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

Phil Myers
@phil-myers • an hour ago • comments: 4
Liked a youtube item created by @talia: Barbry Ellen
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 6 hours ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @glennonsean:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Glennosean. It's good to have you aboard. Have fun exploring this site. You should learn something. If you have any questions, just ask...."
olddog75
@olddog75 • 7 hours ago • comments: 4
Liked a youtube item created by @talia: Barbry Ellen
John Keeton
@john-keeton • 8 hours ago • comments: 570
Posted a new Comment on @benjamin-w-barr-jr:
"Thanks, Ben!!"
Ben Barr Jr
@benjamin-w-barr-jr • 9 hours ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @ortonville-annie:
"Hi Annie, 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 • 9 hours ago • comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on @uppitywomanstill:
"Hi Woman, 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 • 9 hours ago • comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on @john-keeton:
"Hi John, 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 • 9 hours ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @judy:
"Hi Judy, 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 • 9 hours ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @jkv:
"Hi JKV, 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 • 9 hours ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @silver-owl:
"Hi Silver Owl, 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 • 9 hours ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @jbodin:
"Hi J., 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, and..."
Ben Barr Jr
@benjamin-w-barr-jr • 9 hours ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @glennonsean:
"Hi Glenn, 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,..."
Randy Adams
@randy-adams • 20 hours ago • comments: 5
Liked a music item created by @anne-bowman: Departure
Anne Bowman
@anne-bowman • 22 hours ago • comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Departure:
"Thanks Beth. My dulcimer is one made by Richard Troughear, an Australian luthier. I had it set up with double bass, double middle and a double melody..."
Beth T
@beth-t • yesterday • comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Departure:
"I really like the tone of your dulcimer - what is it and how do you play it? And thanks for your kind response to my hornpipes. :-)"
Beth T
@beth-t • yesterday • comments: 5
Liked a music item created by @anne-bowman: Departure
Beth T
@beth-t • yesterday • comments: 2
Liked a music item created by @anne-bowman: Minor Waltz
Beth T
@beth-t • yesterday • comments: 4
Liked a youtube item created by @talia: Barbry Ellen
Beth T
@beth-t • yesterday • comments: 7
Liked a youtube item created by @clive-quinn: Dulcimovie
Talia
@talia • yesterday • comments: 7
Liked a youtube item created by @clive-quinn: Dulcimovie
Anne Bowman
@anne-bowman • 2 days ago • comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on Dulcimovie:
"Sounding lovely ... and such beautiful instruments"
Salt Springs
@salt-springs • 2 days ago • comments: 1
Liked a music item created by @anne-bowman: Jet's Piece
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • 2 days ago • comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Jet's Piece:
"You & Jet make a dynamic duo!  "
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • 2 days ago • comments: 4
Liked a youtube item created by @talia: Barbry Ellen
RevDave
@revdave • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "OPINION ON BUILDER":
"Thanks, Ken. I certainly appreciate your experience and expertise. I’ve had some high-end stuff of all kinds, but I also know 2 things: 1) I don’t want to..."
Gordon Hardy
@gordon-hardy • 2 days ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Barbry Ellen:
"Talia lovely singing and playing! Thank you for sharing."
Strumelia
@strumelia • 2 days ago • comments: 2
Liked a group discussions item created by @ken-longfield: 1973: Multitude of Tunes Heard on ‘Bowers’ Music Box’
John Keeton
@john-keeton • 2 days ago • comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on @john-keeton:
"Ken Longfield: I don't see a photo yet, John, but I'm looking forward to seeing it. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song."   Ken, I will try..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 2 days ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on 1973: Multitude of Tunes Heard on ‘Bowers’ Music Box’:
"Thank you, that's an interesting story. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 2 days ago • comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on @john-keeton:
"I don't see a photo yet, John, but I'm looking forward to seeing it. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
uppitywomanstill
@uppitywomanstill • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Ashokan Farewell Tabs":
"Thank you, Ken!"
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Ashokan Farewell Tabs":
"There are several places where you can download tab for Ashokan Farewell.  Here is one of them: https://www.coloradodulcimerfestival.com/music/ashokan.pdf..."
uppitywomanstill
@uppitywomanstill • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Ashokan Farewell Tabs":
"I'm looking for dulcimer tablature (DAD) for Ashokan Farewell. It's copyrighted and I'll have to pay for it, of course. I've looked online and haven't been..."
Anne Bowman
@anne-bowman • 2 days ago • comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on Belle Isle March + Gorhoffedd Owain Cyfeiliog:
"As a fellow sufferer of Dulcimer Acquisition Syndrome, I can see and hear why this one increased your symptoms. Thanks for this.. Lovely to see your fingers..."
Anne Bowman
@anne-bowman • 2 days ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Barbry Ellen:
"So pretty.."
Anne Bowman
@anne-bowman • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Created a new Audio File:
Mediaeval Noodle with Metronome
Luigi
@luigi • 3 days ago • comments: 4
Liked a youtube item created by @talia: Barbry Ellen
John Keeton
@john-keeton • 3 days ago • comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on @john-keeton:
"Thanks, Ken and Richard!  While my interest in the mountain dulcimer began several decades ago when Homer Ledford made a dulcimer for me, I never learned to..."
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • 3 days ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Barbry Ellen:
"Beautiful singing, Talia.  And I really like the Jean-style dulcimer accompaniment. It is quite pleasant to listen to you."
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 3 days ago • comments: 4
Liked a youtube item created by @talia: Barbry Ellen
cairney
@steve-c • 3 days ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on 1973: Multitude of Tunes Heard on ‘Bowers’ Music Box’:
"Great article David!"
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 3 days ago • comments: 0
Liked a youtube item created by @randy-adams: Ralph Kohler Rag
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 3 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "OPINION ON BUILDER":
"Like my friend, I don't own, but have played some Bill's dulcimers. They were all of good quality. If I were looking for a new dulcimer I'd certainly look at..."
Talia
@talia • 3 days ago • comments: 4
Posted a new YouTube video:
Barbry Ellen
Ken Hulme
@ken-hulme • 3 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "OPINION ON BUILDER":
"Thank for looking!   Building ekeps me off the street occasionally!"
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • 3 days ago • comments: 0
Liked a youtube item created by @randy-adams: Ralph Kohler Rag
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 3 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @jbodin:
"Welcome to FOTMD, jbodin. It's good to have you aboard. Let us know if you have any questions as you begin your journey. We are happy help beginners. Ken..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 3 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @silver-owl:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Silver Owl. It's good to have you aboard. Let us know if we can help you along on your dulcimer journey. I hope to see you in these..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 3 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @jkv:
"Welcome to FOTMD, jkv. This is a great piece to meet other dulcimer enthusiasts. I look forward to your participation here. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 3 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @judy:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Judy. It's good to have you aboard. I look forward to your participation here. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""

