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
@pux0r3
• 26 minutes ago
• comments: 0
Created a new Group discussion "Dulcimer for Travelling":
Created a new Group discussion "Dulcimer for Travelling":
"I'm curious about a small dulcimer specifically for traveling (ideally one I could pack in a carry on for an airline) and wonder if this group has any..."
Little Dulcimers
Little Dulcimers
@nate
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Mountain Dulcimer Picture in Mathematics Magazine":
Posted a response to "Mountain Dulcimer Picture in Mathematics Magazine":
"This topic has got me doing a lot of research and really appreciating how far beyond me most of this stuff is to try to wrap my head around. After a few..."
@nate
• 9 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Mountain Dulcimer Picture in Mathematics Magazine":
Posted a response to "Mountain Dulcimer Picture in Mathematics Magazine":
"I think overtones are associated with our perception of depth. An example of an instrument with almost no overtones is a tuning fork, and an example of an..."
@msdeebee
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Anyone Recognize This Builder":
Posted a response to "Anyone Recognize This Builder":
"I meant insight...:o)"
@msdeebee
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Anyone Recognize This Builder":
Posted a response to "Anyone Recognize This Builder":
"Thanks so much for your input."
@strumelia
• 15 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Mountain Dulcimer Picture in Mathematics Magazine":
Posted a response to "Mountain Dulcimer Picture in Mathematics Magazine":
"To my ears, a note does sound more 'clear' when plucked closer to a bridge, but it also sounds more hard and 'tinny' (to me), while a note plucked closer to..."
@jan-potts
• 19 hours ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Farewell to Tarwahie:
Posted a new Comment on Farewell to Tarwahie:
"What a great group of people who obviously love music! Lots of positive energy and joyous smiles. The members of this group are very fortunate!"
@dusty
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Mountain Dulcimer Picture in Mathematics Magazine":
Posted a response to "Mountain Dulcimer Picture in Mathematics Magazine":
"Thanks so much, John for that explanation. Basically, you are defining purity of tone as a minimum of overtones. That seems logical.
But it also raises a..."
@nate
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Mountain Dulcimer Picture in Mathematics Magazine":
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
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Mountain Dulcimer Picture in Mathematics Magazine":
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
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Anyone Recognize This Builder":
Posted a response to "Anyone Recognize This Builder":
"Someone's idea of an upgraded McSpadden kit."
@msdeebee
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Anyone Recognize This Builder":
Posted a response to "Anyone Recognize This Builder":
"Thanks for the look."
@john-c-knopf
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Anyone Recognize This Builder":
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
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Anyone Recognize This Builder":
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
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Mountain Dulcimer Picture in Mathematics Magazine":
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
• yesterday
• comments: 12
Posted a new Comment on Peonies in the Field:
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
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Anyone Recognize This Builder":
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
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Anyone Recognize This Builder":
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
• yesterday
• comments: 7
Liked a music item created by @jim-dickens: He is all you need
Liked a music item created by @jim-dickens: He is all you need
@davisjames
• yesterday
• comments: 12
Posted a new Comment on Peonies in the Field:
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..."
@dusty
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Mountain Dulcimer Picture in Mathematics Magazine":
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
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
"FOTMD is where IADD was conceived. "
@richard-streib
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @pux0r3:
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
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Mountain Dulcimer Picture in Mathematics Magazine":
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
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on John O'Connor.:
Posted a new Comment on John O'Connor.:
"Another great one, Val!"
@phil-myers
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Youghal Harbour:
Posted a new Comment on Youghal Harbour:
"So glad to have you back posting tunes, Val! Missed your wonderful playing!"
@sam-edelston
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
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
• 2 days ago
• comments: 13
Posted a new Comment on Today In Mountain Dulcimer History: April:
Posted a new Comment on Today In Mountain Dulcimer History: April:
"Bump
Today In Mountain Dulcimer History: April..."
@pierre-yves-donnio
• 3 days ago
• comments: 4
Liked a music item created by @macaodha: Youghal Harbour
Liked a music item created by @macaodha: Youghal Harbour
@pierre-yves-donnio
• 3 days ago
• comments: 4
Liked a music item created by @macaodha: John O'Connor.
Liked a music item created by @macaodha: John O'Connor.
@ken-longfield
• 3 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @pux0r3:
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..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 3 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @karen-lee:
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
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
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
• 3 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @karen-lee:
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
• 3 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @karen-lee:
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
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
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
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
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
• 3 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on HEN FERCHETAN and DIFYRRWCH GWYR Y GOGLEDD:
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
• 3 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on HEN FERCHETAN and DIFYRRWCH GWYR Y GOGLEDD:
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
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Bonnie Carol Number 6 1973":
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
• 3 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on HEN FERCHETAN and DIFYRRWCH GWYR Y GOGLEDD:
Posted a new Comment on HEN FERCHETAN and DIFYRRWCH GWYR Y GOGLEDD:
"Here are sheet music and tabs for both pieces."
