Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer!
Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer is the most active and extensive site for Appalachian Mountain Dulcimer players and builders on the internet. 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.
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
@ken-hulme
• 31 minutes ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Action is too low":
Posted a response to "Action is too low":
"You've got the nickel & dime idea WRONG.
The strings should just touch a dime setting next to the first fret.
They should also just touch a nickel..."
@dan
• 2 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Curved back dulcimers":
Posted a response to "Curved back dulcimers":
"Bill Robison:
Thanks Dan, the soak and heat process was in my mind. Did you notice any advantages to the curved back other than looks?
Yes they are..."
@traildad
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Action is too low":
Posted a response to "Action is too low":
"It’s a new dulcimer so I won’t try any self help first. I will sight down the fretboard though. I’ve noticed several times that it is tuned sharp when I..."
@robert-schuler
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Action is too low":
Posted a response to "Action is too low":
"Sight down the Fingerboard it may be warped. Try putting a very thin shim under the bass side of the bridge. A shim should be no thicker than a guitar pick...."
@irene
• 8 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "What's fer dinner?":
Posted a response to "What's fer dinner?":
"Nathina, I'm loving your humor. tiniest turkey I've ever seen. and Lois. some meal for sure....errrrrrrrrrrrrr. I hope your husband gets better really..."
@irene
• 9 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Action is too low":
Posted a response to "Action is too low":
"Well, I've filed frets, but you need to talk to the maker of this dulcimer. You might need to raise the bridge and I suggest that before you go a filing..."
@traildad
• 9 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Action is too low":
Created a new forum topic "Action is too low":
"I noticed a buzz on the bass string fretting at the 9th fret a while back. Now the bass string has a buzz unfretted. I got a dime and a nickel and checked..."
@lois-sprengnether-keel
• 9 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "What's fer dinner?":
Posted a response to "What's fer dinner?":
"Haven't had time to be here since my Roadie finally came home from Rehab. One week in hospital & month & a half to get him slightly mobile. Home..."
@john-c-knopf
• 9 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "McSpadden v. Folkcraft?":
Posted a response to "McSpadden v. Folkcraft?":
"My idea is if the dulcimer is curvy (hourglass), it's a LADY. If the dulcimer has a fat middle (Galax or teardrop), it's a GENT. Nature itself should..."
@strumelia
• 9 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "McSpadden v. Folkcraft?":
Posted a response to "McSpadden v. Folkcraft?":
"LisavB:
I'd love to do a sound clip for you all...haven't done one before. What's the most straightforward way you all use to post here? I have an iPhone..."
@dusty-turtle
• 10 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "McSpadden v. Folkcraft?":
Posted a response to "McSpadden v. Folkcraft?":
"@nathina, many years ago I started a discussion here called " Dulcimer Gender Studies " asking exactly why so many people give their dulcimers female names...."
@booboo2001
• 12 hours ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Hindman Luthiery school giving people a second chance:
Posted a new Comment on Hindman Luthiery school giving people a second chance:
"Such an uplifting story!"
@nathina
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "McSpadden v. Folkcraft?":
Posted a response to "McSpadden v. Folkcraft?":
"I always wonder if I should call may instruments, he she or it? Now if it is from a male tree it would be he, from a female tree her and from a self..."
@strumelia
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Giving Thanks":
Posted a response to "Giving Thanks":
"Terry, so lovely to read this."
@nathina
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "What's fer dinner?":
Posted a response to "What's fer dinner?":
"Ken I'm coming over. My turkey was on the small side this year. Picture included."
@adulcinate
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @marg: 'We Gather Together'
Liked a youtube item created by @marg: 'We Gather Together'
@don-grundy
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "What's fer dinner?":
Posted a response to "What's fer dinner?":
"I KNEW Ken’s meal would be spectacular"
@ken-hulme
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "What's fer dinner?":
Posted a response to "What's fer dinner?":
"Dinner for four instead of twelve or more this year. I made red-cooked turkey breast, walnut-lentil loaf for vegetarian Lady Sally, dressing, fresh cranberry..."
