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
@dusty-turtle
• 18 minutes ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "How is the COVID-19 coronavirus affecting you?":
Posted a response to "How is the COVID-19 coronavirus affecting you?":
"I just got a call from the music shop where I used to host a monthly dulcimer club before we moved online in April or May of last year. As of sometime in..."
@ariane
• an hour ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on C'est dans le mois de mai:
Posted a new Comment on C'est dans le mois de mai:
"Thank you very much, Dusty, for your kind comment - I am happy that you like it"
@ken-hulme
• 2 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Rosin the Beau and recycling melodies for new songs":
Posted a response to "Rosin the Beau and recycling melodies for new songs":
"The tunes we know for Slane/Be Thou My Vision/Banks Of The Bann; The Riddle Song/12th of Never; Twinkle,Twinkle/Baa Baa Black Sheep/Alphabet Song/A Vous..."
@ken-hulme
• 2 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "George Orthey Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "George Orthey Dulcimer":
"With those large diameter string pins.... if you can't find loop-end strings, you can make a loop by running the open end of the string through the ball-end..."
@dusty-turtle
• 10 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "George Orthey Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "George Orthey Dulcimer":
"The other Orthey dulcimers I've seen had VSLs of 27". If yours is close to that, a wound bass string around .024 would probably be right. Middle string..."
@ken-longfield
• 10 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Rosin the Beau and recycling melodies for new songs":
Posted a response to "Rosin the Beau and recycling melodies for new songs":
"This is an interesting question. I thought of the "The Ship that Never Returned" which is the basis for "The Wreck Old 97" which is the basis of "The..."
@dusty-turtle
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Rosin the Beau and recycling melodies for new songs":
Created a new forum topic "Rosin the Beau and recycling melodies for new songs":
"We know how common it has been in the folklore tradition to add new lyrics to an old melody. Poets such as Robert Burns did so incessantly, it seems...."
@mandapanda
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Brass instruments ":
Posted a response to "Brass instruments ":
"Ex-brass player here! I majored in euphonium and minored in piano in undergrad (was a music education major), and played for several years after graduating...."
@dave-d
• 15 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "George Orthey Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "George Orthey Dulcimer":
"It has pins. This instrument is #856 from May 1982."
@dan
• 18 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "George Orthey Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "George Orthey Dulcimer":
"The image doesn't show ball end or loop end, some hitch pits will work for either. I believe KenL knew George, he may have a better insight to what string..."
@dave-d
• 19 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "George Orthey Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "George Orthey Dulcimer":
"Photo of Tailpiece..."
@dave-d
• 19 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "George Orthey Dulcimer":
Created a new forum topic "George Orthey Dulcimer":
"I have a George Orthey hourglass that I need to put new strings on. Can someone help me with original string gauges? "
@dusty-turtle
• 21 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":
"One of my most exciting moments as a dulcimer player was playing Cripple Creek as fast as I could while Aubrey did her clog dancing on a small wooden square..."
@bing-futch
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Never Too Late:
Posted a new Comment on Never Too Late:
"MandaPanda:
The kind of song that could put a smile on anyone's face!
Thanks, Manda!"
@bing-futch
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Never Too Late:
Posted a new Comment on Never Too Late:
"Ken Longfield:
Great message, Bing. Thanks for sharing it with us. I enjoyed listening to this recording.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."..."
@patricia-delich
• 22 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 51 The Sweet Harmonies of Aubrey Atwater and Elwood Donnelly https://dulcimuse.com/podcast In this episode..."
@susie
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "NDD - McSpadden Ginger":
Posted a response to "NDD - McSpadden Ginger":
"Robin Thompson:
Susie, enjoy that lovely new Ginger!
There may be some enablers here at fotmd yet I'm not one of them. Thanks Robin, I sure will! No, I..."
@susie
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "NDD - McSpadden Ginger":
Posted a response to "NDD - McSpadden Ginger":
"Dusty Turtle:
Looks like a beauty, and I'm sure it sounds like one, too! Thanks Dusty. It sure does have a nice voice and these Gingers are fun to play...."
@robin-thompson
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "NDD - McSpadden Ginger":
Posted a response to "NDD - McSpadden Ginger":
"Susie, enjoy that lovely new Ginger!
