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 in Groups and Forum discussions that interest you, connect with new music friends. Share photos, music clips, and videos, explore resources for buying instruments, music, and learning materials. Ask your beginner player questions and learn to play your favorite tunes! All who love the Appalachian dulcimer are welcome here no matter what your 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.. and you'll be able to join in the fun. Click on different areas and links to get familiar with where things are. Questions about using the site?- ask them HERE . Don't be shy- 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
@howard-rugg
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "FolkRoots Information":
Posted a response to "FolkRoots Information":
"Hello Tom
Yes it's pre-Folkcraft. Date of assembly, 11/3/ 1983"
@recovering-baptist
• 9 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "FolkRoots Information":
Posted a response to "FolkRoots Information":
"Thank you Dusty for the info. I will follow up. No problem moving my post to appropriate forum.
Tom"
@ken-hulme
• 10 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "FolkRoots Information":
Posted a response to "FolkRoots Information":
"Like Dusty, I'm pretty sure that's a "real" FolkRoots Capritaurus, not a re-born Folkcraft. Howard is easy to chat with..."
@dusty-turtle
• 17 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "What Are You Working On?":
Posted a response to "What Are You Working On?":
"I am (very slowly) working on an arrangement of the Irish Gaelic air "Song of the Books" or " Amhrán na Leabha." It's a haunting melody. I found some sheet..."
@dusty-turtle
• 19 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "FolkRoots Information":
Posted a response to "FolkRoots Information":
"Hi Tom,
First, I took the liberty of moving your question to the Forum on specific luthiers, since it seemed more appropriate.
Second, I would guess from the..."
@recovering-baptist
• 19 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "FolkRoots Information":
Created a new forum topic "FolkRoots Information":
"Does anyone have any information regarding a FolkRoots D100S, serial number 193. I would like to know if it is pre-Folkcraft or not.
thanks,
tom"
@strumelia
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Love me tender DAA:
Posted a new Comment on Love me tender DAA:
"Nice playing!
Factoid: This tune is actually a Civil War song "Aura Lee," published in 1861. The tune "Aura Lee" was composed by George R. Poulton. The tune..."
@hobbyhorse
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @don-smith: Have not been on in awhile
Liked a forum discussions item created by @don-smith: Have not been on in awhile
@gale-a-barr
• yesterday
• comments: 11
Liked a group discussions item created by @strumelia: Building the Celtic Strum
Liked a group discussions item created by @strumelia: Building the Celtic Strum
@davey-a
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Have not been on in awhile":
Posted a response to "Have not been on in awhile":
"Wow, I’ve never seen a gourd banjo before. It looks fantastic. So much to learn in life!
Glad your fingers are all there. I try to do fewer stupid things as..."
@gordon-hardy
• 2 days ago
• comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on Good Bye Dear Old Step Stone:
Posted a new Comment on Good Bye Dear Old Step Stone:
"@davey-a Hey Dave, you are indeed welcome! It's great to have you on the site. Thanks for your kind comment and thanks for listening."
@davey-a
• 3 days ago
• comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on Good Bye Dear Old Step Stone:
Posted a new Comment on Good Bye Dear Old Step Stone:
"Thanks Gordon, I enjoyed that.
-Dave"
@davey-a
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Can you tell me about Curt Mangan FusionMatched strings?":
Posted a response to "Can you tell me about Curt Mangan FusionMatched strings?":
"TL/DR; Nell, if ball-end strings are ok, maybe you could try D’addario “Chromes” flat wound stainless steel for the wound string. Mellow toned, and no..."
@gordon-hardy
• 3 days ago
• comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on Good Bye Dear Old Step Stone:
Posted a new Comment on Good Bye Dear Old Step Stone:
"@ken-longfield it was my pleasure! Thank you."
@ken-longfield
• 4 days ago
• comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on Good Bye Dear Old Step Stone:
Posted a new Comment on Good Bye Dear Old Step Stone:
"Thanks for sharing this Gordon. You did a great job of playing and singing this song as well as providing information about it.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a..."
@kevin-burns
• 4 days ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Cantiga 384 on a Celtic Strum:
Posted a new Comment on Cantiga 384 on a Celtic Strum:
"Very nice"
@strumelia
• 5 days ago
• comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on Good Bye Dear Old Step Stone:
Posted a new Comment on Good Bye Dear Old Step Stone:
"Great info, Gordon and Dusty! "
@gordon-hardy
• 5 days ago
• comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on Good Bye Dear Old Step Stone:
Posted a new Comment on Good Bye Dear Old Step Stone:
"@strumelia @robin-thompson @dusty-turtle Thanks folks for listening and for your kind comments. I saw/heard a video by Willy Blake (William Henry..."
