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

Nate
@nate • 50 minutes ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Mountain Dulcimer Picture in Mathematics Magazine":
"Thank you for taking the time to explain John. I have to admit, I find the results counterintuitive. If a "purer" tone means less overtones, and an..."
JohnR
@johnr • an hour ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Mountain Dulcimer Picture in Mathematics Magazine":
"I've attached a response for Dusty and Nate.  Others are welcome to dig in.  It's a little lengthy, so I had to put it in a zip file which you should find..."
Gstringer
@gstringer • 2 hours ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Anyone Recognize This Builder":
"Someone's idea of an upgraded McSpadden kit."
msdeebee
@msdeebee • 3 hours ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Anyone Recognize This Builder":
"Thanks for the look."
John C. Knopf
@john-c-knopf • 3 hours ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Anyone Recognize This Builder":
"It resmbles a McSpadden teardrop dulcimer, but the use of 5 pieces on the back sets it apart.  Also the red color is different, and the type of tuners. It..."
msdeebee
@msdeebee • 4 hours ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Anyone Recognize This Builder":
"Funny...there were 2 McSpaddens in the same lot. This one does not have the stamp though."
Nate
@nate • 4 hours ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Mountain Dulcimer Picture in Mathematics Magazine":
"I've heard it said that the closer to the midpoint, the more freely the string can excite overtone frequencies. The way it was explained to me is that when..."
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • 4 hours ago • comments: 12
Posted a new Comment on Peonies in the Field:
"@davisjames -- I wish we'd captured some birdsong on this recording!  We're glad you still enjoy the little tune.  "
Gstringer
@gstringer • 5 hours ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Anyone Recognize This Builder":
"Looks like a McSpadden. They often had their name stamped below the bridge area. Most likely a kit."
msdeebee
@msdeebee • 6 hours ago • comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Anyone Recognize This Builder":
"I was wondering if any of my friends recognize this builder. There is no tag inside the dulcimer so I'm thinking it is a homemade. That scroll head is pretty..."
DavisJames
@davisjames • 7 hours ago • comments: 7
Liked a music item created by @jim-dickens: He is all you need
DavisJames
@davisjames • 7 hours ago • comments: 12
Posted a new Comment on Peonies in the Field:
"Enjoying this melody once again...I looked at my last year's comment,re birdsong counterpoint...listened again-no birdsong...then I checked the date,late..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 7 hours ago • comments: 4
Liked a music item created by @macaodha: Youghal Harbour
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • 8 hours ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Mountain Dulcimer Picture in Mathematics Magazine":
"If I understand you, @johnr, by "middle" you mean at half the string's length, or the octave (7th fret on a dulcimer, 12th fret on all those chromatic..."
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • 14 hours ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
"FOTMD is where IADD was conceived.  "
Richard Streib
@richard-streib • 16 hours ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @pux0r3:
"Good to have you join PuxOr3. You have come to the best place to ask questions about the mountain dulcimer. There is a lot expertise and knowledge..."
JohnR
@johnr • 23 hours ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Mountain Dulcimer Picture in Mathematics Magazine":
"In response to Dusty's "How Do You Measure Tone Mathematically" - I would call it more of a description.  A very simple, perfectly pure tone for a specific..."
Phil Myers
@phil-myers • yesterday • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on John O'Connor.:
"Another great one, Val!"
Phil Myers
@phil-myers • yesterday • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Youghal Harbour:
"So glad to have you back posting tunes, Val! Missed your wonderful playing!"
Phil Myers
@phil-myers • yesterday • comments: 4
Liked a music item created by @macaodha: Youghal Harbour
Phil Myers
@phil-myers • yesterday • comments: 4
Liked a music item created by @macaodha: John O'Connor.
Sam Edelston
@sam-edelston • yesterday • comments: 0
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
"@robin-thompson Yup. I'd say you folks got the ball rolling, and now it's gathering some momentum. I tell everybody that the dulcimer is a more logical..."
David Bennett
@david-bennett • yesterday • comments: 13
Posted a new Comment on Today In Mountain Dulcimer History: April:
"Bump Today In Mountain Dulcimer History: April..."
Pierre-Yves Donnio
@pierre-yves-donnio • yesterday • comments: 4
Liked a music item created by @macaodha: Youghal Harbour
Pierre-Yves Donnio
@pierre-yves-donnio • yesterday • comments: 4
Liked a music item created by @macaodha: John O'Connor.
DavisJames