There may be some enablers here at fotmd yet I'm not one of them."
@pierre-yves-donnio
• yesterday
• comments: 4
Liked a youtube item created by @ariane: C'est dans le mois de mai
Liked a youtube item created by @ariane: C'est dans le mois de mai
@hobbyhorse
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Tumbling Skies:
Posted a new Comment on Tumbling Skies:
"Just beautiful .... thanks."
@dusty-turtle
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on C'est dans le mois de mai:
Posted a new Comment on C'est dans le mois de mai:
"I love how this song gains momentum as you progress. Nice job, Ariane!
I think this tune is sometimes just called "En montant la rivière," unless there's a..."
@dusty-turtle
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "NDD - McSpadden Ginger":
Posted a response to "NDD - McSpadden Ginger":
"Looks like a beauty, and I'm sure it sounds like one, too!"
@susie
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "NDD - McSpadden Ginger":
Created a new forum topic "NDD - McSpadden Ginger":
"I think I've purchased my last dulcimer.
I wanted to get a second McSpadden Ginger, this one intonated DAd (I already have one intonated GDg).
I contacted..."
@ariane
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Pig Ankle Rag:
Posted a new Comment on Pig Ankle Rag:
"Thank you very much, Peter, Robin and Jan, for your very kind comments - I am so happy that you like it"
@ariane
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on C'est dans le mois de mai:
Posted a new Comment on C'est dans le mois de mai:
"Dear Robin, thank you very much for your very kind comment - I am very happy that you like it
Aren't these flowers wonderful? And how they smell...mmmmmh..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @dan-evans: Tumbling Skies
Liked a youtube item created by @dan-evans: Tumbling Skies
@steven-berger
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @j-andy-crandall: ALL CREATURES
Liked a youtube item created by @j-andy-crandall: ALL CREATURES
@steven-berger
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Liked a youtube item created by @j-andy-crandall: I Am Resolved
Liked a youtube item created by @j-andy-crandall: I Am Resolved
@nick-osullivan
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Coinleach glas an fhomhair:
Posted a new Comment on Coinleach glas an fhomhair:
"Thanks Val, good to hear you are all well. Nick"
@macaodha
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Coinleach glas an fhomhair:
Posted a new Comment on Coinleach glas an fhomhair:
"Superb Nick, can hear the influence of the late great Mícheál Ó Domhnaill. All well here Nick, good to hear from you. Regards to all."
@dusty-turtle
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on I Am Resolved:
Posted a new Comment on I Am Resolved:
"That's some nice fingerpicking right there!"
@dusty-turtle
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Liked a youtube item created by @ariane: C'est dans le mois de mai
Liked a youtube item created by @ariane: C'est dans le mois de mai
@salt-springs
• 3 days ago
• comments: 3
Liked a youtube item created by @j-andy-crandall: I Am Resolved
Liked a youtube item created by @j-andy-crandall: I Am Resolved
@salt-springs
• 3 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on I Am Resolved:
Posted a new Comment on I Am Resolved:
"I needed that today!"
@robin-thompson
• 3 days ago
• comments: 3
Liked a youtube item created by @j-andy-crandall: I Am Resolved
Liked a youtube item created by @j-andy-crandall: I Am Resolved
@robin-thompson
• 3 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on I Am Resolved:
Posted a new Comment on I Am Resolved:
"Wow, I haven't heard this in what feels like about a million years! Wonderfully played!
(My mom was a church pianist for many years and this is one we..."
@mandapanda
• 3 days ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Never Too Late:
Posted a new Comment on Never Too Late:
"The kind of song that could put a smile on anyone's face! "
@mandapanda
• 3 days ago
• comments: 8
Liked a soundcloud item created by @bing-futch: Never Too Late
Liked a soundcloud item created by @bing-futch: Never Too Late
@hobbyhorse
• 3 days ago
• comments: 4
Liked a youtube item created by @ariane: C'est dans le mois de mai
Liked a youtube item created by @ariane: C'est dans le mois de mai
@ken-longfield
• 3 days ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Never Too Late:
Posted a new Comment on Never Too Late:
"Great message, Bing. Thanks for sharing it with us. I enjoyed listening to this recording.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@ken-longfield
• 3 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on ALL CREATURES:
Posted a new Comment on ALL CREATURES:
"Very nice, Andy. Thanks for sharing this wonderful hymn.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@j-andy-crandall
• 3 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on ALL CREATURES:
Posted a new Comment on ALL CREATURES:
"I have been working through a hymnal looking for tunes the work on the MD and finding lots to work with. "
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,...
