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
@ken-longfield • 11 hours ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @marla-weezer:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Marla. It's good to have you aboard. Listen to the audio tracks here and watch the videos. That should help your exposure to mountain..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 14 hours ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Newbie to Dulcimers / 1978 Yeoman":
"There's really no need to post the VSL as you have learned from the builder what was on it to begin with. I would go with that. The configuration the builder..."
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • 15 hours ago • comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on Alaw Elin (Elin's song):
"What a lovely way to honor your beloved friend, Beth. "
DavisJames
@davisjames • 15 hours ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on The Brink of the White Rock (trad. Ireland):
"Love that! There's a great book called "The Islandman" that talks about life on the islands before the people re-settled on the mainland.Perhaps you've read..."
DavisJames
@davisjames • 15 hours ago • comments: 5
Liked a youtube item created by @martin-oesterle: Farewell to Tarwahie
dulcidom
@dulcidom • 16 hours ago • comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @beth-t: Y Pibydd Du/The Black Piper
dulcidom
@dulcidom • 16 hours ago • comments: 3
Liked a youtube item created by @beth-t: Alaw Elin - Elin's Song
dulcidom
@dulcidom • 16 hours ago • comments: 5
Liked a youtube item created by @beth-t: Dyddiau Gwell - Better Days
Richard Streib
@richard-streib • 22 hours ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Newbie to Dulcimers / 1978 Yeoman":
"Regarding your possum board. Some members have used a piece of 3/4" shelf board cut to width and length. I have always preferred to use 1/4" solid wood,..."
Richard Streib
@richard-streib • 22 hours ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @marla-weezer:
"Welcome Marla Weezer to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. So glad you joined. Look around....there is a lot of information here. Let us know if you have..."
jet3rry
@jet3rry • yesterday • comments: 13
Posted a new Comment on Chord Practice:
"Thank you, @Dusty, that helps!  My dulcimer’s VSL is 25”, so not extra-long. It’s reassuring to know that my fingers will likely stretch as I continue..."
ccpastork
@ccpastork • yesterday • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @ccpastork:
"Ken Longfield: Welcome to FOTMD, Ccpastork. Could you be a pastor? The youth in our church's youth group always called me Pastor K. Well, it's good to have..."
ccpastork
@ccpastork • yesterday • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @ccpastork:
"Richard Streib: Welcome Ccpastork to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Glad you joined. That is a nice looking dulcimer. It appears to be in fine shape. You..."
ccpastork
@ccpastork • yesterday • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Newbie to Dulcimers / 1978 Yeoman":
"Thank you to each of you that replied. Thank you for the information on tuning to DAA or CGG.  I checked my guitar cleaning stuff and I’ll have to pass on..."
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • yesterday • comments: 13
Posted a new Comment on Chord Practice:
"@Jet3rry, the first thing to know is that over time the muscles in your fingers will stretch, so that chords that seem impossible now will slowly get more..."
Cindy Stammich
@cindy-stammich • yesterday • comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Dyddiau Gwell - Better Days:
"I could listen to this all day long! Simply beautiful!"
Cindy Stammich
@cindy-stammich • yesterday • comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on @beth-t:
"Beth, after reading about your interest in the mountain dulcimer  and your dulcimer acquisition disorder - I just have one question for you -  How many..."
Cindy Stammich
@cindy-stammich • yesterday • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Alaw Elin - Elin's Song:
"This is such a pretty tune and I sure hope your friend enjoys it.  What a sweet friend you are!  I didn’t know you could do cool stuff like a duet with..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • yesterday • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Newbie to Dulcimers / 1978 Yeoman":
"I am not familiar with Ellen Yeoman or the Mixolydian Musical Woodworks. That probably because I live on the opposite side of the country. It looks to be a..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • yesterday • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @ccpastork:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Ccpastork. Could you be a pastor? The youth in our church's youth group always called me Pastor K. Well, it's good to have you aboard. I..."
Strumelia
@strumelia • yesterday • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Newbie to Dulcimers / 1978 Yeoman":
"Looks like a nice purchase! You should keep in mind that your 1970s dulcimer is diatonically fretted. Many modern dulcimers have an 'extra' fret or two......"
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • yesterday • comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @ccpastork: Newbie to Dulcimers / 1978 Yeoman
