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
@granto
• an hour ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Minuet in G - Minor Version:
Posted a new Comment on Minuet in G - Minor Version:
"Don Grundy:
Wow! I always enjoy your playing. Where are you going to school?
Thanks! I'm at Cedarville University in Ohio."
@don-grundy
• an hour ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Minuet in G - Minor Version:
Posted a new Comment on Minuet in G - Minor Version:
"Wow! I always enjoy your playing. Where are you going to school? "
@traildad
• 8 hours ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on What key am I playing in?:
Posted a new Comment on What key am I playing in?:
"Ok. For the time being I’ll be using DAd or other common tunings so I’ll go with the bass string tuning or the last note. If it turns out wrong we’ll know..."
@kevin-r
• 10 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to ""Shoat" Hogfiddle for sale":
Posted a response to ""Shoat" Hogfiddle for sale":
"The VSL is 23". It came to me in Aee tuning so it is tuned pretty high. I have tuned it down to Gdd, but liked it better higher. That's just me though. I..."
@strumelia
• 10 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to ""Shoat" Hogfiddle for sale":
Posted a response to ""Shoat" Hogfiddle for sale":
"What's the scale length and recommended tuning for this dulcimer? (i.e. is it smaller or longer than standard?)"
@strumelia
• 10 hours ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on What key am I playing in?:
Posted a new Comment on What key am I playing in?:
"Yes the bass string is 'most commonly' the key note... but not always. There are various types of tunings, including some called 'reverse' tunings where you..."
@skip
• 10 hours ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on What key am I playing in?:
Posted a new Comment on What key am I playing in?:
"Yes/No for the second part of you post, eg., the DGd tuning is G. The reasoning gets complicated very quickly!"
@ken-longfield
• 10 hours ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on What key am I playing in?:
Posted a new Comment on What key am I playing in?:
"Yes. CGG would be the key of C. AEE is the key of A, etc.
Ken,
The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@traildad
• 10 hours ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on What key am I playing in?:
Posted a new Comment on What key am I playing in?:
"Ken Longfield:
You are playing in the key of D.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
So is the bass string tuning the key?"
@ken-longfield
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on What key am I playing in?:
Posted a new Comment on What key am I playing in?:
"You are playing in the key of D.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@traildad
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 6
Created a new Group discussion "What key am I playing in?":
Created a new Group discussion "What key am I playing in?":
"I learning Old Joe Clark noter drone style. My dad asked me what key I am playing it in. I’m tuned in DAd but I don’t know if that means I’m automatically..."
Beginner players
Beginner players
@ken-hulme
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to ""Shoat" Hogfiddle for sale":
Posted a response to ""Shoat" Hogfiddle for sale":
"Heck of a deal here, folks! I also own and play one of Bobby's masterworks. If you been thinking about getting involved in traditional noter & drone..."
@jill-geary
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to ""Shoat" Hogfiddle for sale":
Posted a response to ""Shoat" Hogfiddle for sale":
"Hi Kevin, I sent you a PM. Or you can contact me at: providenceV39 at aol dot com
I'm crazy about noter/drone and I've been interested in the hog fiddle for..."
@dan
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Number 11 20 Mawhee set up:
Posted a new Comment on Number 11 20 Mawhee set up:
"marg:
Beautiful.
What is (number 8 music wire) is that the same as dulcimer strings or guitar strings?
Music wire is a coated piano wire. The tensile..."
@dan
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Number 11 20 Mawhee set up:
Posted a new Comment on Number 11 20 Mawhee set up:
"
Strumelia:
Real handsome dulcimer, Dan!
Thank you!"
@janene-millen
• 17 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on The Water Is Wide:
Posted a new Comment on The Water Is Wide:
"Thank you @Dusty-Turtle and @Rayhomewood. There are so many really nice versions out there, I didn't want to attempt it unless I could add a couple of notes :-)"
@dusty-turtle
• 19 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on The Water Is Wide:
Posted a new Comment on The Water Is Wide:
"Very pretty arrangement, Janene. This tune has a lot of space in the melody, and you fill that space beautifully."
@rayhomewood
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 3
Liked a youtube item created by @gregg-schneeman: "BRITCHES FULL OF STITCHES" - Hummel
Liked a youtube item created by @gregg-schneeman: "BRITCHES FULL OF STITCHES" - Hummel
@rayhomewood
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on The Water Is Wide:
Posted a new Comment on The Water Is Wide:
"Love this! 😀❤️"
@rayhomewood
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 3
Liked a youtube item created by @janene-millen: The Water Is Wide
Liked a youtube item created by @janene-millen: The Water Is Wide
@gale-a-barr
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 3
Liked a youtube item created by @gregg-schneeman: "BRITCHES FULL OF STITCHES" - Hummel
Liked a youtube item created by @gregg-schneeman: "BRITCHES FULL OF STITCHES" - Hummel
@rayhomewood
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on "BRITCHES FULL OF STITCHES" - Hummel:
Posted a new Comment on "BRITCHES FULL OF STITCHES" - Hummel:
"Love this! 😀"
@rayhomewood
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Abbots Bromley Horn Dance:
Posted a new Comment on Abbots Bromley Horn Dance:
"Love it - this is on my learning list now! 😀"
@adulcinate
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 0
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Kostursko Oro (Dodek Je)
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Kostursko Oro (Dodek Je)
@kevin-r
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic ""Shoat" Hogfiddle for sale":
Created a new forum topic ""Shoat" Hogfiddle for sale":
"I am asking $270 + shipping. This hogfiddle was built by Bobby Ratliff of Slate Creek Dulcimers. You might have heard of him? He has a banner ad on the..."
