Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer!
Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer is the most active and extensive online site for Appalachian Mountain Dulcimers and players on the internet today. Welcome!
Join 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 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. Fear not!...beginner players are especially encouraged. Become a member of Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer (FOTMD) community -it's easy, friendly, and FREE!
After joining, please read the Site Rules before posting. You'll find your very own Member Profile Page by clicking on your name in the links navigation bar across the top of any page..and you'll be all set to join in the fun. Click on different areas and links to get familiar with where things are. Questions about using the new site?- ask them HERE on our site questions forum.
So don't be shy- you've come to exactly the right place to receive or give friendly 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
@marg
• 23 minutes ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "'weeping hearts', 'trailing hearts' or 'crying hearts'":
Posted a response to "'weeping hearts', 'trailing hearts' or 'crying hearts'":
"dusty,
Thanks, I wrote a message to Pristine2's homepage. Will see if he answers, several older messages, I didn't see where he answered so not sure. Hope..."
@marg
• 51 minutes ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Cripple's confession (Hensley mountain dulcimer):
Posted a new Comment on Cripple's confession (Hensley mountain dulcimer):
"Beautiful sound"
@dusty-turtle
• an hour ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "'weeping hearts', 'trailing hearts' or 'crying hearts'":
Posted a response to "'weeping hearts', 'trailing hearts' or 'crying hearts'":
"marg, here is Pristine2's homepage here at FOTMD. He clearly has not been active recently.
As you can see from the ED discussion, even the explanations for..."
@marg
• an hour ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "'weeping hearts', 'trailing hearts' or 'crying hearts'":
Posted a response to "'weeping hearts', 'trailing hearts' or 'crying hearts'":
"I had put Pristine2 in under member search & he didn't pop up. I remember he was a member awhile back.
Some post on hearts, & up-side down ones..."
@dusty-turtle
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "We made the paper (in a good way)":
Posted a response to "We made the paper (in a good way)":
" Cool! Now that your famous, don't forget us little people who knew back when . . ."
@dusty-turtle
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "'weeping hearts', 'trailing hearts' or 'crying hearts'":
Posted a response to "'weeping hearts', 'trailing hearts' or 'crying hearts'":
" marg, Pristine2 is a member here as well, though he is not as active as he used to be. You might consider contacting him to see if he has any information...."
@ken-longfield
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "We made the paper (in a good way)":
Posted a response to "We made the paper (in a good way)":
"That's great! Enjoy the fame.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@marg
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 13
Posted a new Comment on Courage to play publicly:
Posted a new Comment on Courage to play publicly:
" I am with a group & we use a room (open to the hallway) in a Senior Living Center each week to practice or just jam but anyone, anytime can step in..."
@marg
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Thumb pick":
Posted a response to "Thumb pick":
"Gorilla Super Glue is what I had around the house, so that's what I used & clamp it.
The leather works just like if you were to wrap a piece of elec...."
@jeffrey-charles-foster
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 0
Liked @rob-n-lackey's forum discussions:
We made the paper (in a good way)
Liked @rob-n-lackey's forum discussions:
We made the paper (in a good way)
@joe-sanguinette
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Dulcimers I Have Known:
Posted a new Comment on Dulcimers I Have Known:
"these soundholes have been used by a number of builders"
@john-c-knopf
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "We made the paper (in a good way)":
Posted a response to "We made the paper (in a good way)":
" A sharp-looking group. But where are the madding crowds thronged around to listen?
Their loss, I guess."
@dulcinina
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Thumb pick":
Posted a response to "Thumb pick":
"Marge, what kind of glue are you using on the leather? Post a picture of your leather thumb slide if you can. I tried a thumb pick for a slide but wasn't..."
