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 photos, music clips, and videos, resources for buying instruments, music, and learning materials. Ask your beginner questions and learn to play! All are welcome here no matter what 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 at the top of any page. Click on different links to get familiar with where things are. Questions about using the site?- ask them HERE .  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

Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 3 hours ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @catlover:
"Welcome to FOTMD, CatLover. It's good to have you aboard. I'm sure that you will enjoy playing the mountain dulcimer. Let us know if we can help you any way..."
Richard Streib
@richard-streib • 4 hours ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @catlover:
"Welcome CatLover to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. So glad you joined. Congrats on getting your first dulcimer. You are so right about how the drones..."
Nate
@nate • 5 hours ago • comments: 0
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: Jesus Won't You Come by Here?
MacDonald001
@macdonald001 • 8 hours ago • comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "1976 Sunhearth #266":
"I would like to sell my Sunhearth which W.Martin created in 1976. Inside soundhole is signed and numbered. Original box and paperwork included. A well know..."
John W. McKinstry
@john-w-mckinstry • 8 hours ago • comments: 0
Posted new YouTube video(s):
Jesus Won't You Come by Here?
Beth T
@beth-t • 11 hours ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Alaw Elin (Elin's song):
"Many thanks for your kind remarks @John-Gribble , @Olddog75 , @Jim-Dickens . This little melody means a lot to me."
JimNinSA
@jimninsa • 13 hours ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @jimninsa:
"Thanks!!"
Malcolm
@malcolm • 13 hours ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "DAD........but no chords":
"I take weekly group lessons with Don Pedi and play noter style in all tunings Don plays in ."
Strumelia
@strumelia • 13 hours ago • comments: 21
Posted a new Comment on Tell us your reason for choosing a chromatic dulcimer!:
"jet3rry:Many thanks to everyone for your replies and suggestions!  FOTMD is one of the most friendly and helpful online groups I've encountered.   Yeah..."
John Gribble
@john-gribble • 17 hours ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Alaw Elin (Elin's song):
"Very affecting. Thank you."
John Gribble
@john-gribble • 19 hours ago • comments: 4
Liked a music item created by @beth-t: Alaw Elin (Elin's song)
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 22 hours ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @lady-of-the-forest:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Lady Of The Forest. It's good to have you aboard. Enjoy your dulcimer and have fun learning to play it. Let us know if you have any..."
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • yesterday • comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @steve-c: A little tune I just can’t get out of my head
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • yesterday • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @ktdx:
"Well, I guess that's what happens when you're in a hurry to post something before you need to get out of the house to keep an appointment. Sorry about that...."
olddog75
@olddog75 • yesterday • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Alaw Elin (Elin's song):
"Quite beautiful, Beth...  More,More!!"
Richard Streib
@richard-streib • yesterday • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @mickelouse:
"Glad you joined Mickelouse. Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. That is a great dulcimer you bought, I am sure you are enjoying it.There is a lot of..."
Richard Streib
@richard-streib • yesterday • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @jimninsa:
"Glad you joined JimNinSA. Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. There is a lot of information here as well as a lot of knowledge, experience and..."
Richard Streib
@richard-streib • yesterday • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @ktdx:
"Welcome Ktdx to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It is good to have you. There is a Beginner Players. Go to the home page, click on groups and then Beginner..."
Richard Streib
@richard-streib • yesterday • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @lady-of-the-forest:
"Welcome Lady of the Forest to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. So good to  have you join us. There is a lot of information here. Look around, join in the..."
Jim Dickens
@jim-dickens • yesterday • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Alaw Elin (Elin's song):
"That was lovely. Great job!"
Jim Dickens
@jim-dickens • yesterday • comments: 4
Liked a music item created by @beth-t: Alaw Elin (Elin's song)
Jim Dickens
@jim-dickens • yesterday • comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Fairytale/ Forever love:
"DavisJames: That's lovely.Love the way you pick he dulcimer.Initially I thought it must be a guitar,you make the dulcimer ring.   I thank you and my thumb..."
Jim Dickens
@jim-dickens • yesterday • comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Fairytale/ Forever love:
"[quote="Jim Dickens"] [quote="Robin Thompson"] Lovely-- both the play and your singing!  Thank you for your kind words. That’s very encouraging..."
Jim Dickens
@jim-dickens • yesterday • comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Fairytale/ Forever love:
"Robin Thompson: Lovely-- both the play and your singing!   "
jet3rry
@jet3rry • yesterday • comments: 21
Posted a new Comment on Tell us your reason for choosing a chromatic dulcimer!:
