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

jal
@jal • 14 minutes ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Looking fo a NH Pudge Pro":
"Good evening, sorry for the late reply.  What is the asking price please?  TiA"
dplake
@dplake • 30 minutes ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Nylon String Dulcimer, Stephens Lutherie, Maple and Spruce":
"SOLD. - Off to a good home"
Gordon Hardy
@gordon-hardy • 46 minutes ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Juanita:
"A lovely song John. Sweetly played and sung. Thanks for sharing your visual art work as well."
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • 3 hours ago • comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @parker-buckley: Mize Dulcimer For Sale
Parker Buckley
@parker-buckley • 3 hours ago • comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Mize Dulcimer For Sale":
"Really nice dulcimer built in 1989 by Robert Mize who was featured in the Foxfire 3 book.  I’m pretty sure the body is cherry, but I’m unsure of the top..."
Jeannie
@jeannie • 19 hours ago • comments: 11
Posted a new Comment on Setting up for CGG:
"Ken Hulme: Have you used a tiny screwdriver to tighten the little screws at the ends of the tuning knobs?  That's one way to help things stay in tune better...."
Ben Barr Jr
@benjamin-w-barr-jr • yesterday • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @gerardo1000:
"Hi Gerado, 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,..."
Geneco
@geneco • yesterday • comments: 322
Posted a new Comment on @richard-streib:
"Richard I will join that thread and look forward to good information from knowledgeable people. Gene"
Geneco
@geneco • yesterday • comments: 477
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
"Ken I am new to this world of instruments but am looking forward to making and sharing. Gene"
Geneco
@geneco • yesterday • comments: 572
Posted a new Comment on @benjamin-w-barr-jr:
"Thanks Ben I hope to learn more about constructing and playing. Gene"
Randy Adams
@randy-adams • 2 days ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on 031124:
"I got it cranked Robin : )"
pattyfromor
@pattyfromor • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "String guages for slide dulcimer":
"Sorry for the bad link. Thanks for correcting it. I actually think the calculator at the UK address is far more interesting to play with. I just rechecked..."
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • 2 days ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on 031124:
"Wow, that noter and building electrified your old-time dulcimer sound!  Pretty doggone cool.  "
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • 2 days ago • comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @randy-adams: 031124
Randy Adams
@randy-adams • 2 days ago • comments: 2
Posted a new YouTube video:
031124
Ken Hulme
@ken-hulme • 2 days ago • comments: 11
Posted a new Comment on Setting up for CGG:
"Dave made some fabulous instruments, and tuned them the way you wanted them tuned.    DAd vs CGG is no big deal. The same string gauges will work for both..."
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 3 days ago • comments: 11
Posted a new Comment on Setting up for CGG:
"When it comes to string physics, there are three factors to achieving a desired note: length of string, gauge of string, and tension of string. The length of..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 3 days ago • comments: 11
Posted a new Comment on Setting up for CGG:
"Jeannie, I play a lot of noter drone and I like the sound of a plain, rather than wound string, for that style of playing. On reproductions I made of C.N...."
Skip
@skip • 3 days ago • comments: 11
Posted a new Comment on Setting up for CGG:
"Since your fingertips are telling you something I recommend you wait until you get your mic then measure whats on there now. Use those sizes for new strings...."
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 3 days ago • comments: 11
Posted a new Comment on Setting up for CGG:
"In general, a lighter string (also called a lower gauge) will transmit less energy to the soundbox than a heavier string. (also called a higher gauge ) Light..."
Cindy Stammich
@cindy-stammich • 3 days ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Juanita:
"John, another lovely song that I was not familiar with.  Thank you for sharing!  The painting is I beautiful touch, and I always enjoy the introductions you..."
Jeannie
@jeannie • 3 days ago • comments: 11
Posted a new Comment on Setting up for CGG:
"Nate, thank you, that's an interesting point, too. I foresee a strong possibility of several string changes with different configurations before I figure out..."
Jeannie
@jeannie • 3 days ago • comments: 11
Posted a new Comment on Setting up for CGG:
"If I used that calculator correctly, it produces the very interesting result of 0.015, 0.015, and 0.023. (When you talk about an increased gauge number, do..."
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 3 days ago • comments: 11
Posted a new Comment on Setting up for CGG:
"One thing to know is that dulcimer strings are VERY light gauge compared to a lot of other instruments. On a 26" VSL guitar with 30 pounds of tension per..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 3 days ago • comments: 11
Posted a new Comment on Setting up for CGG:
"You definitely will want to use different strings for CGG than DAd. We talk of string gauges not weight. The gauge of a string is measured in inches. I..."
MD_Swede
@md-swede • 3 days ago • comments: 0
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: I Kto Ego Znaet (Who Knows Him?)
Richard Streib
@richard-streib • 3 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @gerardo1000:
"Great to have you join, gerardo1000 . Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Best wishes on your dulcimer journey. Ask questions as you have them...."
Richard Streib
@richard-streib • 3 days ago • comments: 11
Posted a new Comment on Setting up for CGG:
"Congratulations on getting a David Lynch dulcimer. He was a great builder and made fine dulcimers.. First thing, strings and string gauges. Definitely..."
Jeannie
@jeannie • 3 days ago • comments: 11
Created a new Group discussion "Setting up for CGG":
"This is going to be one of those long, complicated rambling posts which is generally the product of not knowing enough yet. Thank you for your patience. I..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 3 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @gerardo1000:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Gerardo1000. It's good to have you aboard. I hope you stick around after you sell your Folkcraft dulcimer. It looks to be all cherry. I..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 3 days ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @jeannie:
"Only some? Haha, there are a lot of them. Glad you enjoyed the ones you read. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
Jeannie
@jeannie • 3 days ago • comments: 572
Posted a new Comment on @benjamin-w-barr-jr:
"Thank you, Ben. Nice to meet you!"
Jeannie
@jeannie • 3 days ago • comments: 477
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
"Thank you, Ken. I've enjoyed reading some of your posts. "
Parker Buckley
@parker-buckley • 3 days ago • comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Warren May Dulcimer For Sale":
"Warren May traditional dulcimer in beautifully bookmatched cherry.  VSL is 26-7/16 inches.  It’s number 5969, built in January 1991.  The cherry top is..."
DavisJames
@davisjames • 3 days ago • comments: 3
Liked a youtube item created by @randy-adams: Just As I Is
Anne Bowman
@anne-bowman • 3 days ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Juanita:
"So pretty. Thanks for the bit about her history, too..."
gerardo1000
@gerardo1000 • 4 days ago • comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Folkcraft dulcimer,1993, pristine condition, new soft case. ":
"I am selling a beautiful dulcimer hand made in Connecticut by Folkcraft in 1993, in outstanding pristine condition (please see photos). Scale length is 27..."
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 4 days ago • comments: 0
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: I Kto Ego Znaet (Who Knows Him?)
Mark Gilston
@mark-gilston • 4 days ago • comments: 0
Updated a YouTube Video:
I Kto Ego Znaet (Who Knows Him?)
Mark Gilston
@mark-gilston • 4 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a new YouTube video:
I Kto Ego Znaet (Who Knows Him?)
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • 4 days ago • comments: 0
Liked a photos item created by @dulcillini: Kauffman Kamp
DavisJames
@davisjames • 4 days ago • comments: 5
Liked a youtube item created by @phil-myers: DogHouse Duo at Pumpkin Fest
DavisJames
@davisjames • 4 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Mediaeval Noodle with Metronome:
"That's bold and it sounds great.I have found that because I no longer play in bands or for dancers a metronome is a great help,technique-wise,practice and..."
Anne Bowman
@anne-bowman • 4 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Mediaeval Noodle with Metronome:
"Thanks Robin.. Just a happy accident..."
Anne Bowman
@anne-bowman • 5 days ago • comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Departure:
"Thanks John and Robin."
Ben Barr Jr
@benjamin-w-barr-jr • 5 days ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @never-bored:
"Hi Never-bored, 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 • 5 days ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @jeannie:
"Hi Jeannie, 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 • 5 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @rdpugh:
"Hi Rdpugh, 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 • 5 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @geneco:
"Hi Gene, 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 • 5 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @jimrex62:
"Hi Jim, 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,..."