@dulcinina
• 8 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "We made the paper (in a good way)":
Posted a response to "We made the paper (in a good way)":
"Of all the activities mentioned, you're the ones who had the picture in the paper. Always good to be recognized and appreciated. "
@rob-n-lackey
• 9 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "We made the paper (in a good way)":
Created a new forum topic "We made the paper (in a good way)":
"Old Time Music on the Front Page
The Morgantown paper must have had to fill up space Friday. They put us on the front page.
"
@marg
• 10 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "'weeping hearts', 'trailing hearts' or 'crying hearts'":
Posted a response to "'weeping hearts', 'trailing hearts' or 'crying hearts'":
"dusty,
I saw on a everythingdulcimer post 11/2008, pristine2 (when he came over) was going to pick up a carrell teardrop that has the same soundholes..."
@marg
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "'weeping hearts', 'trailing hearts' or 'crying hearts'":
Posted a response to "'weeping hearts', 'trailing hearts' or 'crying hearts'":
"dusty,
Both interesting discussions, I am surprise there isn't a book or something about the meanings of the different soundholes.
thanks"
@dusty-turtle
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "'weeping hearts', 'trailing hearts' or 'crying hearts'":
Posted a response to "'weeping hearts', 'trailing hearts' or 'crying hearts'":
"I can't answer your question, Marg, about the meaning behind the weeping or bleeding hearts. Someone asked that same question a few year ago on Everything..."
@marg
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "'weeping hearts', 'trailing hearts' or 'crying hearts'":
Created a new forum topic "'weeping hearts', 'trailing hearts' or 'crying hearts'":
"If we go back 30+ years, there wasn't as many sound hole designs as now - does anyone know
the meaning behind 'weeping hearts', 'trailing hearts' or..."
@marg
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Dulcimers I Have Known:
Posted a new Comment on Dulcimers I Have Known:
"( "weeping hearts")
What is the meaning of this as a sound hold, is it meant to be sad? I have not seen this very often, Sam Carrell has ' "weeping..."
@marg
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Stone pick":
Posted a response to "Stone pick":
"Love the idea of your stone pick, looks like a worry stone they had years ago. Rubbing it when you are not playing with it, should shine it up or smooth it..."
@marg
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Thumb pick":
Posted a response to "Thumb pick":
"ken,
After playing around with different ways to fasten the leather for my thumb, I have ended up glueing it & that keeps it more an even thickness all..."
@marg
• 15 hours ago
• comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on KENTUCKY MUSIC WEEK -(KY):
Posted a new Comment on KENTUCKY MUSIC WEEK -(KY):
"Crazy storm, be safe"
@marg
• 15 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Revisiting an old build of my own...":
Posted a response to "Revisiting an old build of my own...":
" Beautiful story & I hope your niece will enjoy this adventure that will have a part of you & her mother with her as she plays."
@marg
• 15 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Sam Carrell":
Posted a response to "Sam Carrell":
"( I closed the business & my wife & I moved back to Florida in 1984 )
kelley,
Do you know when in '84 Sam moved back to Fla? The dulcimer I just..."
@ken-longfield
• 18 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Revisiting an old build of my own...":
Posted a response to "Revisiting an old build of my own...":
"I'm sure your niece will treasure the dulcimer even more now that you put the tuners on for her. I hope she has a great time learning to play. Thanks for..."
@jan-potts
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on KENTUCKY MUSIC WEEK -(KY):
Posted a new Comment on KENTUCKY MUSIC WEEK -(KY):
"Looks like the Bardstown area is getting the worst of this tropical storm now, so it should be much better by sunday evening. still watching out for..."
@gary-roys
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Revisiting an old build of my own...":
Posted a response to "Revisiting an old build of my own...":
"Thanks, Mark, for the feedback. Excited to see/hear it "back in play"."
@pierre-yves-donnio
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 6
Liked @jessica-comeau's youtube:
Lavender's Blue, Arranged by Jessica Comeau
Liked @jessica-comeau's youtube:
Lavender's Blue, Arranged by Jessica Comeau
@trevor-boyd
• yesterday
• comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on Strumming:
Posted a new Comment on Strumming:
"These videos are great, Dusty. I'm a guitar/mandolin player so they work well for me. Thank you.
