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

marg
@marg • an hour ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Crack in the soundboard, by the sound hole":
"Good information Dwain, I think I will share this with my class tomorrow.   "
dtortorich
@dtortorich • 2 hours ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Spanish is a Loving Tongue:
"Hey Dusty, Enjoyed your tune."
dtortorich
@dtortorich • 2 hours ago • comments: 0
Signed @bing-futch's Guestbook:
"Hey Bing, Enjoyed your tune "Colored Aristocracy"."
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 3 hours ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Are two melody strings louder than one?":
"Robin, double drone is very underrated in my opinion. I like the richness of the bass tone a lot. Some lute and baroque guitars as well as other older..."
Dwain Wilder
@dwain-wilder • 6 hours ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Crack in the soundboard, by the sound hole":
"Sometimes this sort of crack happens when the dulcimer is lifted or carried by grasping it by the top and back. The back is usually sturdier, but the top..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 10 hours ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @robmachin:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Rob. It's good to have you aboard. Have fun with your new dulcimer when you receive it. If you have any questions, just ask. I look forward..."
Susie
@susie • 11 hours ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
"Welcome Rob!  You're going to love your new McSpadden, a great choice! We would love to see it a picture of it, after you get it."
RobMachin
@robmachin • 11 hours ago • comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on UK and European Mountain Dulcimers:
"Hi All - joining from the South East England :-)"
Strumelia
@strumelia • 11 hours ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
"Nice to have you here @robmachin ! McSpadden dulcimers tend to be very reliable and sound wonderful.Be sure to join our UK Group on FOTMD as well."
marg
@marg • 12 hours ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Crack in the soundboard, by the sound hole":
"Thank you again,   All good & I took everyones advice and supported the sound hole, not just the one with the crack but I glued some wood under the..."
wibble
@wibble • 12 hours ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Are two melody strings louder than one?":
"Depending on string strike timing/forces used, it's all about the waveform spectrum and the phase interplay between the pitches & the harmonics produced..."
Richard Streib
@richard-streib • 13 hours ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @robmachin:
"Welcome Robmachin to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Glad you joined. This is a very knowledgeable and friendly forum. Join in the discussions and ask..."
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • 14 hours ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Are two melody strings louder than one?":
"Some months ago, I was just messing around with string configurations.  Doubled melody vs. doubled drone vs. 4 equidistant.    It was cool to hear the..."
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • 14 hours ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
"Welcome,@robmachin !  Enjoy your McSpadden when it's made its way to you!  "
RobMachin
@robmachin • 15 hours ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
"Hello everyone! I just joined the group here at FOTMD, and thought I would say "hello". I'm totally new to Dulcimer, and about to start learning - have just..."
RobMachin
@robmachin • 19 hours ago • comments: 1
Liked a Group Page item created by @strumelia: Ken Hulme's beginning dulcimer article
RobMachin
@robmachin • 19 hours ago • comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @ken-hulme: I Just Got A Dulcimer, Now What? (Article)
NateBuildsToys
@nate • yesterday • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Are two melody strings louder than one?":
"Thanks all for the additional context and food for thought. My starting point was assuming that two melody strings are louder, because the fuller more..."
NateBuildsToys
@nate • yesterday • comments: 0
Posted a response to "New Dulcimer":
"Definitely sounds very mellow and guitar like. The shape looks very similar to the folkcraft resonator dulcimers. To my eye, it looks like they took the..."
John C. Knopf
@john-c-knopf • yesterday • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Crack in the soundboard, by the sound hole":
"Marg, as a builder I am aware of such things.  If I make a dulcimer with intricate soundholes, I'll glue some tiny wood pieces under overhangs, at right..."
marg
@marg • yesterday • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Crack in the soundboard, by the sound hole":
"I went ahead and reinforce all of the sound holes since each one has the grain running the same way and no support under neigh them.   Interesting, always..."
John W. McKinstry
@john-w-mckinstry • yesterday • comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on In the Morning, Very Early:
"Thank you Cindy, and Jim-Dickens, and Strumelia,  for your encouraging and uplifting comments."
Cindy Stammich
@cindy-stammich • yesterday • comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on In the Morning, Very Early:
"John, this song played on your baritone is just beautiful!  Once again, a perfect family affair - written by Anne, sung and played by you, and all recorded..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • yesterday • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Crack in the soundboard, by the sound hole":
"Marg, it looks like it cracked along the grain of an area that has no support under it. A friend of mine has something similar happen when she had her..."