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...
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?
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...
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...
GIG TALK!
Do you play gigs? Tell us about your good and not-so-good...
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...
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
.jpg "McSpaddenGingerD (4).jpg")
Latest Forum Posts All
How is the COVID-19...
Posted: Wednesday May 12 2021, 9:21 AM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Rosin the Beau and...
Posted: Wednesday May 12 2021, 7:27 AM
By: @Ken Hulme
By: @Ken Hulme
George Orthey Dulcimer
Posted: Wednesday May 12 2021, 7:08 AM
By: @Ken Hulme
By: @Ken Hulme
Brass instruments
Posted: Tuesday May 11 2021, 6:58 PM
By: @MandaPanda
By: @MandaPanda
Hearts Of The Dulcimer...
Posted: Tuesday May 11 2021, 11:40 AM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
NDD - McSpadden Ginger
Posted: Tuesday May 11 2021, 10:08 AM
By: @Susie
By: @Susie
New McSpadden Flatwater...
Posted: Friday May 7 2021, 3:03 PM
By: @ADKzookeeper
By: @ADKzookeeper
John Frazier dulcimer
Posted: Thursday May 6 2021, 11:05 AM
By: @Linda2
By: @Linda2
Wanted Lisa Glenn...
Posted: Wednesday May 5 2021, 9:18 PM
By: @Banjimer
By: @Banjimer
Do you feel limited by the...
Posted: Wednesday May 5 2021, 8:59 PM
By: @Banjimer
By: @Banjimer
Rest in Peace, Larkin Bryant
Posted: Wednesday May 5 2021, 1:15 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
2021 Berea Traditional...
Posted: Wednesday May 5 2021, 12:05 PM
By: @Ken Hulme
By: @Ken Hulme
How Many Dulcimers Do You...
Posted: Tuesday May 4 2021, 9:53 PM
By: @ocean-daughter
By: @ocean-daughter
Indoor House Plants
Posted: Tuesday May 4 2021, 7:45 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
The Positive Thread...
Posted: Tuesday May 4 2021, 2:27 AM
By: @Steven Berger
By: @Steven Berger
McCafferty Dulcimer...
Posted: Monday May 3 2021, 12:07 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Show Us Your Pets!
Posted: Monday May 3 2021, 8:07 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Choosing Strings
Posted: Sunday May 2 2021, 9:47 AM
By: @Ken Hulme
By: @Ken Hulme
This Tennessee Music Box is...
Posted: Friday April 30 2021, 1:11 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Online Masterclass - 4/30/21
Posted: Friday April 30 2021, 1:06 PM
By: @Bing Futch
By: @Bing Futch
Favorite stands/storage?
Posted: Thursday April 29 2021, 6:42 AM
By: @MandaPanda
By: @MandaPanda
What's fer dinner?
Posted: Wednesday April 28 2021, 4:54 PM
By: @Don B
By: @Don B
The Drifting Thread...
Posted: Tuesday April 27 2021, 5:22 PM
By: @jost
By: @jost
Warren May Maple Dulcimer
Posted: Wednesday April 21 2021, 8:35 PM
By: @JDH54
By: @JDH54
A. W. Jeffreys dulcimer for...
Posted: Saturday April 17 2021, 4:45 PM
By: @luthier65
By: @luthier65
An Interesting News Story...
Posted: Thursday April 15 2021, 8:15 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Mountain Dulcimer...
Posted: Monday April 12 2021, 2:33 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
DulciBro Playing Resonator...
Posted: Sunday April 11 2021, 11:57 AM
By: @Steve Eulberg
By: @Steve Eulberg
For sale: Prichard copy...
Posted: Thursday April 8 2021, 7:59 PM
By: @Richard Streib
By: @Richard Streib
McSpadden Ginger Like New...
Posted: Thursday April 8 2021, 1:13 AM
By: @Jill Geary
By: @Jill Geary
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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