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...
Dulcimer Therapy

Dulcimer Therapy


This group is dedicated to those that visit, or have a...
Early & Classical Music

Early & Classical Music


For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
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
The Pride of Petravore
Sleep Tight (again)

Coming Events   All

Appalachian Dulcimer Museum opening

Appalachian Dulcimer...


Sat Nov 9 2024

Latest gallery Photos   All

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
1000003407.jpg
1000003394.jpg
dulci3a.jpg
ducli2a.JPG
dulcimer.JPG
front.jpg

Latest Forum Posts   All

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

Nylon String Dulcimer,...

Posted: Thursday October 10 2024, 4:07 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle

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

for what its worth

Posted: Sunday October 6 2024, 8:25 AM
By: @Ken Longfield

New Harmony Pudge Pro...

Posted: Friday October 4 2024, 3:33 PM
By: @Debi

Looking fo a NH Pudge Pro

Posted: Thursday October 3 2024, 8:13 PM
By: @Debi

Judith Giddings, Rest in Peace

Posted: Thursday October 3 2024, 10:10 AM
By: @Ken Longfield

How Many Dulcimers Do You...

Posted: Wednesday October 2 2024, 1:28 PM
By: @RevDave

amps and dulcimers

Posted: Wednesday October 2 2024, 1:20 PM
By: @RevDave

Reasons NOT To Get a Chromatic

Posted: Tuesday October 1 2024, 10:04 PM
By: @cairney

1977 Robert Mize

Posted: Sunday September 29 2024, 5:51 PM
By: @capewavedancer

Got A Mandolin for Christmas

Posted: Saturday September 28 2024, 7:52 PM
By: @dulcillini

The Drifting Thread...

Posted: Friday September 27 2024, 11:03 AM
By: @Ken Longfield

What Are You Working On?

Posted: Thursday September 26 2024, 8:47 AM
By: @Strumelia

How do I put a new posting...

Posted: Wednesday September 25 2024, 9:20 PM
By: @NateBuildsToys

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.