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
@barbara-maas
• 8 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Bonnie Carol Curly Walnut with Maple binding":
Posted a response to "Bonnie Carol Curly Walnut with Maple binding":
"Is this dulcimer still available?"
@dusty-turtle
• 10 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Choosing Your String Gauge":
Posted a response to "Choosing Your String Gauge":
"Lighter strings will be looser. Heavier strings will be tighter.
If you're playing by yourself, though, and don't need to be in a specific key, I would..."
@traildad
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Choosing Your String Gauge":
Posted a response to "Choosing Your String Gauge":
"I have a follow up question. I know I’ve heard comments about floppy strings with low/loose tuning. I just can’t remember what the cure is, heavier or..."
@strumelia
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Show Us Your Pets!":
Posted a response to "Show Us Your Pets!":
"Our cat Teddy taking a nap in our bed today..."
@steven-berger
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 0
Liked a youtube item created by @ethan-chastain: Sandy Boys
Liked a youtube item created by @ethan-chastain: Sandy Boys
@marg
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Removable Magnetic Pickup for Dulcimers":
Created a new forum topic "Removable Magnetic Pickup for Dulcimers":
"I set a Seymour Duncan up years ago under the strings in a flat space at strum hollow, so I could learn & use the Boss GT-1 during Harvey, the TX..."
@julezanseo
• yesterday
• comments: 4
Liked a youtube item created by @steve-c: Westphalia Waltz Steve Carney
Liked a youtube item created by @steve-c: Westphalia Waltz Steve Carney
@julezanseo
• yesterday
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @ethan-chastain: Down the River I Go
Liked a youtube item created by @ethan-chastain: Down the River I Go
@strumelia
• yesterday
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Down the River I Go :
Posted a new Comment on Down the River I Go :
"This is wonderful! "
@strumelia
• yesterday
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @ethan-chastain: Down the River I Go
Liked a youtube item created by @ethan-chastain: Down the River I Go
@luigi
• yesterday
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @ethan-chastain: Down the River I Go
Liked a youtube item created by @ethan-chastain: Down the River I Go
@ethan-chastain
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on The Old Black Cat Couldn’t Catch a Rat :
Posted a new Comment on The Old Black Cat Couldn’t Catch a Rat :
"Thanks! We’re having the regular annual cicadas right now. It’ll be interesting to see what the 17 (or 13?) year cicadas will be like in our area in a few..."
@robin-thompson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @ethan-chastain: Down the River I Go
Liked a youtube item created by @ethan-chastain: Down the River I Go
@slate-creek-dulcimers
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a youtube item created by @ethan-chastain: Sandy Boys
Liked a youtube item created by @ethan-chastain: Sandy Boys
@slate-creek-dulcimers
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on The Old Black Cat Couldn’t Catch a Rat :
Posted a new Comment on The Old Black Cat Couldn’t Catch a Rat :
"Really cool! Enjoyed hearing the Cicadas too! They didn't come out here this year."
@slate-creek-dulcimers
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Liked a youtube item created by @ethan-chastain: The Old Black Cat Couldn’t Catch a Rat
Liked a youtube item created by @ethan-chastain: The Old Black Cat Couldn’t Catch a Rat
@ethan-chastain
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on The Old Black Cat Couldn’t Catch a Rat :
Posted a new Comment on The Old Black Cat Couldn’t Catch a Rat :
"Thanks Steve.
steve c.:
I really enjoyed that and you play wonderfully. Thanks for sharing."
@robin-thompson
• 3 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Today In Mountain Dulcimer History: August:
Posted a new Comment on Today In Mountain Dulcimer History: August:
"I'm glad you bumped this, David! I shared the link with a young music friend to whom I gave my L. Allen Smith book; my friend is a huge fan of Appalachian..."