@don-smith
• 5 days ago
• comments: 11
Liked a group discussions item created by @strumelia: Building the Celtic Strum
Liked a group discussions item created by @strumelia: Building the Celtic Strum
@dusty-turtle
• 5 days ago
• comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on Good Bye Dear Old Step Stone:
Posted a new Comment on Good Bye Dear Old Step Stone:
"That's a great old tune, Gordon, and you do a nice job with it.
According to the liner notes to Bascom Lamar Lunsford's Ballad's, Banjo Tunes, and..."
@robin-thompson
• 5 days ago
• comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on Good Bye Dear Old Step Stone:
Posted a new Comment on Good Bye Dear Old Step Stone:
"This is a wonderful old sentimental song, Gordon, and I like the way you play & sing it. "
@strumelia
• 5 days ago
• comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on Good Bye Dear Old Step Stone:
Posted a new Comment on Good Bye Dear Old Step Stone:
"May i ask where you found this song Gordon?
It's a sweet/sad sentiment, and I like how you sing it. "
@strumelia
• 5 days ago
• comments: 9
Liked a youtube item created by @gordon-hardy: Good Bye Dear Old Step Stone
Liked a youtube item created by @gordon-hardy: Good Bye Dear Old Step Stone
@dusty-turtle
• 5 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Jack Pudding
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Jack Pudding
@robin-thompson
• 5 days ago
• comments: 12
Posted a new Comment on Brown Little Birds :
Posted a new Comment on Brown Little Birds :
"Oh, thank you, @don-smith! I've seen different spellings for the name yet all are pronounced the same."
@ken-longfield
• 5 days ago
• comments: 11
Posted a new Comment on Building the Celtic Strum:
Posted a new Comment on Building the Celtic Strum:
"Very nice.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@don-smith
• 6 days ago
• comments: 11
Posted a new Comment on Building the Celtic Strum:
Posted a new Comment on Building the Celtic Strum:
"that looks almost like a variation of a mandolin
very beautiful build"
@don-smith
• 6 days ago
• comments: 12
Posted a new Comment on Brown Little Birds :
Posted a new Comment on Brown Little Birds :
"Loved the song Robin
I do not know if I have mentioned this or not but my wifes name is also Robbin and yes i spelled her name correctly it is spelled with..."
@don-smith
• 6 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Have not been on in awhile":
Posted a response to "Have not been on in awhile":
"Robin Thompson:
Don, it's wonderful you're going to build gourd banjos for your kids and grandkids!
Oh, I'm so glad you kept all your fingers in the..."
@robin-thompson
• 6 days ago
• comments: 12
Posted a new Comment on Brown Little Birds :
Posted a new Comment on Brown Little Birds :
"You're right, @strumelia.
My heart is in making music and it feels healing to make music. I think I'm not alone in feeling this way about music. "
@strumelia
• 6 days ago
• comments: 12
Posted a new Comment on Brown Little Birds :
Posted a new Comment on Brown Little Birds :
"Sometimes you don't have to 'know something' to do it beautifully."
@robin-thompson
• 6 days ago
• comments: 12
Posted a new Comment on Brown Little Birds :
Posted a new Comment on Brown Little Birds :
"We're happy you enjoyed the tune, @dusty-turtle! Thank you for the kind comment!
If I knew half the notes I play, @strumelia, I'd feel like I knew..."
@susie
• 6 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Have not been on in awhile":
Posted a response to "Have not been on in awhile":
"Super cool! Glad you're back with us."
@strumelia
• 6 days ago
• comments: 12
Posted a new Comment on Brown Little Birds :
Posted a new Comment on Brown Little Birds :
"Robin, I don't know what half the notes I play are either."
@dusty-turtle
• 6 days ago
• comments: 12
Posted a new Comment on Brown Little Birds :
Posted a new Comment on Brown Little Birds :
"Exquisite! I'm sure I've complimented you, Robin, on your precise and sensitive playing, but I have to do so again. And Mark's rolling arpeggios on the..."
@robin-thompson
• 6 days ago
• comments: 12
Posted a new Comment on Brown Little Birds :
Posted a new Comment on Brown Little Birds :
"Thanks a bunch, @strumelia! Sometimes, the birds like to join us.
I know your comment about the "somewhat unconventional counter-harmony notes" I added..."
