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

DavisJames
@davisjames • 2 hours ago • comments: 11
Posted a new Comment on Natchez Under The Hill:
"I like the sound holes on your dulcimer(maple leaves)!So far I've got diamonds( John Knopf Galax),cats,(Tom Yockie chromatic),a dove carrying an olive..."
DavisJames
@davisjames • 3 hours ago • comments: 2
Liked a music item created by @studentofrhythm: Pine Cones
Richard Streib
@richard-streib • 5 hours ago • comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on @krigelman:
"Welcome Krigelman to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. So great of you to join. This is a very active forum with lots of friendly people. Look around at all..."
Robin Thompson
Strumelia
@strumelia • 10 hours ago • comments: 18
Posted a new Comment on In The Morning, Very Early; Tune: Beach Spring, Text: Anne McKinstry:
"Beautifully played and sung. And wonderful words written by Anne."
Strumelia
Beth T
@beth-t • 16 hours ago • comments: 19
Posted a new Comment on Dadl Dau/Gwŷr Pendref/I Lawr â'r Ffrancwyr:
"olddog75: YIKES!  That was goood!  Thanks for the posting And thank you for the feedback @olddog75! 😊"
Frank Dudgeon
@frank-dudgeon • yesterday • comments: 19
Liked a youtube item created by @beth-t: Dadl Dau/Gwŷr Pendref/I Lawr â'r Ffrancwyr
olddog75
@olddog75 • yesterday • comments: 19
Posted a new Comment on Dadl Dau/Gwŷr Pendref/I Lawr â'r Ffrancwyr:
"YIKES!  That was goood!  Thanks for the posting"
olddog75
@olddog75 • yesterday • comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: I walk in beauty
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • yesterday • comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
"@strumelia We were happy she learned the little tune and made it a little cello tune.   (a very little cello emoji haha)  "
Strumelia
@strumelia • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
"@robin-thompson , that is so wonderful!"
Strumelia
@strumelia • 2 days ago • comments: 2
Liked a music item created by @studentofrhythm: Pine Cones
Strumelia
@strumelia • 2 days ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Pine Cones:
"This is quite beautiful. Your voice goes well with this dulcimer tone. The piece is emotive and has an ancient feel to it. Well done."
DavisJames
@davisjames • 2 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Prairie Medley.:
"I used a felt pick because my chromatic is very treble sounding and it took some of the edge off.It does tend to slip out of my fingers,thus the pauses on..."
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • 2 days ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Pine Cones:
"Nicely composed, played, and sung, SofR!  "
Beth T
@beth-t • 3 days ago • comments: 19
Posted a new Comment on Dadl Dau/Gwŷr Pendref/I Lawr â'r Ffrancwyr:
"Homer Ross: Thanks for sharing Beth. I loved it! Cheers Homer! 😊"
StudentofRhythm
@studentofrhythm • 3 days ago • comments: 2
Created a new Audio File:
Pine Cones
StudentofRhythm
@studentofrhythm • 3 days ago • comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Cuncti Simus Concanentes:
"Thanks all!"
Peter Harklau
@peter-harklau • 3 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
"Thanks for this.   Dusty Turtle"] Kurt Vonnegut in a letter to high school students: Practice any art, music, singing, dancing, acting, drawing, painting,..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 3 days ago • comments: 3
Liked a music item created by @dan: Number 6_25 Jinny sound clip
Strumelia
@strumelia • 3 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Mr Dusty T":
"Too funny!!  "
Dan
@dan • 3 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Number 6_25 Jinny sound clip:
"Thank you all! This piece went to a family in Indiana so maybe a few more folks up that way will get to experience it."
Homer Ross
@homer-ross • 3 days ago • comments: 19
Posted a new Comment on Dadl Dau/Gwŷr Pendref/I Lawr â'r Ffrancwyr:
"Thanks for sharing Beth. I loved it!"
Richard Streib
@richard-streib • 3 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @peter-harklau:
"Glad to have you back PeterHarklau. The forum remains quite active. Jump right in and let us know what you are up to with your dulcimer. Be sure to ask if..."
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • 3 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Number 6_25 Jinny sound clip:
"Has a really nice sound! "
Beth T
@beth-t • 4 days ago • comments: 19
Posted a new Comment on Dadl Dau/Gwŷr Pendref/I Lawr â'r Ffrancwyr:
