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
• 16 minutes ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "When to replace tuners":
Posted a response to "When to replace tuners":
"You're welcome. If you need any help with the replacement let me know. I've done it many times.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@notsothoreau
• an hour ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "When to replace tuners":
Posted a response to "When to replace tuners":
"These are geared tuners, so I think I may just replace them. Will probably pick up a replacement bridge and nut too. It was well loved and modified. I figure..."
@ken-longfield
• 2 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "When to replace tuners":
Posted a response to "When to replace tuners":
"If the screw has bottomed out you can place a washer between the wall of the peg head and the shaft of the peg to increase the distance the screw travels...."
@notsothoreau
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "When to replace tuners":
Created a new forum topic "When to replace tuners":
"I have a 1977 Dulcimer Shoppe kit dulcimer. When I got it, it wouldn't stay in tune because the tuners wouldn't hold when tightened. I found out how to..."
@davisjames
• 8 hours ago
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on Louie's Schottische.:
Posted a new Comment on Louie's Schottische.:
"Thanks,Dusty,that you appreciated the "swing" in the melody.It recquires tiny rests between notes,"punctuation".The virtues of the dulcimer are many and..."
@pierre-yves-donnio
• 17 hours ago
• comments: 3
Liked a music item created by @macaodha: Brian Boru's March
Liked a music item created by @macaodha: Brian Boru's March
@alex-lubet
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Reasons NOT To Get a Chromatic":
Posted a response to "Reasons NOT To Get a Chromatic":
"Hi All,
I hope you're doing well.
I'm personally more interested in the chromatic dulcimer question than the "what is a dulcimer?" question. I would observe..."
@marko
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Reasons NOT To Get a Chromatic":
Posted a response to "Reasons NOT To Get a Chromatic":
"Although words do have to mean something, meanings change. Language adapts to accommodate a changing world. This has been confirmed to me many times in my..."
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @mikie:
Posted a new Comment on @mikie:
"Welcome to FOTMD Mikie. It's good to have you aboard. I look forward to your participation here.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@lilley-pad
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Guitar strap (Straplok)":
Created a new forum topic "Guitar strap (Straplok)":
"My original quick release strap was the one from Folk roots it's okay but a bit bulky and you cannot interchange it with other dulcimers. so I decided to..."
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Reasons NOT To Get a Chromatic":
Posted a response to "Reasons NOT To Get a Chromatic":
"The first American-made instruments that were called 'banjos/banzas/banjars' were developed from traditional African instruments such as the akonting. The..."
@richard-streib
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @mikie:
Posted a new Comment on @mikie:
"Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer, Mikie. Glad you joined. This is a wonderful community of great folks who love the mountain dulcimer. Your..."
@steve-c
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Reasons NOT To Get a Chromatic":
Posted a response to "Reasons NOT To Get a Chromatic":
"I understand what you are saying Ken, but my problem with the name is that both the hammered dulcimer and the lap dulcimers have their name because of their..."
@cottage-timbre
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Reasons NOT To Get a Chromatic":
Posted a response to "Reasons NOT To Get a Chromatic":
"I know this is an old thread, and the disagreements have settled down, and trouble maker that I am (please forgive me), I'm going to stir the pot.
Ken Hulme..."
@homer-ross
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Brian Boru's March:
Posted a new Comment on Brian Boru's March:
"Really enjoyed this excellent tune. Thanks for sharing the tune and the description."
@phil-myers
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Brian Boru's March:
Posted a new Comment on Brian Boru's March:
"One of my favorites, Val! Excellent!"
@robin-thompson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Brian Boru's March:
Posted a new Comment on Brian Boru's March:
"What a great tune-- the way you use the drones is magical, Val. So fine!"
@robin-thompson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Liked a music item created by @macaodha: Brian Boru's March
Liked a music item created by @macaodha: Brian Boru's March
@john-petry
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Value of a Mize Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Value of a Mize Dulcimer":
"Then you'll need a nice case. Then you'll need something not so fancy for outside jams, or travel. Then there will be that one that just sounds so pretty......"
@ken-longfield
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Value of a Mize Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Value of a Mize Dulcimer":
"Sounds reasonable to me too.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@john-c-knopf
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Value of a Mize Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Value of a Mize Dulcimer":
"$500 seems reasonable for a Mize. Bob was a master craftsman of dulcimers, so if it's in great shape, then that seems like a fair price to me."
@strumelia
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "For our new members - The Chat":
Posted a response to "For our new members - The Chat":
"Great reminder, Ken. Thanks!It's fun to occasionally catch a member in the chat room on FOTMD, and get to know them a little, or to just leave a message..."
