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
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Cuckoo's Nest.:
Posted a new Comment on Cuckoo's Nest.:
"Hearkening back to my days in trad-rock bands in the 70's."
@katahdin
• 12 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Jean Ritchie and her ballad repertoire":
Posted a response to "Jean Ritchie and her ballad repertoire":
"In the spring term of 1968 I took a poetry class and while studying ballads we spent a week using a dulcimer set up in traditional, non-chromatic tunings..."
@davisjames
• 12 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Brian Boru's March:
Posted a new Comment on Brian Boru's March:
"It seems to me you're using pull offs and hammer ons sometimes,rather than trying to play each note wih a separate stroke of the pick.Whatever it is,it..."
@nate
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 37
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
"Dan:
Think of it this way...it is not the fret board on the Scheitholt itself that makes the difference but the fact you are looking at a box "zitter". The..."
@jack-m
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 37
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
"I was wondering about flat sawn maple or butternut for the top. I can' find either of those in quartersawn
Today I drove a couple hours east to Amish..."
@richard-streib
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @carol-h:
Posted a new Comment on @carol-h:
"Glad you joined Carol H. Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. I wish you the best on your dulcimer journey. Please let us know if you have questions...."
@strumelia
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 37
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
"Right, especially if you're gonna pour cake batter into them."
@sandbar17
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Hello friends, Does anyone know much about John D. Tignor dulcimers??":
Posted a response to "Hello friends, Does anyone know much about John D. Tignor dulcimers??":
"My neighbor gave me a John D Tignor dulcimer. It's a five string. Does anyone know how that would have been tuned? "
@nate
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 37
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
"Strumelia:
Ken Longfield:
Jack, I use either original Titebond or Elmer's Wood glue in all my instrument building. With both I can use heat and..."
@nate
• 17 hours ago
• comments: 37
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
"Ken Longfield:
Read my article when it comes out in DPN. If it isn't the November issue I can email you a copy of it.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."..."
@strumelia
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 37
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
"Ken Longfield:
Jack, I use either original Titebond or Elmer's Wood glue in all my instrument building. With both I can use heat and sometimes a little water..."
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 37
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
"Here a couple photos of the dulcimer I mentioned below. It is based on the dulcimers made by Charles N. Prichard in Huntington, WV. All the wood is plain or..."
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 37
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
"Jack, I've used plain sawn when quarter sawn isn't available. When you use it on sides you need to aware of the grain as some grain patterns will split..."
@jack-m
• yesterday
• comments: 37
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
"found this video which shows braces in a Kurt Simerman dulcimer being built Kurt Simerman: Dulcimer Maker
It doesn't show enough to determine exact..."
@jack-m
• 2 days ago
• comments: 37
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
"Sorry, I find this particular venue hard to follow at times. Titebond would be a lot easier!
John C. Knopf:
Jack, this is John, not Nate. I've built..."
@jack-m
• 2 days ago
• comments: 37
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
"Returned from my wood hunting trip. Managed to find about 12' of 8/4 X 6 quarter sawn walnut that is quite beautiful albeit pricey. The search for a..."
@carol-h
• 2 days ago
• comments: 518
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
"Thank you for the welcome! I'm happy to be here"
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @carol-h:
Posted a new Comment on @carol-h:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Carol. It's good to have you aboard. Have fun exploring this site. Let us know if you have any questions. I look forward to your..."
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 37
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
"Jack, I use either original Titebond or Elmer's Wood glue in all my instrument building. With both I can use heat and sometimes a little water to separate..."
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 37
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
"Nate:I wonder if germans have similar conversations about how modern scheitholts should be classified, the way we do about dulcimers.
In Germany there..."
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 37
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
"Nate, the label for the photo on the Wikipedia page is wrong. What it shows is a hummel or PA German zitter.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@john-c-knopf
• 2 days ago
• comments: 37
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
"Jack, this is John, not Nate. I've built 150+ dulcimers and dulcimores, and I favor good ol' Titebond II for my builds. It can be loosened with heat if..."
@jack-m
• 2 days ago
• comments: 37
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
"definition - "The mountain dulcimer is a fretted, zither-family folk instrument native to the Appalachian region of the United States, typically featuring a..."
@jack-m
• 2 days ago
• comments: 37
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
"Nate, What glue do you use? I was going to use hide glue but if there is an easier to use glue that is reversable with heat I'd us it.
In ukuleles the..."
@dan
• 2 days ago
• comments: 37
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
"Nate:
While I understand that the traditional instrument may be defined more specifically, the featured photo on the Wikipedia article for "scheitholt"..."
