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
@strumelia
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Fretboard Cleaner & Conditioner":
Posted a response to "Fretboard Cleaner & Conditioner":
"I've used GHS Fast Fret to clean my fretboards and clean/wipe down the strings which get grimy too. It leaves things nice and feels easy to then to slide up..."
@strumelia
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @cedartrail: Movies With Mountain Dulcimer or Appalachian Folk Vibes?
Liked a forum discussions item created by @cedartrail: Movies With Mountain Dulcimer or Appalachian Folk Vibes?
@strumelia
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Movies With Mountain Dulcimer or Appalachian Folk Vibes?":
Posted a response to "Movies With Mountain Dulcimer or Appalachian Folk Vibes?":
"One movie I've always liked was the 1984 "The Dollmaker" starring Jane Fonda as the wife of a Kentucky coal miner during WWII, and their struggles. It's a..."
@cedartrail
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Movies With Mountain Dulcimer or Appalachian Folk Vibes?":
Created a new forum topic "Movies With Mountain Dulcimer or Appalachian Folk Vibes?":
"Hi everyone,
Lately I’ve been thinking about films (and a few documentaries) that feature the mountain dulcimer or, more broadly, the Appalachian/old-time..."
@lilley-pad
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Fretboard Cleaner & Conditioner":
Posted a response to "Fretboard Cleaner & Conditioner":
"“WoW, A fret eraser” I'll Google that I've never heard of such a thing. Cool thanks I'll give it a try sounds better than using steel wool that someone said..."
@nate
• 15 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Fretboard Cleaner & Conditioner":
Posted a response to "Fretboard Cleaner & Conditioner":
"In my opinion, mineral oil is good. I also like mineral oil with orange oil, and from what I understand, lemon oil is usually mineral oil with a bit of lemon..."
@ken-longfield
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @nehusker:
Posted a new Comment on @nehusker:
"Welcome to FOTMD NEHusker. It's good to have you aboard. Have fun exploring this site. I look forward to your participation here. This is a great place to..."
@ken-longfield
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @will-b:
Posted a new Comment on @will-b:
"Welcome to FOTMD Will. It's good to have you aboard. This is the place to learn about mountain dulcimers. We have a lot of knowledgeable folks here who know..."
@richard-streib
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @nehusker:
Posted a new Comment on @nehusker:
"Welcome NEHusker to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. This is an active and congenial forum with a lot of expertise and knowledge represented here. Look..."
@richard-streib
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @will-b:
Posted a new Comment on @will-b:
"Welcome WillB to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Glad you joined. Best wishes as you learn to play the mountain dulcimer. What a fun instrument with such a..."
@davisjames
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on Peace:
Posted a new Comment on Peace:
"Hi Damon.Thanks for your reply regarding the gear you were using...looks so interesting and if your recording is any indication,the sounds are really good.I..."
@davisjames
• yesterday
• comments: 10
Liked a music item created by @john-shaw: De Schvartse Khasene
Liked a music item created by @john-shaw: De Schvartse Khasene
@sunsetbeachfolkmusician1975
• yesterday
• comments: 602
Posted a new Comment on @benjamin-w-barr-jr:
Posted a new Comment on @benjamin-w-barr-jr:
"Hey there Ben--thank you for the welcome! I've been talking it up a bit with Ken, too (seems like a great guy, AND good resource for all things dulcimer)...."
@davisjames
• yesterday
• comments: 2
Liked a music item created by @rob-n-lackey: Little Rosewood Casket
Liked a music item created by @rob-n-lackey: Little Rosewood Casket
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• yesterday
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @mawheegranddaughter:
Posted a new Comment on @mawheegranddaughter:
"Hi Mawhee, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the dulcimer,..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• yesterday
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @robert-silkey:
Posted a new Comment on @robert-silkey:
"Hi Robert, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the dulcimer,..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @sunsetbeachfolkmusician1975:
Posted a new Comment on @sunsetbeachfolkmusician1975:
"Hi Sunset Beach, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @melsbabyoo:
Posted a new Comment on @melsbabyoo:
"Hi Melsbabyoo, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @cedartrail:
Posted a new Comment on @cedartrail:
"Hi Cedar Trail, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @mikequilliams:
Posted a new Comment on @mikequilliams:
"Hi Mike, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the dulcimer,..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @will-b:
Posted a new Comment on @will-b:
"Hi Will, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the dulcimer,..."
@robin-thompson
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Fretboard Cleaner & Conditioner":
Posted a response to "Fretboard Cleaner & Conditioner":
"Blue Lion still shows they offer the MusicNomad fretboard oil:..."
