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
@robin-thompson
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @jim-yates: tiple
Liked a forum discussions item created by @jim-yates: tiple
@jim-yates
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "tiple":
Posted a response to "tiple":
"https://fotmd.com/jim-yates/gallery/11387/tiple-strings-at-bridge https://fotmd.com/jim-yates/gallery/11386/tiple-headstock-2"
@jim-yates
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "tiple":
Created a new forum topic "tiple":
"I bought a ten string Regal tiple, made in Chicago, at a yard sale a few years back. I haven't used it much till COVID locked me in and I started taking..."
@ken-hulme
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Drifting Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Drifting Thread...":
"Dusty -- faulty logic. *A dulcimer can have 3 to 9 strings, not only 4, so it is not a uke or a member of the violin family *A dulcimer has no neck --..."
@corvus
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 15
Posted a new Comment on Term definitions please: chromatic & diatonic:
Posted a new Comment on Term definitions please: chromatic & diatonic:
"Now let's get back on topic. This topic is not about definitions of "dulcimer", it's about definitions of "chromatic and diatonic". and also about capo use."
@corvus
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 15
Posted a new Comment on Term definitions please: chromatic & diatonic:
Posted a new Comment on Term definitions please: chromatic & diatonic:
"My definition of dulcimer is the dulcimer image in my profile picture, and if someone in this topic had a profile image of a dulcimer with all half step..."
@patricia-delich
• 17 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Hearts Of The Dulcimer Podcast In Its 5th Year":
Posted a response to "Hearts Of The Dulcimer Podcast In Its 5th Year":
"Hearts of the Dulcimer Podcast - Episode 53 Fiddle Tune Stories with Pam Weeks https://dulcimuse.com/podcast If you’re a mountain dulcimer player,..."
@ken-longfield
• 19 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Drifting Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Drifting Thread...":
"Logical, but somehow inaccurate.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@robin-thompson
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Song(s) for retirement":
Posted a response to "Song(s) for retirement":
"I'm glad you all had a nice farewell party for your co-worker, Jost! Yes, you have time to practice for New Year's Eve. "
@dusty-turtle
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Drifting Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Drifting Thread...":
"This I learned from Ionesco.A dulcimer is an instrument with four strings. My ukulele is an instrument with four strings; therefore it is a dulcimer.
A..."
@jost
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @paula-brawdy: Cedar soundboards
Liked a forum discussions item created by @paula-brawdy: Cedar soundboards
@jost
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Song(s) for retirement":
Posted a response to "Song(s) for retirement":
"Well in the end it turned out my musical skills are not enough to learn a new song in such a short time. Since I already can play it on the guitar I took my..."
@dusty-turtle
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Cedar soundboards":
Posted a response to "Cedar soundboards":
"P.S. I also have a 12-string guitar with a cedar top and it sounds great."
@dusty-turtle
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Cedar soundboards":
Posted a response to "Cedar soundboards":
"Hey Paula. Traditionally, dulcimers were usually made entirely of local hardwoods and there was no difference between the sides, bottom, and the top. A..."
@matt-berg
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Cedar soundboards":
Posted a response to "Cedar soundboards":
"Depends on to whom you are talking. I have heard some describe it as a sweet sound and others a bit trebly. Cedar is lighter wood than spruce or almost..."
@paula-brawdy
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Cedar soundboards":
Created a new forum topic "Cedar soundboards":
"What is the advantage and disadvantage of cedar soundboards? I don't see cedar being used much, and am considering a dulcimer with one. thanks!"
@ken-hulme
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 15
Posted a new Comment on Term definitions please: chromatic & diatonic:
Posted a new Comment on Term definitions please: chromatic & diatonic:
"Beat me to the question, Ken..."
@strumelia
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 15
Posted a new Comment on Term definitions please: chromatic & diatonic:
Posted a new Comment on Term definitions please: chromatic & diatonic:
"Indeed, what Ken said. "
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 15
Posted a new Comment on Term definitions please: chromatic & diatonic:
Posted a new Comment on Term definitions please: chromatic & diatonic:
"Corvus, please define "dulcimer" as you understand it.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@john-gribble
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @sam-edelston: Spinning Song, on 3-String Piano
Liked a youtube item created by @sam-edelston: Spinning Song, on 3-String Piano
@john-gribble
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @granto: Marche Pour la Ceremonie des Turcs - Mountain Dulcimer!
Liked a youtube item created by @granto: Marche Pour la Ceremonie des Turcs - Mountain Dulcimer!
@robert-schuler
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "What Are You Working On?":
Posted a response to "What Are You Working On?":
"Dusty, I tried Sally on my 1.5 8.5 fret model thinking the minor notes in dad tuning would be a breeze. No such luck. I switched to my pure diatonic model..."