@strumelia
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Value of a Mize Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Value of a Mize Dulcimer":
"Others may chime in here with their own thoughts on this. But in my own opinion, if the dulcimer is in great shape (no cracks, scratches, pegs in good..."
@mikie
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Value of a Mize Dulcimer":
Created a new forum topic "Value of a Mize Dulcimer":
"First post. A guy in town has a Mize dulcimer for sale. He wants $500, way beyond my budget, but it’s nice. He says it’s No. 857 is an early one from the..."
@ken-longfield
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "For our new members - The Chat":
Created a new forum topic "For our new members - The Chat":
"Well, this is really for everyone. There is a Chat feature on FOTMD and I'm not sure many people know about it. At one time we had a rather active group or..."
@richard-streib
• 3 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @worthywords:
Posted a new Comment on @worthywords:
"It's great to have you on board Worthywords. The culture and history, especially family history around the dulcimer is always exciting. There is a lot of..."
@homer-ross
• 3 days ago
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @jack-ferguson: Amazing Grace on 8-string Standard-Bass Scheitholt
Liked a youtube item created by @jack-ferguson: Amazing Grace on 8-string Standard-Bass Scheitholt
@ken-longfield
• 3 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @worthywords:
Posted a new Comment on @worthywords:
"Thanks for your reply. Best wishes as you continue to explore your family tree. The sources you mention, newspapers and census data, have provided some..."
@worthywords
• 4 days ago
• comments: 509
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
"Thanks, Ken - glad to be here.
We are just strictly speculating on our ancestors and dulcimers, but hope to find direct evidence and will share if/when we..."
@ken-longfield
• 4 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @worthywords:
Posted a new Comment on @worthywords:
"Welcome to FOTMD Worthywords. It's good to have you aboard. I'm curious to know whether you have genealogical evidence that your ancestors had experience..."
@ken-longfield
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @mountainmender: My happiness with Heinrich Dulcimers
Liked a forum discussions item created by @mountainmender: My happiness with Heinrich Dulcimers
@robin-thompson
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @mountainmender: My happiness with Heinrich Dulcimers
Liked a forum discussions item created by @mountainmender: My happiness with Heinrich Dulcimers
@mountainmender
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "My happiness with Heinrich Dulcimers":
Created a new forum topic "My happiness with Heinrich Dulcimers":
"I have, currently - in - my - lap, a Heinrich dulcimer numbered 144. This is his very first baritone, and she told me her name is Aster. I am currently..."
@paderau
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Which melody string to remove to make 3 equidistant?":
Posted a response to "Which melody string to remove to make 3 equidistant?":
"Thank you both!"
@ken-longfield
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Hello, Hi again!":
Posted a response to "Hello, Hi again!":
"Welcome back!
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@ken-longfield
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Which melody string to remove to make 3 equidistant?":
Posted a response to "Which melody string to remove to make 3 equidistant?":
"What Dusty said. That' what I do.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@dusty
• 5 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Which melody string to remove to make 3 equidistant?":
Posted a response to "Which melody string to remove to make 3 equidistant?":
"Unless you are going to play with a noter, definitely remove the outer string so that the remaining three would be equidistant. That extra space on the..."
@paderau
• 5 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Which melody string to remove to make 3 equidistant?":
Created a new forum topic "Which melody string to remove to make 3 equidistant?":
"So, I'm back, as I forewarned you all. I got my walnut TK O'Brien yesterday and really like it... definitely sounds different from my traditional 1985 David..."
@susie
• 5 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Hello, Hi again!":
Posted a response to "Hello, Hi again!":
"Welcome back, with encouragement to get back to the dulcimer. "
@strumelia
• 6 days ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on The Shepherd's Wife:
Posted a new Comment on The Shepherd's Wife:
"Sometimes when my husband sneezes really hard in the living room, you can hear the strings of the banjos on the wall resonate. Also, once I was in my office..."
@notsothoreau
• 6 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Hello, Hi again!":
Created a new forum topic "Hello, Hi again!":
"Haven't posted much since 2018 when I was first here. I did move, but to Kansas, not Tennessee. I haven't been playing at all but since I did finally retire,..."
@davisjames
• 6 days ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on The Shepherd's Wife:
Posted a new Comment on The Shepherd's Wife:
"I'm glad that you mentioned the hammered dulcimer in the room...I swear,there is something going on there.The bowed psaltery,yes of course the open strings..."