Trevor
"
@trevor-boyd
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Removing a melody string":
Posted a response to "Removing a melody string":
"Wow! Great advice here- thank you everyone. I can see why people need more than one dulcimer "
@strumelia
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Removing a melody string":
Posted a response to "Removing a melody string":
"Great advice from everyone. Trevor mentions he will be fingerpicking, so yes, good to have equidistant strings! Id like to mention though that for Noter..."
@sean-belt
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Removing a melody string":
Posted a response to "Removing a melody string":
"And, of course, if you try removing the outer string and don't like the feel of it, you can always put a new one back on and see how you like it with the..."
@dusty-turtle
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Removing a melody string":
Posted a response to "Removing a melody string":
"Patty's right on this, Trevor. You want to keep the three remaining three strings as equidistant as possible. On most dulcimers that will mean you remove the..."
@trevor-boyd
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Removing a melody string":
Posted a response to "Removing a melody string":
"Thank you, Patty. That makes sense.Trevor"
@patty-from-virginia
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Removing a melody string":
Posted a response to "Removing a melody string":
"The outer string is usually the one most say to remove as the inner string is about the same distance to the middle as the bass is to the middle. I was told..."
@trevor-boyd
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Removing a melody string":
Created a new forum topic "Removing a melody string":
"I'm sure this has been discussed before but I can't find it so apologies for raising it again. My dulcimer has two melody strings. If I wish to remove one,..."
@matthew-andrew
• yesterday
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on My return to the noter!:
Posted a new Comment on My return to the noter!:
"I am also re-working Swing Low, Sweet Chariot. You can do a lot wit it."
@sam
• yesterday
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on The Lakes of Ponchartrain :
Posted a new Comment on The Lakes of Ponchartrain :
"You play wonderfully! Your dulcimer looks and sounds AWESOME!"
@marg
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Sam Carrell":
Posted a response to "Sam Carrell":
"kelley,I am just seeing your post on Sam Carrell, many in the dulcimer world knew of him and I am learning about him now. I just picked up an old dulcimer..."
@marg
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Thumb pick":
Posted a response to "Thumb pick":
"ken,
(Think outside the box!)
I can do that, I have tried the thimble or plastic tubing before but don't like the stiffness since I also use my thumb for..."
@steven-berger
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Dulcimer case:
Posted a new Comment on Dulcimer case:
"Nice case, John! Nice dulcimer, too!
Steven"
@ken-hulme
• 2 days ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on My return to the noter!:
Posted a new Comment on My return to the noter!:
"One of my favorite "old hymns" is the tune Banks of the Bann/Slane/Be Thou My Vision. It was played at a niece's wedding and I suddenly made the connection..."
@ken-hulme
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Thumb pick":
Posted a response to "Thumb pick":
"Marge -- try a large, deep thimble -- plastic or leather. Or a short section of thin plastic tubing I make archer's Thumb Rings out of wood (they are also..."
@sheryl-st-clare
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Dulcimer case:
Posted a new Comment on Dulcimer case:
" Hi John,
Your case is lovely, but let's talk about how you made it for the first dulcimer you made! If that's it in the lovely case, I'd sure like to see..."
@patty-from-virginia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Dulcimer case:
Posted a new Comment on Dulcimer case:
"John, you did a nice job on that! "
@matthew-andrew
• 2 days ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on My return to the noter!:
Posted a new Comment on My return to the noter!:
"I am revisiting old-time hymns at this point."
@johnstoneb
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Dulcimer case:
Posted a new Comment on Dulcimer case:
"Pictures for above narrative
The case sides a 1/2" the top and bottom are 1/4". 1/2" foam on the bottom covered with the fleece 2" foam around the..."
