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
@robin-thompson
• 39 minutes ago
• comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on Peonies in the Field:
Posted a new Comment on Peonies in the Field:
"@davisjames Jamie, the recent years when other parts of Ohio had masses of cicadas, we've had very few here in our little corner of the Appalachian..."
@debi
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Looking fo a NH Pudge Pro":
Posted a response to "Looking fo a NH Pudge Pro":
"Hi, I am in possession of a NHD Pudge Pro which I received a few months ago. I am considering selling it due to a problem with arthritis in my left thumb...."
@davisjames
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @nate: New Dulcimer Sympathetic Demo
Liked a youtube item created by @nate: New Dulcimer Sympathetic Demo
@richard-streib
• 15 hours ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on @millie-huebner:
Posted a new Comment on @millie-huebner:
"Welcome Mollie Huebner to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Glad you joined. This is a great forum with lots of information. Let us know if you have questions."
@strumelia
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 1
Liked a photos item created by @dulcillini: Larry Conger Class, Cullowhee, NC 2007
Liked a photos item created by @dulcillini: Larry Conger Class, Cullowhee, NC 2007
@strumelia
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on My Folk Music Memories:
Posted a new Comment on My Folk Music Memories:
"Nice group! I know Larry is a great teacher."
@strumelia
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on My Folk Music Memories:
Posted a new Comment on My Folk Music Memories:
"Looks like fun was had!"
@ken-longfield
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Judith Giddings, Rest in Peace":
Posted a response to "Judith Giddings, Rest in Peace":
"Although I already saw this sad news on Facebook I appreciate your sharing it here Lisa. I did not know Judith but as Dusty notes she was a caring person..."
@dusty
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Judith Giddings, Rest in Peace":
Posted a response to "Judith Giddings, Rest in Peace":
"Thanks for sharing that sad news with us, Lisa. The obituary makes it clear what a caring person Judith was."
@richard-streib
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @revdave:
Posted a new Comment on @revdave:
"Welcome RevDave to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Glad you joined. There is loads of information here all about the dulcimer. Best wishes finding your..."
@davisjames
• 2 days ago
• comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on Peonies in the Field:
Posted a new Comment on Peonies in the Field:
"The cicada infestation never made it across the border,nor did I in the southern direction.Nevertheless we did have some,all gone to sleep now,laugh."
@steve-c
• 2 days ago
• comments: 29
Posted a new Comment on A scheitholt with no first fret:
Posted a new Comment on A scheitholt with no first fret:
"Ken,
it’s amazing how these builders, with limited supplies, still built beautiful instruments."
@steve-c
• 2 days ago
• comments: 29
Posted a new Comment on A scheitholt with no first fret:
Posted a new Comment on A scheitholt with no first fret:
"Ken Longfield:
Steve, a zitter I examined at the Landis Valley Farm and Museum had a very thick nail that served as the bridge. It was hammered in to the..."
@md-swede
• 2 days ago
• comments: 473
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
"Thank you very much for welcoming me. Im very happy to have found FOTMD, its a goldmine for me to find so much information. Mountain dulcimer is a very rare..."
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 29
Posted a new Comment on A scheitholt with no first fret:
Posted a new Comment on A scheitholt with no first fret:
"Steve, a zitter I examined at the Landis Valley Farm and Museum had a very thick nail that served as the bridge. It was hammered in to the head stock and..."
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 29
Posted a new Comment on A scheitholt with no first fret:
Posted a new Comment on A scheitholt with no first fret:
"I personally really like the consistency of tone that comes from using a metal bar for a zero fret, in lieu of a nut. To me the underside of that "nut" looks..."
@dulcidom
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a youtube item created by @bing-futch: Dulcimerica Episode 717 - "Melody and Chord Exercise"
Liked a youtube item created by @bing-futch: Dulcimerica Episode 717 - "Melody and Chord Exercise"
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on New Dulcimer Sympathetic Demo:
Posted a new Comment on New Dulcimer Sympathetic Demo:
"DavisJames:
Wow!That is so cool!
Thank you Jamie. I find sympathetic resonance really fascinating but also hard to understand. It has been a lot of fun..."
@steve-c
• 2 days ago
• comments: 29
Posted a new Comment on A scheitholt with no first fret:
Posted a new Comment on A scheitholt with no first fret:
"My my early circa 1800’s fretted zither has a wire fret going all the way across the fretboard, it sits high and I assume it was used as the nut. "
@robin-thompson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Judith Giddings, Rest in Peace":
Posted a response to "Judith Giddings, Rest in Peace":
"Thank you for letting us know, Lisa. I wish for comfort for all her friends and family. "
@lisa-c
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Judith Giddings, Rest in Peace":
Created a new forum topic "Judith Giddings, Rest in Peace":
"Judith passed away September 25. The wetzlerfuneralhome.com has her obituary.
Please consider sharing special memories of her either at the Wetzler site or..."