@kevin-r
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on All Poplar Dulcimer:
Posted a new Comment on All Poplar Dulcimer:
"Beautiful...as always."
@richard-streib
• yesterday
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on All Poplar Dulcimer:
Posted a new Comment on All Poplar Dulcimer:
"Looks awesome Bob"
@skip
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Double fretboard & 6 guitar strings":
Posted a response to "Double fretboard & 6 guitar strings":
"Sounds good to me, the second piece especially. I think sometime is the better choice. Maybe a bass [one note on each beat?] arpeggio on some of the longer..."
@marg
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Double fretboard & 6 guitar strings":
Posted a response to "Double fretboard & 6 guitar strings":
"Double Dulcimer Harp:
Thought I would let you hear how I have set up the double dulcimer with the harp strings. there is no pickup, it's all just the..."
@marg
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Installing built-in pick up for 2004 dulcimer?":
Posted a response to "Installing built-in pick up for 2004 dulcimer?":
"(The Cherub violin mic ) Is a mic the same as a pick up, I have seen several listed as I am also looking to some kind of a way hook a pick up on a dulcimer...."
@marg
• yesterday
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Number 11 20 Mawhee set up:
Posted a new Comment on Number 11 20 Mawhee set up:
"Beautiful.
What is (number 8 music wire) is that the same as dulcimer strings or guitar strings?"
@marg
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on "BRITCHES FULL OF STITCHES" - Hummel:
Posted a new Comment on "BRITCHES FULL OF STITCHES" - Hummel:
"I love your Hummel. When you play it, do you always strum all the strings or do you just hit one now & than?
I wondering when dulcimers have extra..."
@marg
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Modern Mountain Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Modern Mountain Dulcimer":
"Beautiful dulcimer and I like that the fretboard is cut away. I have one like that and it allows me to put a Seymour Duncan pickup under the strings; so..."
@ken-hulme
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Making wood tuning pegs:
Posted a new Comment on Making wood tuning pegs:
"I use a stain to change color and a couple coats of tung oil, just like I do on the body."
@jimgoodin
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Modern Mountain Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Modern Mountain Dulcimer":
"Skip thanks - I think I should leave it alone now as it's much improved but thank you re filing the string slot. I had also and hand not mentioned but I put..."
@skip
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Modern Mountain Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Modern Mountain Dulcimer":
"If you have a floating bridge it can be re-positioned, which can help some. Another trick is to make the base string VSL a bit longer by modding its slot in..."
@jimgoodin
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Modern Mountain Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Modern Mountain Dulcimer":
"Skip thanks. I didn't note and just checked dime and nick again (this time right order as I think I had it backwards earlier) but they are much better in..."
@jimgoodin
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Modern Mountain Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Modern Mountain Dulcimer":
"Happy to report that I did 20 sand strokes with 320 (didn't have 400) to nut and saddle and it's notably better. @+/-10 cents where it had been more like..."
@skip
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Modern Mountain Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Modern Mountain Dulcimer":
"Dime next to the 1st fret, nickel on the 7th fret. If its high on the 7th, then mod the bridge, then check both places. Be careful about modding the nut, a..."
@john-c-knopf
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Making wood tuning pegs:
Posted a new Comment on Making wood tuning pegs:
"Ken, I'd say use ever-what you want. I don't think the sound would be affected at all."
@jimgoodin
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Modern Mountain Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Modern Mountain Dulcimer":
"I'm new to the community and latching on to this as I appreciate finding the thread for current needs I'm having. In my case my dulcimer is a bit high at..."
@hobbyhorse
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Liked a group discussions item created by @granto: Classical Gas
Liked a group discussions item created by @granto: Classical Gas
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Created a new Group discussion "Making wood tuning pegs":
Created a new Group discussion "Making wood tuning pegs":
"For those of us who make wood tuning pegs, what finish do you put on your pegs. I have been using shellac, but wonder if there is something better to use...."
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 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...
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...
Dulcimer Therapy
This group is dedicated to those that visit, or have a...
Little Dulcimers
Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
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?
UK and European Mountain...
A group which hopefully allows players/makers in this...
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...
Stick Dulcimers/Strumsticks
Regardless of what name you favor, this group is a...
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...
Early & Classical Music
For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
Collector's Corner
A group where collectors of antique, vintage, or rare...
Call the Tune
"Call the Tune" is a place to post audio and video...
Dulcimer Ancestors
Looking at some of the ancestors of the Mountain...
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
All
Showcase your music event or business here!