@robin-thompson
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Danish folk group which used mountain dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Danish folk group which used mountain dulcimer":
"I like this group's music! "
@robin-thompson
• yesterday
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Abandoned 1928:
Posted a new Comment on Abandoned 1928:
"@macaodha We're honored you like the tune! As I wrote to Dusty, if anyone would like to put lyrics to it and make it their own, they'd be welcomed to do so...."
@lilley-pad
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Fretboard Cleaner & Conditioner":
Posted a response to "Fretboard Cleaner & Conditioner":
"Thats running parallel to the top of the capo not cable"
@lilley-pad
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Fretboard Cleaner & Conditioner":
Created a new forum topic "Fretboard Cleaner & Conditioner":
"Has anyone out there used MusicNomad F-ONE Oil Fretboard Cleaner & Conditioner?
Someone said that I should use gorgomyte fretboard conditioning cloth,..."
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @mikequilliams:
Posted a new Comment on @mikequilliams:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Mike. It's good to have you aboard. This is a delightful community of mountain dulcimer enthusiasts who are knowledgeable about all things..."
@carol-h
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Hymn:
Posted a new Comment on Hymn:
"Thank you.
[quote="Homer Ross"]
Very enjoyable."
@davisjames
• 2 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Myfanwy:
Posted a new Comment on Myfanwy:
"There's a scene in the movie "How Green Was my Valley" where the whole village shows up to sing outside of the home of the woman whose man just died in the..."
@davisjames
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: Flying Two Kites
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: Flying Two Kites
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 6
Liked a group discussions item created by @robin-clark: Donald Graves - 28 Aug 1942 - 14 Apr 2014
Liked a group discussions item created by @robin-clark: Donald Graves - 28 Aug 1942 - 14 Apr 2014
@mawheegranddaughter
• 3 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @robert-silkey:
Posted a new Comment on @robert-silkey:
"Liddy is my great great grandmother. I'm Hazel's great granddaughter. I grew up with her out in Oregon. I'm so happy to hear from you! "
@richard-streib
• 3 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @mikequilliams:
Posted a new Comment on @mikequilliams:
"Welcome Mike Quilliams to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer from a fellow North Carolinian. So glad to have you in our number. This is a friendly and active..."
@robert-silkey
• 3 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @mawheegranddaughter:
Posted a new Comment on @mawheegranddaughter:
"I’m a great grandma was one of John’s daughters (Liddy Lou Joiner). I have her dulcimer, I believe it’s the oldest one known dated 1877"
@ken-longfield
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @dwain-wilder: Custom Fret Templates from Bear Meadow
Liked a forum discussions item created by @dwain-wilder: Custom Fret Templates from Bear Meadow
@ken-longfield
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Hanging some dulcimers as a wall display":
Posted a response to "Hanging some dulcimers as a wall display":
"Still waiting for my February DPN. I do have a First Class Mail subscription. Can't wait to read it.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@dwain-wilder
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Custom Fret Templates from Bear Meadow":
Created a new forum topic "Custom Fret Templates from Bear Meadow":
"It's come to my attention that orders for custom fret templates are not being sent to me from my order form at the Bear Meadow website.
If you've ordered a..."
@dwain-wilder
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "RIP Ron Ewing":
Posted a response to "RIP Ron Ewing":
"I am very sorry to hear of the loss of Ron. He was always very generous with other builders, and I enjoyed visiting him at festivals.
Ron went to..."
@dusty
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Hanging some dulcimers as a wall display":
Posted a response to "Hanging some dulcimers as a wall display":
"@razyn, I have my copy of February's DPN open to your article right now. I'll be reading it as soon as I get a break from work. Congrats!"
@sam-edelston
• 3 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on I got to rock a regional Folk Alliance conference:
Posted a new Comment on I got to rock a regional Folk Alliance conference:
"Robin, Dusty, and Ken: Thank you, all! I believe that dulcimers deserve to be as well-known as guitars, because they can play so much more that the usual,..."
@razyn
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Praetorius Scheitholt":
Posted a response to "The Praetorius Scheitholt":
"If you haven't looked through Charles Seeger's article recently (I sure hadn't, though I had read it sometime in the 1970s), the "Clan Campbell" dulcimer..."
@strumelia
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Hanging some dulcimers as a wall display":
Posted a response to "Hanging some dulcimers as a wall display":
"@razyn , it's wonderful that your article was published in Dulcimer Players News. I'm sure many many people will enjoy and benefit from the information you..."
@razyn
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Hanging some dulcimers as a wall display":
Posted a response to "Hanging some dulcimers as a wall display":
"Just a followup to this older post: After looking at my wall display for a year or so, last summer I wrote up my notes on each of the five displayed..."
@ken-longfield
• 4 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @cedartrail:
Posted a new Comment on @cedartrail:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Cedar Trail. It's good to have you aboard. This is a wonderful community of mountain dulcimer enthusiasts. We have many knowledgeable folks..."