@robin-thompson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Silent Night:
Posted a new Comment on Silent Night:
"You've played one of my favorite Christmas songs-- sounds so pretty! "
@peter-corser
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Marche Pour la Ceremonie des Turcs - Mountain Dulcimer!:
Posted a new Comment on Marche Pour la Ceremonie des Turcs - Mountain Dulcimer!:
"Brilliant. I 've watched that video so many times, but never expected to hear the tune on a dulcimer."
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "SoundCloud issues":
Posted a response to "SoundCloud issues":
"Dan, I'm really sorry, but I'm afraid we will not be able to add new Soundcloud clips anymore for the foreseeable future.
Soundcloud has changed the way..."
@dan
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "SoundCloud issues":
Created a new forum topic "SoundCloud issues":
"I can't seem to get the "share" link to work?https://soundcloud.com/dulcimore-dan/silent-night"
@pierre-yves-donnio
• 2 days ago
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Anthony Rowley (Frog's Courting Song)
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Anthony Rowley (Frog's Courting Song)
@skip
• 2 days ago
• comments: 15
Posted a new Comment on Term definitions please: chromatic & diatonic:
Posted a new Comment on Term definitions please: chromatic & diatonic:
"I put this graphic together to help illustrate the MD and its relationship to some basic theory.
Note: I just realized I didn't point out that each note in..."
@corvus
• 2 days ago
• comments: 15
Posted a new Comment on Term definitions please: chromatic & diatonic:
Posted a new Comment on Term definitions please: chromatic & diatonic:
"To clear up one matter mentioned in a reply.
If a dulcimer has a chromatic fretboard then it's definitely a dulcimer. A very, very tiny number of folks have..."
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Anthony Rowley (Frog's Courting Song)
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Anthony Rowley (Frog's Courting Song)
@peter-corser
• 2 days ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Anthony Rowley (Frog's Courting Song):
Posted a new Comment on Anthony Rowley (Frog's Courting Song):
"Thanks Mark, a cheery start to the week!"
@dusty-turtle
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "What Are You Working On?":
Posted a response to "What Are You Working On?":
"Sally is a tough one to get on diatonic fretboard. It's a haunting melody, though.
Some years ago I learned a version arranged by Steve Eulberg. He uses a..."
@robert-schuler
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "What Are You Working On?":
Posted a response to "What Are You Working On?":
"Sally in the Garden, I wanted a tune to add to my list of tunes for playing on banjo in double C tuning. I've been playing Sally for the last week. It is a..."
@mark-gilston
• 3 days ago
• comments: 1
Updated a YouTube Video:
Anthony Rowley (Frog's Courting Song)
Anthony Rowley (Frog's Courting Song)
@mark-gilston
• 3 days ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new YouTube video:
Anthony Rowley (Frog's Courting Song)
Anthony Rowley (Frog's Courting Song)
@robin-thompson
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Dulcimer Works, Santa Monica CA, about 1969":
Posted a response to "The Dulcimer Works, Santa Monica CA, about 1969":
"If I weren't reducing the number of instruments here at my house, I'd be thinking hard on this. It sure is a pretty instrument!"
@dplake
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Dulcimer Works, Santa Monica CA, about 1969":
Posted a response to "The Dulcimer Works, Santa Monica CA, about 1969":
"This is a lovely Dulcimer and I’d like to see it go to a good home. Downsizing and moving cross country so it has to go. Reducing price to $250. plus..."
@ken-hulme
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Jaromin dulcimer kit from Annalisa's Crafts":
Posted a response to "Jaromin dulcimer kit from Annalisa's Crafts":
"Would love a picture or three for my files, Wally. Thanx in advance."
@wally-venable
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Jaromin dulcimer kit from Annalisa's Crafts":
Posted a response to "Jaromin dulcimer kit from Annalisa's Crafts":
">>> Did your wife get her dulcimer kit constructed?
Yes. It looks great, and I have lots of pictures for an article I will write. What I don't have..."
@pierre-yves-donnio
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: The Spring at Iron Point Cemetery
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: The Spring at Iron Point Cemetery
@pierre-yves-donnio
• 3 days ago
• comments: 6
Liked a youtube item created by @john-rawlinson: Nonsuch Dulcimer Club - Big Dulcimer Video - 2.0
Liked a youtube item created by @john-rawlinson: Nonsuch Dulcimer Club - Big Dulcimer Video - 2.0
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...
Singing with the Dulcimer
Here's a group for those of us who are interested in...
Technology/Software/Amplifying
to share info on all aspects of using tech: Amplifying,...