"Hi, All, yes, I can understand the benefit of learning the diatonic frets (thank you, @Dusty, for your explanation).  I don't have a diatonic dulcimer so..."
Nate
@nate • yesterday • comments: 21
Posted a new Comment on Tell us your reason for choosing a chromatic dulcimer!:
"Very true skip, although the sheer quantity of dulcimer tabs available makes them a useful resource in addition to sheet music. Also very good advice to..."
Skip
@skip • yesterday • comments: 21
Posted a new Comment on Tell us your reason for choosing a chromatic dulcimer!:
"Since you say you're able to read the music and know where the notes are I think you don't need tab or fret numbers at all. The tab is for folks like me..."
Nate
@nate • yesterday • comments: 0
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Le Petit Mari
Nate
@nate • yesterday • comments: 0
Liked a youtube item created by @dulcidom: The Brink of the White Rock (trad. Ireland)
Nate
@nate • yesterday • comments: 0
Posted a response to "DAD........but no chords":
"I am not a traditional player and my dulcimers all have a 6.5 fret, but I definitely enjoy playing melody drone with a noter or my thumb in Dad. If I didn't..."
Nate
@nate • yesterday • comments: 21
Posted a new Comment on Tell us your reason for choosing a chromatic dulcimer!:
"I agree with Dusty that it might benefit you to refer to the extra frets as "half frets" rather than tabbing it like a guitar. It will help when you are..."
DavisJames
@davisjames • yesterday • comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Fairytale/ Forever love:
"That's lovely.Love the way you pick he dulcimer.Initially I thought it must be a guitar,you make the dulcimer ring."
DavisJames
@davisjames • yesterday • comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on The 4 poster bed.:
"Hi Beth.Thanks for the link to Mr.Tanner's history.Too bad I never got to meet him(as I did in North America,many "trad" singers and players)...Another thing..."
cairney
@steve-c • 2 days ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on A little tune I just can’t get out of my head:
"Sorry to need to repost this, but the original was replaced by another video not mine..how you ask? I have no idea.  "
Beth T
@beth-t • 2 days ago • comments: 4
Created a new Audio File:
Alaw Elin (Elin's song)
Beth T
@beth-t • 2 days ago • comments: 8
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: The Shortest Day
Beth T
@beth-t • 2 days ago • comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on The 4 poster bed.:
"DavisJames: Hi Beth.Thanks for the link...that fellow was some lilter!Interestingly,the Gower reel is also called Rickett's Hornpipe.One of few N.American..."
Beth T
@beth-t • 2 days ago • comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @steve-c: A little tune I just can’t get out of my head
ktdx
@ktdx • 2 days ago • comments: 491
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
"Good morning @Ken-Longfield and thank you for the welcome. I'd be happy to connect with all the Indiana dulcimer players but it would be a reach. I am in..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 2 days ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @mickelouse:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Mickelouse. It's good to have you aboard. The D550 is a nice dulcimer. I'm sure you will enjoy playing it. Let us know if you have any..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 2 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @jimninsa:
"Welcome to FOTMD, JimNinSA. It's good to have you aboard. Have fun exploring this site. Let us know if you have any questions. I look forward to your..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 2 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @ktdx:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Ktdx. It's good to have you aboard. There are many mountain dulcimer players in Indiana. If you start a discussion asking about dulcimer..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 2 days ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @conrad:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Conrad. It's good to have you aboard. Follow Richard's suggestion. I'm sure you will receive many responses. Ken "The dulcimer sings a..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 2 days ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on A little tune I just can’t get out of my head:
"Sounds like Buffalo Gals to me. That's an interesting interlude between verses. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
Strumelia
@strumelia • 2 days ago • comments: 21
Posted a new Comment on Tell us your reason for choosing a chromatic dulcimer!:
"I know that my reason for having my custom Langspil made with chromatic frets was because I wanted to play some very old (pre Renaissance) music on it, and..."
Jerry Posner
@jerry-posner • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "A Question about dulcimer popularity...":
"In my opinion, because of internet and social media, it seem that the dulcimer is more popular ... or at least, more visible (if you're looking )"
dulcidom
@dulcidom • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Posted new YouTube video(s):
The Brink of the White Rock (trad. Ireland)
cairney
@steve-c • 2 days ago • comments: 2
Sam Edelston
@sam-edelston • 2 days ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Confident with a Dulcimer:
"You're already cool, Dusty. And I'll bet that if you tried messing around with some favorite songs from earlier in your life, you'd come up with some..."
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • 2 days ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Confident with a Dulcimer:
"When I grow up I hope I'm as cool as you, Sam."

