussion "a VERY strange hypothetical":
Created a new Group discussion "a VERY strange hypothetical":
@irene
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 3
Liked a photos item created by @leo-kretzner: Wide World of Mountain Dulcimer Variations
Liked a photos item created by @leo-kretzner: Wide World of Mountain Dulcimer Variations
@irene
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @granto: Cello Suite 1 - Prelude - Bach (Mountain Dulcimer!)
Liked a youtube item created by @granto: Cello Suite 1 - Prelude - Bach (Mountain Dulcimer!)
@steven-berger
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @granto: Cello Suite 1 - Prelude - Bach (Mountain Dulcimer!)
Liked a youtube item created by @granto: Cello Suite 1 - Prelude - Bach (Mountain Dulcimer!)
@granto
• 15 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Bach Cello Suite 1 (prelude) on Mountain dulcimer":
Created a new forum topic "Bach Cello Suite 1 (prelude) on Mountain dulcimer":
"Hello everyone! I wanted to share a song I worked on recently:
It is the Prelude from Bach's cello suite 1. It is a really nice tune I enjoyed learning and..."
@granto
• 15 hours ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new YouTube video:
Cello Suite 1 - Prelude - Bach (Mountain Dulcimer!)
Cello Suite 1 - Prelude - Bach (Mountain Dulcimer!)
@leo-kretzner
• 17 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Wide World of Mountain Dulcimer Variations:
Posted a new Comment on Wide World of Mountain Dulcimer Variations:
"Hi Nate and thanks!
I've seen hundreds of dulcimers beyond the few hundred I photographed, and this dulcimer and its design is absolutely unique. I'm not a..."
@natebuildstoys
• 19 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Wide World of Mountain Dulcimer Variations:
Posted a new Comment on Wide World of Mountain Dulcimer Variations:
"Something about taking the very traditional heart shape and giving it to the very nontraditional placement of a guitar soundhole is very aesthetically..."
@bob-stephens
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Truss Rods?":
Posted a response to "Truss Rods?":
"As magical as the dulcimer is, it is still bound by the laws of physics and basic engineering principals. The engineer in me is compelled to try to explain..."
@jessica-comeau
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "NEW WORKSHOP- Celtic Wind (Sunday, August 23, 2020)":
Created a new forum topic "NEW WORKSHOP- Celtic Wind (Sunday, August 23, 2020)":
"The end of summer is nigh, so let us welcome the autumn with an elemental Celtic celebration of fall breezes! Among the songs we will be learning are “The..."
@bob-stephens
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Size of Soundbox and Loudness":
Posted a response to "Size of Soundbox and Loudness":
"Matt, Thank you for posting your recent build. Not only does is show your excellent workmanship, it has some interesting design features. I am happy to see..."
@matt-berg
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Size of Soundbox and Loudness":
Posted a response to "Size of Soundbox and Loudness":
"Bob, you mention that your recent soundboard was thinner than typical at 0.100 inches. My general target for the soundboard is 3/32, roughly 0.100...."
@ken-hulme
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Truss Rods?":
Posted a response to "Truss Rods?":
"@bob-stephens -- you are correct -- IF the builder makes (as many modern builders especially of inexpensive dulcimers do) the tuning head and tail string..."
@bob-stephens
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Truss Rods?":
Posted a response to "Truss Rods?":
"If you are going to put a truss rod in I would definitely use an adjustable one- preferably double acting so you can correct in either direction.
I have to..."
@natebuildstoys
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Truss Rods?":
Posted a response to "Truss Rods?":
"@danVERY cool thanks for sharing!"
@natebuildstoys
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Truss Rods?":
Posted a response to "Truss Rods?":
"Bob Stephens:
I have also seen many dulcimers that have survived many decades with no issues. Design and material selection are probably the keys to..."
@natebuildstoys
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Truss Rods?":
Posted a response to "Truss Rods?":
"Ken Longfield:
On most dulcimers the strings are not anchored to the neck but to the peg head and the tail piece With a fret board spanning the length of..."
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Truss Rods?":
Posted a response to "Truss Rods?":
"Guitars and banjos need truss rods to stabilize the neck because of the pressure from the strings. On most dulcimers the strings are not anchored to the neck..."