@robin-thompson
• 6 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Have not been on in awhile":
Posted a response to "Have not been on in awhile":
"Don, it's wonderful you're going to build gourd banjos for your kids and grandkids!
Oh, I'm so glad you kept all your fingers in the process of working..."
@don-smith
• one week ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Have not been on in awhile":
Posted a response to "Have not been on in awhile":
"Strumelia:
Love that gourd banjer! The moon inlay! And the copper tacks?
Wow i bet it has a wonderful deep voice. How are you tuning it Don? To start I..."
@strumelia
• one week ago
• comments: 12
Liked a youtube item created by @robin-thompson: Brown Little Birds
Liked a youtube item created by @robin-thompson: Brown Little Birds
@strumelia
• one week ago
• comments: 12
Posted a new Comment on Brown Little Birds :
Posted a new Comment on Brown Little Birds :
"Doesn't really get any more perfect and lovely than this. Even the little bird contributing at the end!
I love the somewhat unconventional..."
@strumelia
• one week ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @don-smith: Have not been on in awhile
Liked a forum discussions item created by @don-smith: Have not been on in awhile
@strumelia
• one week ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Have not been on in awhile":
Posted a response to "Have not been on in awhile":
"Love that gourd banjer! The moon inlay! And the copper tacks?
Wow i bet it has a wonderful deep voice. How are you tuning it Don?"
@robin-thompson
• one week ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Have not been on in awhile":
Posted a response to "Have not been on in awhile":
"I like the sound of gourd banjos with deep voices, Don. Enjoy playing your new build! "
@pondoro
• one week ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @don-smith: Have not been on in awhile
Liked a forum discussions item created by @don-smith: Have not been on in awhile
@don-smith
• one week ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Have not been on in awhile":
Posted a response to "Have not been on in awhile":
"Ken Longfield:
Very nice Don. Have fun playing it. Welcome back.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song." Thank you @ken-longfield it only took me about 6..."
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...
Fingerpicking
A place to discuss fingerpicking styles of dulcimer...
Modern/Chord style Players
Do you play chords and fret across all strings? Then...
Hymn and Worship Song Players
a place to share the hymns and worship songs we are playing.
Rockin' in the Free World
A group for those of you who like to play music not...
The Music Theory Corner
A Group to talk about Music Theory!
Dulcimer Care & Maintenance
Tips, tricks and techniques to help care for your dulcimer.
Mountain Dulcimer History &...
Share historical information and resources on the...
Singing with the Dulcimer
Here's a group for those of us who are interested in...
Technology/Software/Amplifying
to share info on all aspects of using tech: Amplifying,...
Arranging/composing for...
A group to discuss creating arrangements of songs and...
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...
Little Dulcimers
Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
Dulcimer Therapy
This group is dedicated to those that visit, or have a...
Four-Equidistant Strings
A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
I have extra frets.....
This group is for those who have a 1 1/2 fret, an 8 1/2...
Baritone Dulcimer Players
A Group for discussing the unique aspects of playing...
Public Domain... or Not?
Ever wanted to record or post that tune, but you just...
Dulcimer teachers
Do you teach dulcimer? Are you helping others to learn?
UK and European Mountain...
A group which hopefully allows players/makers in this...
Stick Dulcimers/Strumsticks
Regardless of what name you favor, this group is a...
Collector's Corner
A group where collectors of antique, vintage, or rare...
Early & Classical Music
For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
Home Studio Recording
Recording dulcimers, vocals and other instruments in the...
Dulcimer Ancestors
Looking at some of the ancestors of the Mountain...
Call the Tune
"Call the Tune" is a place to post audio and video...
Box Dulcimers
A group for those who play, make, or admire all types...
Civil War era music
For discussing music that was played around the time of...
Chromatic Dulcimers
For players who enjoy playing dulcimers with ALL the frets!
GIG TALK!
Do you play gigs? Tell us about your good and not-so-good...
Galax Dulcimer Lovers
Just a group to discuss all things Galax Dulcimer. Tips...
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...
Challenged Players
A meeting place for players dealing with disabilities.
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
Virginia Dulcimer Players
Just thought it would be neet to know how many other...
NorthEastern U.S. dulcimer...
For those of us who live in the northeastern United States.
Texas Dulcimer Enthusiasts
Howdy ya'll! Come on by for a cup o' joe and jammin....
North Carolinians Plus
The Three Sides of North Carolina: Mountains / Piedmont /...
Kentucky Dulcimer Players
A group for any players from Kentucky where we can meet...