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 37
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
"While I understand that the traditional instrument may be defined more specifically, the featured photo on the Wikipedia article for "scheitholt" shows an..."
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 37
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
"I dont know very much about the actual development of these instruments over time, so I can only speak to the ones I have seen in museums or photos on the..."
@ken-longfield
• 3 days ago
• comments: 37
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
"The use of linings, both kerfed and non-kerfed, provides a larger gluing area for attaching the top and back to the sides (ribs). I used them in the first..."
@ken-longfield
• 3 days ago
• comments: 37
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
"Well, a can of worms certainly has been opened here. I am in the camp of if it doesn't have a fret board from head to tail it is not a true dulcimer. I know..."
@nate
• 3 days ago
• comments: 37
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
"I would be curious to hear from others if they use kerfing. I'm sure plenty of folks prefer to, and there may be other benefits that I'm not considering. I..."
@jack-m
• 3 days ago
• comments: 37
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
"The drawings in the Kimball book show linings, which is why I am considering them. I'm also considering one brace to provide support for fretboard, mostly..."
@jack-m
• 3 days ago
• comments: 37
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
"I have limited experience. I have designed (CAD) and built (variety of skils) many things that are 100X more complex in metal, wood, and plastic. A bit of..."
@nate
• 3 days ago
• comments: 37
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
"Jack M:
Do you use kerfing or lining? I am thinking of using 1/8"X1/4" thick lining just to provide gluing surface for top/bottom.
In my opinion that is..."
@nate
• 3 days ago
• comments: 37
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
"I agree with Wally that the instrument in the video is very high quality and might not be a realistic goal for a new builder. With that said, it's very..."
@wally-venable
• 3 days ago
• comments: 37
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
"From your questions, it appears that you are not an experienced luthier. The instrument you have shown us is one requiring a very high skill level. Few of us..."
@ken-longfield
• 3 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @flyncowboy:
Posted a new Comment on @flyncowboy:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Flyncowboy. It's good too have you aboard. Have fun exploring this site. Let us know if you have any questions. We are here to help you..."
@richard-streib
• 3 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @flyncowboy:
Posted a new Comment on @flyncowboy:
"Welcome Flyncowboy to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. So glad you joined. This is an active community with a lot of great folks. Let us know if you have..."
@jack-m
• 3 days ago
• comments: 37
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
"Thanks,
I was thinking of a bridge not being glued and you confirmed that. Ukuleles with plastic strings don't really have a lot of tension and I have seen..."
@nate
• 4 days ago
• comments: 37
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
"One key difference between an instrument like an ukulele and the dulcimer you have shown is where the strings are anchored at. Ukulele strings being mounted..."
@ken-longfield
• 4 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @whispering-tune:
Posted a new Comment on @whispering-tune:
"Post of a list of songs you'd like to play and folks here will direct you to dulcimer tab for them it the tab is available. It would be helpful to know what..."
@nate
• 4 days ago
• comments: 43
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
"Jack M:
I found this video interesting because I was wondering how a possum board worked. In a YouTube video about the history of dulcimers, early dulcimers..."
@nate
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "David Lynch Baritone":
Posted a response to "David Lynch Baritone":
"If the bridge is being held in place by string pressure, rather than being glued down or in a slot, then intonation could be almost completely fixed by..."
@richard-streib
• 4 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @whispering-tune:
Posted a new Comment on @whispering-tune:
"So glad you joined Whispering Tune. Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Great advice from KenL. If you know a song and can pick it out by ear on the..."
@karen-b
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "David Lynch Baritone":
Posted a response to "David Lynch Baritone":
"Thank you all. I think the bottom line from your comments is that it will likely make a difference in intonation but I can compensate with changes to the nut..."
@whispering-tune
• 4 days ago
• comments: 518
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
"Thank you for the kind and warm welcome!
I have a dulcimer with .5, 1.5, and 6.5 frets, and I'm looking to find some direction on how to get the songs I..."
@beth-t
• 4 days ago
• comments: 49
Liked a youtube item created by @dusty: In the Sweet By and By/Battle Cry of Freedom baritone dulcimer medley
Liked a youtube item created by @dusty: In the Sweet By and By/Battle Cry of Freedom baritone dulcimer medley
@dusty
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "David Lynch Baritone":
Posted a response to "David Lynch Baritone":
"Karen, everything people have said here is accurate. However, you cannot harm the dulcimer by putting on lighter strings for a standard tuning and trying it..."
@ken-longfield
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "David Lynch Baritone":
Posted a response to "David Lynch Baritone":
"Karen, due to the thicker strings used on a baritone, I suggest putting on a new nut and bridge. I don't remember if Dave spent a lot of time adjusting the..."