marg
@marg • yesterday • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Crack in the soundboard, by the sound hole":
"Everything coming along well, I peeked & it looks good but keeping it clamped till tomorrow.    It made such a loud crack noise when it happened, maybe I..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • yesterday • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @ringo:
"Well Ringo, you'll find over a hundred stick dulcimer enthusiasts in that group. There is a lot of useful information there which I think you will find..."
Ringo
@ringo • yesterday • comments: 447
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
"I am a stick dulcimer player and was directed to this site because it had a stick dulcimer group. I also like the dulcimer music and tabs that can help me. I..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • yesterday • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @ringo:
"What type of information are you looking for about a "stick dulcimer" which is not a mountain dulcimer. It does have a diatonically fretted fingerboard, but..."
Ringo
@ringo • yesterday • comments: 447
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
"Thank you I really love the stick dulcimer but haven't found much info. A little one here though!"
Ringo
@ringo • yesterday • comments: 301
Posted a new Comment on @richard-streib:
"Thanks for quick replies. Looking forward to it!"
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • yesterday • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Dulcimers I have built:
"Your pig soundholes are so cool! "
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • yesterday • comments: 2
Liked a photos item created by @alan-from-pa: 1000001138
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • yesterday • comments: 3
Liked a photos item created by @alan-from-pa: 1000001083
Richard Streib
@richard-streib • yesterday • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @ringo:
"Welcome Ringo to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Great to have you join. This is a great place to visit and learn with lots of expertise and experience..."
Richard Streib
@richard-streib • yesterday • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @alan-from-pa:
"Welcome AlanfromPa to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Good to have you join. Great to learn of your support for the culture of the dulcimer. Best wishes on..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • yesterday • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @ringo:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Ringo. You will find lots of information here about dulcimers, their players, and makers. Have fun exploring this site. If you have any..."
Susie
@susie • yesterday • comments: 0
Liked a photos item created by @lilley-pad: noni sidecar
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • yesterday • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Crack in the soundboard, by the sound hole":
"If it were my dulcimer, I would glue a thin strip of wood along the underside of the crack. If you have any quarter sawn spruce, pine, or cedar, that's what..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • yesterday • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Dulcimers I have built:
"Very nice, Alan. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • yesterday • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Dulcimers I have built:
"That is good looking dulcimer, Alan! Good work. Ken, "The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
Strumelia
@strumelia • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Are two melody strings louder than one?":
"What a great discussion!Sometimes our ears interpret a richer or fuller sound as a 'louder' sound. As Dusty said, a decibel measuring instrument should be..."
Strumelia
@strumelia • 2 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Dulcimers I have built:
"That is very beautiful!"
Strumelia
@strumelia • 2 days ago • comments: 3
Liked a photos item created by @alan-from-pa: 1000001083
marg
@marg • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Crack in the soundboard, by the sound hole":
"Thanks Ken will give this a try. I have tape on the inside now but was wondering if thin wood & glue would be better (hadn't thought of a business card)...."
Wally Venable
@wally-venable • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Are two melody strings louder than one?":
"Sound pressure (SP) is measures in force per unit area, i.e. psi. Loudness is typically measured in decibels (DBA). The relationship between them is..."
Ken Hulme
@ken-hulme • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Are two melody strings louder than one?":
"Whether tuned perfectly together or slightly apart in pitch, doubled strings should not be louder than one.  The sound waves mesh together perfectly (or..."
Ken Hulme
@ken-hulme • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Crack in the soundboard, by the sound hole":
"I suggest "superglue" -- the thin, slow-set kind, not the 10 second stuff.   Leave the painter's tape on the underside to support the crack but remove the..."
Susie
@susie • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "New Dulcimer":
"Yes, Richard has been posting youtube videos of the prototypes. This is the latest video, being played by Bing."
Lilley Pad
@lilley-pad • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "New Dulcimer":
"It looks like folkcraft is making a new dulcimer. To me it looks like a variation on the theme of a Gary Gallier design.  With the tapered fretboard, the..."
DavisJames
@davisjames • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Liked a youtube item created by @randy-adams: Bill Tell Breakdown

