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
@richard-streib
• 11 minutes ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @majek888:
Posted a new Comment on @majek888:
"Glad you joined, Majek888. Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Getting your first dulcimer is sometimes daunting. Kenl has offered some good advice...."
@davisjames
• 37 minutes ago
• comments: 6
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: Nesting Season
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: Nesting Season
@debi
• 2 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "New Harmony saddle?":
Posted a response to "New Harmony saddle?":
"Hi, The main purpose of that bridge is to adjust intonation, as I understand it. Speak with Joe Collins, who is affiliated with NHD. He is very helpful...."
@lilley-pad
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "New Harmony saddle?":
Created a new forum topic "New Harmony saddle?":
"Anybody out there know anything about the New Harmony instruments bridge? The main question I have is about the Accutune module bridge. Any idea can you..."
@old-dawg
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "John Stockard Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "John Stockard Dulcimer":
"Thanks Robin. It's one of the most finely crafted instruments I own. I would love to hear from anyone else that owns a Stockard dulcimer, as well as any info..."
@robin-thompson
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "John Stockard Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "John Stockard Dulcimer":
"You have a treasure there-- happy strumming! "
@old-dawg
• 12 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "John Stockard Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "John Stockard Dulcimer":
"Thanks Dusty. "
@dusty
• 18 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "John Stockard Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "John Stockard Dulcimer":
"I fixed the spelling in the title. And yes, John Stockard produced very elegant dulcimers with impeccable intonation."
@john-petry
• 19 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "John Stockard Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "John Stockard Dulcimer":
"VERY nice! I really like the headstock neck area....impressive.
Thanks for sharing."
@old-dawg
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "John Stockard Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "John Stockard Dulcimer":
"Thanks Ken. It is obviously a John Stockard dulcimer. Misspelling error."
@ken-longfield
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "John Stockard Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "John Stockard Dulcimer":
"Old Dawg, you might want to check the name of the maker of your dulcimer. The photo of the label says it is made by John Stockard. He was a builder in..."
@ken-longfield
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @majek888:
Posted a new Comment on @majek888:
"Welcome to FOTMD Majek888. It's good to have you aboard. You might get better responses on what dulcimer to purchase if you can give an idea of how much you..."
@old-dawg
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "John Stockard Dulcimer":
Created a new forum topic "John Stockard Dulcimer":
"Many years ago I contacted John Stockard about building me a dulcimer. He told me he was no longer building but he would be willing to sell me one of his..."
@strumelia
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 39
Posted a new Comment on The Friendly Beasts,(a Christmas Carol) or The Serving Girls Holiday, (14th c Bawdy song) ?:
Posted a new Comment on The Friendly Beasts,(a Christmas Carol) or The Serving Girls Holiday, (14th c Bawdy song) ?:
"Well worth another listen.... beautiful!"
@strumelia
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 39
Liked a youtube item created by @john-henry: The Friendly Beasts,(a Christmas Carol) or The Serving Girls Holiday, (14th c Bawdy song) ?
Liked a youtube item created by @john-henry: The Friendly Beasts,(a Christmas Carol) or The Serving Girls Holiday, (14th c Bawdy song) ?
@strumelia
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 4
Liked a group discussions item created by @strumelia: I acquired this instrument recently at an auction
Liked a group discussions item created by @strumelia: I acquired this instrument recently at an auction
@alex-lubet
• yesterday
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on @alex-lubet:
Posted a new Comment on @alex-lubet:
"Hi All,
I hope everyone is doing well.
I've done a lot of recording and, at the risk of hubris, gotten some good reviews, though these are from beyond the..."
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on I acquired this instrument recently at an auction :
Posted a new Comment on I acquired this instrument recently at an auction :
"Glad to hear that you connected with Dwain. He must be feeling better. I haven't spoken to him in a while. He does meticulous and excellent work.
Ken
"The..."
@sunshinedawn
• yesterday
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on I acquired this instrument recently at an auction :
Posted a new Comment on I acquired this instrument recently at an auction :
"Ben Barr Jr:
I would find a luthier to do the repair. One suggestion might be Dwight Wilder with Bear Meadow Dulcimers.
Ken Longfield:
You..."
@davisjames
• yesterday
• comments: 10
Liked a youtube item created by @dusty: Fall in Cedar Falls (original)
Liked a youtube item created by @dusty: Fall in Cedar Falls (original)
@davisjames
• yesterday
• comments: 39
Liked a youtube item created by @john-henry: The Friendly Beasts,(a Christmas Carol) or The Serving Girls Holiday, (14th c Bawdy song) ?
Liked a youtube item created by @john-henry: The Friendly Beasts,(a Christmas Carol) or The Serving Girls Holiday, (14th c Bawdy song) ?