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...
Baritone & Bass Dulcimer Players

Baritone & Bass Dulcimer...


A Group for discussing the unique aspects of playing...
Little Dulcimers

Little Dulcimers


Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
fans of Jean Ritchie

fans of Jean Ritchie


A group for those of us who have been inspired by...
Four-Equidistant Strings

Four-Equidistant Strings


A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
Help Me Learn this Song

Help Me Learn this Song


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

Early & Classical Music


For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
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 teachers

Dulcimer teachers


Do you teach dulcimer? Are you helping others to learn?
Dulcimer Ancestors

Dulcimer Ancestors


Looking at some of the ancestors of the Mountain...
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...
Box Dulcimers

Box Dulcimers


A group for those who play, make, or admire all types...
Chromatic Dulcimers

Chromatic Dulcimers


For players who enjoy playing dulcimers with ALL the frets!
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...
GIG TALK!

GIG TALK!


Do you play gigs? Tell us about your good and not-so-good...
Civil War era music

Civil War era music


For discussing music that was played around the time of...
Scrap/Recycled wood Dulcimer Challenge

Scrap/Recycled wood...


A group for those thrifty and creative folk who like to...
Challenged Players

Challenged Players


A meeting place for players dealing with disabilities.
Rosin the Bow!

Rosin the Bow!


Welcome to all who play music using a bow on any type of...
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
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...
North Carolinians Plus

North Carolinians Plus


The Three Sides of North Carolina: Mountains / Piedmont /...
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...

Showcase your music event or business here!