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 29
Posted a new Comment on A scheitholt with no first fret:
Posted a new Comment on A scheitholt with no first fret:
"It looks to me like the "nut" is actually a string spacer which has been flipped upside down. The underside of it appears to have grooves that would..."
@beth-t
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a youtube item created by @luigi: Main dans la Main - Gregory Jolivet
Liked a youtube item created by @luigi: Main dans la Main - Gregory Jolivet
@beth-t
• 2 days ago
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @luigi: Flatwater Fran - Dulcimer
Liked a youtube item created by @luigi: Flatwater Fran - Dulcimer
@revdave
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "How Many Dulcimers Do You Own? ":
Posted a response to "How Many Dulcimers Do You Own? ":
"Is there an instrument that doesn’t infect with “acquisition disorder?” I have a friend who has 27 guitars. I try to keep my condition to a minimum to..."
@revdave
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "amps and dulcimers":
Posted a response to "amps and dulcimers":
"Bass amps are tuned and equalized to efficiently reproduce and amplify lower tones. If using a bass amp, I expect you’ll have to roll off the bass and boost..."
@beth-t
• 2 days ago
• comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on Belle Isle March:
Posted a new Comment on Belle Isle March:
"DavisJames:
Nothing like a good hornpipe to brighten up the day!
You’re so right! I’m going to look for more lively tunes to get my fingers around from..."
@beth-t
• 2 days ago
• comments: 6
Liked a youtube item created by @phil-myers: The Aran Boat/Road to Lisdoonvarna
Liked a youtube item created by @phil-myers: The Aran Boat/Road to Lisdoonvarna
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @revdave:
Posted a new Comment on @revdave:
"Welcome to FOTMD, RevDave. It's good to have you aboard. I look forward to your participation here.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @md-swede:
Posted a new Comment on @md-swede:
"Welcome to FOTMD, MD_Swede. It's good to have you aboard. I look forward to your participation here. Have fun exploring this site. Let us know if you have..."
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @maya-hudson:
Posted a new Comment on @maya-hudson:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Maya. It's good to have you aboard. I look forward to your participation here.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@md-swede
• 2 days ago
• comments: 319
Posted a new Comment on @richard-streib:
Posted a new Comment on @richard-streib:
"Thank you! It's nice to be here. I've already learned a lot!"
@beth-t
• 2 days ago
• comments: 9
Liked a youtube item created by @davisjames: Cherry Dulcimer Song
Liked a youtube item created by @davisjames: Cherry Dulcimer Song
@pierre-yves-donnio
• 2 days ago
• comments: 10
Liked a music item created by @beth-t: Belle Isle March
Liked a music item created by @beth-t: Belle Isle March
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on Is this simply a type of hummel, or something else??:
Posted a new Comment on Is this simply a type of hummel, or something else??:
"I like that, Leo, a kretzither.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 29
Posted a new Comment on A scheitholt with no first fret:
Posted a new Comment on A scheitholt with no first fret:
"On the two zitters I have both the nut and the bridge have a wire which goes across the top of each one. It could be that the brass wires at the nut and..."
@steve-c
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Reasons NOT To Get a Chromatic":
Posted a response to "Reasons NOT To Get a Chromatic":
"If the word Dulcimer means sweet sounding instrument, then maybe the instrument is called a dulcimer for its sound and not the number of strings or how it is..."
@richard-streib
• 3 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @md-swede:
Posted a new Comment on @md-swede:
"Good to have you join MD Swede. Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. This is a great community of wonderful people who enjoy the mountain dulcimer...."
@salt-springs
• 3 days ago
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on Is this simply a type of hummel, or something else??:
Posted a new Comment on Is this simply a type of hummel, or something else??:
"Since I'm sort of an old hack at this stuff, I would think that a rafelle is a type of Hummel as not all Hummels are the same. I'm waiting for Wilfred to..."
@leo-kretzner
• 3 days ago
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on Is this simply a type of hummel, or something else??:
Posted a new Comment on Is this simply a type of hummel, or something else??:
"Perhaps I can get Wilfried's approval in calling this one my Kretzither."
@leo-kretzner
• 3 days ago
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on Is this simply a type of hummel, or something else??:
Posted a new Comment on Is this simply a type of hummel, or something else??:
"Great info guys, thanks! Nice to get a confirmation on the name 'raffele'.
Now my main question is, what distinguishes a raffele from a hummel?? Especially..."
@davisjames
• 3 days ago
• comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on Belle Isle March:
Posted a new Comment on Belle Isle March:
"Nothing like a good hornpipe to brighten up the day!"
@leo-kretzner
• 3 days ago
• comments: 29
Posted a new Comment on A scheitholt with no first fret:
Posted a new Comment on A scheitholt with no first fret:
"Wow, Strumelia, I'm trying to process everything you suggest! Great observations.
A. To me, the nut and bridge wood pieces look of the same kind and vintage..."
@ukemama
• 3 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @ukemama:
Posted a new Comment on @ukemama:
"Thank you everyone for the warm welcome! "
@jost
• 3 days ago
• comments: 7
Liked a group discussions item created by @leo-kretzner: Is this simply a type of hummel, or something else??