@davisjames • yesterday • comments: 4
Liked a music item created by @macaodha: Youghal Harbour
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • yesterday • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @pux0r3:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Pux0r3. It's good to have you aboard. Please ask your questions. We are happy to offer help to each other as we continue our dulcimer..."
Ben Barr Jr
@benjamin-w-barr-jr • 2 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @karen-lee:
"Hi Karen, 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,..."
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
"Sam, thanks for the information about Brandi's song and for the link to Tim Hanseroth-- I'd watched that some time ago yet hadn't looked at it lately...."
Richard Streib
@richard-streib • 2 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @karen-lee:
"Welcome Karen Lee to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer.  Glad you joined. I know you will enjoy your new to you dulcimer. As Kenl said we are here to help; so..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 2 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @karen-lee:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Karen. It's good to have you aboard. You are at the right place to find information about the mountain dulcimer. If you don't find what you..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
"Sam, that was a delightful video segment. You and the reporter did a fine job. Thanks for your help in promoting IADD. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
Sam Edelston
@sam-edelston • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
"Hi, friends - Thanks for bringing up my TV appearance Friday! I'll admit that I'm normally not a big fan of "Hallmark holidays," but dulcimers are a cause..."
Luigi
@luigi • 2 days ago • comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on HEN FERCHETAN and DIFYRRWCH GWYR Y GOGLEDD:
"Interestingly it reminds me of Breton music... No wonder, they are all Celts."
DavisJames
@davisjames • 2 days ago • comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on HEN FERCHETAN and DIFYRRWCH GWYR Y GOGLEDD:
"That sounds mighty!Interestingly it reminds me of Breton music.(I once played in a band with 2 pipers who spent a year in Brittany,studying the music,just..."
Badger
@badger • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Bonnie Carol Number 6 1973":
"Ron Gibson: I think Ken is correct that the fretboard overlay appears to be walnut. I believe the body and sides are ambrosia maple with a light (probably..."
Luigi
@luigi • 2 days ago • comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on HEN FERCHETAN and DIFYRRWCH GWYR Y GOGLEDD:
"Here are sheet music and tabs for both pieces."
Luigi
@luigi • 2 days ago • comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on HEN FERCHETAN and DIFYRRWCH GWYR Y GOGLEDD:
"Beth T: Yay! Welsh tunes! Thank you Luigi :-) They sound great.  There are quite a few Welsh tunes/songs that work well in Em with the capo on the first fret..."
Mark Gilston
@mark-gilston • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Lute Dulcimer":
"In the scientific discipline of organology, the study of musical instruements, the dulcimer is by definition a "plucked box zither" and therefore, by..."
Ron Gibson
@ron-gibson • 3 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Bonnie Carol Number 6 1973":
"I think Ken is correct that the fretboard overlay appears to be walnut. I believe the body and sides are ambrosia maple with a light (probably oak) stain...."
Beth T
@beth-t • 3 days ago • comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on HEN FERCHETAN and DIFYRRWCH GWYR Y GOGLEDD:
"Yay! Welsh tunes! Thank you Luigi :-) They sound great.  There are quite a few Welsh tunes/songs that work well in Em with the capo on the first fret of a..."
Beth T
@beth-t • 3 days ago • comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Danville Girl.:
"Really enjoyed this Jamie. Good to hear you singing!"
Beth T
@beth-t • 3 days ago • comments: 5
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: Danville Girl.
Beth T
@beth-t • 3 days ago • comments: 4
Liked a music item created by @studentofrhythm: Cuncti Simus Concanentes
Beth T
@beth-t • 3 days ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on The Princess Royal.:
"Great harmonies!"
Beth T
@beth-t • 3 days ago • comments: 4
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: The Princess Royal.
Beth T
@beth-t • 3 days ago • comments: 2
Liked @macaodha Click here to view
Beth T
@beth-t • 3 days ago • comments: 4
Liked a music item created by @macaodha: John O'Connor.
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • 3 days ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Youghal Harbour:
"Such a lovely tune!  I appreciate your guidance with pronunciation-- I never would've pronounced it properly without help.  "
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • 3 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
"Happy day after IADD, y'all!   @dusty Thanks for the kind words!  We made our usual put-someone-to-sleep type of tune only recorded with a camera.  (We..."