6 string dulcimers
Owning and playing a 6 string, regardless of tuning, and...
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A group just for dulcimer players in beautiful West...
Florida Sunshine Dulcimer...
Florida Dulcimer Players
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For players who live in or have strong connections to the...
Missouri Dulcimer Players
for all the Show Me State dulcimer players
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Are your traveling, on vacation, on your way to a...
North of the Lakes
for any MD players in Upper Canada (aka Ontario) and the...
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Welcome all dulcimer players in the state of Indiana!...
Arkansas Mtn Dulcimer Players
For those who live in Arkansas and love playing the...
AussieTalk!
For dulcimer players in Australia. -Be sure to create...
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A private group to allow FOTMD moderators to communicate...
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Latest Forum Posts All
FolkRoots Information
Posted: Thursday September 23 2021, 1:24 PM
By: @Howard Rugg
By: @Howard Rugg
What Are You Working On?
Posted: Thursday September 23 2021, 12:28 AM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Have not been on in awhile
Posted: Wednesday September 22 2021, 8:33 AM
By: @Davey A
By: @Davey A
Can you tell me about Curt...
Posted: Monday September 20 2021, 2:42 PM
By: @Davey A
By: @Davey A
Don Pedi honored
Posted: Thursday September 16 2021, 6:11 AM
By: @Susie
By: @Susie
Fret Markers?
Posted: Tuesday September 14 2021, 8:10 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Tempered tuning
Posted: Monday September 13 2021, 5:31 PM
By: @Skip
By: @Skip
Student searching for her...
Posted: Saturday September 11 2021, 7:33 PM
By: @Susie
By: @Susie
Black Rose Dulcimer by Bill...
Posted: Tuesday September 7 2021, 7:22 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Ways to play in other keys
Posted: Monday September 6 2021, 3:40 PM
By: @CarolynF
By: @CarolynF
New Harmony Dulcimer
Posted: Sunday September 5 2021, 4:53 PM
By: @Outlander-Barb
By: @Outlander-Barb
Hearts Of The Dulcimer...
Posted: Saturday September 4 2021, 4:24 PM
By: @Patricia Delich
By: @Patricia Delich
The Positive Thread...
Posted: Saturday September 4 2021, 11:53 AM
By: @Leo Kretzner
By: @Leo Kretzner
Original illustration...
Posted: Saturday September 4 2021, 5:52 AM
By: @NateBuildsToys
By: @NateBuildsToys
Varying VSL
Posted: Thursday September 2 2021, 9:55 PM
By: @NateBuildsToys
By: @NateBuildsToys
Wanted: Vintage McSpadden...
Posted: Thursday September 2 2021, 9:47 PM
By: @John C. Knopf
By: @John C. Knopf
Healthy Living- healthy...
Posted: Wednesday September 1 2021, 9:57 AM
By: @Corvus
By: @Corvus
worldwide Play Music on the...
Posted: Monday August 30 2021, 8:25 PM
By: @ocean-daughter
By: @ocean-daughter
COVID and Nursing Home Visits
Posted: Saturday August 28 2021, 11:48 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Joni Mitchell and Mountain...
Posted: Thursday August 26 2021, 8:38 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Circle of fifths machine
Posted: Wednesday August 25 2021, 1:57 PM
By: @chris hornby
By: @chris hornby
Locating a Bridge on a new...
Posted: Monday August 23 2021, 5:15 AM
By: @Mick McLaughlin
By: @Mick McLaughlin
Why is it called a possum...
Posted: Saturday August 21 2021, 9:57 AM
By: @Bill Robison
By: @Bill Robison
Meeting to buy a 2007...
Posted: Thursday August 19 2021, 9:54 PM
By: @flossy
By: @flossy
mountain dulcimer...
Posted: Tuesday August 17 2021, 2:30 PM
By: @Joan
By: @Joan
Help with info on a Flat...
Posted: Tuesday August 17 2021, 10:55 AM
By: @illmade2
By: @illmade2
Beaufort County Jail...
Posted: Monday August 16 2021, 4:03 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
John Frazier dulcimer
Posted: Monday August 16 2021, 11:51 AM
By: @steve c.
By: @steve c.
Unknown maker
Posted: Monday August 16 2021, 11:40 AM
By: @steve c.
By: @steve c.
Signature Virginian #3 for...
Posted: Monday August 16 2021, 6:59 AM
By: @Ken Hulme
By: @Ken Hulme
Read the Site Rules
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3 CHEERS to our Volunteer Greeters ...for making new members feel right at home :
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