@jack-m
• 5 days ago
• comments: 43
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
"I found this video interesting because I was wondering how a possum board worked. In a YouTube video about the history of dulcimers, early dulcimers were..."
@jack-m
• 5 days ago
• comments: 37
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
"Thanks Nate ! Very useful info. I think in terms of ukulele with spruce top so what you say makes sense for a hardwood top. You taught me a new term..."
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?
Four-Equidistant Strings
A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
Baritone & Bass Dulcimer...
A Group for discussing the unique aspects of playing...
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 Ancestors
Looking at some of the ancestors of the Mountain...
Dulcimer teachers
Do you teach dulcimer? Are you helping others to learn?
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
![Maggie Darling[tearjerker on the teardrop].](https://fotmd.com/uploaded_audio/image/audio_image/1323/large/crop=auto)
Latest Forum Posts All
Jean Ritchie and her ballad...
Posted: Friday September 12 2025, 6:13 PM
By: @Katahdin
By: @Katahdin
Hello friends, Does anyone...
Posted: Friday September 12 2025, 1:56 PM
By: @sandbar17
By: @sandbar17
David Lynch Baritone
Posted: Tuesday September 9 2025, 2:40 PM
By: @Nate
By: @Nate
How to tune a 22 vsl...
Posted: Sunday September 7 2025, 7:02 PM
By: @Misty
By: @Misty
Introduce Yourself!
Posted: Sunday September 7 2025, 4:03 PM
By: @Jack M
By: @Jack M
Stringing a Cripple Creek...
Posted: Sunday September 7 2025, 3:17 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Wedge shaped floating bridge
Posted: Sunday September 7 2025, 10:18 AM
By: @Nate
By: @Nate
Jewish Music
Posted: Sunday August 31 2025, 10:59 AM
By: @Alex_Lubet
By: @Alex_Lubet
worldwide Play Music on the...
Posted: Sunday August 31 2025, 8:57 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Good dulcimer for busking?
Posted: Thursday August 28 2025, 12:08 PM
By: @DavisJames
By: @DavisJames
Play Music On The Porch Day...
Posted: Wednesday August 27 2025, 2:20 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
practicing app
Posted: Thursday August 21 2025, 4:50 PM
By: @Nate
By: @Nate
New to the group, several...
Posted: Monday August 18 2025, 5:43 AM
By: @Nate
By: @Nate
New album
Posted: Sunday August 17 2025, 12:52 PM
By: @Alex_Lubet
By: @Alex_Lubet
"Extra" frets and JI vs ET
Posted: Sunday August 17 2025, 10:34 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Pluck by Linda Paulus
Posted: Saturday August 16 2025, 9:02 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
A Review of my album
Posted: Friday August 15 2025, 6:33 PM
By: @Alex_Lubet
By: @Alex_Lubet
Minnesota
Posted: Friday August 15 2025, 2:39 PM
By: @Alex_Lubet
By: @Alex_Lubet
Listing A Dulcimer For Sale
Posted: Friday August 15 2025, 10:03 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Playing A Longer VSL
Posted: Tuesday August 12 2025, 12:51 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
New Knopf Dulcimers website!
Posted: Sunday August 10 2025, 8:05 PM
By: @Richard Streib
By: @Richard Streib
dulcimer music books for sale
Posted: Sunday August 10 2025, 6:02 PM
By: @Jim Cadorette
By: @Jim Cadorette
Dulcimer building and...
Posted: Saturday August 9 2025, 3:47 PM
By: @Jim Cadorette
By: @Jim Cadorette
Tuners on Folkcrat...
Posted: Saturday August 9 2025, 9:37 AM
By: @jimws
By: @jimws
Want to buy Warren A. May...
Posted: Tuesday August 5 2025, 10:57 PM
By: @Jill Geary
By: @Jill Geary
Rebec
Posted: Tuesday August 5 2025, 5:24 PM
By: @Richard Streib
By: @Richard Streib
A Farewell
Posted: Sunday August 3 2025, 3:04 PM
By: @Alex_Lubet
By: @Alex_Lubet
Old dulcimers that want to...
Posted: Sunday August 3 2025, 3:32 AM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
tambourin à cordes
Posted: Saturday August 2 2025, 12:44 PM
By: @Alex_Lubet
By: @Alex_Lubet
Translating chords from one...
Posted: Friday August 1 2025, 11:07 AM
By: @Kathreen Miller
By: @Kathreen Miller
Read the Site Rules
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