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
• an hour ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Awake Early - with Billy Boy in the room :
Posted a new Comment on Awake Early - with Billy Boy in the room :
"Funny-I knew there was something different about this melody.It's in the time signature of 6/4 .(mostly,I think).Right up there with happy Birthday and your..."
@strumelia
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Cyndi Lauper live":
Posted a response to "Cyndi Lauper live":
"Fantastic powerful voice and incredible energy. She was deservedly inducted into the R&R Hall of Fame this year (2025)."
@strumelia
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Cyndi Lauper live":
Posted a response to "Cyndi Lauper live":
"The dulcimer... "everybody who played this is dead"..."
@phil-myers
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @cristian-huet: Morrison Jig, quick sample !
Liked a youtube item created by @cristian-huet: Morrison Jig, quick sample !
@cristian-huet
• 12 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Morrison Jig, quick sample !:
Posted a new Comment on Morrison Jig, quick sample !:
"Thanks a lot Cindy:-)"
@cindy-stammich
• 18 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Amazing Grace on Mountain Dulcimer:
Posted a new Comment on Amazing Grace on Mountain Dulcimer:
"This is one of my all-time favorite hymns, and you played it beautifully! Thank you for sharing!"
@cindy-stammich
• 18 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Morrison Jig, quick sample !:
Posted a new Comment on Morrison Jig, quick sample !:
"Wow! This is amazing! And beautiful! That is some amazing handwork!"
@cindy-stammich
• 18 hours ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Hush:
Posted a new Comment on Hush:
"Carol, this is beautiful! And it is a bit ironic that I am just now listening to this while we are in the middle of - a whole lot of that white stuff..."
@cindy-stammich
• 18 hours ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on I've Got Peace Like a River:
Posted a new Comment on I've Got Peace Like a River:
"Hi John! This was wonderful!!! To have your family together and lift your voices and strings up in praise!
I could absolutely feel the joy in your music!..."
@noah-cline
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Amazing Grace on Mountain Dulcimer:
Posted a new Comment on Amazing Grace on Mountain Dulcimer:
"Dusty Turtle:
Nice playing, Noah. You add a lot of subtlety to this tune, both with your right hand varying between full strums and single notes and your..."
@richard-streib
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @mikeg:
Posted a new Comment on @mikeg:
"Great to have you join MikeG. If you need any help to post your for sale dulcimer just ask. We can help you through the process."
@ken-longfield
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @alex-lubet: Cyndi Lauper live
Liked a forum discussions item created by @alex-lubet: Cyndi Lauper live
@robin-thompson
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @alex-lubet: Cyndi Lauper live
Liked a forum discussions item created by @alex-lubet: Cyndi Lauper live
@alex-lubet
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Cyndi Lauper live":
Created a new forum topic "Cyndi Lauper live":
"She picks up her dulcimer at 1:19:00"
@john-w-mckinstry
• yesterday
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on I've Got Peace Like a River:
Posted a new Comment on I've Got Peace Like a River:
"Thank you Robin for the holiday wishes. I know that your husband often accompanies you with his guitar and it makes a great combination. I was happy to have..."
@robin-thompson
• yesterday
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on I've Got Peace Like a River:
Posted a new Comment on I've Got Peace Like a River:
"What a lovely gathering of friends & family, John! Wishing you and all your dear ones a lovely holiday season! "
@john-w-mckinstry
• 2 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on I've Got Peace Like a River:
Posted a new Comment on I've Got Peace Like a River:
"Hi Strumelia,
Thank you for that warm reception. Yes, my family is a tremendous gift and blessing and so too are the wonderful friends I have through this..."
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on I've Got Peace Like a River:
Posted a new Comment on I've Got Peace Like a River:
"This is just so delightful, John. I can feel all the love in your family gathering there. Sending out my warmest wishes to you this season. "
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 6
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: I've Got Peace Like a River
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: I've Got Peace Like a River
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @mikeg:
Posted a new Comment on @mikeg:
"Welcome to FOTMD, MikeG. I look forward to your participating in this site even if it is only to sell something. Be sure to follow the rules for posting in..."
@john-petry
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Playing with hand issues":
Posted a response to "Playing with hand issues":
"I've made quite a few noters for "special needs" hands...Instead of the usual 3/8 diameter, using thicker and sometimes longer noters help a lot. I have some..."