Showcase your music event or business here
Latest Forum Posts All
"Shoat" Hogfiddle for sale
Posted: Wednesday September 23 2020, 10:14 PM
By: @Kevin R.
By: @Kevin R.
Double fretboard & 6...
Posted: Tuesday September 22 2020, 11:35 PM
By: @Skip
By: @Skip
Installing built-in pick up...
Posted: Tuesday September 22 2020, 9:42 PM
By: @marg
By: @marg
Modern Mountain Dulcimer
Posted: Tuesday September 22 2020, 9:25 PM
By: @marg
By: @marg
Modern Mountain Dulcimer...
Posted: Sunday September 20 2020, 9:52 AM
By: @Phil Myers
By: @Phil Myers
Hurricane Sally
Posted: Thursday September 17 2020, 11:46 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Embarrassed: just picking...
Posted: Thursday September 17 2020, 6:08 AM
By: @NateBuildsToys
By: @NateBuildsToys
Anyone bidding"
Posted: Thursday September 17 2020, 5:49 AM
By: @Susie
By: @Susie
If I Had a Hammer...
Posted: Wednesday September 16 2020, 8:33 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
I ordered my own dulcimer
Posted: Tuesday September 15 2020, 10:34 AM
By: @traildad
By: @traildad
Does anyone know what kind...
Posted: Monday September 14 2020, 10:24 AM
By: @Ilenef
By: @Ilenef
Contra dancing :)
Posted: Sunday September 13 2020, 1:20 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Healthy Living- healthy...
Posted: Saturday September 12 2020, 8:16 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Virtual Dulcimer Festival...
Posted: Friday September 11 2020, 3:50 PM
By: @Lois Sprengnether Keel
By: @Lois Sprengnether Keel
McSpadden Dulcimer with 1+...
Posted: Wednesday September 9 2020, 5:57 PM
By: @Parker Buckley
By: @Parker Buckley
The Drifting Thread...
Posted: Wednesday September 9 2020, 12:35 PM
By: @Lois Sprengnether Keel
By: @Lois Sprengnether Keel
Any banjo players out there?
Posted: Tuesday September 8 2020, 11:10 PM
By: @Jim Yates
By: @Jim Yates
How is the COVID-19...
Posted: Monday September 7 2020, 12:02 PM
By: @LisavB
By: @LisavB
The Mountain Minor movie
Posted: Sunday September 6 2020, 3:30 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Song Identification Help
Posted: Saturday September 5 2020, 10:20 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Heard of "The Left Hand...
Posted: Saturday September 5 2020, 7:24 PM
By: @Gregg Schneeman
By: @Gregg Schneeman
Choice of Wood: Pertinent...
Posted: Friday September 4 2020, 8:25 PM
By: @Lisa Golladay
By: @Lisa Golladay
Want to get a fretting...
Posted: Friday September 4 2020, 11:32 AM
By: @pattyfromor
By: @pattyfromor
What's the deal with...
Posted: Wednesday September 2 2020, 8:26 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Are there fretless dulcimers?
Posted: Wednesday September 2 2020, 5:05 AM
By: @NateBuildsToys
By: @NateBuildsToys
Glass Bottle Resonator...
Posted: Tuesday September 1 2020, 11:14 PM
By: @NateBuildsToys
By: @NateBuildsToys
worldwide Play Music on the...
Posted: Monday August 31 2020, 8:59 PM
By: @David Bennett
By: @David Bennett
Magnetic pickup vs Piezo vs...
Posted: Monday August 31 2020, 1:57 PM
By: @John C. Knopf
By: @John C. Knopf
Loaner Dulcimer
Posted: Friday August 28 2020, 1:30 PM
By: @Ken Hulme
By: @Ken Hulme
Assessing Tone
Posted: Friday August 28 2020, 1:56 AM
By: @NateBuildsToys
By: @NateBuildsToys
Read the Site Rules
Our Welcome Wagon!
3 CHEERS to our Volunteer Greeters ...for making new members feel right at home :
Jim Fawcett 
|
Rob Lackey 
|
Richard Streib 
|
Ken Longfield 
|
Benjamin Barr 
|
|
Single Instructor Events / Classifieds
Help Keep FOTMD up and Running!
Membership in Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer is FREE to all. We gratefully accept donations towards the costs of maintaining this site- which includes hundreds of dollars annually in server and software costs. (you don't have to have a Paypal account to donate- Paypal accepts simple credit card payments as well.) A minimum donation of $5 please. Read HERE about FOUR different ways you can help support FOTMD. Questions? email contact@fotmd.com Together we can keep FOTMD up and running! Click the Paypal button below to make a quick site donation:
NEW!- Would you like to become a Special Patron of FOTMD? All donations are 100% applied to paying for site maintenance. Your generosity makes a big difference in what we can do to improve FOTMD! Become a special 'Patron Member' simply by making a single donation of $35 or more.
In return, your patronage will be recognized for a year with a special Patron designation banner that will be displayed prominently under your member picture on your profile page. Your Patron ID will show others your generosity in supporting this special site! Above is what the Patron label looks like on member profile pages, right under your member picture.