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

Ben Barr Jr
@benjamin-w-barr-jr • 4 hours ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @ibsilver:
"Hi Silver, I would suggest perhaps taking it to an instrument shop and seeing what could be done.  It may be that the strings are the wrong gauge for those..."
Ben Barr Jr
@benjamin-w-barr-jr • 4 hours ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @deniseelliott:
"Hi Denise, 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,..."
Ben Barr Jr
@benjamin-w-barr-jr • 4 hours ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @sue:
"Hi Sue, 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,..."
Ben Barr Jr
@benjamin-w-barr-jr • 5 hours ago • comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on @minimejdh:
"Hi Minimejdh, 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..."
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • 6 hours ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Archie Lee and the “1817” Dulcimore:
"Wow!  I know you'll be a great caretaker of this cool dulcimer, David! "
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • 6 hours ago • comments: 2
Liked a group discussions item created by @david-bennett: Archie Lee and the “1817” Dulcimore
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • 6 hours ago • comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Peter’s song :
"Lovely play and singing, Jim. "
todd metcalf
@todd-metcalf • 7 hours ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "David Lynch Baritone":
"OOPs-FALSE ALARM.....the contact I received was NOT ABOUT THE 1993 FOLKCRAFT. So please don't bother a response. It was about a different dulcimer that I'm..."
Strumelia
@strumelia • 7 hours ago • comments: 2
Liked a group discussions item created by @david-bennett: Archie Lee and the “1817” Dulcimore
todd metcalf
@todd-metcalf • 7 hours ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "David Lynch Baritone":
"Dear Ken, Richard, and Dusty...if you have the time...I inquired into the 1993 Folkcraft dulcimer for sale on the FOTMD for sale site. It was posted some..."
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • 8 hours ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "A review of my new album":
"Such an insightful review, Alex!  The musically curious folks who listen to the recording will be rewarded for doing so. "
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • 8 hours ago • comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @alex-lubet: A review of my new album
Jim Dickens
@jim-dickens • 11 hours ago • comments: 1
Created a new Audio File:
Peter’s song
Alex_Lubet
@alex-lubet • 12 hours ago • comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "A review of my new album":
"Hi All, I hope you're doing well in all ways. Here's the latest review of my new album:..."
Sue
@sue • 12 hours ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @sue:
"Thank you.  I'm just starting out on this journey!"
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 13 hours ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @sue:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Sue. It's good to have you aboard. I look forward to your participation here. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 13 hours ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Archie Lee and the “1817” Dulcimore:
"Great article and a wonderful gift. Thanks for sharing all that information. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
David Bennett
@david-bennett • 15 hours ago • comments: 2
Created a new Group discussion "Archie Lee and the “1817” Dulcimore":
"Here is my latest dulcimentary:..."
Mountain Dulcimer History & Traditions
Strumelia
@strumelia • 2 days ago • comments: 3
Liked a photos item created by @luigi: open night 2025 plakat
todd metcalf
@todd-metcalf • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Folkcraft dulcimer,1993, pristine condition, new soft case. ":
"gerardo1000: I am selling a beautiful dulcimer hand made in Connecticut by Folkcraft in 1993, in outstanding pristine condition (please see photos). Scale..."
todd metcalf
@todd-metcalf • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "David Lynch Baritone":
"Ken Longfield: Todd, you are receiving good advice. I just want to make a few clarifications regarding David Lynch's student model dulcimer. His original..."
todd metcalf
@todd-metcalf • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "David Lynch Baritone":
"Richard Streib: Todd, As to where to look for a dulcimer, shopgoodwill.com sometimes has mountain dulcimers. I think  you will do well to take your time and..."
todd metcalf
@todd-metcalf • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "David Lynch Baritone":
"Dusty Turtle: Todd, I see you've found the For Sale Forum here.  That is a great place to find used instruments, although the usual caveats apply. The reason..."
ChcknJ
@chcknj • 2 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on 2.Open Night Germany Villingen:
"Good luck with the event. 🍀"
Beth T
@beth-t • 2 days ago • comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Ymbwyllo (Unwinding):
"olddog75: Very nice and soft, Beth. And I agree with you about the "unwinding". One of my favorite things to do with my dulcimer is to just let the notes..."