@davisjames
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: The Rooster is Crowing
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: The Rooster is Crowing
@davisjames
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Kak U Sokola (Like a Falcon)
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Kak U Sokola (Like a Falcon)
@john-petry
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "recommendations for external pickup?":
Posted a response to "recommendations for external pickup?":
"..."
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on I acquired this instrument recently at an auction :
Posted a new Comment on I acquired this instrument recently at an auction :
"You received a good bit of advice from your Facebook post. Ben has given you good advice here. It is Dwain Wilder at Bear Meadows. Here is his website ...."
@robert-owens
• yesterday
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on @robert-owens:
Posted a new Comment on @robert-owens:
"Thanks Ben! I've already found that there are a lot of nice and very helpful people here. My dulcimer restoration is coming along well, and I hope to be..."
@richard-streib
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @judysue25:
Posted a new Comment on @judysue25:
"Great to have you join Judysue25. Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. There is a lot of information here for you to share with your group. Let us..."
@richard-streib
• yesterday
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on @sunshinedawn:
Posted a new Comment on @sunshinedawn:
"Glad you joined Sunshinedawn. Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Your new acquisition sounds interesting. I look forward to seeing some pictures...."
@richard-streib
• yesterday
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on @old-dawg:
Posted a new Comment on @old-dawg:
"Welcome Old Dawg to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Glad you joined. This is a great place with lots of information. Look around and get a feel of what all..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• yesterday
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on @robert-owens:
Posted a new Comment on @robert-owens:
"Hi Robert, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the dulcimer,..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• yesterday
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on I acquired this instrument recently at an auction :
Posted a new Comment on I acquired this instrument recently at an auction :
"I would find a luthier to do the repair. One suggestion might be Dwight Wilder with Bear Meadow Dulcimers. "
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• yesterday
• comments: 4
Liked a group discussions item created by @strumelia: I acquired this instrument recently at an auction
Liked a group discussions item created by @strumelia: I acquired this instrument recently at an auction
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• yesterday
• comments: 19
Posted a new Comment on @intelisano:
Posted a new Comment on @intelisano:
"Hi Intelisano, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the..."
@sunshinedawn
• yesterday
• comments: 4
Created a new Group discussion "I acquired this instrument recently at an auction ":
Created a new Group discussion "I acquired this instrument recently at an auction ":
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @kevinrh:
Posted a new Comment on @kevinrh:
"Hi Kevin, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the dulcimer,..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• yesterday
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on @old-dawg:
Posted a new Comment on @old-dawg:
"Hi Old Dawg, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• yesterday
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on @sunshinedawn:
Posted a new Comment on @sunshinedawn:
"Hi Dawn, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the dulcimer,..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @judysue25:
Posted a new Comment on @judysue25:
"Hi Judy Sue, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the..."
@strumelia
• yesterday
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on @old-dawg:
Posted a new Comment on @old-dawg:
"Greetings and welcome to FOTMD! Our site is fairly expansive, and might be a little daunting to find one's way around at first.
Note that you will only see..."
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on @sunshinedawn:
Posted a new Comment on @sunshinedawn:
"Greetings! That is a very cool old box instrument... might even be historically significant. I suggest you JOIN the following Group here:..."
@sunshinedawn
• 2 days ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on @sunshinedawn:
Posted a new Comment on @sunshinedawn:
"Ken Longfield:
Welcome to FOTMD Sunshinedawn. It's good to have you aboard. Post a photo of your box dulcimer and folks here might be able to help you..."
@sunshinedawn
• 2 days ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on @sunshinedawn:
Posted a new Comment on @sunshinedawn:
"Ken Longfield:
Welcome to FOTMD Sunshinedawn. It's good to have you aboard. Post a photo of your box dulcimer and folks here might be able to help you..."
@sunshinedawn
• 2 days ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on @sunshinedawn:
Posted a new Comment on @sunshinedawn:
"Aditi:
Welcome to FOTMD! Glad to see someone else in NY here (although we are pretty far from each other even within the state).
Thank you fellow New..."
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Good dulcimer for busking?":
Posted a response to "Good dulcimer for busking?":
"Since apparently amplification isn't allowed, you may want to consider a particularly loud dulcimer. Some dulcimers are quite a bit louder than others. There..."
@john-petry
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Chet Hines “dulcimore” ":
Posted a response to "Chet Hines “dulcimore” ":
"Remember to "dab" the area...don't "wipe", In case there is residual pencil marks etc,you don't want to rub them off.
I've exposed some "made for xxx" or..."
@paula
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Chet Hines “dulcimore” ":
Posted a response to "Chet Hines “dulcimore” ":
"That’s a great idea John. I’ve repacked the dulcimer so won’t be able to try that until I get back home with it in two weeks. I’ll let you know if I’m able..."
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Good dulcimer for busking?":
Posted a response to "Good dulcimer for busking?":
"Here's a handy page concerning busking/playing/performance on NYC subways:..."
