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

Richard Streib
@richard-streib • 5 hours ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Any information about this dulcimer?":
"Such wise counsel from Strumelia. That is a very special dulcimer and one to treasure. Like her, I think it must have been meant for you. Play it and enjoy it."
Strumelia
@strumelia • 6 hours ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Any information about this dulcimer?":
"If it plays well (and i suspect it must), then if you intend to play dulcimer, even just a little for fun, why sell this at all?  It's a hassle to sell and..."
Terry Jaye
@terry-jaye • 8 hours ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
"My brother pointed out in the video link I posted that the 2nd fret played sounded flat. Of course it did. I played the extra 1.5 fret that I installed...."
Terry Jaye
@terry-jaye • 9 hours ago • comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Electrified dulcimer with a live edge:
"I started the process of seeing where the various bits would fit. Removal of the metal shelf bracket left two holes in the body. I had some cheap..."
twanda
@twanda • 17 hours ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Any information about this dulcimer?":
"I bought it at an estate sale because it was just too beautiful. However, I don't play! I am just a beginner and don't expect to get very advanced -- I..."
John C. Knopf
@john-c-knopf • 21 hours ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Any information about this dulcimer?":
"Very nice!  One suggestion springs to mind, seeing all of that face carving:  Ron Cook of Ron Cook Studios in California.  Ron built many, many instruments..."
Richard Streib
@richard-streib • 23 hours ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Any information about this dulcimer?":
"What a unique and impressive dulcimer. A treasure for sure."
Nate
@nate • yesterday • comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Not normally a rock song, but...:
"Unfortunately, there is a pretty huge loophole that is still used. We send the garbage to other countries with less regulatory oversight and have them dump..."
Terry Jaye
@terry-jaye • yesterday • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
"John Pettreemusic: Probably easier to get out of the basement than the aircraft was..... Nice build.....Will it fly?   Yes, not excavating and cutting..."
Terry Jaye
@terry-jaye • yesterday • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
"Strumelia: Nicely done, @terry-jaye .  Have you tested it out yet? What starter tune are you experimenting with?   It's in testing mode right now. I need..."
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • yesterday • comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Not normally a rock song, but...:
"Sad & true, the essence of the song is even more relevant today than when first written. "
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • yesterday • comments: 1
Liked a group discussions item created by @sam-edelston: Cyndi Lauper to R&R Hall of Fame! So, True Colors
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • yesterday • comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Cyndi Lauper to R&R Hall of Fame! So, True Colors:
"Sam, I'm a Cyndi Lauper fan and love this so much!  Your play of it is almost meditative and suits just right.  "
Sam Edelston
@sam-edelston • yesterday • comments: 1
Created a new Group discussion "Cyndi Lauper to R&R Hall of Fame! So, True Colors":
"I didn't plan to post another video so soon, but Sunday night they announced this year's inductees for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and they finally..."
Rockin' in the Free World
Sam Edelston
@sam-edelston • yesterday • comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Not normally a rock song, but...:
"Thanks, @nate  & @robin-thompson ! Nate, FYI, when this song was written, industrial waste was allowed to be dumped in the ocean - a practice that's..."
John Pettreemusic
@john-petry • yesterday • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
"Probably easier to get out of the basement than the aircraft was..... Nice build.....Will it fly?"
Strumelia
@strumelia • yesterday • comments: 21
Posted a new Comment on Hindman Dulcimer Homecoming 2025 -(KY):
"You could consider Galax players as well if looking for a teacher to hire. Kimberly Burnett, or is Phyllis Gaskins still teaching?Ken Longfield- I am sure..."
Strumelia
@strumelia • yesterday • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Any information about this dulcimer?":
"What an absolute jewel of a dulcimer!  Do you own it, and if so, where/how did you get it? It's hard to believe that someone would put that much skilled work..."
Strumelia
@strumelia • yesterday • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
"Nicely done, @terry-jaye .  Have you tested it out yet? What starter tune are you experimenting with?"
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • yesterday • comments: 16
Posted a new Comment on Peonies in the Field:
"You're most welcome, @steve-c !  Playing with a noter is all I know and it's fun to explore even after being at it for, nearly, a couple decades.  "
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • yesterday • comments: 21
Posted a new Comment on Hindman Dulcimer Homecoming 2025 -(KY):
"Just a thought:   Noter play often seems presented as a singular style (and/or, primarily, for beginners) when there is plenty of variation with particular..."
Damon
@damon • yesterday • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
"Nice!"
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • yesterday • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Any information about this dulcimer?":
"What a lovely instrument!  Made by a very skilled woodworker, for sure.  No 6.5 fret and not a reproduction build of some kind.  It's very cool.  "
Terry Jaye