olddog75
@olddog75 • 2 days ago • comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Ymbwyllo (Unwinding):
"Very nice and soft, Beth. And I agree with you about the "unwinding". One of my favorite things to do with my dulcimer is to just let the notes come and let..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 3 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "David Lynch Baritone":
"Todd, you are receiving good advice. I just want to make a few clarifications regarding David Lynch's student model dulcimer. His original price on this..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 3 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on 2.Open Night Germany Villingen:
"Best wishes for a great night of folk music Luigi. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • 3 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on 2.Open Night Germany Villingen:
"Way cool, Luigi-- I hope y'all have a lovely evening at the folk club!  "
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • 3 days ago • comments: 3
Liked a photos item created by @luigi: open night 2025 plakat
Richard Streib
@richard-streib • 3 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "David Lynch Baritone":
"Todd, As to where to look for a dulcimer, shopgoodwill.com sometimes has mountain dulcimers. I think  you will do well to take your time and find one made by..."
Luigi
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • 3 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "David Lynch Baritone":
"Todd, I see you've found the For Sale Forum here.  That is a great place to find used instruments, although the usual caveats apply. The reason I mentioned..."
todd metcalf
@todd-metcalf • 3 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Folkcraft dulcimer,1993, pristine condition, new soft case. ":
"Hi..is this still for sale ?   Thanks ! Todd"
todd metcalf
@todd-metcalf • 3 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "David Lynch Baritone":
"Thanks so much, Richard this is super helpful Any idea where to look for another Lynch, or where to shop besides eBay for a used dulcimer ?  Many thx,, Todd"
todd metcalf
@todd-metcalf • 3 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "David Lynch Baritone":
"Richard Streib: I have owned in the past two of David Lynch's dulcimers which were not student models. They both were well made and sounded wonderful. I sold..."
todd metcalf
@todd-metcalf • 3 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "David Lynch Baritone":
"Dusty that response got broken up. Musta hit a key. Ii see we both live in CA. I'm near San Luis Obispo, and no dulcimers in music stores here or Santa..."
todd metcalf
@todd-metcalf • 3 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "David Lynch Baritone":
"Dusty this is such a cool helpful response... I really appreciate it. Thank you. I see you live in CI'llce to hold it in my hands and hear it before buying...."
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • 3 days ago • comments: 6
Liked a music item created by @beth-t: Ymbwyllo (Unwinding)
Marko
@marko • 4 days ago • comments: 6
Liked a music item created by @beth-t: Ymbwyllo (Unwinding)
John C. Knopf
@john-c-knopf • 4 days ago • comments: 11
Posted a new Comment on What's your favorite finish ?:
"I second the vote for Ocooch Hardwoods.  They are outstanding in their product quality and service."
Richard Streib
@richard-streib • 4 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "David Lynch Baritone":
"I have owned in the past two of David Lynch's dulcimers which were not student models. They both were well made and sounded wonderful. I sold them not..."
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • 4 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "David Lynch Baritone":
"@todd-metcalf, the listing should indicate if the dulcimer is a baritone. If it doesn't specify, you can assume it is a standard dulcimer.  Is it worth $250?..."
todd metcalf
@todd-metcalf • 4 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "David Lynch Baritone":
"Hi Everyone, I'm lookin to buy my first dulcimer. I saw David Lynch on Ebay for 250.00. Is that a decent price ?         is there a way to know if it is..."
Beth T
@beth-t • 4 days ago • comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Ymbwyllo (Unwinding):
"DavisJames: That's sweet.The title looks and sounds like "unwinding" not that I know Welsh.A useful word!   Thanks Jamie. A literal translation of..."
Beth T
@beth-t • 4 days ago • comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Ymbwyllo (Unwinding):
"Homer Ross: Beautiful played...such a peaceful tune. I love it! Thank you for sharing. Thank you Homer :-)"
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • 4 days ago • comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on After the Flood:
"Many thanks, @homer-ross -- we're happy you liked this little tune.   Happy strumming! "
Homer Ross
@homer-ross • 4 days ago • comments: 4
Liked a youtube item created by @masaki: "Whiskey Before Breakfast" on Mountain Dulcimer
Homer Ross
@homer-ross • 4 days ago • comments: 7
Liked a youtube item created by @steve-c: Fanny Power by O'Carolan
Homer Ross
@homer-ross • 4 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Planxty Seymour Cleland:
"Awesome well played tune."

