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
@ken-longfield
• 53 minutes ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Leveling of frets - why?":
Posted a response to "Leveling of frets - why?":
"The single string monochord with which I am most familiar is the psalmodikon. It is a Swedish instrument. Here is a website:..."
@shopdad
• an hour ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Leveling of frets - why?":
Posted a response to "Leveling of frets - why?":
"wally, that's why I enjoy this site. I was corrected once when I mentioned fret board. Now I understand the difference. thanks
Ken, I saw something at the..."
@ken-longfield
• an hour ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Leveling of frets - why?":
Posted a response to "Leveling of frets - why?":
"It appears that the instrument in the photo with the woman is resting on a stool. She appears to be holding a pick of some sort in her right hand. I think it..."
@wally-venable
• 2 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The use of hammer-on, pull-off and slide. ":
Posted a response to "The use of hammer-on, pull-off and slide. ":
">>> I have been known to use slides to cover up mistakes!
Me too, particularly when playing by ear."
@wally-venable
• 2 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Leveling of frets - why?":
Posted a response to "Leveling of frets - why?":
">>> "When I discovered my fret board (also called the finger board) was badly warped..."
A dulcimer FRET BOARD is not a FINGER BOARD, as used on..."
@steve-c
• 2 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "RIP Ron Ewing":
Posted a response to "RIP Ron Ewing":
"I knew Ron, he not only built a few instruments for me, but we met for lunch and often corresponded regarding number of topics including his time as Chet..."
@robin-thompson
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 2
https://fotmd.com/robin-thompson/uploaded_audio/1355/a-walk-out-the-hollow
https://fotmd.com/robin-thompson/uploaded_audio/1355/a-walk-out-the-hollow
@shopdad
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on @karen-b:
Posted a new Comment on @karen-b:
"Ha! for sure Karen B. I guess that's where my fingers do the walking until I hit the one I'm looking for. Sometimes I have what one player labeled as, "lazy..."
@karen-b
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The use of hammer-on, pull-off and slide. ":
Posted a response to "The use of hammer-on, pull-off and slide. ":
"I have been known to use slides to cover up mistakes! "
@shopdad
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Leveling of frets - why?":
Posted a response to "Leveling of frets - why?":
"I found the pic of the Dulcimer type instrument. History reveals these instruments from 1700s to 1800s. Dates and tradition are questionable and I would not..."
@dusty
• 10 hours ago
• comments: 11
Posted a new Comment on material to enter public domain this New Year!:
Posted a new Comment on material to enter public domain this New Year!:
"I'm almost a month late, but what do Betty Boop, Sigmund Freud's Civilization and its Discontents , and Hoagie Carmichael's "Georgia on My Mind" have in..."
@ken-longfield
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Leveling of frets - why?":
Posted a response to "Leveling of frets - why?":
"If you look at some of the old dulcimers by J.E. Thomas and Charles N. Prichard you will see that they only had frets under the first string.
Ken
"The..."
@shopdad
• 15 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "The use of hammer-on, pull-off and slide. ":
Created a new forum topic "The use of hammer-on, pull-off and slide. ":
"If a person enjoys playing different types of music and want to "kick it up a notch" , try using the tree techniques of hammer-ons, slides and pull-offs. I..."
@shopdad
• 15 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Leveling of frets - why?":
Posted a response to "Leveling of frets - why?":
"Without a doubt Ken. I find it very interesting that some of the oldest dulcimer type instruments dating back even into the early 1800s all had a similar..."
@ken-longfield
• 15 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Leveling of frets - why?":
Posted a response to "Leveling of frets - why?":
"I think the fret board is the most important part of a mountain dulcimer.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@ken-longfield
• 15 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "RIP Ron Ewing":
Posted a response to "RIP Ron Ewing":
"I never met Ron, but I do know that he was a tremendous asset to the dulcimer community. He will be sorely missed as a builder, player, and innovator. RIP,..."
