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 your photos, music clips and videos, resources for buying instruments, music, and learning materials. Ask beginner questions! All are welcome here no matter 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 in the drop menus. Click on various links to get familiar with where things are. Questions about using the site?- ask them HERE . You've come to the right place to receive 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
@bhixon624
• an hour ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "John Huron dulcimer For Sale ":
Posted a response to "John Huron dulcimer For Sale ":
"Hi! 28” VSL - I’ll take an offer! I’m ready to sell.🤩"
@olddog75
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 0
Liked a youtube item created by @ondrej: Swiss songs for DAD Dulcimer
Liked a youtube item created by @ondrej: Swiss songs for DAD Dulcimer
@dark-eyed-junko
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "John Huron dulcimer For Sale ":
Posted a response to "John Huron dulcimer For Sale ":
"Ooh, that's pretty. Can you tell us the VSL?"
@dark-eyed-junko
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 553
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
"Hi, Ken, and thanks. I've just had a look at Kevin's website, and he seems like an impressive fellow! "
@strumelia
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 0
Liked a youtube item created by @ondrej: Swiss songs for DAD Dulcimer
Liked a youtube item created by @ondrej: Swiss songs for DAD Dulcimer
@robin-thompson
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 11
Posted a new Comment on Fallow Ground:
Posted a new Comment on Fallow Ground:
"@betty-bj-jordan The guitar and mountain dulcimer pair nicely. A good thing since they're the only instruments either of us can play with any real..."
@robin-thompson
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Bed of Marigolds :
Posted a new Comment on Bed of Marigolds :
"@betty-bj-jordan Thank you for listening-- so glad you enjoyed the tune! "
@robin-thompson
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Perfect noter in my kitchen drawer.":
Posted a response to "Perfect noter in my kitchen drawer.":
"I'm glad you were able to put the honey dipper to good use! "
@betty-bj-jordan
• 8 hours ago
• comments: 11
Posted a new Comment on Fallow Ground:
Posted a new Comment on Fallow Ground:
"So very nice. I think the guitar and dulcimer are meant to be.
BJ"
@betty-bj-jordan
• 8 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Bed of Marigolds :
Posted a new Comment on Bed of Marigolds :
"Loved it. Thanks for sharing with us.
BJ"
@dusty
• 17 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Perfect noter in my kitchen drawer.":
Posted a response to "Perfect noter in my kitchen drawer.":
"It might make your strings kind of sticky!"
@ken-longfield
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Perfect noter in my kitchen drawer.":
Posted a response to "Perfect noter in my kitchen drawer.":
"That's a great discovery Robert.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@ken-longfield
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @dark-eyed-junko:
Posted a new Comment on @dark-eyed-junko:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Dark Eyed Junko. It's good to have you aboard. Kevin Roth, a noted dulcimer player was living in San Diego, but I think I recently read..."
@ken-longfield
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Bill Neely Hourglass Questions":
Posted a response to "Bill Neely Hourglass Questions":
"You're welcome Kevin.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@richard-streib
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @dark-eyed-junko:
Posted a new Comment on @dark-eyed-junko:
"Welcome Dark Eyed Junko to Friends of he Mountain Dulcimer. So happy that you have joined. This is a great community of dulcimer aficianados. Look around and..."
@dulcimer-novice
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Bill Neely Hourglass Questions":
Posted a response to "Bill Neely Hourglass Questions":
"I did some research and now see what you are saying about the tuners. Appreciate the insight Ken! "
@dulcimer-novice
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Bill Neely Hourglass Questions":
Posted a response to "Bill Neely Hourglass Questions":
"Thank you! Good info! Not sure exactly what you are saying but it is only because of my ignorance to the subject. I will do some research to catch myself up!..."
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 184
Posted a new Comment on @strumelia:
Posted a new Comment on @strumelia:
"Thanks, I responded to the researcher. That event was 50 years ago. I don't remember all that much about it, except that it happened.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings..."
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Bill Neely Hourglass Questions":
Posted a response to "Bill Neely Hourglass Questions":
"Kevin, that's a very pretty dulcimer. I really like the wood. The top appears to be spruce and the back and sides maple with walnut accents. My only problem..."
@strumelia
• yesterday
• comments: 553
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
"Hi Ken! I sent you a private message. "
@strumelia
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Bill Neely Hourglass Questions":
Posted a response to "Bill Neely Hourglass Questions":
"Pretty with the maple leaves! It's nice that it has additional info with it about the wood type."
@strumelia
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "How to respond to post on latest posts?":
Posted a response to "How to respond to post on latest posts?":
"Welcome!If you are looking at the site from a desktop or laptop view, there should be a "Comment Back" link right in the other person's welcome comment that..."
@dulcimer-novice
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Bill Neely Hourglass Questions":
Posted a response to "Bill Neely Hourglass Questions":
"It is dated the year 2000 and is number 243"
@dulcimer-novice
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Bill Neely Hourglass Questions":
Created a new forum topic "Bill Neely Hourglass Questions":
"I recently picked up this at a local estate sale here in central NC. It is beautiful dulcimer made by Bill Neely from Damascus, VA. I thought about keeping..."