@terry-jaye • yesterday • comments: 1
Created a new Group discussion "Electrified dulcimer with a live edge":
"I'd like to post the build process of my electric dulcimer. I have a number of photos and will post in segments. Please keep in mind that I'm not a..."
Dulcimer Making
Terry Jaye
@terry-jaye • yesterday • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
"Hello all. I've been aware of dulcimers for over 52 years, but never learned to play. I built one from plans in a 1973 Popular Science issue when I was age..."
Terry Jaye
@terry-jaye • yesterday • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @terry-jaye:
"Thanks for the welcome. I'll introduce myself and journey in the appropriate spot. "
Nate
@nate • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Any information about this dulcimer?":
"That is such a neat dulcimer. The craftsmanship and detail is insane, and the woods are so beautiful. "
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @twanda: Any information about this dulcimer?
Nate
@nate • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Any information about this dulcimer?":
"Wow that is so cool"
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 2 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @terry-jaye:
"Welcome to FOTMD Terry Jaye. I look forward to your participation in these discussions; especially the ones about dulcimer building. You are going back in..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 2 days ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @twanda:
"Welcome to FOTMD Twanda. One of the early catalogers of mountain dulcimers typed them by shape. Certain regions offered a particular shape. There is a good..."
cairney
@steve-c • 2 days ago • comments: 16
Posted a new Comment on Peonies in the Field:
"Thanks so much Robin! Love this! You are an amazing player! Noter skills galore!"
twanda
@twanda • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Any information about this dulcimer?":
"There is no maker's mark on the inside that I can see."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 2 days ago • comments: 21
Posted a new Comment on Hindman Dulcimer Homecoming 2025 -(KY):
"Are there any teachers of noter playing that folks can recommend? Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
Richard Streib
@richard-streib • 2 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @terry-jaye:
"Welcome Terry Jaye to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. So glad you joined. This is a very active forum. We have a dulcimer makers group where you will find..."
Richard Streib
@richard-streib • 2 days ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @twanda:
"Welcome Twanda to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Glad you joined. This is a wonderful place to learn all about the mountain dulcimer. There is a good bit..."
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
"@frank-dudgeon It'd be fun to try it as a trio yet our niece lives in another state and we don't often see her.  We're happy you love our little tune!  "
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • 2 days ago • comments: 16
Posted a new Comment on Peonies in the Field:
"@steve-c We're happy you like it!  If this link works, I have direct download enabled here:..."
cairney
@steve-c • 2 days ago • comments: 16
Posted a new Comment on Peonies in the Field:
"Love your and Mark’s version sooo much!  I need a copy of this guitar and dulcimer version!"
Strumelia
@strumelia • 2 days ago • comments: 5
Liked a group discussions item created by @sam-edelston: Not normally a rock song, but...
Strumelia
@strumelia • 2 days ago • comments: 21
Posted a new Comment on Hindman Dulcimer Homecoming 2025 -(KY):
"Thanks for telling us more about the 2025 Hindman Homecoming event, Ken.I agree, a noter/drone style class would be a natural to include."
Strumelia
@strumelia • 2 days ago • comments: 21
Liked an events item created by @ken-longfield: Hindman Dulcimer Homecoming 2025 -(KY)
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 2 days ago • comments: 21
Posted a new Comment on Hindman Dulcimer Homecoming 2025 -(KY):
"Malcolm: Even with the few problems they had it was a great event wish they would a few noter classes.   Thank you for the comment, Malcolm. I'll pass that..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 2 days ago • comments: 21
Posted a new Comment on Hindman Dulcimer Homecoming 2025 -(KY):
"Robin Thompson: I enjoyed your photos, Ken!     In online video, it was nice to see that photograph of Mike.  (When I met Mike at Hindman in '15, he..."
Malcolm
@malcolm • 2 days ago • comments: 21
Posted a new Comment on Hindman Dulcimer Homecoming 2025 -(KY):
"Even with the few problems they had it was a great event wish they would a few noter classes."
Hobbyhorse
@hobbyhorse • 3 days ago • comments: 5
Liked a group discussions item created by @sam-edelston: Not normally a rock song, but...
Nate
@nate • 3 days ago • comments: 5
Liked a group discussions item created by @sam-edelston: Not normally a rock song, but...
Nate
@nate • 3 days ago • comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Not normally a rock song, but...:
"Really terrific and also terrifying. I often see people who are gathering trash from the ocean and putting it into their dumpster as if the problem is..."
fromsfca
@fromsfca • 3 days ago • comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "McCafferty Desert Motif Dulcimer":
"McCafferty Moon, Stars and Desert Creatures Dulcimer. I had a fourth string option added, plus additional frets at 1.5 and 8.5. Tuned in..."
Ben Barr Jr
@benjamin-w-barr-jr • 3 days ago • comments: 9
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: Nesting Season

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...
Little Dulcimers

Little Dulcimers


Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
Baritone & Bass Dulcimer Players

Baritone & Bass Dulcimer...


