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
@jim-fawcett
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Deep Ellum Blues 03-30-2020:
Posted a new Comment on Deep Ellum Blues 03-30-2020:
"Great job as usual, Rob. "
@glowhazel
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Glowhazel - Ambient Dulcimer Music:
Posted a new Comment on Glowhazel - Ambient Dulcimer Music:
"Luigi:
Can you tell me more about your equipment? What effects do you use?
I'm manipulating the sound of the dulcimer with two pedals - the Wampler..."
@ariane
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on Ode an die Freude:
Posted a new Comment on Ode an die Freude:
"@Hobbyhorse - thank you very much for your kind comment - I am happy that you like it"
@luigi
• 8 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Glowhazel - Ambient Dulcimer Music:
Posted a new Comment on Glowhazel - Ambient Dulcimer Music:
"Can you tell me more about your equipment? What effects do you use?"
@hobbyhorse
• 9 hours ago
• comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on Ode an die Freude:
Posted a new Comment on Ode an die Freude:
"Thank you for the performance, i loved it, and thank you for the link to the arrangement"
@glenda-hubbard
• 12 hours ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @natebuildstoys: What's the deal with Aquavinas?
Liked a forum discussions item created by @natebuildstoys: What's the deal with Aquavinas?
@glenda-hubbard
• 12 hours ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @dusty-turtle: How is the COVID-19 coronavirus affecting you?
Liked a forum discussions item created by @dusty-turtle: How is the COVID-19 coronavirus affecting you?
@ken-hulme
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Next Build - Not quite a dulcimer:
Posted a new Comment on Next Build - Not quite a dulcimer:
"I hope you didn't make each fret individually; but rather made a 'stick' and cut lengths off of it..."
@jcm
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Next Build - Not quite a dulcimer:
Posted a new Comment on Next Build - Not quite a dulcimer:
"So, some more progress on this langeleik build. Still tons of work, but at least you can see where it's going. Cleaned up the pegheads a bit and cut..."
@robert-winslow
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 63
Posted a new Comment on Favorite Hymn to play - anytime:
Posted a new Comment on Favorite Hymn to play - anytime:
"I Love To Tell The Story
Holy Manna
Precious Memories"
@gordon-hardy
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Nearer My God To Thee:
Posted a new Comment on Nearer My God To Thee:
"Steven Berger:
Sung and played well, Gordon! I love the story of the dance band on the Titanic playing this hymn as the ship went down. Have you ever..."
@dusty-turtle
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "How is the COVID-19 coronavirus affecting you?":
Posted a response to "How is the COVID-19 coronavirus affecting you?":
"That's pretty good, David. I had a similar idea. I put new lyrics to the old blues song "She caught the Katy and left me a mule to ride." My version goes..."
@david-bennett
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "How is the COVID-19 coronavirus affecting you?":
Posted a response to "How is the COVID-19 coronavirus affecting you?":
"I am now telecommuting and as a result getting a little cabin fever. Bobby Ratliff has got some of us learning Waterbound. It's a nice little tune and the..."
@natebuildstoys
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on New doodad:
Posted a new Comment on New doodad:
"Steven Berger:
Thanks, Nate, you answered my question. "Constricted" was not quite the right word, Since it's loud, obviously the thin waist design didn't..."
@steven-berger
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Nearer My God To Thee:
Posted a new Comment on Nearer My God To Thee:
"Sung and played well, Gordon! I love the story of the dance band on the Titanic playing this hymn as the ship went down. Have you ever heard Mississippi John..."
@steven-berger
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on New doodad:
Posted a new Comment on New doodad:
"Thanks, Nate, you answered my question. "Constricted" was not quite the right word, Since it's loud, obviously the thin waist design didn't affect the volume..."
@gordon-hardy
• 18 hours ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Deep Ellum Blues 03-30-2020:
Posted a new Comment on Deep Ellum Blues 03-30-2020:
"Thanks Rob, great story telling. Love your playing and singing!"
@robin-thompson
• 19 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Maddie MacNeil":
Posted a response to "Maddie MacNeil":
"Friends, here is Maddie's obituary. Included is a video of the memorial service-- a simple outdoor service and, appropriately, a song from Maddie was..."
@natebuildstoys
• 19 hours ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on New doodad:
Posted a new Comment on New doodad:
"Steven Berger:
It;s nice, but is the sound in any way constricted?
Hello and thank you! I am not sure what exactly you mean by constricted, but it is..."
@dan
• 19 hours ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on New doodad:
Posted a new Comment on New doodad:
"Good to see folks who are still willing to experiment! You learn so much ....."
@phil-myers
• 19 hours ago
• comments: 3
Liked a youtube item created by @butch-ross: How Can I Keep From Singing? (for Maddie)
Liked a youtube item created by @butch-ross: How Can I Keep From Singing? (for Maddie)
@steven-berger
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Deep Ellum Blues 03-30-2020:
Posted a new Comment on Deep Ellum Blues 03-30-2020:
"Keep 'em comin', Rob!"