Join a Group!   All

Beginner players

Beginner players


Are you a brand new player? Join this group and ask all...
OLD STYLE Drone & Noter players

OLD STYLE Drone & Noter...


If you are an avid fan of the older traditional mountain...
Dulcimer Making

Dulcimer Making


A group for those building dulcimers or interested in...
Modern/Chord style Players

Modern/Chord style Players


Do you play chords and fret across all strings? Then...
Fingerpicking

Fingerpicking


A place to discuss fingerpicking styles of dulcimer...
Hymn and Worship Song Players

Hymn and Worship Song Players


a place to share the hymns and worship songs we are playing.
The Music Theory Corner

The Music Theory Corner


A Group to talk about Music Theory!
Dulcimer Care & Maintenance

Dulcimer Care & Maintenance


Tips, tricks and techniques to help care for your dulcimer.
Rockin' in the Free World

Rockin' in the Free World


A group for those of you who like to play music not...
Mountain Dulcimer History & Traditions

Mountain Dulcimer History &...


Share historical information and resources on the...
Technology/Software/Amplifying

Technology/Software/Amplifying


to share info on all aspects of using tech: Amplifying,...
Singing with the Dulcimer

Singing with the Dulcimer


Here's a group for those of us who are interested in...
Arranging/composing for Dulcimers

Arranging/composing for...


A group to discuss creating arrangements of songs and...
Baritone & Bass Dulcimer Players

Baritone & Bass Dulcimer...


A Group for discussing the unique aspects of playing...
Little Dulcimers

Little Dulcimers


Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
Four-Equidistant Strings

Four-Equidistant Strings


A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
fans of Jean Ritchie

fans of Jean Ritchie


A group for those of us who have been inspired by...
Help Me Learn this Song

Help Me Learn this Song


Need help learning to play a particular song? Let another...
I have extra frets.....

I have extra frets.....


This group is for those who have a 1 1/2 fret, an 8 1/2...
Early & Classical Music

Early & Classical Music


For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
Public Domain... or Not?

Public Domain... or Not?


Ever wanted to record or post that tune, but you just...
Dulcimer Therapy

Dulcimer Therapy


This group is dedicated to those that visit, or have a...
Home Studio Recording

Home Studio Recording


Recording dulcimers, vocals and other instruments in the...
Dulcimer teachers

Dulcimer teachers


Do you teach dulcimer? Are you helping others to learn?
Dulcimer Ancestors

Dulcimer Ancestors


Looking at some of the ancestors of the Mountain...
Stick Dulcimers/Strumsticks

Stick Dulcimers/Strumsticks


Regardless of what name you favor, this group is a...
UK and European Mountain Dulcimers

UK and European Mountain...