@davisjames
• 6 days ago
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: The Leather-Winged Bat
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: The Leather-Winged Bat
@davisjames
• 6 days ago
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @jack-ferguson: Amazing Grace on 8-string Standard-Bass Scheitholt
Liked a youtube item created by @jack-ferguson: Amazing Grace on 8-string Standard-Bass Scheitholt
@robin-thompson
• one week ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on @paderau:
Posted a new Comment on @paderau:
"Welcome! Your Gary Mahoney instrument is beautiful, very elegant-looking. I hope you enjoy all your musical journeys! "
@ken-longfield
• one week ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on @paderau:
Posted a new Comment on @paderau:
"Danny, I've never hear of Gary Mahoney but the dulcimer you have of his surely looks nice. May your dulcimers continue to bring you joy.
Ken
"The dulcimer..."
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?
Four-Equidistant Strings
A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
Baritone & Bass Dulcimer...
A Group for discussing the unique aspects of playing...
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
When to replace tuners
Posted: Thursday June 26 2025, 10:46 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Reasons NOT To Get a Chromatic
Posted: Wednesday June 25 2025, 4:12 PM
By: @Alex_Lubet
By: @Alex_Lubet
Guitar strap (Straplok)
Posted: Tuesday June 24 2025, 6:57 PM
By: @Lilley Pad
By: @Lilley Pad
Value of a Mize Dulcimer
Posted: Tuesday June 24 2025, 11:35 AM
By: @John Pettreemusic
By: @John Pettreemusic
For our new members - The Chat
Posted: Tuesday June 24 2025, 9:45 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
My happiness with Heinrich...
Posted: Sunday June 22 2025, 6:40 PM
By: @Mountainmender
By: @Mountainmender
Which melody string to...
Posted: Sunday June 22 2025, 5:58 PM
By: @Paderau
By: @Paderau
Hello, Hi again!
Posted: Sunday June 22 2025, 4:36 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Price estimate on old dulcimer
Posted: Thursday June 19 2025, 1:03 AM
By: @Molly McCurdy
By: @Molly McCurdy
New to the group, several...
Posted: Wednesday June 18 2025, 11:51 AM
By: @Alex_Lubet
By: @Alex_Lubet
Are string breaks dangerous?
Posted: Monday June 16 2025, 10:12 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Tuning my new Dulcimer
Posted: Saturday June 14 2025, 10:11 PM
By: @calvin
By: @calvin
Replacing wood tuners
Posted: Saturday June 14 2025, 7:04 AM
By: @Richard Streib
By: @Richard Streib
Brass instruments
Posted: Thursday June 12 2025, 6:00 PM
By: @ryan-carey
By: @ryan-carey
Introduce Yourself!
Posted: Thursday June 12 2025, 7:04 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
What to Look For When...
Posted: Friday June 6 2025, 4:31 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
larry Barringer
Posted: Thursday June 5 2025, 12:52 PM
By: @calvin
By: @calvin
WANTED: Blue Lion teardrop
Posted: Monday June 2 2025, 6:54 PM
By: @Jill Geary
By: @Jill Geary
Bar Cords
Posted: Sunday June 1 2025, 4:00 AM
By: @Lilley Pad
By: @Lilley Pad
Mountain Dulcimer on The...
Posted: Saturday May 24 2025, 12:38 PM
By: @Jim Yates
By: @Jim Yates
Just String info.
Posted: Thursday May 15 2025, 5:36 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
storing an instrument
Posted: Thursday May 15 2025, 11:51 AM
By: @Wally Venable
By: @Wally Venable
Jim Good dulcimer
Posted: Wednesday May 14 2025, 6:38 PM
By: @wanative07
By: @wanative07
Things to consider with...
Posted: Monday May 12 2025, 7:29 PM
By: @Richard Streib
By: @Richard Streib
Gary Gallier Dulcimer
Posted: Friday May 9 2025, 10:38 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
American old time music.
Posted: Thursday May 8 2025, 8:16 AM
By: @DavisJames
By: @DavisJames
Only 10 to go till 200 members
Posted: Wednesday May 7 2025, 11:37 PM
By: @John Pettreemusic
By: @John Pettreemusic
Mystery dulcimer from 1970
Posted: Wednesday May 7 2025, 10:43 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
tuning pegs
Posted: Tuesday May 6 2025, 9:46 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Any information about this...
Posted: Wednesday April 30 2025, 11:41 AM
By: @Richard Streib
By: @Richard Streib
Read the Site Rules
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Richard Streib  |
Ken Longfield  |
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