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 your photos, music clips and videos, resources for buying instruments, music, and learning materials. Ask beginner questions! All are welcome here no matter 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 in the drop menus. Click on various links to get familiar with where things are. Questions about using the site?- ask them HERE . You've come to the right place to receive 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
@ken-longfield
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
"Wally, thanks for the link on Pennsylvania Dutch - German - American and American English Dialects. I noted the mention of C. Richard Beam's The..."
@richard-streib
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @jay-roberto:
Posted a new Comment on @jay-roberto:
"Glad to have you join, Jay Roberto. Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer from a fellow North Carolinian. Its great that you have built your own..."
@wally-venable
• 8 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
"While the term Pennsylvania Dutch (from Deutsch or German) is primarily used to describe the Amish today, the term has broader traditional meaning. It..."
@shopdad
• 10 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
"I have family scattered around the mountains in North Carolina. We often visited the area known as Little Switzerland. this is a small town on the Blue..."
@robert-l-porter-jr
• 17 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on South Wind with Cara Bo:
Posted a new Comment on South Wind with Cara Bo:
"SOUNDED GEEAT TO ME, AND GLAD THAT YOU DID THIS ONE. "
@ken-longfield
• 18 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
"I guess that depends on how you define "Pennsylvania Dutch." As I understand it from a sociological point of view, Pennsylvania Dutch applied to people of..."
@salt-springs
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Deodorizing, for lack of a better term":
Posted a response to "Deodorizing, for lack of a better term":
"You can use a product called Natures Miracle that you can find in lots of places like Tractor Supply, Walmart or a pet store of some sort. Spray that case..."
@richard-streib
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Deodorizing, for lack of a better term":
Posted a response to "Deodorizing, for lack of a better term":
"Great suggestions about sun and air for deodorizing the dulcimer. One thing on the soft case--perhaps a dry cleaning establishment may have some way to get..."
@davisjames
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
"Yep,most of the Pennsylvania Dutch are Amish.Some are from other religious groupings,most notably "Dunkerds" of various persuasions.I recall passing through..."
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @jay-roberto:
Posted a new Comment on @jay-roberto:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Jay. It's good to have you aboard. Congratulations on building a dulcimer. It can be a fun and frustrating project. Show us a few photos if..."
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
"DavisJames:
I wonder why zither like instruments are unknown in Canada...Perhaps the Appalachians provided the perfect environment for the development of..."
@davisjames
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
"Very interesting dialogue,I enjoyed everyone's comments.That said,I've been a guitar/ fiddle player for years and never delved into the instruments' origins,..."
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
"Razyn's article is well worth reading. He has excellent photographs of the instrument, but the most interesting part is the narrative. It is an excellent..."
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Deodorizing, for lack of a better term":
Posted a response to "Deodorizing, for lack of a better term":
"I like John's idea of putting the dulcimer outside in the sun. Perhaps an hour or two each day it is nice out until the odor dissipates, As for the case, I'd..."
@strumelia
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Deodorizing, for lack of a better term":
Posted a response to "Deodorizing, for lack of a better term":
"If there was 'lots of dog hair in the case', then obviously a dog was using it as a bed for a while. This is not due to the instrument and case merely being..."
@john-c-knopf
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Deodorizing, for lack of a better term":
Posted a response to "Deodorizing, for lack of a better term":
"Congratulations, Aditi! You have some nice instruments there.
As for deodorizing, I'd suggest exposing them to sunshine as much as possible-- wind and sun..."
@lee-ann
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @lee-ann:
Posted a new Comment on @lee-ann:
"Thank you for the warm welcome! I've been away from the dulcimer community for quite awhile so I've spent the past few days reacquainting myself. I was..."
@aditi
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Deodorizing, for lack of a better term":
Created a new forum topic "Deodorizing, for lack of a better term":
"Hi FOTMD! I recently drove up to Connecticut to acquire a well-loved and well-played McSpadden—all cherry wood as far as I can tell, M12CC, Nov 1999, George..."
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
"Thank you for popping in and bringing us all up to date, Razyn! Such a fascinating tale concerning the inspirations from your old dulcimers and your own..."
@razyn
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
"Since you mentioned them -- my antique dulcimer collection (that I laid out on a table in the Pry Barn at an Antietam Early Banjo Gathering) has spent most..."
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
"I triple agree! I have gone to several 'early banjo' gatherings far from me, and even I often would skip out on a few historical presentations in favor of..."