@jan-potts
• 15 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "What's fer dinner?":
Posted a response to "What's fer dinner?":
"Sounds great! We'll have our usual dinner for two: roast turkey breast, cornbread dressing, green beans, baked sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes and gravy,..."
@lisavb
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "McSpadden v. Folkcraft?":
Posted a response to "McSpadden v. Folkcraft?":
"She sounds...amazing. Yesterday, I spent several hours(!) trying everything imaginable on her. DAD, CGC, w/ and w/o capo, high register/low register,..."
@terry-wilson
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Giving Thanks":
Posted a response to "Giving Thanks":
"My wife has been a pianist since 6 years old. I always loved to hear her play, but for the Last 10 years or so, she doesn’t play much. But for the last..."
@don-grundy
• 17 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Giving Thanks":
Posted a response to "Giving Thanks":
"I have a fraternity brother who plays his piano every afternoon for Zen time. I think it connects him to his youth, grown children, and scattered brothers."
@john-w-mckinstry
• 18 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on 'We Gather Together':
Posted a new Comment on 'We Gather Together':
"Thanks Marg for sharing this on this Thanksgiving Day. It is nice to know that we gather together at this site and share our common interest in this..."
@slate-creek-dulcimers
• 18 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Darlin Corey:
Posted a new Comment on Darlin Corey:
"Robin Thompson:
You do such a good job with these old ballads, Bobby.
thank you"
@strumelia
• 18 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Giving Thanks":
Posted a response to "Giving Thanks":
"Don Grundy: My son built a Folkcraft cardboard dulcimer for me last Christmas. On the side of the fretboard he burned: “Life seems to go on without effort..."
@marg
• 18 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on 'We Gather Together':
Posted a new Comment on 'We Gather Together':
"We may be celebrating the Holidays differently - but, 'not alone'
Happy, Healthy Thanksgiving
'We Gather Together'
"
@robin-thompson
• 18 hours ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Conversation with Death:
Posted a new Comment on Conversation with Death:
"Yeah, I know. :) Have a nice Thanksgiving. "
@robin-thompson
• 18 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Darlin Corey:
Posted a new Comment on Darlin Corey:
"You do such a good job with these old ballads, Bobby. "
@dusty-turtle
• 18 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Giving Thanks":
Posted a response to "Giving Thanks":
"It's remarkable how long ago I wrote that original piece. And after all this time, I am even more grateful for the camaraderie we have created here at FOTMD...."
@robin-thompson
• 19 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dr. George Orthey, Mountain dulcimer and Autoharp maker":
Posted a response to "Dr. George Orthey, Mountain dulcimer and Autoharp maker":
"I haven't yet gotten my DPN but will be sure to pay special attention to your remembrance, @ken-longfield. "
@slate-creek-dulcimers
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Conversation with Death:
Posted a new Comment on Conversation with Death:
"Robin Thompson:
@slate-creek-dulcimers If you think that's an insult, you'd be wrong. haha I feel twice that old!
Naaa, just messing with..."
@slate-creek-dulcimers
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Brown Little Birds:
Posted a new Comment on Brown Little Birds:
"Beautiful tune! I'm sitting here drinking coffee and watching my birds at the feeder"
@slate-creek-dulcimers
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 1
Liked a soundcloud item created by @robin-thompson: Brown Little Birds
Liked a soundcloud item created by @robin-thompson: Brown Little Birds
@robin-thompson
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Conversation with Death:
Posted a new Comment on Conversation with Death:
"@slate-creek-dulcimers If you think that's an insult, you'd be wrong. haha I feel twice that old! "
@slate-creek-dulcimers
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Pretty Polly:
Posted a new Comment on Pretty Polly:
"Robin Thompson:
The match of the mountain dulcimer and your voice is just right, Bobby.
Thanks sis!"
@slate-creek-dulcimers
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Conversation with Death:
Posted a new Comment on Conversation with Death:
"Robin Thompson:
I'm thinking you're about a hundred years old, Bobby! :) You can play and sing and make it sound so old. Cool.
And you're my older..."