@steven-berger
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on A bit of humor for builders & Aussies:
Posted a new Comment on A bit of humor for builders & Aussies:
"Looks like a space alien...."E T call home"!"
@steven-berger
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on New doodad:
Posted a new Comment on New doodad:
"It;s nice, but is the sound in any way constricted?"
@jergen
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Handmade jigdoll from Banjo Dai (UK):
Posted a new Comment on Handmade jigdoll from Banjo Dai (UK):
"Nice to hear from you again, personally i would have given it a mouth to smile, but thats up to you"
@irene
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Mountain Dulcimer vs. Swedish Hummel:
Posted a new Comment on Mountain Dulcimer vs. Swedish Hummel:
"THANK YOU SO MUCH for the clear comparrison of these two related instruments. I've wanted to see a hummel up close and here you have it. I'd love to build..."
@irene
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Deep Ellum Blues 03-30-2020:
Posted a new Comment on Deep Ellum Blues 03-30-2020:
"I can only smile seeing this one. We can see you singing and playing. THANKS LOADS for lifting a load of worries off some folks I'm sure!! We'll all be..."
@ken-longfield
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Mountain Dulcimer vs. Swedish Hummel:
Posted a new Comment on Mountain Dulcimer vs. Swedish Hummel:
"Tssfulk, thank you for sharing and comparing your instruments. I also have a Warren May dulcimer which is all walnut. I haven't played it recently. I think..."
@ken-longfield
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on A bit of humor for builders & Aussies:
Posted a new Comment on A bit of humor for builders & Aussies:
"Looks like an ostrich to me as well. I only know emus from the TV commercials.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@dusty-turtle
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Deep Ellum Blues 03-30-2020:
Posted a new Comment on Deep Ellum Blues 03-30-2020:
"You're a natural entertainer, Rob!"
@lois-sprengnether-keel
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on A bit of humor for builders & Aussies:
Posted a new Comment on A bit of humor for builders & Aussies:
"The Emu popped into my head as I've told more stories from Australia about them than the Ostrich."
@dusty-turtle
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on A bit of humor for builders & Aussies:
Posted a new Comment on A bit of humor for builders & Aussies:
"Looks like an ostrich!"
@lois-sprengnether-keel
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 4
Created a new Group discussion "A bit of humor for builders & Aussies":
Created a new Group discussion "A bit of humor for builders & Aussies":
"The caption on this was "I just can't cut this board. It keeps staring at me." Don't ever plan to build a dulcimer, but builders & Aussies here might..."
Dulcimer Making
Dulcimer Making
@gordon-hardy
• yesterday
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on The Gift of Love - :
Posted a new Comment on The Gift of Love - :
"Marg, that is beautiful! Thanks for sharing."
@ballad-gal
• yesterday
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Mountain Dulcimer vs. Swedish Hummel:
Posted a new Comment on Mountain Dulcimer vs. Swedish Hummel:
"Thanks for showing your Hummel. On the only pictures I've seen, I couldn't tell how many strings there were. As with the other Scandinavian & other..."
@david-bennett
• yesterday
• comments: 10
Liked a youtube item created by @ariane: Ode an die Freude
Liked a youtube item created by @ariane: Ode an die Freude
@rob-n-lackey
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on How Can I Keep From Singing? (for Maddie):
Posted a new Comment on How Can I Keep From Singing? (for Maddie):
"Quite moving, Butch & Doug. Y'all done good."
@rob-n-lackey
• yesterday
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Glowhazel - Ambient Dulcimer Music:
Posted a new Comment on Glowhazel - Ambient Dulcimer Music:
"Yes, it's "sacrilege," but very pretty nonetheless. Keep it up!
"
@irene
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "How is the COVID-19 coronavirus affecting you?":
Posted a response to "How is the COVID-19 coronavirus affecting you?":
"I have now been home for 2 weeks and 2 days. Missing friends and such, I have my sweetheart. I had someone come and light the pilot light in my shop so I..."
@steven-berger
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Liked a youtube item created by @glowhazel: Glowhazel - Ambient Dulcimer Music
Liked a youtube item created by @glowhazel: Glowhazel - Ambient Dulcimer Music
@glowhazel
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Glowhazel - Ambient Dulcimer Music:
Posted a new Comment on Glowhazel - Ambient Dulcimer Music:
"by the way, that's one of John Knopf's Dulcimasters - he added the extra frets to make it chromatic :)"
@glowhazel
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new YouTube video:
Glowhazel - Ambient Dulcimer Music
Glowhazel - Ambient Dulcimer Music
@terry-wilson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "You know your dulcimer has a hold on you when...":
Posted a response to "You know your dulcimer has a hold on you when...":
"You know your dulcimer has a hold on you when playing makes you cry. Lately, I notice this happening with me, when playing soft gospel songs. The dulcimer..."