Liked a group discussions item created by @leo-kretzner: Is this simply a type of hummel, or something else??
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...
Baritone & Bass Dulcimer...
A Group for discussing the unique aspects of playing...
Little Dulcimers
Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
fans of Jean Ritchie
A group for those of us who have been inspired by...
Four-Equidistant Strings
A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
Help Me Learn this Song
Need help learning to play a particular song? Let another...
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...
Early & Classical Music
For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
Home Studio Recording
Recording dulcimers, vocals and other instruments in the...
Dulcimer teachers
Do you teach dulcimer? Are you helping others to learn?
Dulcimer Ancestors
Looking at some of the ancestors of the Mountain...
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...
Box Dulcimers
A group for those who play, make, or admire all types...
Chromatic Dulcimers
For players who enjoy playing dulcimers with ALL the frets!
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...
GIG TALK!
Do you play gigs? Tell us about your good and not-so-good...
Civil War era music
For discussing music that was played around the time of...
Scrap/Recycled wood...
A group for those thrifty and creative folk who like to...
Challenged Players
A meeting place for players dealing with disabilities.
Rosin the Bow!
Welcome to all who play music using a bow on any type of...
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
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...
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...
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
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Latest Forum Posts All
Looking fo a NH Pudge Pro
Posted: Thursday October 3 2024, 8:13 PM
By: @Debi
By: @Debi
Judith Giddings, Rest in Peace
Posted: Thursday October 3 2024, 10:10 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
How Many Dulcimers Do You...
Posted: Wednesday October 2 2024, 1:28 PM
By: @RevDave
By: @RevDave
amps and dulcimers
Posted: Wednesday October 2 2024, 1:20 PM
By: @RevDave
By: @RevDave
Reasons NOT To Get a Chromatic
Posted: Tuesday October 1 2024, 10:04 PM
By: @cairney
By: @cairney
The Positive Thread...
Posted: Tuesday October 1 2024, 10:01 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Hurricane Helene news?
Posted: Monday September 30 2024, 9:01 PM
By: @Richard Streib
By: @Richard Streib
1977 Robert Mize
Posted: Sunday September 29 2024, 5:51 PM
By: @capewavedancer
By: @capewavedancer
Got A Mandolin for Christmas
Posted: Saturday September 28 2024, 7:52 PM
By: @dulcillini
By: @dulcillini
The Drifting Thread...
Posted: Friday September 27 2024, 11:03 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
What Are You Working On?
Posted: Thursday September 26 2024, 8:47 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
How do I put a new posting...
Posted: Wednesday September 25 2024, 9:20 PM
By: @NateBuildsToys
By: @NateBuildsToys
Beede Octave Dulcimer
Posted: Sunday September 22 2024, 5:02 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Jerry Rockwell Short Scale...
Posted: Saturday September 21 2024, 1:47 PM
By: @Cheryl James
By: @Cheryl James
Lucy and Woolgrove UK...
Posted: Friday September 20 2024, 2:25 AM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
My 40 year old box of...
Posted: Wednesday September 18 2024, 11:45 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Tennessee music box just...
Posted: Thursday September 12 2024, 3:10 PM
By: @John C. Knopf
By: @John C. Knopf
Indoor House Plants
Posted: Wednesday September 11 2024, 5:25 AM
By: @akituko
By: @akituko
K&K pickup versus LR Baggs...
Posted: Saturday September 7 2024, 5:42 AM
By: @Lilley Pad
By: @Lilley Pad
Angry internet people, so...
Posted: Wednesday September 4 2024, 9:49 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Play Music On The Porch Day...
Posted: Sunday September 1 2024, 3:48 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
RIP Happy Traum
Posted: Sunday September 1 2024, 2:34 PM
By: @robert schuler
By: @robert schuler
History of mountain dulcimer
Posted: Saturday August 31 2024, 9:19 PM
By: @John C. Knopf
By: @John C. Knopf
Magic Mountain 469-H Dulcimer
Posted: Saturday August 24 2024, 9:20 PM
By: @Salt Springs
By: @Salt Springs
String Action
Posted: Wednesday August 21 2024, 9:13 PM
By: @Lilley Pad
By: @Lilley Pad
Dulcimer Early Original...
Posted: Monday August 19 2024, 4:44 PM
By: @John Petry
By: @John Petry
Hanging some dulcimers as a...
Posted: Wednesday August 14 2024, 12:36 PM
By: @varedschoolhouse
By: @varedschoolhouse
Understanding McSpadden...
Posted: Wednesday August 14 2024, 12:43 AM
By: @Silverstrings
By: @Silverstrings
Just 4 fun Tapping Techique
Posted: Sunday August 11 2024, 2:09 PM
By: @Lilley Pad
By: @Lilley Pad
Choosing for bad weather..?
Posted: Friday August 9 2024, 11:47 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
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