@dusty
• 17 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "RIP Ron Ewing":
Posted a response to "RIP Ron Ewing":
"Last summer I had the honor of being invited to Dulcimer Week in the Wallowas. At the faculty concert, I played one or two tunes on the dulcimette before..."
@davisjames
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on Frazier's Jig on mountain dulcimer:
Posted a new Comment on Frazier's Jig on mountain dulcimer:
"Nice playing!I once had a book of Dan Hughie's compositions,probably long out of print now.Good to see his name and music pop up here."
@shopdad
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Leveling of frets - why?":
Posted a response to "Leveling of frets - why?":
"From past experience, if frets are not level or all the same height off the fret board there is potential vibration in certain notes played. Adjusting the..."
@shopdad
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on Shop Dad pics:
Posted a new Comment on Shop Dad pics:
"This photo is not Shopdad. This was taken in Tenn. at a Dulcimer shop. Mark Edelman, the owner, is appraising my dulcimer. this pic was before I totally..."
@carol-h
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 13
Liked a youtube item created by @robert-owens: Restoration Of Vintage Arthur Dixon Mountain Dulcimer
Liked a youtube item created by @robert-owens: Restoration Of Vintage Arthur Dixon Mountain Dulcimer
@wibble
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "RIP Ron Ewing":
Posted a response to "RIP Ron Ewing":
"Sad news indeed. The Aorell I own has the most wonderful tone and sound."
@jack-ferguson
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Jack Ferguson:
Posted a new Comment on Jack Ferguson:
"Thanks for your nice comments. I love my Scheitholts."
@susie
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "RIP Ron Ewing":
Posted a response to "RIP Ron Ewing":
"Sad news. He contributed so much to the mountain dulcimer community. I contemplated many times ordering a dulcimette. I kinda wish I had. RIP Ron...."
@mark-gilston
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "RIP Ron Ewing":
Posted a response to "RIP Ron Ewing":
"I played one of Ron's baritone dulcimettes when I won the National Dulcimer Contest at Winfield in 2016. I was introduced to Ron by Sandy and Caroline..."
@robin-thompson
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Jack Ferguson:
Posted a new Comment on Jack Ferguson:
"Such a lovely instrument! "
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Jack Ferguson:
Posted a new Comment on Jack Ferguson:
"Jack, I bet it really sings. Thanks for sharing such a beautiful instrument with us.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @dusty: RIP Ron Ewing
Liked a forum discussions item created by @dusty: RIP Ron Ewing
@robin-thompson
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @dusty: RIP Ron Ewing
Liked a forum discussions item created by @dusty: RIP Ron Ewing
@robmachin
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "RIP Ron Ewing":
Posted a response to "RIP Ron Ewing":
"Oh that is awful news! Ron was such a nice guy! His dulcimettes are wonderful instruments x"
@dusty
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "RIP Ron Ewing":
Created a new forum topic "RIP Ron Ewing":
"There are a couple of Facebook discussions about this, so some of you may know, but the great luthier Ron Ewing died a few days ago.
Ron had been a central..."
@dusty
• 2 days ago
• comments: 1
Liked a group discussions item created by @rob-n-lackey: Patty Looman Birthday Jam
Liked a group discussions item created by @rob-n-lackey: Patty Looman Birthday Jam
@robin-thompson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
https://fotmd.com/robin-thompson/uploaded_audio/1358/come-in-from-the-cold
https://fotmd.com/robin-thompson/uploaded_audio/1358/come-in-from-the-cold
@richard-streib
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @rita-arrington:
Posted a new Comment on @rita-arrington:
"It is so good to welcome you, Rita Arrington, to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Glad you joined. This is an active community and it really does include..."
@davisjames
• 2 days ago
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on Simple Gifts on My Latest Cherry Walnut Electric TD:
Posted a new Comment on Simple Gifts on My Latest Cherry Walnut Electric TD:
"Hi Jack.Good to hear you playing on your latest creation.The scheitholt you built for me is the most beautiful instrument I've ever played and I have played..."