@bob-stephens
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Truss Rods?":
Posted a response to "Truss Rods?":
"Nate, I use carbon fiber stiffening in my necks for several reasons. I strive for very low action, which requires a neck that stays straight within a few..."
@dusty-turtle
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on "Lavender Scent":
Posted a new Comment on "Lavender Scent":
"What a charming tune, Ariane."
@dan
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Truss Rods?":
Posted a response to "Truss Rods?":
""That makes sense. I am fascinated that there are well preserved dulcimers that old! Do you know where I could find visuals, recordings, or anything like..."
@ken-hulme
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Truss Rods?":
Posted a response to "Truss Rods?":
"Warping can always be an issue with instruments, even $100,000 instruments that travel. BUT! "Well kept" is the important thing. Giving the instrument a..."
@cindy-frick
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer Noters for Sale":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer Noters for Sale":
"The holes are mostly for looks although they do help you hold on to the noter to keep it from slipping. They are very light weight."
@natebuildstoys
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Truss Rods?":
Posted a response to "Truss Rods?":
"Dan:
I've played several traditional pieces well over one hundred years old and no warping issues! The zither is a very different animal than the lute,..."
@susie
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "McSpadden Baritone Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "McSpadden Baritone Dulcimer":
"I'm looking smaller in terms of the body (depth and length). Both my Folkcraft Customs, including the baritone, have the deeper body, with galax backs. So,..."
@robin-thompson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silent”:
Posted a new Comment on “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silent”:
"Marg, this is so lovely.
What are you using for amplification? "
@dan
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Truss Rods?":
Posted a response to "Truss Rods?":
"I've played several traditional pieces well over one hundred years old and no warping issues! The zither is a very different animal than the lute, requiring..."
@natebuildstoys
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Truss Rods?":
Created a new forum topic "Truss Rods?":
"How common are truss rods in dulcimers? From what I understand they were historically built out of what was available, so it probably wouldnt be very..."
@dusty-turtle
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "McSpadden Baritone Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "McSpadden Baritone Dulcimer":
"Hi @Susie, you have a good memory. I did indeed have a McSpadden baritone for a spell, but was obliged to sell it to raise money (I think I needed a new..."
@kusani
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer sales in 2020":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer sales in 2020":
"Well thank you. It has a great tone, and I have a request to build another; not for charity. "
@marg
• 2 days ago
• comments: 13
Posted a new Comment on Banks Of The Lee - Irish folk melody:
Posted a new Comment on Banks Of The Lee - Irish folk melody:
"As always, beautifully played, beautiful tone
thank you"
@marg
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer Noters for Sale":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer Noters for Sale":
"cindy,
What is the idea for the holes on your noters - for sound or weight?"
@marg
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer sales in 2020":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer sales in 2020":
"Kusani
Beautiful and generous "
@marg
• 2 days ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silent”:
Posted a new Comment on “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silent”:
"Thank you, sorry the sound is so quite "
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silent”:
Posted a new Comment on “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silent”:
"Wow I just watched this now... Marg, how beautifully you play this uplifting ancient tune. "
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 5
Liked a youtube item created by @marg: “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silent”
Liked a youtube item created by @marg: “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silent”
@sharon-porter
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @cindy-frick: Dulcimer Noters for Sale
Liked a forum discussions item created by @cindy-frick: Dulcimer Noters for Sale
@robin-thompson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on "Lavender Scent":
Posted a new Comment on "Lavender Scent":
"You and your MAX are just the right pair, Ariane. "
@robin-thompson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Let Your Little Light- in memory of Patty:
Posted a new Comment on Let Your Little Light- in memory of Patty:
@susie
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "McSpadden Baritone Dulcimer":
Created a new forum topic "McSpadden Baritone Dulcimer":
"I currently have a Folkcraft Custom Baritone Dulcimer. I love everything about it. I'm toying with the idea of getting a McSpadden baritione (because it is..."
@natebuildstoys
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer sales in 2020":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer sales in 2020":
"Something I've been wondering a lot about! For those who lost their jobs or got hours cut, on one hand lots of people are cooped up and student dulcimers are..."
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?