Richard Streib
@richard-streib • 2 days ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @ccpastork:
"Welcome Ccpastork to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Glad you joined. That is a nice looking dulcimer. It appears to be in fine shape. You got it at a good..."
Richard Streib
@richard-streib • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Newbie to Dulcimers / 1978 Yeoman":
"Congrats on your new to you dulcimer. It is interesting to note that it has feet on the back. That was somewhat standard in Appalachia long ago. Many people..."
John Pettreemusic
@john-petry • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Newbie to Dulcimers / 1978 Yeoman":
"Great job! I assume you got the case too. Easily worth twice what you paid. Seems to be in fine shape as well. Just about everything that goes out my door is..."
Nate
@nate • 2 days ago • comments: 5
Liked a youtube item created by @beth-t: Dyddiau Gwell - Better Days
ccpastork
@ccpastork • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Newbie to Dulcimers / 1978 Yeoman":
"On Monday I purchased a mountain dulcimer at a local antique store.  I was able to find a little information on the make and model, but I was hoping to find..."
Wally Venable
@wally-venable • 2 days ago • comments: 12
Posted a new Comment on Hindman Dulcimer Homecoming:
"These has been heavy flooding in parts of KY, VA, NC, and WV. In the past, Hindman has been hit very hard on multiple occasions. I pulled the following..."
DavisJames
@davisjames • 2 days ago • comments: 3
Liked a youtube item created by @beth-t: Alaw Elin - Elin's Song
jet3rry
@jet3rry • 2 days ago • comments: 13
Posted a new Comment on Chord Practice:
"Not sure where to post this question but this looks like a relevant place. I’m learning to play chord shapes up and down the fretboard, for example: “L”..."
Strumelia
@strumelia • 2 days ago • comments: 2
Liked a group discussions item created by @robin-thompson: Jean & Edna singing a play party song
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • 2 days ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Jean & Edna singing a play party song:
"You're welcome, KenL!  "
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • 2 days ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Jean sings and plays The Cuckoo:
"You're most welcome, @ken-longfield !  A young musician friend shared both this video and the play party video of Jean & Edna with me and I thought I'd..."
s11141827
@s11141827 • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Tunings you like to use on your dulcimer":
"I tune mine a half step lower due to my vocal range"
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 2 days ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @jan:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Jan. I'm a little behind the others in welcoming you. I'm glad that you are starting mountain dulcimer in your retirement. It will give you..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 2 days ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Jean & Edna singing a play party song:
"Robin, again, thank you for sharing this link. The video from which this and the other clip are taken is a wonderful folk music resource. Ken "The dulcimer..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 2 days ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Jean sings and plays The Cuckoo:
"Thanks for sharing this Robin. Ken "The dulcimer and Jean sing a sweet song.""
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • 3 days ago • comments: 2
Created a new Group discussion "Jean & Edna singing a play party song":
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • 3 days ago • comments: 2
Created a new Group discussion "Jean sings and plays The Cuckoo":
Lilley Pad
@lilley-pad • 3 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "CD listening Help":
"Well it looks like I was a little premature in posting my question a friend of mine just informed me that Yamaha now makes a CD player with a integrated USB..."
s11141827
@s11141827 • 3 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Three Strings or Four ?":
"4 strings are easier to play if they're a little bit thinner."
Homer Ross
@homer-ross • 3 days ago • comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @dulcidom: The Brink of the White Rock (trad. Ireland)
Beth T
@beth-t • 3 days ago • comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Dyddiau Gwell - Better Days:
"Homer Ross: Beautiful!  Thanks Homer!"
Homer Ross
@homer-ross • 3 days ago • comments: 7
Liked a music item created by @beth-t: Alaw Elin (Elin's song)
Homer Ross
@homer-ross • 3 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Alaw Elin - Elin's Song:
"Awesome...thank you for sharing."
Homer Ross
@homer-ross • 3 days ago • comments: 3
Liked a youtube item created by @beth-t: Alaw Elin - Elin's Song
Homer Ross
@homer-ross • 3 days ago • comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Dyddiau Gwell - Better Days:
"Beautiful! "
Homer Ross
@homer-ross • 3 days ago • comments: 5
Liked a youtube item created by @beth-t: Dyddiau Gwell - Better Days
DavisJames
@davisjames • 3 days ago • comments: 5
Liked a youtube item created by @beth-t: Dyddiau Gwell - Better Days
Beth T
@beth-t • 3 days ago • comments: 7
https://fotmd.com/beth-t/uploaded_audio/1309/alaw-elin-elins-song