Join a Group!   All

Beginner players

Beginner players


Are you a brand new player? Join this group and ask all...
OLD STYLE Drone & Noter players

OLD STYLE Drone & Noter...


If you are an avid fan of the older traditional mountain...
Dulcimer Making

Dulcimer Making


A group for those building dulcimers or interested in...
Modern/Chord style Players

Modern/Chord style Players


Do you play chords and fret across all strings? Then...
Fingerpicking

Fingerpicking


A place to discuss fingerpicking styles of dulcimer...
Hymn and Worship Song Players

Hymn and Worship Song Players


a place to share the hymns and worship songs we are playing.
The Music Theory Corner

The Music Theory Corner


A Group to talk about Music Theory!
Dulcimer Care & Maintenance

Dulcimer Care & Maintenance


Tips, tricks and techniques to help care for your dulcimer.
Rockin' in the Free World

Rockin' in the Free World


A group for those of you who like to play music not...
Mountain Dulcimer History & Traditions

Mountain Dulcimer History &...


Share historical information and resources on the...
Technology/Software/Amplifying

Technology/Software/Amplifying


to share info on all aspects of using tech: Amplifying,...
Singing with the Dulcimer

Singing with the Dulcimer


Here's a group for those of us who are interested in...
Arranging/composing for Dulcimers

Arranging/composing for...


A group to discuss creating arrangements of songs and...
fans of Jean Ritchie

fans of Jean Ritchie


A group for those of us who have been inspired by...
Little Dulcimers

Little Dulcimers


Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
Baritone & Bass Dulcimer Players

Baritone & Bass Dulcimer...


A Group for discussing the unique aspects of playing...
Four-Equidistant Strings

Four-Equidistant Strings


A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
Help Me Learn this Song

Help Me Learn this Song


Need help learning to play a particular song? Let another...
I have extra frets.....

I have extra frets.....


This group is for those who have a 1 1/2 fret, an 8 1/2...
Dulcimer Therapy

Dulcimer Therapy


This group is dedicated to those that visit, or have a...
Public Domain... or Not?

Public Domain... or Not?


Ever wanted to record or post that tune, but you just...
Early & Classical Music

Early & Classical Music


For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
Home Studio Recording

Home Studio Recording


Recording dulcimers, vocals and other instruments in the...
Dulcimer teachers

Dulcimer teachers


Do you teach dulcimer? Are you helping others to learn?
Stick Dulcimers/Strumsticks

Stick Dulcimers/Strumsticks


Regardless of what name you favor, this group is a...
Dulcimer Ancestors

Dulcimer Ancestors


Looking at some of the ancestors of the Mountain...
UK and European Mountain Dulcimers

UK and European Mountain...


A group which hopefully allows players/makers in this...
Box Dulcimers

Box Dulcimers


A group for those who play, make, or admire all types...
Chromatic Dulcimers

Chromatic Dulcimers


For players who enjoy playing dulcimers with ALL the frets!
Galax Dulcimer Lovers

Galax Dulcimer Lovers


Just a group to discuss all things Galax Dulcimer. Tips...
Call the Tune

Call the Tune


"Call the Tune" is a place to post audio and video...
GIG TALK!

GIG TALK!


Do you play gigs? Tell us about your good and not-so-good...
Civil War era music

Civil War era music


For discussing music that was played around the time of...
Scrap/Recycled wood Dulcimer Challenge

Scrap/Recycled wood...


A group for those thrifty and creative folk who like to...
Rosin the Bow!

Rosin the Bow!


Welcome to all who play music using a bow on any type of...
Challenged Players

Challenged Players


A meeting place for players dealing with disabilities.
NorthEastern U.S. dulcimer players

NorthEastern U.S. dulcimer...