Dulcimer teachers
Do you teach dulcimer? Are you helping others to learn?
Four-Equidistant Strings
A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
Baritone Dulcimer Players
A Group for discussing the unique aspects of playing...
Public Domain... or Not?
Ever wanted to record or post that tune, but you just...
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...
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
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Showcase your music event or business here!
Showcase your music event or business here
.jpg "Peter Cooney w flying-V dulc (d35).jpg")
 Chapel Hill NC, May'84.jpg "large central heart, by JimAbbot (holding) Chapel Hill NC, May'84.jpg")
.jpg "dollhouse dulcimer, by Jim Blankman, Jul'83 (d37).jpg")
.jpg "bird and moon holes, by Bill Berg, Nov'83 (d97).jpg")
Latest Forum Posts All
Bach Cello Suite 1...
Posted: Tuesday August 11 2020, 10:00 PM
By: @granto
By: @granto
Truss Rods?
Posted: Tuesday August 11 2020, 11:33 AM
By: @Bob Stephens
By: @Bob Stephens
NEW WORKSHOP- Celtic Wind...
Posted: Tuesday August 11 2020, 11:19 AM
By: @Jessica Comeau
By: @Jessica Comeau
Size of Soundbox and Loudness
Posted: Tuesday August 11 2020, 10:13 AM
By: @Bob Stephens
By: @Bob Stephens
Dulcimer Noters for Sale
Posted: Monday August 10 2020, 4:57 PM
By: @cindy frick
By: @cindy frick
McSpadden Baritone Dulcimer
Posted: Monday August 10 2020, 4:11 PM
By: @Susie
By: @Susie
Dulcimer sales in 2020
Posted: Monday August 10 2020, 1:13 PM
By: @Kusani
By: @Kusani
Tab for Slan Le Maigh?
Posted: Saturday August 8 2020, 3:52 PM
By: @D. chitwood
By: @D. chitwood
McSpadden Dulcimer with 1+...
Posted: Saturday August 8 2020, 3:23 PM
By: @Parker Buckley
By: @Parker Buckley
worldwide Play Music on the...
Posted: Saturday August 8 2020, 1:21 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
What happened to 6 photos I...
Posted: Wednesday August 5 2020, 9:02 PM
By: @Leo Kretzner
By: @Leo Kretzner
McSpadden T34-S 4-string...
Posted: Tuesday August 4 2020, 6:58 AM
By: @Ken Hulme
By: @Ken Hulme
The Mountain Minor movie
Posted: Monday August 3 2020, 4:37 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
WANTED: Modern Mountain or...
Posted: Monday August 3 2020, 9:45 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Virtual Dulcimer Festival...
Posted: Monday August 3 2020, 8:15 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Need nice but not too...
Posted: Sunday August 2 2020, 1:53 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Introduce Yourself!
Posted: Saturday August 1 2020, 7:49 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Sound holes and air flow -...
Posted: Friday July 31 2020, 6:47 PM
By: @Gale A Barr
By: @Gale A Barr
Deering Goodtime Artisan...
Posted: Thursday July 30 2020, 1:10 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Does anyone know anything...
Posted: Thursday July 30 2020, 12:45 PM
By: @Peter Tommerup
By: @Peter Tommerup
Hughes Mountain Dulcimers
Posted: Monday July 27 2020, 10:38 PM
By: @Ken Hulme
By: @Ken Hulme
Show Us Your Pets!
Posted: Sunday July 26 2020, 9:11 PM
By: @dulcinina
By: @dulcinina
A Samuel F. Russell...
Posted: Sunday July 26 2020, 10:15 AM
By: @Susie
By: @Susie
What Are You Working On?
Posted: Thursday July 23 2020, 11:09 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
How is the COVID-19...
Posted: Monday July 20 2020, 11:35 AM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Healthy Living- healthy...
Posted: Sunday July 19 2020, 11:39 PM
By: @Ken Hulme
By: @Ken Hulme
video Mr. Wilson at...
Posted: Sunday July 19 2020, 12:13 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Intermittently unable to...
Posted: Friday July 17 2020, 11:49 AM
By: @magictime
By: @magictime
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3 CHEERS to our Volunteer Greeters ...for making new members feel right at home :
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