@richard-streib
• 4 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @cedartrail:
Posted a new Comment on @cedartrail:
"Welcome Cedar Trail to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Glad you joined. As you note, the mountain dulcimer has a warm gentle sound. There is a lot of..."
@robin-thompson
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Danish folk group which used mountain dulcimer":
Created a new forum topic "Danish folk group which used mountain dulcimer":
"..."
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...
Arranging/composing for...
A group to discuss creating arrangements of songs and...
Four-Equidistant Strings
A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
Little Dulcimers
Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
Baritone & Bass Dulcimer...
A Group for discussing the unique aspects of playing...
fans of Jean Ritchie
A group for those of us who have been inspired by...
Early & Classical Music
For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
Help Me Learn this Song
Need help learning to play a particular song? Let another...
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...
Dulcimer Therapy
This group is dedicated to those that visit, or have a...
Home Studio Recording
Recording dulcimers, vocals and other instruments in the...
Dulcimer Ancestors
Looking at some of the ancestors of the Mountain...
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...
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...
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 of...
Challenged Players
A meeting place for players dealing with disabilities.
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...
Prayers, Hugs, and Kindness
A group for private sharing and support, whether you are...
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
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...
Florida Sunshine Dulcimer...
Florida Dulcimer Players
West Virginia players
A group just for dulcimer players in beautiful West...
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
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
All
Latest Forum Posts All
Fretboard Cleaner &...
Posted: Friday February 27 2026, 10:21 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Movies With Mountain...
Posted: Friday February 27 2026, 10:07 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Danish folk group which...
Posted: Thursday February 26 2026, 9:38 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Hanging some dulcimers as a...
Posted: Tuesday February 24 2026, 4:43 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Custom Fret Templates from...
Posted: Tuesday February 24 2026, 3:26 PM
By: @Dwain Wilder
By: @Dwain Wilder
RIP Ron Ewing
Posted: Tuesday February 24 2026, 3:04 PM
By: @Dwain Wilder
By: @Dwain Wilder
The Praetorius Scheitholt
Posted: Tuesday February 24 2026, 11:13 AM
By: @razyn
By: @razyn
How Do I Attach Photos To A...
Posted: Friday February 20 2026, 9:02 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Any banjo players out there?
Posted: Friday February 20 2026, 8:46 PM
By: @Mary Z. Cox
By: @Mary Z. Cox
Streaming Playlists
Posted: Wednesday February 11 2026, 4:48 PM
By: @Homer Ross
By: @Homer Ross
RIP Bobbi Adler, past...
Posted: Wednesday February 11 2026, 4:47 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Playing with hand issues
Posted: Monday February 9 2026, 8:47 PM
By: @Wally Venable
By: @Wally Venable
Jean Ritchie and her ballad...
Posted: Monday February 9 2026, 12:05 AM
By: @Jan Potts
By: @Jan Potts
Introduce Yourself!
Posted: Sunday February 8 2026, 8:37 AM
By: @Damon
By: @Damon
Hearts of the Dulcimer.
Posted: Sunday February 8 2026, 12:00 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Blue Lion model IIRS; Style...
Posted: Saturday February 7 2026, 9:20 PM
By: @Drew009
By: @Drew009
Probst and Gallier instruments
Posted: Thursday February 5 2026, 9:00 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Wanted Probst and /or...
Posted: Thursday February 5 2026, 5:40 PM
By: @Paula Brawdy
By: @Paula Brawdy
Mountain (Appalachian)...
Posted: Wednesday February 4 2026, 3:25 PM
By: @diamondintherough
By: @diamondintherough
Minnesota
Posted: Wednesday February 4 2026, 11:49 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Possum Board
Posted: Monday February 2 2026, 7:30 PM
By: @Richard Streib
By: @Richard Streib
The use of hammer-on,...
Posted: Monday February 2 2026, 7:27 AM
By: @Shopdad
By: @Shopdad
Garage Band Clean AMP?
Posted: Friday January 30 2026, 9:53 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Leveling of frets - why?
Posted: Thursday January 29 2026, 1:51 PM
By: @Shopdad
By: @Shopdad
Let's Bury The Term...
Posted: Saturday January 24 2026, 3:47 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
International Appalachian...
Posted: Saturday January 24 2026, 9:02 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
The Story of the Hummel
Posted: Friday January 23 2026, 11:03 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Geoffrey R. Johnson Dulcimer?
Posted: Wednesday January 21 2026, 9:01 PM
By: @Rob Williams
By: @Rob Williams
fret markers.
Posted: Wednesday January 21 2026, 12:41 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Low-maintenance/easy-to-pla...
Posted: Thursday January 15 2026, 9:11 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Read the Site Rules
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Richard Streib  |
Ken Longfield  |
Single Instructor Events / Classifieds
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