@robin-thompson
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Conversation with Death:
Posted a new Comment on Conversation with Death:
"I'm thinking you're about a hundred years old, Bobby! :) You can play and sing and make it sound so old. Cool. "
@bob-reinsel
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 12
Posted a new Comment on Thanksgiving Song. Feast well!:
Posted a new Comment on Thanksgiving Song. Feast well!:
"Ha! I kind of forgot about that one. Happy Thanksgiving!"
@robin-thompson
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Pretty Polly:
Posted a new Comment on Pretty Polly:
"The match of the mountain dulcimer and your voice is just right, Bobby. "
@slate-creek-dulcimers
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 7
Liked a music item created by @macaodha: The trip we took over the mountain (Irish Waltz)
Liked a music item created by @macaodha: The trip we took over the mountain (Irish Waltz)
@slate-creek-dulcimers
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 12
Liked a music item created by @macaodha: Fáinne Geal an Lae (Dawning of the Day)
Liked a music item created by @macaodha: Fáinne Geal an Lae (Dawning of the Day)
@slate-creek-dulcimers
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Darlin Corey:
Posted a new Comment on Darlin Corey:
"MacAodha:
This is mighty stuff, no learning needed here.
Thank you!"
@don-grundy
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Giving Thanks":
Posted a response to "Giving Thanks":
"Great article......BUT......pull out your dulcimer and make a joyful noise!
My son built a Folkcraft cardboard dulcimer for me last Christmas.
On the side..."
@don-grundy
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "What's fer dinner?":
Posted a response to "What's fer dinner?":
"Pork loin, baked sweet potato and green beans.
Ice cream on a brownie with chocolate sauce.
Macys Parade; a bit of football, and then to the Hallmark..."
@ken-longfield
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 12
Posted a new Comment on Thanksgiving Song. Feast well!:
Posted a new Comment on Thanksgiving Song. Feast well!:
"Thanks for bringing this to the forefront again, Lisa. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@macaodha
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Darlin Corey:
Posted a new Comment on Darlin Corey:
"This is mighty stuff, no learning needed here."
@ken-longfield
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dr. George Orthey, Mountain dulcimer and Autoharp maker":
Posted a response to "Dr. George Orthey, Mountain dulcimer and Autoharp maker":
"Thank you, Dusty. For any writer, it is helpful to have an excellent editor, which Ashley Ernst is. My thanks go to Ashley for her help and encouragement...."
@strumelia
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Giving Thanks":
Posted a response to "Giving Thanks":
"I just found this wonderful article on how to enjoy your holidays this year if you are by yourself at home......"
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.
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...
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...
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...
Dulcimer teachers
Do you teach dulcimer? Are you helping others to learn?
Public Domain... or Not?
Ever wanted to record or post that tune, but you just...
Baritone Dulcimer Players
A Group for discussing the unique aspects of playing...
UK and European Mountain...
A group which hopefully allows players/makers in this...
I have extra frets.....
This group is for those who have a 1 1/2 fret, an 8 1/2...
Stick Dulcimers/Strumsticks
Regardless of what name you favor, this group is a...
Home Studio Recording
Recording dulcimers, vocals and other instruments in the...
Early & Classical Music
For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
Collector's Corner
A group where collectors of antique, vintage, or rare...
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...
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...
Box Dulcimers
A group for those who play, make, or admire all types of...
Galax Dulcimer Lovers
Just a group to discuss all things Galax Dulcimer. Tips...
Chromatic Dulcimers
For players who enjoy playing dulcimers with ALL the frets!
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...
Prayers, Hugs, and Kindness
A group for private sharing and support, whether you are...
Challenged Players
A meeting place for players dealing with disabilities.
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...
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...
Missouri Dulcimer Players
for all the Show Me State dulcimer players
FOTMD on the Road
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...
Indiana Players
Welcome all dulcimer players in the state of Indiana!...
AussieTalk!
For dulcimer players in Australia. -Be sure to create...
Arkansas Mtn Dulcimer Players
For those who live in Arkansas and love playing the...
Site Moderators Group
A private group to allow FOTMD moderators to communicate...