A group which hopefully allows players/makers in this...
Box Dulcimers

Box Dulcimers


A group for those who play, make, or admire all types...
Chromatic Dulcimers

Chromatic Dulcimers


For players who enjoy playing dulcimers with ALL the frets!
Galax Dulcimer Lovers

Galax Dulcimer Lovers


Just a group to discuss all things Galax Dulcimer. Tips...
Call the Tune

Call the Tune


"Call the Tune" is a place to post audio and video...
GIG TALK!

GIG TALK!


Do you play gigs? Tell us about your good and not-so-good...
Civil War era music

Civil War era music


For discussing music that was played around the time of...
Scrap/Recycled wood Dulcimer Challenge

Scrap/Recycled wood...


A group for those thrifty and creative folk who like to...
Rosin the Bow!

Rosin the Bow!


Welcome to all who play music using a bow on any type of...
Challenged Players

Challenged Players


A meeting place for players dealing with disabilities.
NorthEastern U.S. dulcimer players

NorthEastern U.S. dulcimer...


For those of us who live in the northeastern United States.
Virginia Dulcimer Players

Virginia Dulcimer Players


Just thought it would be neet to know how many other...
Prayers, Hugs, and Kindness

Prayers, Hugs, and Kindness


A group for private sharing and support, whether you are...
California Dulcimer Dreamin'

California Dulcimer Dreamin'


For dulcimer players living in or just visiting California
North Carolinians Plus

North Carolinians Plus


The Three Sides of North Carolina: Mountains / Piedmont /...
Texas Dulcimer Enthusiasts

Texas Dulcimer Enthusiasts


Howdy ya'll! Come on by for a cup o' joe and jammin....
6 string dulcimers

6 string dulcimers


Owning and playing a 6 string, regardless of tuning, and...
Kentucky Dulcimer Players

Kentucky Dulcimer Players


A group for any players from Kentucky where we can meet...
West Virginia players

West Virginia players


A group just for dulcimer players in beautiful West...
Florida Sunshine Dulcimer Group

Florida Sunshine Dulcimer...


Florida Dulcimer Players
Pacific Northwest Players

Pacific Northwest Players


For players who live in or have strong connections to the...
FOTMD on the Road

FOTMD on the Road


Are your traveling, on vacation, on your way to a...
Missouri Dulcimer Players

Missouri Dulcimer Players


for all the Show Me State dulcimer players
Indiana Players

Indiana Players


Welcome all dulcimer players in the state of Indiana!...
North of the Lakes

North of the Lakes


for any MD players in Upper Canada (aka Ontario) and the...
Arkansas Mtn Dulcimer Players

Arkansas Mtn Dulcimer Players


For those who live in Arkansas and love playing the...
AussieTalk!

AussieTalk!


For dulcimer players in Australia.-Be sure to create...
Site Moderators Group

Site Moderators Group


A private group to allow FOTMD moderators to communicate...

Latest Audio

  All
Alaw Elin (Elin's song)
Fairytale/ Forever love
The Shortest Day
The 4 poster bed.
Champagne Waltz.
Emma´s Waltz
Lost in the Woods
Mediaeval Noodle with Metronome
Jet's Piece
Departure
Minor Waltz
Pavane 2 experiment.
Deer at Dusk, a work-in-progress
Gorhoffedd Owain Cyfeiliog (Owain Cyfeiliog's Delight)
Malltraeth
Y Lili (The Lilly)
Belle Isle March
Drunken Captain.
Traveling Mercies - a work-in-progress, for PMOTPD
Our Foundling, a work-in-progress
Valse Clog de Peribonka.
Pelargir
The Indian's Lament.
Brown Eyed Janie
On East Mill Street (a work-in-progress)
Misty Mountain Moon
Sweet Yellows and Pinks
She Moved Through the Fair
Ble'r wyt ti'n myned? (Where are you going?)
Pwt ar y Bys

Coming Events   All

Hindman Dulcimer Homecoming 2025 -(KY)

Hindman Dulcimer...