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...
Little Dulcimers

Little Dulcimers


Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
Baritone & Bass Dulcimer Players

Baritone & Bass Dulcimer...


A Group for discussing the unique aspects of playing...
Four-Equidistant Strings

Four-Equidistant Strings


A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
fans of Jean Ritchie

fans of Jean Ritchie


A group for those of us who have been inspired by...
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...
Early & Classical Music

Early & Classical Music


For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
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...
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...
Chromatic Dulcimers

Chromatic Dulcimers


For players who enjoy playing dulcimers with ALL the frets!
Box Dulcimers

Box Dulcimers


A group for those who play, make, or admire all types...
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...
Civil War era music

Civil War era music


For discussing music that was played around the time of...
GIG TALK!

GIG TALK!


Do you play gigs? Tell us about your good and not-so-good...
Scrap/Recycled wood Dulcimer Challenge

Scrap/Recycled wood...


A group for those thrifty and creative folk who like to...
Rosin the Bow!

Rosin the Bow!


Welcome to all who play music using a bow on any type of...
Challenged Players

Challenged Players


A meeting place for players dealing with disabilities.
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
North Carolinians Plus

North Carolinians Plus


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

Latest Audio

  All
John O'Connor.
Youghal Harbour
The Princess Royal.
Cuncti Simus Concanentes
Danville Girl.
Eventide
Stout Staves, Sure Feet
Alaw Elin (Elin's song)
Fairytale/ Forever love
The Shortest Day
The 4 poster bed.
Champagne Waltz.
Emma´s Waltz
Lost in the Woods
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.

Coming Events   All

Hindman Dulcimer Homecoming 2025 -(KY)

Hindman Dulcimer...


Thu Apr 24 2025

Latest gallery Photos   All

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McSpadden and LotR maps small.jpg
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JJF2023Poster.jpeg
Adrian&CarlaNickPic_4741.jpeg
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TableHillApril2023.jpeg
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Latest Forum Posts   All

Mountain Dulcimer Picture...

Posted: Tuesday April 1 2025, 9:22 PM
By: @Nate

Anyone Recognize This Builder

Posted: Tuesday April 1 2025, 7:13 PM
By: @Gstringer

International Appalachian...

Posted: Tuesday April 1 2025, 8:12 AM
By: @Robin Thompson

Bonnie Carol Number 6 1973

Posted: Sunday March 30 2025, 12:59 PM
By: @Badger

Lute Dulcimer

Posted: Sunday March 30 2025, 11:00 AM
By: @Mark Gilston

Short scale dulcimer

Posted: Saturday March 29 2025, 2:42 PM
By: @Wally Venable

North Country Dulcimer

Posted: Saturday March 29 2025, 2:59 AM
By: @Nate

Bowing a dulcimer

Posted: Friday March 28 2025, 5:57 PM
By: @

Ray Hunley 2009 #260 Solid...

Posted: Friday March 28 2025, 10:08 AM
By: @MargieS

A Question about dulcimer...

Posted: Thursday March 27 2025, 9:14 PM
By: @Strumelia

4 equidistant...

Posted: Wednesday March 26 2025, 11:14 AM
By: @

limberjack

Posted: Monday March 24 2025, 10:05 AM
By: @Ken Longfield

Silicone Free Furniture...

Posted: Thursday March 20 2025, 11:11 PM
By: @Nate

Jerry Rockwell Short Scale...

Posted: Monday March 17 2025, 6:36 PM
By: @Cheryl James

RIP to our good fotmd...

Posted: Sunday March 16 2025, 4:18 AM
By: @Jan Potts

Hearts of the Dulcimer.

Posted: Thursday March 13 2025, 9:52 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle

Scale length

Posted: Thursday March 13 2025, 11:34 AM
By: @Dan

Introduce Yourself!

Posted: Thursday March 13 2025, 3:38 AM
By: @Nate

Dulcimer for sale in London UK

Posted: Tuesday March 11 2025, 5:46 AM
By: @jonnyd

Hair line crack bottom back...

Posted: Monday March 10 2025, 2:26 PM
By: @John Pettreemusic

Tuning for a 4 Equidistant...

Posted: Monday March 10 2025, 9:27 AM
By: @

McSpadden v. Folkcraft?

Posted: Sunday March 9 2025, 10:47 PM
By: @

Reasons NOT To Get a Chromatic

Posted: Sunday March 9 2025, 8:58 PM
By: @

Mr Moses Scrivner

Posted: Sunday March 9 2025, 12:13 PM
By: @Ken Longfield

Chet Hines “dulcimore”

Posted: Sunday March 2 2025, 5:03 PM
By: @cairney

Understanding McSpadden...

Posted: Saturday March 1 2025, 10:26 AM
By: @Janis Lewman

Music for Kalimba, Dulcimer...

Posted: Friday February 28 2025, 9:00 PM
By: @Strumelia

McSpadden 26" VSL Walnut w/...

Posted: Tuesday February 25 2025, 11:19 AM
By: @Susie

Question about the 6 1/2 fret

Posted: Sunday February 23 2025, 2:22 PM
By: @Skip

Optimum spacing for the two...

Posted: Sunday February 23 2025, 11:27 AM
By: @Cristian Huet

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3 CHEERS to our Volunteer Greeters ...for making new members feel right at home :

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