For those of us who live in the northeastern United States.
Virginia Dulcimer Players

Virginia Dulcimer Players


Just thought it would be neet to know how many other...
Prayers, Hugs, and Kindness

Prayers, Hugs, and Kindness


A group for private sharing and support, whether you are...
California Dulcimer Dreamin'

California Dulcimer Dreamin'


For dulcimer players living in or just visiting California
Texas Dulcimer Enthusiasts

Texas Dulcimer Enthusiasts


Howdy ya'll! Come on by for a cup o' joe and jammin....
6 string dulcimers

6 string dulcimers


Owning and playing a 6 string, regardless of tuning, and...
North Carolinians Plus

North Carolinians Plus


The Three Sides of North Carolina: Mountains / Piedmont /...
Kentucky Dulcimer Players

Kentucky Dulcimer Players


A group for any players from Kentucky where we can meet...
West Virginia players

West Virginia players


A group just for dulcimer players in beautiful West...
Florida Sunshine Dulcimer Group

Florida Sunshine Dulcimer...


Florida Dulcimer Players
Pacific Northwest Players

Pacific Northwest Players


For players who live in or have strong connections to the...
Missouri Dulcimer Players

Missouri Dulcimer Players


for all the Show Me State dulcimer players
FOTMD on the Road

FOTMD on the Road


Are your traveling, on vacation, on your way to a...
North of the Lakes

North of the Lakes


for any MD players in Upper Canada (aka Ontario) and the...
Indiana Players

Indiana Players


Welcome all dulcimer players in the state of Indiana!...
Arkansas Mtn Dulcimer Players

Arkansas Mtn Dulcimer Players


For those who live in Arkansas and love playing the...
AussieTalk!

AussieTalk!


For dulcimer players in Australia.-Be sure to create...
Site Moderators Group

Site Moderators Group


A private group to allow FOTMD moderators to communicate...

Showcase your music event or business here!

Showcase your music event or business here

Latest Audio

  All
Napoleon crossing the alps.
Lost Doggie - in honor of Billy Boy
Louie's Schottische.
Road to Beech Grove
Strathspey and Reel.
Peonies in the Field
Weary Travelers
Welsh Medley
He is all you need
Sleep Tight
Fruitpicker's Blues.
Back to the sugar camp.
In Knee-Deep Snow
Ghost Riders
Over the River
Meillionen
Awn i Fethlem (a Welsh Christmas carol)
Si hei lwli
Mil Harddach Wyt (a Welsh lullaby)
Myfanwy
Reel de St.Martin.
Y Delyn Aur
Tŷ a Gardd
Paid â Deud (Don't tell)
Cuckoo's Nest.
Falling Leaves
Zion Ridge
Up on a Hill song.
Coinleach Glas An Fhomhair
Downtown Eastside Blues.

Coming Events   All


Latest gallery Photos   All

1000001083.jpg
1000001138.jpg
IMG_9709.JPG
IMG_3845.JPG
IMG_3336.JPG
IMG_3335.JPG
IMG_2717.JPG
IMG_2716.JPG
IMG_3904-r.jpg
IMG_3913-r.jpg
IMG_3909-r.jpg
IMG_3910-r.jpg
IMG_3906-r.jpg
IMG_3905-r.jpg
IMG_0563-r.jpg
IMG_0561-Fix-r.jpg
IMG_0560-Fix-r.jpg
IMG_E0566-r.jpg

Latest Forum Posts   All

Crack in the soundboard, by...

Posted: Monday March 18 2024, 10:14 PM
By: @marg

Are two melody strings...

Posted: Monday March 18 2024, 8:06 PM
By: @NateBuildsToys

Introduce Yourself!

Posted: Monday March 18 2024, 12:01 PM
By: @Susie

New Dulcimer

Posted: Sunday March 17 2024, 9:26 PM
By: @NateBuildsToys

For Sale: Folkcraft...