A Group for discussing the unique aspects of playing...
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...
Early & Classical Music

Early & Classical Music


For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
I have extra frets.....

I have extra frets.....


This group is for those who have a 1 1/2 fret, an 8 1/2...
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 Ancestors

Dulcimer Ancestors


Looking at some of the ancestors of the Mountain...
Dulcimer teachers

Dulcimer teachers


Do you teach dulcimer? Are you helping others to learn?
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...
Chromatic Dulcimers

Chromatic Dulcimers


For players who enjoy playing dulcimers with ALL the frets!
Box Dulcimers

Box Dulcimers


A group for those who play, make, or admire all types...
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...
Civil War era music

Civil War era music


For discussing music that was played around the time of...
GIG TALK!

GIG TALK!


Do you play gigs? Tell us about your good and not-so-good...
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
Nesting Season
After the Flood
John O'Connor.
Youghal Harbour
The Princess Royal.
Cuncti Simus Concanentes
Danville Girl.
Eventide
Stout Staves, Sure Feet
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.

Coming Events   All

Hindman Dulcimer Homecoming 2025 -(KY)

Hindman Dulcimer...


Thu Apr 24 2025

Latest gallery Photos   All

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McSpadden and LotR maps small.jpg
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JJF2023Poster.jpeg
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Latest Forum Posts   All

Any information about this...

Posted: Wednesday April 30 2025, 11:41 AM
By: @Richard Streib

Introduce Yourself!

Posted: Wednesday April 30 2025, 8:10 AM
By: @Terry Jaye

The Positive Thread...

Posted: Monday April 28 2025, 11:22 AM
By: @Robin Thompson

McCafferty Desert Motif...

Posted: Sunday April 27 2025, 10:52 PM
By: @fromsfca

WTB: glass noter

Posted: Sunday April 27 2025, 4:42 PM
By: @John Pettreemusic

six string Dulcimer

Posted: Friday April 25 2025, 2:34 PM
By: @Lilley Pad

Amplification of an...

Posted: Thursday April 24 2025, 1:28 AM
By: @Pux0r3

Help with restoring a 1962...

Posted: Tuesday April 22 2025, 10:29 PM
By: @Robert Owens

Free Tab books, New (taken)

Posted: Tuesday April 22 2025, 10:27 AM
By: @Strumelia

New Harmony saddle?

Posted: Saturday April 19 2025, 4:31 PM
By: @Debi

John Stockard Dulcimer

Posted: Saturday April 19 2025, 8:04 AM
By: @Old Dawg

recommendations for...

Posted: Friday April 18 2025, 12:12 PM
By: @John Pettreemusic

Good dulcimer for busking?

Posted: Friday April 18 2025, 3:12 AM
By: @Nate

Chet Hines “dulcimore”

Posted: Friday April 18 2025, 2:48 AM
By: @John Pettreemusic

Mountain Dulcimer on The...

Posted: Thursday April 17 2025, 1:49 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle

2 dulcimer dilemma

Posted: Tuesday April 15 2025, 9:33 PM
By: @John Pettreemusic

Don Neuhauser

Posted: Monday April 14 2025, 6:18 AM
By: @Lilley Pad

International Appalachian...

Posted: Sunday April 13 2025, 9:33 AM
By: @Strumelia

Mountain Dulcimer Picture...

Posted: Sunday April 13 2025, 6:09 AM
By: @dulcidom

Tinny sounding strings

Posted: Friday April 11 2025, 10:02 AM
By: @Wally Venable

Gold Tone Dulciborn -...

Posted: Thursday April 10 2025, 5:35 PM
By: @

Anyone Recognize This Builder

Posted: Wednesday April 2 2025, 10:51 AM
By: @msdeebee

Bonnie Carol Number 6 1973

Posted: Sunday March 30 2025, 12:59 PM
By: @Badger

Lute Dulcimer

Posted: Sunday March 30 2025, 11:00 AM
By: @Mark Gilston

Short scale dulcimer

Posted: Saturday March 29 2025, 2:42 PM
By: @Wally Venable

North Country Dulcimer

Posted: Saturday March 29 2025, 2:59 AM
By: @Nate

Bowing a dulcimer

Posted: Friday March 28 2025, 5:57 PM
By: @

Ray Hunley 2009 #260 Solid...

Posted: Friday March 28 2025, 10:08 AM
By: @MargieS

A Question about dulcimer...

Posted: Thursday March 27 2025, 9:14 PM
By: @Strumelia

4 equidistant...

Posted: Wednesday March 26 2025, 11:14 AM
By: @

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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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