@steven-berger
• 3 days ago
• comments: 6
Liked a group discussions item created by @david-bennett: Today In Mountain Dulcimer History: August
Liked a group discussions item created by @david-bennett: Today In Mountain Dulcimer History: August
@steven-berger
• 3 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on My Second Dulcimer:
Posted a new Comment on My Second Dulcimer:
"Whimsical! I like it!"
@dusty-turtle
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "fingerstyle playing on a budget":
Posted a response to "fingerstyle playing on a budget":
"Hey, @johnpat27. I have a few thoughts here.
Consider starting with three strings, especially if you want to fingerpick. Just remove the doubled strings...."
@john-gribble
• 3 days ago
• comments: 4
Liked a youtube item created by @ethan-chastain: The Old Black Cat Couldn’t Catch a Rat
Liked a youtube item created by @ethan-chastain: The Old Black Cat Couldn’t Catch a Rat
@ken-hulme
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "fingerstyle playing on a budget":
Posted a response to "fingerstyle playing on a budget":
"Lisa Strumelia has a Noter & Drone Blog, and I wrote a booklet years ago called Get Noterized, both of which are accessible from here at FOTMD. Many of..."
@steve-c
• 3 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on The Old Black Cat Couldn’t Catch a Rat :
Posted a new Comment on The Old Black Cat Couldn’t Catch a Rat :
"I really enjoyed that and you play wonderfully. Thanks for sharing."
@strumelia
• 3 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on My Second Dulcimer:
Posted a new Comment on My Second Dulcimer:
"I love it! So creative and playful... true folk tradition!"
@david-bennett
• 3 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Today In Mountain Dulcimer History: August:
Posted a new Comment on Today In Mountain Dulcimer History: August:
"Bump
Today In Mountain Dulcimer History: August..."
@johnpat27
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "fingerstyle playing on a budget":
Posted a response to "fingerstyle playing on a budget":
"It is, as you say, Ddadd.
So far I am pleased with the setup, it has a pleasing sound."
@macaodha
• 3 days ago
• comments: 4
Liked a music item created by @kevin-burns: Man of Constant Sorrow
Liked a music item created by @kevin-burns: Man of Constant Sorrow
@natebuildstoys
• 3 days ago
• comments: 4
Liked a music item created by @kevin-burns: Man of Constant Sorrow
Liked a music item created by @kevin-burns: Man of Constant Sorrow
@natebuildstoys
• 3 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Man of Constant Sorrow:
Posted a new Comment on Man of Constant Sorrow:
"Unlike any rendition I've heard"
@natebuildstoys
• 3 days ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on My Second Dulcimer:
Posted a new Comment on My Second Dulcimer:
"The first guy who saw this dulcimer said "as a musician I'm intrigued and as a woodworker I'm appalled." I said "as neither, I'm both.""
@natebuildstoys
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Who's dulcimer kit?":
Posted a response to "Who's dulcimer kit?":
"By the way its worth noting that the vast majority of string instruments have intonation issues way up the neck. I'm not sure if this is because of how much..."
@carolynf
• 3 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Man of Constant Sorrow:
Posted a new Comment on Man of Constant Sorrow:
"Really nice! A lot of intriguing things going on in this tune."
@natebuildstoys
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "fingerstyle playing on a budget":
Posted a response to "fingerstyle playing on a budget":
"Hello John, it is more common to see doubled bass strings, but having a thin string there is perfectly fine. It is most likely intended to be tuned an octave..."
@johnpat27
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "fingerstyle playing on a budget":
Posted a response to "fingerstyle playing on a budget":
"Thanks for all the advice!
I ended up buying one of Bill Bergs 5-string instruments. Only slightly more than I was looking to spend, but it came with a nice..."
@steve-c
• 4 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Westphalia Waltz Steve Carney:
Posted a new Comment on Westphalia Waltz Steve Carney:
"[/quote] [quote="Ethan Chastain"]
Wonderful playing. Enjoyed it.
Thanks Ethan! I appreciate it!
[/quote]"
@ethan-chastain
• 4 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Westphalia Waltz Steve Carney:
Posted a new Comment on Westphalia Waltz Steve Carney:
"Wonderful playing. Enjoyed it."
