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
@robert-owens
• 2 hours ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Restoration Of Vintage Arthur Dixon Mountain Dulcimer:
Posted a new Comment on Restoration Of Vintage Arthur Dixon Mountain Dulcimer:
"Thanks Dusty!"
@dusty
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Restoration Of Vintage Arthur Dixon Mountain Dulcimer:
Posted a new Comment on Restoration Of Vintage Arthur Dixon Mountain Dulcimer:
"You did a great job with that restoration, Robert. It looks beautiful."
@robert-owens
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Restoration Of Vintage Arthur Dixon Mountain Dulcimer:
Posted a new Comment on Restoration Of Vintage Arthur Dixon Mountain Dulcimer:
"Thanks Robin!"
@robin-thompson
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Restoration Of Vintage Arthur Dixon Mountain Dulcimer:
Posted a new Comment on Restoration Of Vintage Arthur Dixon Mountain Dulcimer:
"Your restoration looks great!
Happy strumming! "
@frank-dudgeon
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 6
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: Louie's Schottische.
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: Louie's Schottische.
@nate
• 9 hours ago
• comments: 8
Liked a youtube item created by @dulcidom: The Armed Man/It will be fought for you (anon. 15th c.)
Liked a youtube item created by @dulcidom: The Armed Man/It will be fought for you (anon. 15th c.)
@dusty
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Louie's Schottische.:
Posted a new Comment on Louie's Schottische.:
"Can't get this song out of my head. You play it with such an infectious bounce!"
@lilley-pad
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "six string Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "six string Dulcimer":
"Hey Dusty, Thanks I did try to do a search and came up with nothing, but I'll try your link."
@dusty
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "six string Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "six string Dulcimer":
"Although it's been dormant for some time, the 6-String Dulcimers Group here still has a lot of members. Perhaps you could join that group and resurrect a..."
@dusty
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Louie's Schottische.:
Posted a new Comment on Louie's Schottische.:
"Cool! Gotta learn that one!"
@strumelia
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 6
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: Louie's Schottische.
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: Louie's Schottische.
@robin-thompson
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Louie's Schottische.:
Posted a new Comment on Louie's Schottische.:
"It's a fun tune, for sure! If I knew how to dance, I could dance along. "
@strumelia
• yesterday
• comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on Dulcimer for Travelling:
Posted a new Comment on Dulcimer for Travelling:
"If you go down to 20-21" scale length, nudge the fretboard to one side rather than right down the middle, keep the peghead and tail short and maybe even use..."
@davisjames
• 2 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Louie's Schottische.:
Posted a new Comment on Louie's Schottische.:
"Blowing my own horn I suppose....I especially like the "diddley dump" triplet at the start of measures 2 and 4 in the 3rd. part(slow count)...I'm "hammering..."
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on Dulcimer for Travelling:
Posted a new Comment on Dulcimer for Travelling:
"Sounds like a good plan. Are you planning to install frets? On really short scale instruments I like using nice tall fretwire. So much more comfortable when..."
@wally-venable
• 2 days ago
• comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on Dulcimer for Travelling:
Posted a new Comment on Dulcimer for Travelling:
"I decided to explore this further.
The 26 inch length I mentioned in an earlier post is for a custom built box. The handle, feet, wheels, etc. have to be..."
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "six string Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "six string Dulcimer":
"Sorry i Wally i mistyped that"
@wally-venable
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "six string Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "six string Dulcimer":
"Except that mine is Dd-Aa-aa (or maybe dD-aA-aa, or aa-Aa-Dd if you prefer the reverse order)"
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "six string Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "six string Dulcimer":
"Thats similar to my favorite setup for 6 string Wally. dd-Aa- Dd"
@wally-venable
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "six string Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "six string Dulcimer":
"Or like an "unreal Dulcimer." On my 6-string dulcimer, tuned in DAA with 6+ fret, I have a wound string in the middle pair tuned an octave below normal and a..."
@john-c-knopf
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "six string Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "six string Dulcimer":
"Depends on if you want it to sound like a mandolin or a "real" dulcimer."
@dan
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "six string Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "six string Dulcimer":
"Just liken it to a 12 string guitar vs. a six string. I will say different but not better."
@dusty
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "six string Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "six string Dulcimer":
"Hey John. I have a Ron Ewing baritone dulcimette made with 6 strings in three courses. Basically, each string is doubled. I love the sound. I has the pop..."
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "six string Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "six string Dulcimer":
"I have made them a couple different ways. I made one with six courses tuned DADf#ad and it sounded awesome but the melody was at times getting drowned out by..."
@pux0r3
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Amplification of an acoustic dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Amplification of an acoustic dulcimer":
"So, I was afraid to modify my dulcimer and just jammed a KNA AP-2 onto mine. It's been fairly decent. I even got to use it in my regular jam session today..."
@jp
• 2 days ago
• comments: 6
Liked a photos item created by @ariane: alle vier auf treppe mit md web gross
Liked a photos item created by @ariane: alle vier auf treppe mit md web gross
@phil-myers
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Be Thou My Vision:
Posted a new Comment on Be Thou My Vision:
"Thanks Robin and Lisa!"
@robin-thompson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @lilley-pad: six string Dulcimer
Liked a forum discussions item created by @lilley-pad: six string Dulcimer
@lilley-pad
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "six string Dulcimer":
Created a new forum topic "six string Dulcimer":
"Hi kids, just Jon Lilley here from cyberspace. I was hoping to get people's ideas and thoughts on something that I have no idea about. Never seen one, never..."
@richard-streib
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Just starting out, have a question:
Posted a new Comment on Just starting out, have a question:
"If you start out with the 6.5 fret and play in Ionian mode you will learn to skip over it as if it isn't there.
Starting with songs for which you know the..."