"Reneesarah: That sounds wonderful!  Thank you! Thanks so much for your comment. I’m glad you enjoyed it. I see from your profile that you’ve only recently..."
Reneesarah
@reneesarah • 4 days ago • comments: 19
Posted a new Comment on Dadl Dau/Gwŷr Pendref/I Lawr â'r Ffrancwyr:
"That sounds wonderful!  Thank you!"
Reneesarah
@reneesarah • 4 days ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on I walk in beauty:
"Lovely.  Thank you!  (And I like the tee shirt!)"
Reneesarah
@reneesarah • 4 days ago • comments: 347
Posted a new Comment on @richard-streib:
"Thank you for your very kind welcome!"
Reneesarah
@reneesarah • 4 days ago • comments: 590
Posted a new Comment on @benjamin-w-barr-jr:
"Thank you very much!"
Reneesarah
@reneesarah • 4 days ago • comments: 590
Posted a new Comment on @benjamin-w-barr-jr:
"Thank you very much!"
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • 4 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Mr Dusty T":
"Pretty funny there, John!    It begs the question, though, if I have a shell, why do I need a hat?"
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • 4 days ago • comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @lilley-pad: Mr Dusty T
Dan
@dan • 4 days ago • comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @lilley-pad: Mr Dusty T
Lilley Pad
@lilley-pad • 4 days ago • comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Mr Dusty T":
"Hey Dusty"
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 4 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @peter-harklau:
"Welcome back to FOTMD, Peter. Glad you decided to reconnect with us here. I look forward to your participation. I still have my t-shirt which I get out and..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 4 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @reneesarah:
"Welcome to FOTMD, ReneeSarah. It's good to have you aboard. Have fun exploring this site and jump in to the discussions when you can. There are many great..."
ScottS
@scotts • 4 days ago • comments: 347
Posted a new Comment on @richard-streib:
"Thanks Richard. I've finally gotten around to replying to the messages received since I joined the group. "
ScottS
@scotts • 4 days ago • comments: 510
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
"Thank you Ken. I've gotten busy of late and have not been paying much attention to the fact that I joined the group. When I've taken some pictures and..."
ScottS
@scotts • 4 days ago • comments: 590
Posted a new Comment on @benjamin-w-barr-jr:
"Thank you for the welcome. As usual life got in the way of a timely response.."
Ben Barr Jr
@benjamin-w-barr-jr • 4 days ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @kingtut:
"Hi Kingtut, 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..."
Ben Barr Jr
@benjamin-w-barr-jr • 4 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @4stringgirl:
"Hi 4-String-Girl, 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..."
Ben Barr Jr
@benjamin-w-barr-jr • 4 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @scotts:
"Hi Scott, 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,..."
Ben Barr Jr
@benjamin-w-barr-jr • 4 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @rabbit90:
"Hi Rabbit, 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,..."
Ben Barr Jr
@benjamin-w-barr-jr • 4 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @reneesarah:
"Hi Renee Sarah, 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..."
Ben Barr Jr
@benjamin-w-barr-jr • 4 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @peter-harklau:
"Hi Peter, and welcome back to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer.  It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the..."
Richard Streib
@richard-streib • 5 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @reneesarah:
"Welcome Reneesarah to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Glad you joined. This is an active forum with a lot of knowledge and expertise here. Look around and..."
Alex_Lubet
@alex-lubet • 5 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Lefties":
"Very interesting contributions, thanks so much. For the most part, we declare ourselves right or left handed depending on how we write.  The only other such..."
DavisJames
@davisjames • 5 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Lefties":
"An interesting side effect of changing the roles of right and left hands is renewed facility on the original configuration...when I started playing button..."