@jennifer-landry
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Playing with hand issues":
Created a new forum topic "Playing with hand issues":
"Was just now on Reddit and had a person pop up in the Mountain Dulcimer community there with questions about playing the Mountain Dulcimer with health issues..."
@olddog75
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: When I First Came to this land
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: When I First Came to this land
@ken-longfield
• 3 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on I've Got Peace Like a River:
Posted a new Comment on I've Got Peace Like a River:
"Thank you John and family for this wonderful rendition of Peace Like a River. I appreciate your sharing it with us. I enjoy family get togethers when there..."
@ken-longfield
• 3 days ago
• comments: 6
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: I've Got Peace Like a River
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: I've Got Peace Like a River
@john-w-mckinstry
• 3 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted new YouTube video(s):
I've Got Peace Like a River
I've Got Peace Like a River
@davisjames
• 3 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on When I First Came to this land:
Posted a new Comment on When I First Came to this land:
"That's great,Mark.I can see in my mind's eye those old Deutschman getting a knee-slapping kick out of this song."
@banjostray
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
"Sadly, we do not have Thanksgiving or an equivalent in the UK. Nevertheless happy thanksgiving to all of you."
@ken-longfield
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
"Happy Thanksgiving to everyone here at FOTMD. And thank you, Strumelia, for linking to The Welcome Table. Gotta go and start peeling potatoes.
Ken
"The..."
@strumelia
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
"Happy Thanksgiving, yes! To all friends here and their families. Perhaps a good time for me to post a link to a dulcimer song and (free) tab on my blog,..."
@john-c-knopf
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
"Yes, indeed, Happy Thanksgiving to all of us here. There is so much to be thankful for. I think of the old hymn "We Gather Together" every Thanksgiving...."
@richard-streib
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
"Happy Thanksgiving to all my dulcimer friends. Have a wonderful and thankful day."
@ken-longfield
• 4 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @rick-baker:
Posted a new Comment on @rick-baker:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Rick. It's good to have you aboard. You've come to the right place to learn about mountain dulcimers. Have fun exploring this site. Let us..."
@richard-streib
• 4 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @rick-baker:
Posted a new Comment on @rick-baker:
"Welcome Rick Baker to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. So glad you joined. This is a great place to learn all about the mountain dulcimer and to make some..."
@robin-thompson
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
"Strumelia, so, he really could say he plays the banjo.
Dusty, the fan has perfect pitch. "
@dusty
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
"I'm just trying to figure out how you tuned the fan to begin with."
@strumelia
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
"I love when those cool coincidental things happen, Robin.
Sound vibrations are funny. My husband sometimes sneezes so loudly that the two banjos on our..."
@carol-h
• 5 days ago
• comments: 3
Liked a youtube item created by @noah-cline: Amazing Grace on Mountain Dulcimer
Liked a youtube item created by @noah-cline: Amazing Grace on Mountain Dulcimer
@carol-h
• 5 days ago
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @cristian-huet: Morrison Jig, quick sample !
Liked a youtube item created by @cristian-huet: Morrison Jig, quick sample !
@robin-thompson
• 5 days ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Youghal Harbour:
Posted a new Comment on Youghal Harbour:
"Coming back to this tune-- your play is so fine! "
@robin-thompson
• 5 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
"I had a funny thing happen. The attic fan was left running while recording a tune-- the attic fan created a drone in tune with the mountain dulcimer...."
@pierre-yves-donnio
• 6 days ago
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @cristian-huet: Morrison Jig, quick sample !
Liked a youtube item created by @cristian-huet: Morrison Jig, quick sample !
@davisjames
• 6 days ago
• comments: 3
Liked a youtube item created by @noah-cline: Amazing Grace on Mountain Dulcimer
Liked a youtube item created by @noah-cline: Amazing Grace on Mountain Dulcimer
@shopdad
• one week ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Shifting bridge and nut":
Posted a response to "Shifting bridge and nut":
"Wally, Wow! that's pretty precise fret work. The black marker process is a great idea. I will use that on two of my instruments. I have filed frets before..."
@shopdad
• one week ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Leveling of frets - why?":
Posted a response to "Leveling of frets - why?":
"Very useful information. I found out about frets and fret boards the hard way. I purchased a kit that was partially built. The owner lost interest (if you..."
@wally-venable
• one week ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Shifting bridge and nut":
Posted a response to "Shifting bridge and nut":
"You have constructed an attractive instrument. That is only Part 1 of making a fine instrument. Even a very well made string instrument needs "SET-UP" after..."