@luigi
• 4 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on HEN FERCHETAN and DIFYRRWCH GWYR Y GOGLEDD:
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
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Lute Dulcimer":
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
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Bonnie Carol Number 6 1973":
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
• 4 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on HEN FERCHETAN and DIFYRRWCH GWYR Y GOGLEDD:
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
• 4 days ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Danville Girl.:
Posted a new Comment on Danville Girl.:
"Really enjoyed this Jamie. Good to hear you singing!"
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...
Little Dulcimers
Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
Baritone & Bass Dulcimer...
A Group for discussing the unique aspects of playing...
Four-Equidistant Strings
A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
fans of Jean Ritchie
A group for those of us who have been inspired by...
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...
Early & Classical Music
For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
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 teachers
Do you teach dulcimer? Are you helping others to learn?
Dulcimer Ancestors
Looking at some of the ancestors of the Mountain...
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...
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
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....
6 string dulcimers
Owning and playing a 6 string, regardless of tuning, and...
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
All
Latest Forum Posts All
Mountain Dulcimer Picture...
Posted: Wednesday April 2 2025, 8:34 PM
By: @Nate
By: @Nate
Anyone Recognize This Builder
Posted: Wednesday April 2 2025, 10:51 AM
By: @msdeebee
By: @msdeebee
International Appalachian...
Posted: Tuesday April 1 2025, 8:12 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Bonnie Carol Number 6 1973
Posted: Sunday March 30 2025, 12:59 PM
By: @Badger
By: @Badger
Lute Dulcimer
Posted: Sunday March 30 2025, 11:00 AM
By: @Mark Gilston
By: @Mark Gilston
Short scale dulcimer
Posted: Saturday March 29 2025, 2:42 PM
By: @Wally Venable
By: @Wally Venable
North Country Dulcimer
Posted: Saturday March 29 2025, 2:59 AM
By: @Nate
By: @Nate
Bowing a dulcimer
Posted: Friday March 28 2025, 5:57 PM
By: @
By: @
Ray Hunley 2009 #260 Solid...
Posted: Friday March 28 2025, 10:08 AM
By: @MargieS
By: @MargieS
A Question about dulcimer...
Posted: Thursday March 27 2025, 9:14 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
4 equidistant...
Posted: Wednesday March 26 2025, 11:14 AM
By: @
By: @
limberjack
Posted: Monday March 24 2025, 10:05 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Silicone Free Furniture...
Posted: Thursday March 20 2025, 11:11 PM
By: @Nate
By: @Nate
Jerry Rockwell Short Scale...
Posted: Monday March 17 2025, 6:36 PM
By: @Cheryl James
By: @Cheryl James
RIP to our good fotmd...
Posted: Sunday March 16 2025, 4:18 AM
By: @Jan Potts
By: @Jan Potts
Hearts of the Dulcimer.
Posted: Thursday March 13 2025, 9:52 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Scale length
Posted: Thursday March 13 2025, 11:34 AM
By: @Dan
By: @Dan
Introduce Yourself!
Posted: Thursday March 13 2025, 3:38 AM
By: @Nate
By: @Nate
Dulcimer for sale in London UK
Posted: Tuesday March 11 2025, 5:46 AM
By: @jonnyd
By: @jonnyd
Hair line crack bottom back...
Posted: Monday March 10 2025, 2:26 PM
By: @John Pettreemusic
By: @John Pettreemusic
Tuning for a 4 Equidistant...
Posted: Monday March 10 2025, 9:27 AM
By: @
By: @
McSpadden v. Folkcraft?
Posted: Sunday March 9 2025, 10:47 PM
By: @
By: @
Reasons NOT To Get a Chromatic
Posted: Sunday March 9 2025, 8:58 PM
By: @
By: @
Mr Moses Scrivner
Posted: Sunday March 9 2025, 12:13 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Chet Hines “dulcimore”
Posted: Sunday March 2 2025, 5:03 PM
By: @cairney
By: @cairney
Understanding McSpadden...
Posted: Saturday March 1 2025, 10:26 AM
By: @Janis Lewman
By: @Janis Lewman
Music for Kalimba, Dulcimer...
Posted: Friday February 28 2025, 9:00 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
McSpadden 26" VSL Walnut w/...
Posted: Tuesday February 25 2025, 11:19 AM
By: @Susie
By: @Susie
Question about the 6 1/2 fret
Posted: Sunday February 23 2025, 2:22 PM
By: @Skip
By: @Skip
Optimum spacing for the two...
Posted: Sunday February 23 2025, 11:27 AM
By: @Cristian Huet
By: @Cristian Huet
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