Latest Videos
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Showcase your music event or business here!
Showcase your music event or business here
.jpg "unicorns by Linda Foley, Lost Valley D's, Apr'82 (d25).jpg")
.jpg "unicorn s holes, by Eddie Damm Apr'81 (d87).jpg")
.jpg "fish s holes, by Pete Kappes (d94).jpg")
.jpg "duck sound holes, Jul'82, unknown (d98).jpg")
.jpg "dog head s holes, by Pete Kappes, May'82 (d93).jpg")
.jpg "f-holes, by Steve Smith, Phila PA (d68).jpg")
Latest Forum Posts All
Action is too low
Posted: Friday November 27 2020, 6:50 AM
By: @Ken Hulme
By: @Ken Hulme
Curved back dulcimers
Posted: Friday November 27 2020, 5:20 AM
By: @Dan
By: @Dan
What's fer dinner?
Posted: Thursday November 26 2020, 10:30 PM
By: @IRENE
By: @IRENE
McSpadden v. Folkcraft?
Posted: Thursday November 26 2020, 9:49 PM
By: @John C. Knopf
By: @John C. Knopf
Giving Thanks
Posted: Thursday November 26 2020, 6:01 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Dr. George Orthey, Mountain...
Posted: Thursday November 26 2020, 12:07 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
New McSpadden Flatwater...
Posted: Wednesday November 25 2020, 7:11 PM
By: @Susie
By: @Susie
Now Thank We All Our God
Posted: Wednesday November 25 2020, 6:41 PM
By: @Richard Streib
By: @Richard Streib
Tab for "Hail Against the...
Posted: Wednesday November 25 2020, 2:10 PM
By: @Scott Allen
By: @Scott Allen
No wonder everyone has more...
Posted: Tuesday November 24 2020, 3:13 PM
By: @Susie
By: @Susie
Native American Flutes
Posted: Tuesday November 24 2020, 10:45 AM
By: @Susie
By: @Susie
How to re-glue a bridge
Posted: Monday November 23 2020, 9:55 PM
By: @IRENE
By: @IRENE
How Do I Attach Photos To A...
Posted: Sunday November 22 2020, 1:30 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
How is the COVID-19...
Posted: Sunday November 22 2020, 9:10 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
How do I add my new photo...
Posted: Friday November 20 2020, 9:06 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Blue Lion Dulcimers why so...
Posted: Wednesday November 18 2020, 10:02 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Bridge and Nut fix question
Posted: Tuesday November 17 2020, 9:54 PM
By: @traildad
By: @traildad
What Are You Working On?
Posted: Tuesday November 17 2020, 10:25 AM
By: @Jan Potts
By: @Jan Potts
The Positive Thread...
Posted: Monday November 16 2020, 11:01 AM
By: @Susie
By: @Susie
If this is true the Piezo...
Posted: Sunday November 15 2020, 9:08 PM
By: @Nathina
By: @Nathina
Dulcimer Dimensions
Posted: Sunday November 15 2020, 6:19 PM
By: @Nathina
By: @Nathina
I bought this bag for the...
Posted: Sunday November 15 2020, 6:09 PM
By: @Nathina
By: @Nathina
GigBook & a pedal
Posted: Sunday November 15 2020, 4:58 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
4 ways to promote your...
Posted: Saturday November 14 2020, 3:41 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Can Anyone Identify the...
Posted: Saturday November 14 2020, 2:24 PM
By: @Nathina
By: @Nathina
How do I get this sidebar...
Posted: Saturday November 14 2020, 1:59 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Healthy Living- healthy...
Posted: Thursday November 12 2020, 9:36 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Where do I add the Strap...
Posted: Wednesday November 11 2020, 8:49 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
The Drifting Thread...
Posted: Wednesday November 11 2020, 12:43 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Type of dulcimer wall hanger
Posted: Tuesday November 10 2020, 1:13 PM
By: @Kusani
By: @Kusani
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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Rob Lackey 
|
Richard Streib 
|
Ken Longfield 
|
Benjamin Barr 
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Single Instructor Events / Classifieds
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