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on @malcolm:
Posted a new Comment on @malcolm:
"Other than that Don was the only one to send in his workshop tabs, I don't know. The others may be waiting to hand it in tomorrow and expect the folks in..."
@malcolm
• 2 days ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on @malcolm:
Posted a new Comment on @malcolm:
"Any idea why Don Pedi is the only one with tab for the Hindman Homecoming which starts tomorrow."
@greatlakes73
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Just starting out, have a question:
Posted a new Comment on Just starting out, have a question:
"Thanks for the advice! I can see how it would be super easy to accumulate multiple dulcimers before knowing what I really want. 😉
of..."
@greatlakes73
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Liked a group discussions item created by @greatlakes73: Just starting out, have a question
Liked a group discussions item created by @greatlakes73: Just starting out, have a question
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Just starting out, have a question:
Posted a new Comment on Just starting out, have a question:
"My only suggestion is- start with DAA tuning (or CGG, one step lower if you like)... simply because it will be easier to find all the notes you need on the..."
@greatlakes73
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Created a new Group discussion "Just starting out, have a question":
Created a new Group discussion "Just starting out, have a question":
"Hello all! Just starting out with the dulcimer and have linked up with a local club that (I expect) will play mostly fingerdancing/chording style. I have a..."
OLD STYLE Drone & Noter players
OLD STYLE Drone & Noter players
@strumelia
• 3 days ago
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Kak U Sokola (Like a Falcon)
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Kak U Sokola (Like a Falcon)
@strumelia
• 3 days ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Kak U Sokola (Like a Falcon):
Posted a new Comment on Kak U Sokola (Like a Falcon):
"I always enjoy your traditional folk songs from around the world, Mark."
@strumelia
• 3 days ago
• comments: 3
Liked a youtube item created by @phil-myers: Be Thou My Vision
Liked a youtube item created by @phil-myers: Be Thou My Vision
@strumelia
• 3 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Rockin' in the Free World:
Posted a new Comment on Rockin' in the Free World:
"Hi @Alex-Lubet , I fixed your youtube link below so it's working now. I suggest you don't use the Youtube "share" link when inserting a video here. Instead,..."
@robin-thompson
• 3 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Be Thou My Vision:
Posted a new Comment on Be Thou My Vision:
"Those low strings give this lovely hymn a very different and very nice sound, Phil. "
@robin-thompson
• 3 days ago
• comments: 3
Liked a youtube item created by @phil-myers: Be Thou My Vision
Liked a youtube item created by @phil-myers: Be Thou My Vision
@alex-lubet
• 3 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Rockin' in the Free World:
Posted a new Comment on Rockin' in the Free World:
"Hi All,
I attempted to post this link to the group a few days ago, but don't see it here:
If I'm doing something wrong, please let me know. Otherwise,..."
@nate
• 3 days ago
• comments: 5
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
@robert-owens
• 3 days ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Restoration Of Vintage Arthur Dixon Mountain Dulcimer:
Posted a new Comment on Restoration Of Vintage Arthur Dixon Mountain Dulcimer:
"If you would like to see what a disaster this dulcimer was before I took on restoring it, I'll attach a few photos here. I'm very glad to have found FOTMD..."
@robert-owens
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Help with restoring a 1962 Arthur Dixon dulcimer?":
Posted a response to "Help with restoring a 1962 Arthur Dixon dulcimer?":
"Thanks Dan!And thanks Ken for the suggestions on the instruction books, and the tip on the DAA scale. I'll check out those books!"
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...
Early & Classical Music
For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
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...
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
six string Dulcimer
Posted: Friday April 25 2025, 2:34 PM
By: @Lilley Pad
By: @Lilley Pad
Amplification of an...
Posted: Thursday April 24 2025, 1:28 AM
By: @Pux0r3
By: @Pux0r3
Help with restoring a 1962...
Posted: Tuesday April 22 2025, 10:29 PM
By: @Robert Owens
By: @Robert Owens
Free Tab books, New (taken)
Posted: Tuesday April 22 2025, 10:27 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
New Harmony saddle?
Posted: Saturday April 19 2025, 4:31 PM
By: @Debi
By: @Debi
John Stockard Dulcimer
Posted: Saturday April 19 2025, 8:04 AM
By: @Old Dawg
By: @Old Dawg
recommendations for...
Posted: Friday April 18 2025, 12:12 PM
By: @John Pettreemusic
By: @John Pettreemusic
Good dulcimer for busking?
Posted: Friday April 18 2025, 3:12 AM
By: @Nate
By: @Nate
Chet Hines “dulcimore”
Posted: Friday April 18 2025, 2:48 AM
By: @John Pettreemusic
By: @John Pettreemusic
Mountain Dulcimer on The...
Posted: Thursday April 17 2025, 1:49 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
2 dulcimer dilemma
Posted: Tuesday April 15 2025, 9:33 PM
By: @John Pettreemusic
By: @John Pettreemusic
WTB: glass noter
Posted: Tuesday April 15 2025, 7:36 AM
By: @Mike59
By: @Mike59
Don Neuhauser
Posted: Monday April 14 2025, 6:18 AM
By: @Lilley Pad
By: @Lilley Pad
International Appalachian...
Posted: Sunday April 13 2025, 9:33 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Mountain Dulcimer Picture...
Posted: Sunday April 13 2025, 6:09 AM
By: @dulcidom
By: @dulcidom
Tinny sounding strings
Posted: Friday April 11 2025, 10:02 AM
By: @Wally Venable
By: @Wally Venable
Gold Tone Dulciborn -...
Posted: Thursday April 10 2025, 5:35 PM
By: @
By: @
Anyone Recognize This Builder
Posted: Wednesday April 2 2025, 10:51 AM
By: @msdeebee
By: @msdeebee
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
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
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