@dulcimer-novice
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @dulcimer-novice:
Posted a new Comment on @dulcimer-novice:
"Thank you for the welcome!"
@dulcimer-novice
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "How to respond to post on latest posts?":
Created a new forum topic "How to respond to post on latest posts?":
"I saw where a couple of gentlemen welcomed me to the site. I can't seem to respond to them. This was in the latest posts section. Do I have to find the forum..."
@caledoniasoul
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "RIP John Huron":
Posted a response to "RIP John Huron":
"Thanks to both of you for your responses! Going to the string store this week..."
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Perfect noter in my kitchen drawer.":
Posted a response to "Perfect noter in my kitchen drawer.":
"Hey what a cool idea, Robert!"
@robert-schuler
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Perfect noter in my kitchen drawer.":
Created a new forum topic "Perfect noter in my kitchen drawer.":
"I was cleaning out my kitchen draws and found a honey dipper. I don't use them and was about to trash it, but while holding it in my palm I thought this..."
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @dulcimer-novice:
Posted a new Comment on @dulcimer-novice:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Dulcimer Novice. It's good to have you aboard. Have fun exploring this site. I look forward to your participation here. Best wishes on..."
@richard-streib
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @dulcimer-novice:
Posted a new Comment on @dulcimer-novice:
"Welcome Dulcimer Novice to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer from a fellow North Carolinian. This is a wonderful community of dulcimer aficionados with a wide..."
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @ken-longfield: 2026 Hindman Dulcimer Homecoming
Liked a forum discussions item created by @ken-longfield: 2026 Hindman Dulcimer Homecoming
@robin-thompson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "2026 Hindman Dulcimer Homecoming":
Posted a response to "2026 Hindman Dulcimer Homecoming":
"Thank you for the link, Ken L! I plan to attend online, too. "
@ken-longfield
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "2026 Hindman Dulcimer Homecoming":
Created a new forum topic "2026 Hindman Dulcimer Homecoming":
"The full information for this year's Homecoming is finally up. Homecoming 2026 If you can't attend in person, you can participate in the workshops,..."
@kimberly-from-ky
• 3 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @kimberly-from-ky:
Posted a new Comment on @kimberly-from-ky:
"Thank you for the welcome! Blessings, Kimberly"
@ken-longfield
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "RIP John Huron":
Posted a response to "RIP John Huron":
"Strumelia gave you the link to the Strother's string wizard. Checking for DAd tuning, it looks like 0.029, 0.020, 0.015. The GDg tuning come out to 0.022,..."
@davisjames
• 3 days ago
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @noah-cline: Vivaldi’s Largo in D
Liked a youtube item created by @noah-cline: Vivaldi’s Largo in D
@strumelia
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "RIP John Huron":
Posted a response to "RIP John Huron":
"An 18" scale is quite short. In my mind it's a length that is more common to epinette des Vosges (a small French dulcimer/zitter 'ancestor'). I typically..."
@caledoniasoul
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "RIP John Huron":
Posted a response to "RIP John Huron":
"I received one of John Huron's instruments as a gift; I'm hopeful someone on the forums can help me with what strings I should put on it.
I believe he..."
@caledoniasoul
• 3 days ago
• comments: 553
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
"Thanks for the welcomes! Appreciate the hospitality."
@ken-longfield
• 4 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @caledoniasoul:
Posted a new Comment on @caledoniasoul:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Caledoniasoul. It's good to have you aboard. Have fun exploring this site. Let us know if you have any questions. We are a knowledgeable..."
@richard-streib
• 4 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @caledoniasoul:
Posted a new Comment on @caledoniasoul:
"Welcome Caledoniasoul to Friends of the Mountain Duclimer. Glad you joined. This is an active forum with a great community. Let us know if you have..."
@david-bennett
• 5 days ago
• comments: 21
Posted a new Comment on Today In Mountain Dulcimer History: November:
Posted a new Comment on Today In Mountain Dulcimer History: November:
"Today In Mountain Dulcimer History: November..."
@strumelia
• 5 days ago
• comments: 47
Posted a new Comment on @phil-myers:
Posted a new Comment on @phil-myers:
"Phil, you have been such a kind and thoughtful member in your support of FOTMD. It is deeply appreciated. "
@david
• 5 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "McSpadden dulcimer for sale":
Created a new forum topic "McSpadden dulcimer for sale":
"Up for sale is a cherry McSpadden beautiful collector dulcimer from the desirable LynnMcSpadden June 2000 era. Hand built in Mountain View, Arkansas. It’s..."
@shopdad
• 5 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Sheet music and tabs for dulcimer":
Created a new forum topic "Sheet music and tabs for dulcimer":
"This is a site that I go to when I'm looking for something else to work on. Some very simple all the way up to "not now, maybe later"...."