Showcase your music event or business here

Latest Audio

  All
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)
Malltraeth
Y Lili (The Lilly)
Belle Isle March
Drunken Captain.
Traveling Mercies - a work-in-progress, for PMOTPD
Our Foundling, a work-in-progress
Valse Clog de Peribonka.
Pelargir
The Indian's Lament.
Brown Eyed Janie
On East Mill Street (a work-in-progress)
Misty Mountain Moon
Sweet Yellows and Pinks
She Moved Through the Fair
Ble'r wyt ti'n myned? (Where are you going?)
Pwt ar y Bys
Y Deryn Pur
Recessional
A song for Easter
Natchez Under The Hill
The Fledgling
Sleep Tight (again)
Napoleon crossing the alps.

Coming Events   All

Appalachian Dulcimer Museum opening

Appalachian Dulcimer...


Sat Nov 9 2024

Latest gallery Photos   All

20241021_101046 (800x379).jpg
20241021_101012 (800x379).jpg
20241021_100946 (800x379).jpg
20241021_100757 (800x379).jpg
20241021_100710 (800x379).jpg
20241021_100547.jpg
Dulcimer Wedding 2.JPG
DSC05578dul-fontaine.JPG
DSC05600-hermine-menhirs-ok.JPG
1-bandeau.jpg
IMG_365-cristian-ok - copie-web.jpeg
JCCampbellFolkSchool.jpg
CongerClassCullowhee2007.jpg
EastCentralDulcClub.jpg
F5 at Camp.JPG
Augusta Week.jpg
3instrumentherd.jpg
Dulcimers.jpg

Latest Forum Posts   All

Looking fo a NH Pudge Pro

Posted: Wednesday November 6 2024, 6:19 PM
By: @jal

Nylon String Dulcimer,...

Posted: Wednesday November 6 2024, 6:03 PM
By: @dplake

Mize Dulcimer For Sale

Posted: Wednesday November 6 2024, 2:54 PM
By: @Parker Buckley

String guages for slide...

Posted: Monday November 4 2024, 3:31 PM
By: @pattyfromor

Warren May Dulcimer For Sale

Posted: Sunday November 3 2024, 1:23 PM
By: @Parker Buckley

Folkcraft dulcimer,1993,...

Posted: Sunday November 3 2024, 2:43 AM
By: @gerardo1000

Judge Arthur Dixon Dulcimer...

Posted: Thursday October 31 2024, 3:26 PM
By: @John C. Knopf

A stolen Rolling Stones...

Posted: Sunday October 27 2024, 11:10 AM
By: @Ken Longfield

Larry Shore Dulcimer

Posted: Saturday October 26 2024, 1:56 AM
By: @Dusty Turtle

Introduce Yourself!

Posted: Thursday October 24 2024, 8:50 AM
By: @chris hornby

Differences between two...

Posted: Tuesday October 22 2024, 8:23 AM
By: @Wally Venable

ONLINE: Halloween Ceili...

Posted: Saturday October 19 2024, 7:54 PM
By: @Jessica Comeau

four string equidistant set-up

Posted: Thursday October 17 2024, 7:21 PM
By: @John Petry

OPINION ON BUILDER

Posted: Sunday October 13 2024, 5:01 PM
By: @RevDave

Ashokan Farewell Tabs

Posted: Sunday October 13 2024, 2:54 PM
By: @uppitywomanstill

Barbry Ellen Tab Experiment

Posted: Saturday October 12 2024, 4:48 PM
By: @Talia

Help in choosing...

Posted: Friday October 11 2024, 2:27 PM
By: @TMBL

Pick noise

Posted: Friday October 11 2024, 2:10 PM
By: @Cristian Huet

Cleaning a 1992 Angell...

Posted: Friday October 11 2024, 11:50 AM
By: @ShirinSam

Hurricane Helene news?

Posted: Friday October 11 2024, 9:30 AM
By: @Strumelia

Can anyone identify this...

Posted: Thursday October 10 2024, 8:33 PM
By: @TMBL

Determining Origin and...

Posted: Thursday October 10 2024, 8:17 PM
By: @ShirinSam

If you could have just one...

Posted: Thursday October 10 2024, 4:15 PM
By: @steve104c

The Positive Thread...

Posted: Thursday October 10 2024, 1:33 PM
By: @steve104c

Ways to play in other keys

Posted: Thursday October 10 2024, 12:56 PM
By: @steve104c

Virginia hogfiddle kit...

Posted: Thursday October 10 2024, 11:40 AM
By: @ross

Folk Instruments?

Posted: Tuesday October 8 2024, 8:36 PM
By: @RevDave

squeakless nylon strings?

Posted: Tuesday October 8 2024, 8:23 PM
By: @RevDave

Nut & saddle Material

Posted: Tuesday October 8 2024, 8:12 PM
By: @RevDave

Native American Flutes

Posted: Sunday October 6 2024, 7:13 PM
By: @Susie

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

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:

NEW!-   Would you like to become a Special Patron of FOTMD? All donations are 100% applied to paying for site maintenance. Your generosity makes a big difference in what we can do to improve FOTMD!  Become a special 'Patron Member' simply by making a single donation of $35 or more.

In return, your patronage will be recognized for a year with a special Patron designation banner that will be displayed prominently under your member picture on your profile page.  Your Patron ID will show others your generosity in supporting this special site! Above is what the Patron  label looks like on member profile pages, right under your member picture.