Posted: Friday March 15 2024, 3:52 PM
By: @ghcstr

tiple

Posted: Friday March 15 2024, 3:38 AM
By: @shanonmilan

Rest in Peace, Larkin Bryant

Posted: Wednesday March 13 2024, 10:02 AM
By: @Strumelia

Russell "Russ" Green

Posted: Wednesday March 13 2024, 9:32 AM
By: @Strumelia

Gary Gallier

Posted: Wednesday March 13 2024, 9:26 AM
By: @Strumelia

John Molineux box dulcimer

Posted: Wednesday March 13 2024, 9:20 AM
By: @Strumelia

Clemmer Peg head

Posted: Wednesday March 13 2024, 9:13 AM
By: @Strumelia

A W Jeffreys Jr.

Posted: Wednesday March 13 2024, 9:08 AM
By: @Strumelia

Wanted: Replacement...

Posted: Sunday March 10 2024, 11:42 PM
By: @Woodsmoke

New Cherry Galax Dulcimer

Posted: Friday March 8 2024, 7:24 PM
By: @John C. Knopf

Robert N. Lackey, rest in...

Posted: Wednesday March 6 2024, 11:45 AM
By: @Dusty Turtle

Installing built-in pick up...

Posted: Wednesday March 6 2024, 11:12 AM
By: @Art S

Bodhran (Irish Drum)

Posted: Wednesday March 6 2024, 10:45 AM
By: @Art S

String gauge and intonation

Posted: Tuesday March 5 2024, 5:37 PM
By: @Dwain Wilder

Pawpaw's Dulcimers (general...

Posted: Tuesday March 5 2024, 2:43 AM
By: @Dwain Wilder

Vintage dulcimer...

Posted: Tuesday March 5 2024, 1:11 AM
By: @shanonmilan

Folklife in Ohio

Posted: Monday March 4 2024, 2:48 PM
By: @Robin Thompson

International Appalachian...

Posted: Saturday March 2 2024, 6:50 PM
By: @Robin Thompson

Dulcimer Early Original...

Posted: Friday March 1 2024, 1:58 PM
By: @John Petry

What Are You Working On?

Posted: Friday March 1 2024, 2:25 AM
By: @shanonmilan

Broken link in email

Posted: Wednesday February 28 2024, 8:00 PM
By: @Strumelia

Birdseye Maple

Posted: Tuesday February 27 2024, 8:45 AM
By: @marg

Just For Fun - sayings...

Posted: Thursday February 22 2024, 3:55 AM
By: @shanonmilan

My 40 year old box of...

Posted: Wednesday February 21 2024, 12:07 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle

Peardrop Style Lap Dulcimer...

Posted: Monday February 19 2024, 10:30 PM
By: @Jim Phillips

Intonation Problems

Posted: Friday February 16 2024, 4:00 AM
By: @shanonmilan

Read the Site Rules

Our Welcome Wagon!

3 CHEERS to our Volunteer Greeters ...for making new members feel right at home :

Jim Fawcett greeterjim.jpg Benjamin Barr greeterben.jpg
  Richard Streib RStreibwithdulcimer_2017_200px.jpg Ken Longfield greeterken.jpg
 

Single Instructor Events / Classifieds

Help Keep FOTMD up and Running!

Membership in Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer is FREE to all.  We gratefully accept donations towards the costs of maintaining this site- which includes hundreds of dollars annually in server and software costs. (you don't have to have a Paypal account to donate- Paypal accepts simple credit card payments as well.) A minimum donation of $5 please.  Read HERE  about FOUR different ways you can help support FOTMD. Questions? email contact@fotmd.com  Together we can keep FOTMD up and running!     Click the Paypal button below to make a quick site donation:

NEW!-   Would you like to become a Special Patron of FOTMD? All donations are 100% applied to paying for site maintenance. Your generosity makes a big difference in what we can do to improve FOTMD!  Become a special 'Patron Member' simply by making a single donation of $35 or more.

In return, your patronage will be recognized for a year with a special Patron designation banner that will be displayed prominently under your member picture on your profile page.  Your Patron ID will show others your generosity in supporting this special site! Above is what the Patron  label looks like on member profile pages, right under your member picture.