@davisjames
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Aura Lee:
Posted a new Comment on Aura Lee:
"Elvis turned this into a great pop song,"Love me tender",I got great mileage out of it when I used to be playing senior citizens' homes.. and loved it myself!"
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
"Dusty, I think you make a very good point about festivals and clubs. My experience is that people go to and get together to play music. They aren't..."
@richard-streib
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
"Best wishes Dusty on your new club meeting venue."
@richard-streib
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @lee-ann:
Posted a new Comment on @lee-ann:
"Welcome back Lee Ann. It great to have you back. This community is very supportive and is quite good at helping others along on their dulcimer journeys. Best..."
@richard-streib
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @daveinnj:
Posted a new Comment on @daveinnj:
"Glad you joined DaveinNJ. List your dulcimer for sale in the for sale forum. Kenl made a lot of good suggestions. Best wishes on finding your dulcimer a new..."
@richard-streib
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @lilypaths:
Posted a new Comment on @lilypaths:
"Welcome Lilypahs to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Glad you joined. This is a wonderful community of mountain dulcimer enthusiasts. Look around and see..."
@richard-streib
• 2 days ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on @blueonekms:
Posted a new Comment on @blueonekms:
"Welcome blueonekms to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Glad you joined. I wish you a speedy sale of your Ray Forrester Dulcimer. If you have not done so,..."
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @lee-ann:
Posted a new Comment on @lee-ann:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Lee Ann. It's good that your are getting back into playing your dulcimer. It's good to have here. Have fun exploring this site. Let us know..."
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 19
Liked a groups item created by @ken-longfield: Mountain Dulcimer History & Traditions
Liked a groups item created by @ken-longfield: Mountain Dulcimer History & Traditions
@shopdad
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
"You are welcome to move it to central Florida. As far as I know there are no dulcimer groups close by. I'm on my own here as far as dulcimer is concerned."
@dusty
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
"In an unrelated but relevant development, my in-person dulcimer group will be moving from a music store (which closed ) to Sutter's Fort State Historic..."
@mark-gilston
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted new YouTube video(s):
When First My Old Old Love I Knew
When First My Old Old Love I Knew
@robin-thompson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Play Music on the Porch Day 2026":
Posted a response to "Play Music on the Porch Day 2026":
"Thank you, @ jennifer-wren ! I hope if you and others have some recording or reporting of how the '26 edition of PMOTPD unfolded it'll get posted here. "
@shopdad
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
"Here's my take on that. A history lesson on the dulcimer may not interest everyone. I believe it "should" be available and encouraged. The more a person..."
@richard-streib
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
"Its great that you include a little history as you teach, Dusty.
Well stated Dusty. We are all wired differently. Some just want to make music. Others find..."
@dusty
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
"I have trouble answering Ken's initial question, though my guess is that nearly everyone contributing to this discussion is interested in the history of the..."
@wally-venable
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
"On the membership application:
"I first saw/heard a mountain dulcimer: ______ "
Would you expect an adult to remember when they first saw a keyboard, violin,..."
@shopdad
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
"What a history lesson in itself Richard. I was also introduced to the dulcimer at Disney Village a few years prior. I was tempted with the kit he had for..."
@ken-longfield
• 3 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @daveinnj:
Posted a new Comment on @daveinnj:
"Welcome to FOTMD, DaveinNJ. Are you sure you don't want to keep it and learn to play it? Just kidding. I hope you find a new home for your dulcimer. Follow..."
@ken-longfield
• 3 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @lilypaths:
Posted a new Comment on @lilypaths:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Lilypaths. It's good to have you aboard. Have fun exploring this site. Let us know if you have any questions. We are happy to share our..."
@dan
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @ken-longfield: Dulcimer History and Tradition
Liked a forum discussions item created by @ken-longfield: Dulcimer History and Tradition
@richard-streib
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
"Ken Longfield:
....So, I'll ask two questions. Is there any interest within the mountain dulcimer community in learning the history and traditions of the..."
@shopdad
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
"Both #4 and $9. The similarity of the Jews harp is amazing in pic 9. Interestingly, it refers to a Swedish Jews harp.
I'm curious about the position of the..."
@jennifer-wren
• 3 days ago
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @robin-thompson: Mourning Doves
Liked a youtube item created by @robin-thompson: Mourning Doves
@jennifer-wren
• 3 days ago
• comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on Wayfarin' Stranger:
Posted a new Comment on Wayfarin' Stranger:
"Very enjoyable John!"