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...
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...
fans of Jean Ritchie

fans of Jean Ritchie


A group for those of us who have been inspired by...
Help Me Learn this Song

Help Me Learn this Song


Need help learning to play a particular song? Let another...
Early & Classical Music

Early & Classical Music


For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
I have extra frets.....

I have extra frets.....


This group is for those who have a 1 1/2 fret, an 8 1/2...
Public Domain... or Not?

Public Domain... or Not?


Ever wanted to record or post that tune, but you just...
Dulcimer Therapy

Dulcimer Therapy


This group is dedicated to those that visit, or have a...
Home Studio Recording

Home Studio Recording


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

Dulcimer Ancestors


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

UK and European Mountain...


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

Chromatic Dulcimers


For players who enjoy playing dulcimers with ALL the frets!
Box Dulcimers

Box Dulcimers


A group for those who play, make, or admire all types...
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...
Civil War era music

Civil War era music


For discussing music that was played around the time of...
GIG TALK!

GIG TALK!


Do you play gigs? Tell us about your good and not-so-good...
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
North Carolinians Plus

North Carolinians Plus


The Three Sides of North Carolina: Mountains / Piedmont /...
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...
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...
FOTMD on the Road

FOTMD on the Road


Are your traveling, on vacation, on your way to a...
Missouri Dulcimer Players

Missouri Dulcimer Players


for all the Show Me State dulcimer players
Indiana Players

Indiana Players


Welcome all dulcimer players in the state of Indiana!...
North of the Lakes

North of the Lakes


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

Latest Audio

  All
Pine Cones
Number 6_25 Jinny sound clip
Maggie Darling[tearjerker on the teardrop].
Brian Boru's March
Prairie Medley.
Old Motel
All the Abandoned Mines
Nesting Season
After the Flood
John O'Connor.
Youghal Harbour
The Princess Royal.
Cuncti Simus Concanentes
Danville Girl.
Eventide
Stout Staves, Sure Feet
Alaw Elin (Elin's song)
Fairytale/ Forever love
The Shortest Day
The 4 poster bed.
Champagne Waltz.
Emma´s Waltz
Lost in the Woods
Mediaeval Noodle with Metronome
Jet's Piece
Departure
Minor Waltz
Pavane 2 experiment.
Deer at Dusk, a work-in-progress
Gorhoffedd Owain Cyfeiliog (Owain Cyfeiliog's Delight)

Coming Events   All


Latest gallery Photos   All

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Latest Forum Posts   All

The Positive Thread...

Posted: Monday July 14 2025, 8:02 AM
By: @Robin Thompson

Mr Dusty T

Posted: Saturday July 12 2025, 6:34 PM
By: @Strumelia

Lefties

Posted: Thursday July 10 2025, 5:07 PM
By: @Alex_Lubet

Apologies

Posted: Wednesday July 9 2025, 7:41 AM
By: @Strumelia

No grooves on bridge revisited

Posted: Monday July 7 2025, 5:56 PM
By: @Ken Longfield

Black Thomas replication

Posted: Saturday July 5 2025, 8:35 AM
By: @Dan

Tuning down a half step

Posted: Friday July 4 2025, 11:15 AM
By: @Lorilee

Pluck by Linda Paulus

Posted: Wednesday July 2 2025, 7:50 PM
By: @Robin Thompson

Reasons NOT To Get a Chromatic

Posted: Monday June 30 2025, 4:33 PM
By: @Alex_Lubet

Guitar strap (Straplok)

Posted: Saturday June 28 2025, 6:35 PM
By: @Lilley Pad

When to replace tuners

Posted: Thursday June 26 2025, 10:46 PM
By: @Ken Longfield

Value of a Mize Dulcimer

Posted: Tuesday June 24 2025, 11:35 AM
By: @John Pettreemusic

For our new members - The Chat

Posted: Tuesday June 24 2025, 9:45 AM
By: @Strumelia

My happiness with Heinrich...

Posted: Sunday June 22 2025, 6:40 PM
By: @Mountainmender

Which melody string to...

Posted: Sunday June 22 2025, 5:58 PM
By: @Paderau

Hello, Hi again!

Posted: Sunday June 22 2025, 4:36 PM
By: @Ken Longfield

Price estimate on old dulcimer

Posted: Thursday June 19 2025, 1:03 AM
By: @Molly McCurdy

New to the group, several...

Posted: Wednesday June 18 2025, 11:51 AM
By: @Alex_Lubet

Are string breaks dangerous?

Posted: Monday June 16 2025, 10:12 AM
By: @Strumelia

Tuning my new Dulcimer

Posted: Saturday June 14 2025, 10:11 PM
By: @calvin

Replacing wood tuners

Posted: Saturday June 14 2025, 7:04 AM
By: @Richard Streib

Brass instruments

Posted: Thursday June 12 2025, 6:00 PM
By: @ryan-carey

Introduce Yourself!

Posted: Thursday June 12 2025, 7:04 AM
By: @Robin Thompson

What to Look For When...

Posted: Friday June 6 2025, 4:31 PM
By: @Ken Longfield

larry Barringer

Posted: Thursday June 5 2025, 12:52 PM
By: @calvin

WANTED: Blue Lion teardrop

Posted: Monday June 2 2025, 6:54 PM
By: @Jill Geary

Bar Cords

Posted: Sunday June 1 2025, 4:00 AM
By: @Lilley Pad

Mountain Dulcimer on The...

Posted: Saturday May 24 2025, 12:38 PM
By: @Jim Yates

Just String info.

Posted: Thursday May 15 2025, 5:36 PM
By: @Ken Longfield

storing an instrument

Posted: Thursday May 15 2025, 11:51 AM
By: @Wally Venable

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

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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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