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...
Four-Equidistant Strings

Four-Equidistant Strings


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

fans of Jean Ritchie


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

Early & Classical Music


For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
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...
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 Ancestors

Dulcimer Ancestors


Looking at some of the ancestors of the Mountain...
Dulcimer teachers

Dulcimer teachers


Do you teach dulcimer? Are you helping others to learn?
Stick Dulcimers/Strumsticks

Stick Dulcimers/Strumsticks


Regardless of what name you favor, this group is a...
Chromatic Dulcimers

Chromatic Dulcimers


For players who enjoy playing dulcimers with ALL the frets!
UK and European Mountain Dulcimers

UK and European Mountain...


A group which hopefully allows players/makers in this...
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
Peter’s song
Ymbwyllo (Unwinding)
Crawdad Song
Planxty Seymour Cleland
Ramblin' Round.
Isabella
Peace
Varsoviana
 Sharbot's Waltz.
Seven Years.
I Am a Poor Wayfaring Stranger
A Tune For Cece
Headin' South
Pine Cones
Number 6_25 Jinny sound clip
Maggie Darling[tearjerker on the teardrop].
Brian Boru's March
Prairie Medley.
Old Motel
All the Abandoned Mines
Nesting Season
After the Flood
John O'Connor.
Youghal Harbour
The Princess Royal.
Cuncti Simus Concanentes
Danville Girl.
Eventide
Stout Staves, Sure Feet
Alaw Elin (Elin's song)

Coming Events   All

No Coming Events


Latest gallery Photos   All

Open Night 2025 Plakat.png
me playing Mastertone-Gary on whistle-FC-Feb 2025.jpg
Dexter with dulcimers, couch-2025.jpg
Ferguson dulcimer-me-flute circle Aug 2024-2.jpg
Me playing Mastertone-4-FC-Feb 2025.jpg
IMG_0188.jpeg
IMG_0190.jpeg
IMG_0189.jpeg
20240904_170509.jpg
20240829_111806.jpg
20240817_111810.jpg
20240618_151715.jpg
20250709_093431.jpg
20250628_122610.jpg
Ash-and-Chechan-dulcimer.jpg
IMG_0121.jpeg
IMG_0122.jpeg
IMG_0123.jpeg

Latest Forum Posts   All

David Lynch Baritone

Posted: Thursday October 16 2025, 5:10 PM
By: @todd metcalf

A review of my new album

Posted: Thursday October 16 2025, 4:06 PM
By: @Robin Thompson

Folkcraft dulcimer,1993,...

Posted: Wednesday October 15 2025, 12:31 AM
By: @todd metcalf

Extended Range Dulcimer

Posted: Thursday October 9 2025, 9:56 AM
By: @Marko

A question about intonating...

Posted: Monday October 6 2025, 11:06 AM
By: @Skip

John Stockard Dulcimer For...

Posted: Friday October 3 2025, 1:54 PM
By: @Dave shattuck

Listing A Dulcimer For Sale

Posted: Wednesday October 1 2025, 7:11 AM
By: @Old Dawg

Anybody familiar with...

Posted: Tuesday September 30 2025, 6:07 PM
By: @Ken Longfield

A track from my new album

Posted: Tuesday September 23 2025, 5:45 PM
By: @Robin Thompson

jubilee

Posted: Saturday September 20 2025, 1:53 PM
By: @Robin Thompson

Amy Levy: Songs of Love...

Posted: Friday September 19 2025, 12:07 PM
By: @Alex_Lubet

Wanted: The “next” dulcimer

Posted: Thursday September 18 2025, 9:28 PM
By: @Steve Kenny

More or less overtones

Posted: Thursday September 18 2025, 8:55 PM
By: @John Pettreemusic

Stringing a Cripple Creek...

Posted: Thursday September 18 2025, 8:02 PM
By: @Ken Longfield

A review of my new album

Posted: Tuesday September 16 2025, 2:25 PM
By: @Alex_Lubet

Want to buy Warren A. May...

Posted: Monday September 15 2025, 6:23 PM
By: @Jill Geary

Jean Ritchie and her ballad...

Posted: Monday September 15 2025, 12:47 PM
By: @DavisJames

Hello friends, Does anyone...

Posted: Friday September 12 2025, 1:56 PM
By: @sandbar17

How to tune a 22 vsl...

Posted: Sunday September 7 2025, 7:02 PM
By: @Misty

Introduce Yourself!

Posted: Sunday September 7 2025, 4:03 PM
By: @Jack M

Wedge shaped floating bridge

Posted: Sunday September 7 2025, 10:18 AM
By: @Nate

Jewish Music

Posted: Sunday August 31 2025, 10:59 AM
By: @Alex_Lubet

worldwide Play Music on the...

Posted: Sunday August 31 2025, 8:57 AM
By: @Robin Thompson

Good dulcimer for busking?

Posted: Thursday August 28 2025, 12:08 PM
By: @DavisJames

Play Music On The Porch Day...

Posted: Wednesday August 27 2025, 2:20 PM
By: @Robin Thompson

practicing app

Posted: Thursday August 21 2025, 4:50 PM
By: @Nate

New to the group, several...

Posted: Monday August 18 2025, 5:43 AM
By: @Nate

New album

Posted: Sunday August 17 2025, 12:52 PM
By: @Alex_Lubet

"Extra" frets and JI vs ET

Posted: Sunday August 17 2025, 10:34 AM
By: @Strumelia

Pluck by Linda Paulus

Posted: Saturday August 16 2025, 9:02 AM
By: @Robin Thompson

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

Help Keep FOTMD up and Running!

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:

NEW!-   Would you like to become a Special Patron of FOTMD? All donations are 100% applied to paying for site maintenance. Your generosity makes a big difference in what we can do to improve FOTMD!  Become a special 'Patron Member' simply by making a single donation of $35 or more.

In return, your patronage will be recognized for a year with a special Patron designation banner that will be displayed prominently under your member picture on your profile page.  Your Patron ID will show others your generosity in supporting this special site! Above is what the Patron  label looks like on member profile pages, right under your member picture.