@johnstoneb
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Updated a Group discussion "":
Updated a Group discussion "":
"I just finished this case. It is for the first dulcimer I made. I have to make a couple more definitely use the lessons learned from this one on the next...."
Dulcimer Making
Dulcimer Making
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 making dulcimers or interested in...
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.
Modern/Chord style Players
Do you play chords and fret across all strings? Then this...
Rockin' in the Free World
A group for those of you who like to play music not...
Traditional Irish music & Song
The playing of Traditional Irish music and Song on...
The Music Theory Corner
A Group to talk about Music Theory!
Dulcimer Care & Maintenance
Tips, tricks and techniques to help care for your dulcimer.
fans of Jean Ritchie
A group for those of us who have been inspired by...
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...
Singing with the Dulcimer
Here's a group for those of us who are interested in...
Dulcimer teachers
Do you teach dulcimer? Are you helping others to learn?
Arranging for Dulcimers
A group to discuss creating arrangements of songs for...
Dulcimer Therapy
This group is dedicated to those that visit, or have a...
Mountain Dulcimer History
Share historical information on the history and...
Little Dulcimers
Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
Help Me Learn this Song
Need help learning to play a particular song? Let...
Public Domain... or Not?
Ever wanted to record or post that tune, but you just...
I have extra frets.....
This group is for those who have a 1 1/2 fret, an 8 1/2...
Home Studio Recording
Recording dulcimers, vocals and other instruments in the...
Technology/Software/Amplifying
to share info on all aspects of using tech: Amplifying,...
Call the Tune
"Call the Tune" is a place to post audio and video clips...
Four-Equidistant Strings
A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
Collector's Corner
A group where collectors of antique, vintage, or rare...
Civil War era music
For discussing music that was played around the time of...
Dulcimer Ancestors
Looking at some of the ancestors of the Mountain...
Box Dulcimers
A group for those who play, make, or admire all types of...
GIG TALK!
Do you play gigs? Tell us about your good and not-so-good...
Early & Classical Music
For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
Galax Dulcimer Lovers
Just a group to discuss all things Galax Dulcimer. Tips...
Prayers, Hugs, and Kindness
A group for private sharing and support, whether you are...
Scrap/Recycled wood...
A group for those thrifty and creative folk who like to...
The Bass Dulcimer
This group is for anyone interested in sharing tips and...
Chromatic Dulcimers
For players who enjoy playing dulcimers with ALL the frets!
Rosin the Bow!
Welcome to all who play music using a bow on any type of...
NorthEastern U.S. dulcimer...
For those of us who live in the northeastern United States.
Michigan Dulcimer Players...
All Players in Michigan
Challenged Players
A meeting place for players dealing with disabilities.
Virginia Dulcimer Players
Just thought it would be neet to know how many other...
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....
Baritone Dulcimer Players
A Group for discussing the unique aspects of playing...
California Dulcimer Dreamin'
For dulcimer players living in or just visiting California
Kentucky Dulcimer Players
A group for any players from Kentucky where we can meet...
Pacific Northwest Players
For players who live in or have strong connections to the...
6 string dulcimers
Owning and playing a 6 string, regardless of tuning, and...
Florida Sunshine Dulcimer...
Florida Dulcimer Players
West Virginia players
A group just for dulcimer players in beautiful West...
Composing and Songwriting
Do you like composing original songs? Are you writing a...
Missouri Dulcimer Players
for all the Show Me State dulcimer players
North of the Lakes
for any MD players in Upper Canada (aka Ontario) and the...
FOTMD on the Road
Are your traveling, on vacation, on your way to a...
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...
Indiana Players
Welcome all dulcimer players in the state of Indiana!...
Latest Videos
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Latest Forum Posts All
'weeping hearts', 'trailing...
Posted: Saturday June 24 2017, 2:39 PM
By: @marg
By: @marg
We made the paper (in a...