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...
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...
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...
Dulcimer teachers
Do you teach dulcimer? Are you helping others to learn?
Collector's Corner
A group where collectors of antique, vintage, or rare...
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...
Early & Classical Music
For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
Home Studio Recording
Recording dulcimers, vocals and other instruments in the...
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...
Box Dulcimers
A group for those who play, make, or admire all types...
Civil War era music
For discussing music that was played around the time of...
Chromatic Dulcimers
For players who enjoy playing dulcimers with ALL the frets!
GIG TALK!
Do you play gigs? Tell us about your good and not-so-good...
Galax Dulcimer Lovers
Just a group to discuss all things Galax Dulcimer. Tips...
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...
Challenged Players
A meeting place for players dealing with disabilities.
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
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!...
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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Showcase your music event or business here!
Showcase your music event or business here
Latest Forum Posts All
tiple
Posted: Wednesday October 27 2021, 9:13 AM
By: @Jim Yates
By: @Jim Yates
The Drifting Thread...
Posted: Wednesday October 27 2021, 7:13 AM
By: @Ken Hulme
By: @Ken Hulme
Hearts Of The Dulcimer...
Posted: Tuesday October 26 2021, 9:36 PM
By: @Patricia Delich
By: @Patricia Delich
Song(s) for retirement
Posted: Tuesday October 26 2021, 6:33 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Cedar soundboards
Posted: Tuesday October 26 2021, 5:23 PM
By: @MacAodha
By: @MacAodha
What Are You Working On?
Posted: Monday October 25 2021, 9:03 PM
By: @robert schuler
By: @robert schuler
SoundCloud issues
Posted: Monday October 25 2021, 6:00 PM
By: @Dan
By: @Dan
The Dulcimer Works, Santa...
Posted: Sunday October 24 2021, 2:40 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Jaromin dulcimer kit from...
Posted: Sunday October 24 2021, 11:44 AM
By: @Ken Hulme
By: @Ken Hulme
Simerman Dulcimers
Posted: Friday October 22 2021, 1:09 PM
By: @Dan
By: @Dan
Auld lang syne
Posted: Tuesday October 19 2021, 6:41 PM
By: @jost
By: @jost
New cherry Jethro Amburgey...
Posted: Sunday October 17 2021, 2:28 PM
By: @John C. Knopf
By: @John C. Knopf
Margaret MacArthur at the...
Posted: Sunday October 17 2021, 1:52 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
German folk song tabs
Posted: Sunday October 17 2021, 12:51 PM
By: @jost
By: @jost
John Frazier dulcimer
Posted: Thursday October 14 2021, 9:30 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
String Sources, gauges, types
Posted: Thursday October 14 2021, 5:35 PM
By: @Skip
By: @Skip
RIP Bill Taylor
Posted: Wednesday October 13 2021, 9:34 PM
By: @Cindy Stammich
By: @Cindy Stammich
A. W. Jeffreys dulcimer for...
Posted: Tuesday October 12 2021, 2:12 PM
By: @robert schuler
By: @robert schuler
The Positive Thread...
Posted: Saturday October 9 2021, 10:34 PM
By: @Cindy Stammich
By: @Cindy Stammich
Responding to video comments
Posted: Saturday October 9 2021, 8:55 AM
By: @Celtic Cowboy
By: @Celtic Cowboy
Who's dulcimer kit?
Posted: Thursday October 7 2021, 10:50 PM
By: @marg
By: @marg
Has anyone Heard of the...
Posted: Thursday October 7 2021, 10:29 PM
By: @Ken Hulme
By: @Ken Hulme
Folkcraft kits
Posted: Thursday October 7 2021, 5:02 PM
By: @Ken Hulme
By: @Ken Hulme
Healthy Living- healthy...
Posted: Tuesday October 5 2021, 9:18 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Rosin the Beau and...
Posted: Monday October 4 2021, 11:53 AM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Wanted: Banjammer
Posted: Sunday October 3 2021, 8:37 PM
By: @Jill Geary
By: @Jill Geary
New Robert Schuler Dulcimers
Posted: Sunday October 3 2021, 3:52 PM
By: @traildad
By: @traildad
Death of John Shaw, UK...
Posted: Friday October 1 2021, 8:34 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Bonnie Carol Curly Walnut...
Posted: Thursday September 30 2021, 12:58 AM
By: @Cheryl James
By: @Cheryl James
Dulcimer Playing Stand
Posted: Wednesday September 29 2021, 8:56 PM
By: @Don Smith
By: @Don Smith
Read the Site Rules
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3 CHEERS to our Volunteer Greeters ...for making new members feel right at home :
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