@irene
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Liked a soundcloud item created by @tssfulk: Där Tjänade en Jungfru
Liked a soundcloud item created by @tssfulk: Där Tjänade en Jungfru
@irene
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "What's the deal with Aquavinas?":
Posted a response to "What's the deal with Aquavinas?":
"WOAH, I loved your playing and demo. I loved that you created such an instrument and most of all.....I loved that you made this video that we could see your..."
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?
Dulcimer teachers
Do you teach dulcimer? Are you helping others to learn?
Four-Equidistant Strings
A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
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...
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...
Public Domain... or Not?
Ever wanted to record or post that tune, but you just...
Home Studio Recording
Recording dulcimers, vocals and other instruments in the...
Collector's Corner
A group where collectors of antique, vintage, or rare...
Early & Classical Music
For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
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...
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...
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
NorthEastern U.S. dulcimer...
For those of us who live in the northeastern United States.
Virginia Dulcimer Players
Just thought it would be neet to know how many other...
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...
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...
West Virginia players
A group just for dulcimer players in beautiful West...
Florida Sunshine Dulcimer...
Florida Dulcimer Players
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
How is the COVID-19...
Posted: Monday March 30 2020, 9:10 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Maddie MacNeil
Posted: Monday March 30 2020, 4:26 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
You know your dulcimer has...
Posted: Sunday March 29 2020, 9:28 PM
By: @Terry Wilson
By: @Terry Wilson
What's the deal with...
Posted: Sunday March 29 2020, 9:16 PM
By: @IRENE
By: @IRENE
Healthy Living- healthy...
Posted: Sunday March 29 2020, 4:21 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
New to me, Q’s on...
Posted: Saturday March 28 2020, 1:41 PM
By: @gpeden
By: @gpeden
"Generations": Will...
Posted: Friday March 27 2020, 10:31 AM
By: @dulcinina
By: @dulcinina
Dulcimer String Anchor Pins
Posted: Thursday March 26 2020, 11:27 AM
By: @Ken Hulme
By: @Ken Hulme
Hearts Of The Dulcimer...
Posted: Wednesday March 25 2020, 6:25 PM
By: @Patricia Delich
By: @Patricia Delich
The Drifting Thread...
Posted: Wednesday March 25 2020, 10:56 AM
By: @Black Dog Bess
By: @Black Dog Bess
Rest in peace, Maddie MacNeil
Posted: Tuesday March 24 2020, 9:24 PM
By: @Butch Ross
By: @Butch Ross
FUNNY songs you sing & play...
Posted: Friday March 20 2020, 7:57 PM
By: @Lois Sprengnether Keel
By: @Lois Sprengnether Keel
Creating a new group
Posted: Thursday March 19 2020, 9:21 AM
By: @Don B
By: @Don B
Introduce Yourself!
Posted: Tuesday March 17 2020, 5:43 PM
By: @John C. Knopf
By: @John C. Knopf
The "I have small hands" idea
Posted: Sunday March 15 2020, 2:05 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Idle time. What to do.
Posted: Saturday March 14 2020, 7:54 PM
By: @Terry Wilson
By: @Terry Wilson
Any banjo players out there?
Posted: Friday March 13 2020, 8:54 PM
By: @Lois Sprengnether Keel
By: @Lois Sprengnether Keel
Where to Purchase Tablature...
Posted: Friday March 13 2020, 8:40 PM
By: @Lois Sprengnether Keel
By: @Lois Sprengnether Keel
Lucy Wise - Walking Out
Posted: Friday March 13 2020, 12:46 PM
By: @Terry Wilson
By: @Terry Wilson
"Musical Spring 2020"...
Posted: Friday March 13 2020, 8:48 AM
By: @Ariane
By: @Ariane
The Positive Thread...
Posted: Friday March 13 2020, 7:32 AM
By: @Ken Hulme
By: @Ken Hulme
Paste-on fretboard markers
Posted: Wednesday March 11 2020, 12:29 PM
By: @Susie
By: @Susie
John Molineux uses a...
Posted: Monday March 9 2020, 10:40 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
What's fer dinner?
Posted: Sunday March 8 2020, 2:47 PM
By: @Ken Hulme
By: @Ken Hulme
Hondo HD2 - peg problems,...
Posted: Sunday March 8 2020, 4:05 AM
By: @John Gribble
By: @John Gribble
1976 jazz recording...
Posted: Friday March 6 2020, 5:28 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
TAB for Mambo Italiano
Posted: Friday March 6 2020, 12:48 PM
By: @Diesel
By: @Diesel
Hair line crack bottom back...
Posted: Friday March 6 2020, 11:12 AM
By: @Ken Hulme
By: @Ken Hulme
Which dulcimer to tune to GDG?
Posted: Friday March 6 2020, 12:08 AM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Dusty's new book of tab!...
Posted: Wednesday March 4 2020, 8:08 PM
By: @Susie
By: @Susie
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 
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Richard Streib 
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Ken Longfield 
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Benjamin Barr 
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Single Instructor Events / Classifieds
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