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...
Baritone & Bass Dulcimer Players

Baritone & Bass Dulcimer...


A Group for discussing the unique aspects of playing...
Little Dulcimers

Little Dulcimers


Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
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...
Public Domain... or Not?

Public Domain... or Not?


Ever wanted to record or post that tune, but you just...
Early & Classical Music

Early & Classical Music


For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
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
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.
Brown Eyed Janie
On East Mill Street (a work-in-progress)
Misty Mountain Moon
Sweet Yellows and Pinks
She Moved Through the Fair
Ble'r wyt ti'n myned? (Where are you going?)
Pwt ar y Bys

Coming Events   All

Hindman Dulcimer Homecoming 2025 -(KY)

Hindman Dulcimer...


Thu Apr 24 2025

Latest gallery Photos   All

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McSpadden chromatic small.jpg
McSpadden and LotR maps small.jpg
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JJF2023Poster.jpeg
Adrian&CarlaNickPic_4741.jpeg
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20230415_201618.jpg
TableHillApril2023.jpeg
langspil.jpg
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Latest Forum Posts   All

Newbie to Dulcimers / 1978...

Posted: Wednesday February 19 2025, 5:01 PM
By: @Ken Longfield

Tunings you like to use on...

Posted: Monday February 17 2025, 8:37 PM
By: @s11141827

CD listening Help

Posted: Monday February 17 2025, 5:36 PM
By: @Lilley Pad

Three Strings or Four ?

Posted: Monday February 17 2025, 5:32 PM
By: @s11141827

1976 Sunhearth #266

Posted: Friday February 14 2025, 3:36 PM
By: @MacDonald001

DAD........but no chords

Posted: Friday February 14 2025, 10:14 AM
By: @Malcolm

A Question about dulcimer...

Posted: Thursday February 13 2025, 8:17 AM
By: @Jerry Posner

Introduce Yourself!

Posted: Tuesday February 11 2025, 10:48 AM
By: @MerlinPicker101

Embellishments

Posted: Saturday February 8 2025, 7:52 PM
By: @jet3rry

RIP to our good fotmd...

Posted: Saturday February 8 2025, 11:08 AM
By: @Ken Longfield

Dda tuning

Posted: Friday February 7 2025, 12:11 PM
By: @Skip

Backing tracks

Posted: Thursday February 6 2025, 8:51 AM
By: @Lilley Pad

International Appalachian...

Posted: Wednesday February 5 2025, 7:18 AM
By: @Robin Thompson

Mountain dulcimer players...

Posted: Tuesday February 4 2025, 9:45 AM
By: @Strumelia

For Sale: Possum Board for...

Posted: Saturday February 1 2025, 7:22 PM
By: @Jill Geary

Action/ nickel under the 7th

Posted: Saturday February 1 2025, 6:59 PM
By: @Nate

McSpadden FM12W care and...

Posted: Tuesday January 28 2025, 1:06 AM
By: @Dusty Turtle

Tuners

Posted: Friday January 24 2025, 4:56 PM
By: @Nate

playing along in a...

Posted: Wednesday January 22 2025, 11:16 AM
By: @Strumelia

Worth Woodworking Dulcimers

Posted: Monday January 20 2025, 8:58 PM
By: @Ken Longfield

Anyone here from UK?

Posted: Sunday January 19 2025, 5:11 AM
By: @Beth T

Wanted: David Beede 3...

Posted: Thursday January 16 2025, 5:54 PM
By: @Uncle Malc

Randy Wilkinson tab book...

Posted: Thursday January 16 2025, 11:03 AM
By: @Strumelia

String Gauge Combination...

Posted: Wednesday January 15 2025, 10:20 AM
By: @ggray

Back to the Bowed Psaltery

Posted: Wednesday January 15 2025, 7:49 AM
By: @Susie

to get chromatic or not

Posted: Wednesday January 15 2025, 2:57 AM
By: @Nate

Dulcimer music tab for rounds

Posted: Monday January 13 2025, 7:47 PM
By: @Jim Yates

The Drifting Thread...

Posted: Monday January 13 2025, 5:00 PM
By: @Strumelia

2024 Folkroots dulcimer...

Posted: Saturday January 11 2025, 10:25 AM
By: @gerardo1000

Any body have an idea what...

Posted: Saturday January 11 2025, 7:11 AM
By: @Mick McLaughlin

Read the Site Rules

Our Welcome Wagon!

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

Jim Fawcett greeterjim.jpg Benjamin Barr greeterben.jpg
  Richard Streib RStreibwithdulcimer_2017_200px.jpg Ken Longfield greeterken.jpg
 

Single Instructor Events / Classifieds

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Membership in Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer is FREE to all.  We gratefully accept donations towards the costs of maintaining this site- which includes hundreds of dollars annually in server and software costs. (you don't have to have a Paypal account to donate- Paypal accepts simple credit card payments as well.) A minimum donation of $5 please.  Read HERE  about FOUR different ways you can help support FOTMD. Questions? email contact@fotmd.com  Together we can keep FOTMD up and running!     Click the Paypal button below to make a quick site donation:

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