@jennifer-wren
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Play Music on the Porch Day 2026":
Posted a response to "Play Music on the Porch Day 2026":
"That's really lovely!"
@jennifer-wren
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @robin-thompson: Play Music on the Porch Day 2026
Liked a forum discussions item created by @robin-thompson: Play Music on the Porch Day 2026
@ken-longfield
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer History and Tradition":
"I just read this paper the yesterday. Shopdad, you might be interested in photo #4 in the paper.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
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...
Four-Equidistant Strings
A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
Little Dulcimers
Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
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...
Early & Classical Music
For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
Help Me Learn this Song
Need help learning to play a particular song? Let another...
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...
Challenged Players
A meeting place for players dealing with disabilities.
Rosin the Bow!
Welcome to all who play music using a bow on any type of...
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...
6 string dulcimers
Owning and playing a 6 string, regardless of tuning, and...
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....
Kentucky Dulcimer Players
A group for any players from Kentucky where we can meet...
Florida Sunshine Dulcimer...
Florida Dulcimer Players
West Virginia players
A group just for dulcimer players in beautiful West...
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
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
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Latest Forum Posts All
Dulcimer History and Tradition
Posted: Wednesday September 9 2026, 10:19 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Deodorizing, for lack of a...
Posted: Tuesday September 8 2026, 9:11 PM
By: @Salt Springs
By: @Salt Springs
Play Music on the Porch Day...
Posted: Monday September 7 2026, 10:43 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Solid body electric dulcimer
Posted: Saturday September 5 2026, 10:28 PM
By: @StudentofRhythm
By: @StudentofRhythm
HELP Chord F
Posted: Saturday September 5 2026, 4:37 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Playing a dulcimer at a ham...
Posted: Friday September 4 2026, 2:01 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
The Positive Thread...
Posted: Wednesday September 2 2026, 4:56 PM
By: @Richard Streib
By: @Richard Streib
In the days before picks.....
Posted: Tuesday September 1 2026, 3:51 PM
By: @tonyg
By: @tonyg
Questions regarding two...
Posted: Monday August 31 2026, 12:59 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
FOTMD one year anniversary...
Posted: Sunday August 30 2026, 7:46 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Fly high, Dolly Parton
Posted: Thursday August 27 2026, 3:42 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Dulcimer-Ukulele WHAT
Posted: Wednesday August 26 2026, 9:06 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Curly Ash Teardrop Dulcimer
Posted: Wednesday August 26 2026, 11:13 AM
By: @Noah Cline
By: @Noah Cline
Has anyone Heard of the...
Posted: Monday August 24 2026, 4:57 PM
By: @nattyice1252
By: @nattyice1252
Danish folk group which...
Posted: Monday August 24 2026, 9:34 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
what gauge strings ?
Posted: Sunday August 23 2026, 11:10 PM
By: @Lilley Pad
By: @Lilley Pad
Porch Music
Posted: Friday August 21 2026, 7:03 AM
By: @Shopdad
By: @Shopdad
McSpadden 'Skunk Stripe'...
Posted: Thursday August 20 2026, 12:47 AM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Change For Sale Listing Price
Posted: Monday August 17 2026, 9:09 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Selling Folkcraft CSH...
Posted: Monday August 17 2026, 9:07 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Box Dulcimer Project
Posted: Sunday August 16 2026, 9:57 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Traditional dulcimer makers
Posted: Saturday August 15 2026, 4:11 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
favorite fiddle tunes to...
Posted: Friday August 14 2026, 5:01 PM
By: @Shopdad
By: @Shopdad
Humidifier for dulcimers
Posted: Wednesday August 12 2026, 9:43 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Dulcimer lessons
Posted: Monday August 10 2026, 8:57 PM
By: @Luthier
By: @Luthier
Is this Ruggs and Jackel...
Posted: Friday August 7 2026, 1:36 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
David Field dulcimers
Posted: Sunday August 2 2026, 9:54 AM
By: @prairieschooner
By: @prairieschooner
Happy Birthday America
Posted: Friday July 31 2026, 4:21 PM
By: @Shopdad
By: @Shopdad
What Are You Working On?
Posted: Friday July 31 2026, 10:46 AM
By: @Shopdad
By: @Shopdad
Eaa Tuning
Posted: Wednesday July 29 2026, 10:05 AM
By: @tonyg
By: @tonyg
Read the Site Rules
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