@ken-longfield
• 6 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @jleeinmo:
Posted a new Comment on @jleeinmo:
"Welcome to FOTMD, jleeinmo. It's good to have you aboard. We had a great deal of information about mountain dulcimers here. I don't know how much of it is..."
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...
Four-Equidistant Strings
A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
Little Dulcimers
Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
Arranging/composing for...
A group to discuss creating arrangements of songs and...
Baritone & Bass Dulcimer...
A Group for discussing the unique aspects of playing...
Early & Classical Music
For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
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...
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...
I have extra frets.....
This group is for those who have a 1 1/2 fret, an 8 1/2...
Dulcimer Ancestors
Looking at some of the ancestors of the Mountain...
Home Studio Recording
Recording dulcimers, vocals and other instruments in the...
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...
Chromatic Dulcimers
For players who enjoy playing dulcimers with ALL the frets!
UK and European Mountain...
A group which hopefully allows players/makers in this...
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...
GIG TALK!
Do you play gigs? Tell us about your good and not-so-good...
Civil War era music
For discussing music that was played around the time of...
Scrap/Recycled wood...
A group for those thrifty and creative folk who like to...
Challenged Players
A meeting place for players dealing with disabilities.
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.
Prayers, Hugs, and Kindness
A group for private sharing and support, whether you are...
Virginia Dulcimer Players
Just thought it would be neet to know how many other...
6 string dulcimers
Owning and playing a 6 string, regardless of tuning, and...
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....
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...
Florida Sunshine Dulcimer...
Florida Dulcimer Players
West Virginia players
A group just for dulcimer players in beautiful West...
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
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Latest Forum Posts All
John Huron dulcimer For Sale
Posted: Tuesday November 10 2026, 3:23 PM
By: @bhixon624
By: @bhixon624
Perfect noter in my kitchen...
Posted: Tuesday November 10 2026, 10:41 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Bill Neely Hourglass Questions
Posted: Monday November 9 2026, 8:41 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
How to respond to post on...
Posted: Monday November 9 2026, 8:09 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
RIP John Huron
Posted: Sunday November 8 2026, 11:04 PM
By: @caledoniasoul
By: @caledoniasoul
2026 Hindman Dulcimer...
Posted: Sunday November 8 2026, 11:30 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
McSpadden dulcimer for sale
Posted: Thursday November 5 2026, 3:20 PM
By: @David
By: @David
Sheet music and tabs for...
Posted: Thursday November 5 2026, 3:19 PM
By: @Shopdad
By: @Shopdad
Brett Ridgeway YouTube...
Posted: Wednesday November 4 2026, 4:42 PM
By: @Richard Streib
By: @Richard Streib
Your Best, or Worst,...
Posted: Saturday October 31 2026, 5:09 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Happy Halloween
Posted: Saturday October 31 2026, 1:11 PM
By: @BrotherBobGolem
By: @BrotherBobGolem
Bob Thomason
Posted: Friday October 30 2026, 9:30 PM
By: @John C. Knopf
By: @John C. Knopf
Tuning/playing in C ?
Posted: Thursday October 29 2026, 9:55 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
For Jean Ritchie fans
Posted: Tuesday October 27 2026, 7:16 PM
By: @John C. Knopf
By: @John C. Knopf
Luthiers, Builder question...
Posted: Wednesday October 21 2026, 9:36 PM
By: @Luthier
By: @Luthier
Box Dulcimer Project
Posted: Wednesday October 21 2026, 7:24 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Curly Ash Teardrop Dulcimer
Posted: Friday October 16 2026, 4:42 PM
By: @Noah Cline
By: @Noah Cline
Healthy Living- healthy...
Posted: Tuesday October 13 2026, 2:44 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Amp Question
Posted: Saturday October 10 2026, 1:56 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
experiment with the ukulele...
Posted: Friday October 9 2026, 10:04 AM
By: @Skip
By: @Skip
resource information Baritone
Posted: Wednesday October 7 2026, 3:11 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
An Embarrassment of...
Posted: Wednesday October 7 2026, 7:33 AM
By: @Shopdad
By: @Shopdad
McSpadden 'Skunk Stripe'...
Posted: Tuesday September 29 2026, 10:13 AM
By: @michele
By: @michele
For Sale: Box Dulcimer
Posted: Sunday September 27 2026, 2:06 PM
By: @John Pettreemusic
By: @John Pettreemusic
Stoney End Dulcimers - any...
Posted: Sunday September 27 2026, 11:59 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
For Sale: Sunhearth Hourglass
Posted: Wednesday September 23 2026, 8:26 PM
By: @Dwain Wilder
By: @Dwain Wilder
David Massengill
Posted: Tuesday September 22 2026, 11:01 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
New Dulcimer for my 90th...
Posted: Sunday September 20 2026, 10:47 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Diamond 6-String...
Posted: Friday September 18 2026, 6:35 PM
By: @MichaelH
By: @MichaelH
Winfield 2026
Posted: Friday September 18 2026, 5:13 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Read the Site Rules
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