Thu Apr 24 2025

Latest gallery Photos   All

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McSpadden chromatic small.jpg
McSpadden and LotR maps small.jpg
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JJF2023Poster.jpeg
Adrian&CarlaNickPic_4741.jpeg
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20230415_201618.jpg
TableHillApril2023.jpeg
langspil.jpg
electric.JPG
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Latest Forum Posts   All

1976 Sunhearth #266

Posted: Friday February 14 2025, 3:36 PM
By: @MacDonald001

DAD........but no chords

Posted: Friday February 14 2025, 10:14 AM
By: @Malcolm

A Question about dulcimer...

Posted: Thursday February 13 2025, 8:17 AM
By: @Jerry Posner

Introduce Yourself!

Posted: Tuesday February 11 2025, 10:48 AM
By: @MerlinPicker101

Embellishments

Posted: Saturday February 8 2025, 7:52 PM
By: @jet3rry

RIP to our good fotmd...

Posted: Saturday February 8 2025, 11:08 AM
By: @Ken Longfield

Dda tuning

Posted: Friday February 7 2025, 12:11 PM
By: @Skip

Backing tracks

Posted: Thursday February 6 2025, 8:51 AM
By: @Lilley Pad

International Appalachian...

Posted: Wednesday February 5 2025, 7:18 AM
By: @Robin Thompson

Mountain dulcimer players...

Posted: Tuesday February 4 2025, 9:45 AM
By: @Strumelia

For Sale: Possum Board for...

Posted: Saturday February 1 2025, 7:22 PM
By: @Jill Geary

Action/ nickel under the 7th

Posted: Saturday February 1 2025, 6:59 PM
By: @Nate

McSpadden FM12W care and...

Posted: Tuesday January 28 2025, 1:06 AM
By: @Dusty Turtle

Tuners

Posted: Friday January 24 2025, 4:56 PM
By: @Nate

playing along in a...

Posted: Wednesday January 22 2025, 11:16 AM
By: @Strumelia

Worth Woodworking Dulcimers

Posted: Monday January 20 2025, 8:58 PM
By: @Ken Longfield

Anyone here from UK?

Posted: Sunday January 19 2025, 5:11 AM
By: @Beth T

Wanted: David Beede 3...

Posted: Thursday January 16 2025, 5:54 PM
By: @Uncle Malc

Randy Wilkinson tab book...

Posted: Thursday January 16 2025, 11:03 AM
By: @Strumelia

String Gauge Combination...

Posted: Wednesday January 15 2025, 10:20 AM
By: @ggray

Back to the Bowed Psaltery

Posted: Wednesday January 15 2025, 7:49 AM
By: @Susie

to get chromatic or not

Posted: Wednesday January 15 2025, 2:57 AM
By: @Nate

Dulcimer music tab for rounds

Posted: Monday January 13 2025, 7:47 PM
By: @Jim Yates

The Drifting Thread...

Posted: Monday January 13 2025, 5:00 PM
By: @Strumelia

2024 Folkroots dulcimer...

Posted: Saturday January 11 2025, 10:25 AM
By: @gerardo1000

Any body have an idea what...

Posted: Saturday January 11 2025, 7:11 AM
By: @Mick McLaughlin

Hammered Dulcimer EXR

Posted: Saturday January 11 2025, 2:46 AM
By: @Ken Longfield

Balalaika, the most...

Posted: Friday January 10 2025, 9:54 PM
By: @Jim Yates

Wanted: info on my dulcimer

Posted: Friday January 10 2025, 8:12 AM
By: @cairney

String vibrates

Posted: Wednesday January 8 2025, 8:35 PM
By: @Nate

Read the Site Rules

Our Welcome Wagon!

3 CHEERS to our Volunteer Greeters ...for making new members feel right at home :

Jim Fawcett greeterjim.jpg Benjamin Barr greeterben.jpg
  Richard Streib RStreibwithdulcimer_2017_200px.jpg Ken Longfield greeterken.jpg
 

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