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 11
Posted a new Comment on Hindman Dulcimer Homecoming 2025 -(KY):
Posted a new Comment on Hindman Dulcimer Homecoming 2025 -(KY):
"Yes, Robin, I was waiting for Don to say something. He feels well enough to participate and lead his workshops.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@robin-thompson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @aditi: Good dulcimer for busking?
Liked a forum discussions item created by @aditi: Good dulcimer for busking?
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...
Little Dulcimers
Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
Baritone & Bass Dulcimer...
A Group for discussing the unique aspects of playing...
Four-Equidistant Strings
A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
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 another...
Early & Classical Music
For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
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...
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...
Chromatic Dulcimers
For players who enjoy playing dulcimers with ALL the frets!
Box Dulcimers
A group for those who play, make, or admire all types...
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...
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...
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 of...
Challenged Players
A meeting place for players dealing with disabilities.
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
North Carolinians Plus
The Three Sides of North Carolina: Mountains / Piedmont /...
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...
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
All
Latest Forum Posts All
New Harmony saddle?
Posted: Saturday April 19 2025, 4:31 PM
By: @Debi
By: @Debi
John Stockard Dulcimer
Posted: Saturday April 19 2025, 8:04 AM
By: @Old Dawg
By: @Old Dawg
recommendations for...
Posted: Friday April 18 2025, 12:12 PM
By: @John Pettreemusic
By: @John Pettreemusic
Good dulcimer for busking?
Posted: Friday April 18 2025, 3:12 AM
By: @Nate
By: @Nate
Chet Hines “dulcimore”
Posted: Friday April 18 2025, 2:48 AM
By: @John Pettreemusic
By: @John Pettreemusic
Mountain Dulcimer on The...
Posted: Thursday April 17 2025, 1:49 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Free Tab books, New
Posted: Thursday April 17 2025, 11:48 AM
By: @John Pettreemusic
By: @John Pettreemusic
2 dulcimer dilemma
Posted: Tuesday April 15 2025, 9:33 PM
By: @John Pettreemusic
By: @John Pettreemusic
WTB: glass noter
Posted: Tuesday April 15 2025, 7:36 AM
By: @Mike59
By: @Mike59
Help with restoring a 1962...
Posted: Monday April 14 2025, 11:55 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Don Neuhauser
Posted: Monday April 14 2025, 6:18 AM
By: @Lilley Pad
By: @Lilley Pad
International Appalachian...
Posted: Sunday April 13 2025, 9:33 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Mountain Dulcimer Picture...
Posted: Sunday April 13 2025, 6:09 AM
By: @dulcidom
By: @dulcidom
Tinny sounding strings
Posted: Friday April 11 2025, 10:02 AM
By: @Wally Venable
By: @Wally Venable
Gold Tone Dulciborn -...
Posted: Thursday April 10 2025, 5:35 PM
By: @
By: @
Warren May Special dulcimer...
Posted: Wednesday April 9 2025, 10:15 AM
By: @Mike59
By: @Mike59
Amplification of an...
Posted: Saturday April 5 2025, 12:42 PM
By: @Nate
By: @Nate
Anyone Recognize This Builder
Posted: Wednesday April 2 2025, 10:51 AM
By: @msdeebee
By: @msdeebee
Bonnie Carol Number 6 1973
Posted: Sunday March 30 2025, 12:59 PM
By: @Badger
By: @Badger
Lute Dulcimer
Posted: Sunday March 30 2025, 11:00 AM
By: @Mark Gilston
By: @Mark Gilston
Short scale dulcimer
Posted: Saturday March 29 2025, 2:42 PM
By: @Wally Venable
By: @Wally Venable
North Country Dulcimer
Posted: Saturday March 29 2025, 2:59 AM
By: @Nate
By: @Nate
Bowing a dulcimer
Posted: Friday March 28 2025, 5:57 PM
By: @
By: @
Ray Hunley 2009 #260 Solid...
Posted: Friday March 28 2025, 10:08 AM
By: @MargieS
By: @MargieS
A Question about dulcimer...
Posted: Thursday March 27 2025, 9:14 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
4 equidistant...
Posted: Wednesday March 26 2025, 11:14 AM
By: @
By: @
limberjack
Posted: Monday March 24 2025, 10:05 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Silicone Free Furniture...
Posted: Thursday March 20 2025, 11:11 PM
By: @Nate
By: @Nate
RIP to our good fotmd...
Posted: Sunday March 16 2025, 4:18 AM
By: @Jan Potts
By: @Jan Potts
Hearts of the Dulcimer.
Posted: Thursday March 13 2025, 9:52 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Read the Site Rules
Our Welcome Wagon!
3 CHEERS to our Volunteer Greeters ...for making new members feel right at home :
Jim Fawcett  |
Benjamin Barr  |
Richard Streib  |
Ken Longfield  |
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:
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