Posted: Saturday June 24 2017, 11:59 AM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Thumb pick
Posted: Saturday June 24 2017, 10:17 AM
By: @marg
By: @marg
Stone pick
Posted: Saturday June 24 2017, 12:21 AM
By: @marg
By: @marg
Revisiting an old build of...
Posted: Friday June 23 2017, 11:45 PM
By: @marg
By: @marg
Sam Carrell
Posted: Friday June 23 2017, 11:37 PM
By: @marg
By: @marg
Removing a melody string
Posted: Friday June 23 2017, 1:07 PM
By: @Trevor Boyd
By: @Trevor Boyd
Wanted: Dulciborn
Posted: Thursday June 22 2017, 5:10 PM
By: @marg
By: @marg
Looking for a pick
Posted: Thursday June 22 2017, 1:14 PM
By: @marg
By: @marg
Sam Carrell dulcimer
Posted: Thursday June 22 2017, 3:08 AM
By: @marg
By: @marg
Si Bheag Si Mohr dulcimer duet
Posted: Wednesday June 21 2017, 8:14 PM
By: @Ken Hulme
By: @Ken Hulme
Almeda Riddle
Posted: Wednesday June 21 2017, 3:12 PM
By: @Banjimer
By: @Banjimer
Soundboard identification!
Posted: Tuesday June 20 2017, 3:59 PM
By: @Dan
By: @Dan
What Are You Working On?
Posted: Tuesday June 20 2017, 1:26 PM
By: @Sean Ruprecht-Belt
By: @Sean Ruprecht-Belt
Tune You've Had The Most...
Posted: Tuesday June 20 2017, 1:11 PM
By: @Sean Ruprecht-Belt
By: @Sean Ruprecht-Belt
Mel Bay's "Dulcimer...
Posted: Monday June 19 2017, 5:44 PM
By: @John C. Knopf
By: @John C. Knopf
New Bill Berg dulcimer
Posted: Sunday June 18 2017, 1:03 AM
By: @marg
By: @marg
"What was that bell sound I...
Posted: Thursday June 15 2017, 9:03 PM
By: @Brian G.
By: @Brian G.
June Dulcimer
Posted: Thursday June 15 2017, 9:44 AM
By: @Bob
By: @Bob
Yay, Gail Webber!
Posted: Thursday June 15 2017, 2:55 AM
By: @Jan Potts
By: @Jan Potts
1978 Homer Ledford
Posted: Thursday June 15 2017, 2:20 AM
By: @Jan Potts
By: @Jan Potts
Hats off to McSpadden
Posted: Wednesday June 14 2017, 8:31 PM
By: @Sheryl St. Clare
By: @Sheryl St. Clare
Tips on shipping dulcimers
Posted: Wednesday June 14 2017, 10:21 AM
By: @Kristi Keller
By: @Kristi Keller
Wanted: Bonnie Carol dulcimer
Posted: Tuesday June 13 2017, 7:10 PM
By: @Kristi Keller
By: @Kristi Keller
Can any one tell me what...
Posted: Tuesday June 13 2017, 10:05 AM
By: @Steven Berger
By: @Steven Berger
Mobilesheets users...
Posted: Tuesday June 13 2017, 9:30 AM
By: @Joseph Besse
By: @Joseph Besse
Bowing
Posted: Tuesday June 13 2017, 12:06 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Fret Material
Posted: Monday June 12 2017, 11:47 PM
By: @majajog
By: @majajog
Drying freshly harvested...
Posted: Monday June 12 2017, 8:01 PM
By: @Ken Bloom
By: @Ken Bloom
Fixed Bridge and Intonation
Posted: Monday June 12 2017, 5:56 PM
By: @abritabroad
By: @abritabroad
Read the Site Rules
Our Welcome Wagon!
3 CHEERS to our Volunteer Greeters ...for making new members feel right at home:
Jim Fawcett
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John Keane
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Ken Longfield
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Benjamin Barr
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Single Instructor Events / Classifieds
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