@ken-longfield
• one week ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Shifting bridge and nut":
Posted a response to "Shifting bridge and nut":
"Another cause of buzzing is the fit of the strings in the slots in the nut and the bridge if it has slots. Too tight and the strings bind. Too loose and the..."
@shopdad
• one week ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Shifting bridge and nut":
Posted a response to "Shifting bridge and nut":
"Thanks Ken. That may well be the reason for the buzz. My strings are set much higher. I have tried several different remedies. I learned one thing. You can't..."
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...
Chromatic Dulcimers
For players who enjoy playing dulcimers with ALL the frets!
UK and European Mountain...
A group which hopefully allows players/makers in this...
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
6 string dulcimers
Owning and playing a 6 string, regardless of tuning, and...
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...
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
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![Maggie Darling[tearjerker on the teardrop].](https://fotmd.com/uploaded_audio/image/audio_image/1323/large/crop=auto)
Latest Forum Posts All
Cyndi Lauper live
Posted: Sunday November 30 2025, 10:47 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Playing with hand issues
Posted: Friday November 28 2025, 1:51 PM
By: @John Pettreemusic
By: @John Pettreemusic
The Positive Thread...
Posted: Thursday November 27 2025, 11:29 AM
By: @Banjostray
By: @Banjostray
Shifting bridge and nut
Posted: Sunday November 23 2025, 10:03 PM
By: @Shopdad
By: @Shopdad
Leveling of frets - why?
Posted: Sunday November 23 2025, 9:33 PM
By: @Shopdad
By: @Shopdad
Cyndi Lauper Walk Away Renee
Posted: Thursday November 20 2025, 2:37 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Searching for tab for...
Posted: Saturday November 15 2025, 1:02 AM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Goodbye my old friend
Posted: Thursday November 13 2025, 10:30 AM
By: @John Pettreemusic
By: @John Pettreemusic
Blue Lion model IIRS; Style...
Posted: Tuesday November 11 2025, 9:31 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
How Many Dulcimers Do You...
Posted: Monday November 10 2025, 2:06 PM
By: @Jerry Posner
By: @Jerry Posner
Looking for Info on Laurel...
Posted: Monday November 10 2025, 2:00 PM
By: @Jerry Posner
By: @Jerry Posner
Advice for fire-damaged...
Posted: Sunday November 9 2025, 9:27 AM
By: @Wally Venable
By: @Wally Venable
History of Pinewoods folk...
Posted: Tuesday November 4 2025, 8:55 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Child ballads playlist on...
Posted: Friday October 31 2025, 7:26 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
equal intonation versus...
Posted: Friday October 31 2025, 5:30 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
the bridge “saddle”
Posted: Friday October 31 2025, 5:05 PM
By: @Nate
By: @Nate
TK O'Brien Walnut Creek...
Posted: Friday October 31 2025, 10:40 AM
By: @BJ Jordan
By: @BJ Jordan
Listing A Dulcimer For Sale
Posted: Tuesday October 28 2025, 5:57 PM
By: @Old Dawg
By: @Old Dawg
Approximate age/info about...
Posted: Saturday October 25 2025, 10:59 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Wedge shaped floating bridge
Posted: Monday October 20 2025, 1:01 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
David Lynch Baritone
Posted: Friday October 17 2025, 4:16 PM
By: @todd metcalf
By: @todd metcalf
A review of my new album
Posted: Thursday October 16 2025, 4:06 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Folkcraft dulcimer,1993,...
Posted: Wednesday October 15 2025, 12:31 AM
By: @todd metcalf
By: @todd metcalf
Extended Range Dulcimer
Posted: Thursday October 9 2025, 9:56 AM
By: @Marko
By: @Marko
A question about intonating...
Posted: Monday October 6 2025, 11:06 AM
By: @Skip
By: @Skip
Anybody familiar with...
Posted: Tuesday September 30 2025, 6:07 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
A track from my new album
Posted: Tuesday September 23 2025, 5:45 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
jubilee
Posted: Saturday September 20 2025, 1:53 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Amy Levy: Songs of Love...
Posted: Friday September 19 2025, 12:07 PM
By: @Alex_Lubet
By: @Alex_Lubet
Wanted: The “next” dulcimer
Posted: Thursday September 18 2025, 9:28 PM
By: @Steve Kenny
By: @Steve Kenny
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