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?
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,...
Collector's Corner
A group where collectors of antique, vintage, or rare...
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...
Civil War era music
For discussing music that was played around the time of...
Box Dulcimers
A group for those who play, make, or admire all types...
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
All
Showcase your music event or business here!
Showcase your music event or business here
Latest Forum Posts All
Show Us Your Pets!
Posted: Wednesday August 4 2021, 5:39 AM
By: @Sam
By: @Sam
Bonnie Carol Curly Walnut...
Posted: Wednesday August 4 2021, 2:49 AM
By: @Barbara Maas
By: @Barbara Maas
Choosing Your String Gauge
Posted: Wednesday August 4 2021, 12:43 AM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Removable Magnetic Pickup...
Posted: Tuesday August 3 2021, 10:32 AM
By: @marg
By: @marg
fingerstyle playing on a...
Posted: Sunday August 1 2021, 1:25 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Who's dulcimer kit?
Posted: Saturday July 31 2021, 11:56 PM
By: @NateBuildsToys
By: @NateBuildsToys
Shoat Hogfiddle for Sale
Posted: Saturday July 31 2021, 4:19 PM
By: @Slate Creek Dulcimers
By: @Slate Creek Dulcimers
New Harmony Dulcimer
Posted: Friday July 30 2021, 8:28 PM
By: @Barbara Maas
By: @Barbara Maas
John Stockard dulcimers
Posted: Friday July 30 2021, 7:09 PM
By: @steve c.
By: @steve c.
Got myself a book to start...
Posted: Friday July 30 2021, 12:50 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Unknown maker
Posted: Friday July 30 2021, 12:24 PM
By: @steve c.
By: @steve c.
What's the exact difference...
Posted: Monday July 26 2021, 10:18 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Tabs for an A'Ad tuning?
Posted: Monday July 26 2021, 4:51 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
worldwide Play Music on the...
Posted: Monday July 26 2021, 8:49 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
The Joy of Sharing Dulcimer
Posted: Monday July 26 2021, 12:45 AM
By: @NateBuildsToys
By: @NateBuildsToys
Can you ID this dulcimer?
Posted: Sunday July 25 2021, 4:23 PM
By: @Bridge
By: @Bridge
Introduce Yourself!
Posted: Saturday July 24 2021, 1:19 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
The Positive Thread...
Posted: Friday July 23 2021, 1:35 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
DAA on a McSpadden
Posted: Friday July 23 2021, 8:01 AM
By: @Melanie Cook
By: @Melanie Cook
Rest in Peace, Larkin Bryant
Posted: Tuesday July 20 2021, 4:35 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Any banjo players out there?
Posted: Sunday July 18 2021, 11:17 AM
By: @robert schuler
By: @robert schuler
Ukulele Pegs for a dulcimer
Posted: Friday July 16 2021, 5:07 PM
By: @marg
By: @marg
The Drifting Thread...
Posted: Tuesday July 13 2021, 9:35 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
New Dulcimore
Posted: Monday July 12 2021, 6:47 PM
By: @Susie
By: @Susie
All-Maple Melton-Style...
Posted: Sunday July 11 2021, 2:28 PM
By: @John C. Knopf
By: @John C. Knopf
Installing Whittner fine...
Posted: Thursday July 8 2021, 6:06 PM
By: @Ken Hulme
By: @Ken Hulme
How to Like an item?
Posted: Monday July 5 2021, 9:57 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
What's fer dinner?
Posted: Sunday July 4 2021, 11:28 AM
By: @robert schuler
By: @robert schuler
Healthy Living- healthy...
Posted: Saturday July 3 2021, 3:36 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Traditional Noter Style...
Posted: Saturday July 3 2021, 1:51 PM
By: @Steve Eulberg
By: @Steve Eulberg
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 
|
Richard Streib 
|
Ken Longfield 
|
Benjamin Barr 
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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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