@wally-venable
• 2 days ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Patty Looman Birthday Jam:
Posted a new Comment on Patty Looman Birthday Jam:
"The late Bob Lackey used to post the Patty Looman Birthday Jam. I'll follow in his footsteps for this year.
Mark your calendars on Feb 7, 2026 for the Patty..."
@davisjames
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Come Again, Sweet Love Doth Now Invite
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Come Again, Sweet Love Doth Now Invite
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...
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...
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...
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
Latest Forum Posts All
Leveling of frets - why?
Posted: Thursday January 29 2026, 12:20 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
The use of hammer-on,...
Posted: Thursday January 29 2026, 11:01 AM
By: @Wally Venable
By: @Wally Venable
RIP Ron Ewing
Posted: Thursday January 29 2026, 10:22 AM
By: @cairney
By: @cairney
The Praetorius Scheitholt
Posted: Tuesday January 27 2026, 10:48 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Let's Bury The Term...
Posted: Saturday January 24 2026, 3:47 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
International Appalachian...
Posted: Saturday January 24 2026, 9:02 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
The Story of the Hummel
Posted: Friday January 23 2026, 11:03 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Geoffrey R. Johnson Dulcimer?
Posted: Wednesday January 21 2026, 9:01 PM
By: @Rob Williams
By: @Rob Williams
fret markers.
Posted: Wednesday January 21 2026, 12:41 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Low-maintenance/easy-to-pla...
Posted: Thursday January 15 2026, 9:11 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
chromatic V.S.L.
Posted: Monday January 12 2026, 4:57 PM
By: @Lilley Pad
By: @Lilley Pad
Family History & Tales of...
Posted: Friday January 9 2026, 10:34 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
More or less overtones
Posted: Wednesday January 7 2026, 4:06 PM
By: @Dwain Wilder
By: @Dwain Wilder
New editor looking for...
Posted: Monday January 5 2026, 5:36 AM
By: @Redmando
By: @Redmando
The Positive Thread...
Posted: Thursday January 1 2026, 4:51 PM
By: @Richard Streib
By: @Richard Streib
How do I create a new forum...
Posted: Wednesday December 31 2025, 5:25 PM
By: @Bob
By: @Bob
My dulcimer collection
Posted: Tuesday December 30 2025, 9:34 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Chet Hines “dulcimore”
Posted: Monday December 29 2025, 8:47 AM
By: @paula
By: @paula
At a Dinner Party
Posted: Friday December 26 2025, 5:39 PM
By: @Alex_Lubet
By: @Alex_Lubet
Two new reviews of my...
Posted: Friday December 26 2025, 1:09 PM
By: @Alex_Lubet
By: @Alex_Lubet
A Very Merry Christmas to...
Posted: Thursday December 25 2025, 5:10 PM
By: @RobMachin
By: @RobMachin
Is it worth gifting this...
Posted: Wednesday December 24 2025, 7:30 PM
By: @hugssandi
By: @hugssandi
Ever seen an epinette like...
Posted: Wednesday December 24 2025, 1:55 PM
By: @Mark Gilston
By: @Mark Gilston
How Many Dulcimers Do You...
Posted: Monday December 22 2025, 1:26 PM
By: @RDaleMc
By: @RDaleMc
Directing Facebook Dulcimer...
Posted: Monday December 22 2025, 1:21 PM
By: @RDaleMc
By: @RDaleMc
Peterson Tuner
Posted: Sunday December 21 2025, 4:17 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Plucked psaltries
Posted: Wednesday December 17 2025, 6:22 PM
By: @Mr. Woolery
By: @Mr. Woolery
Western North Carolina...
Posted: Tuesday December 16 2025, 4:24 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Retuning
Posted: Wednesday December 10 2025, 6:31 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Blue Lion Soprano Dulcimer...
Posted: Monday December 8 2025, 10:29 AM
By: @Debi
By: @Debi
Read the Site Rules
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