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
@nate
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 3
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: Downtown Eastside Blues.
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: Downtown Eastside Blues.
@robin-thompson
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 4
Liked a group discussions item created by @dale-a-penrose: Possum boards
Liked a group discussions item created by @dale-a-penrose: Possum boards
@jost
• 12 hours ago
• comments: 4
Liked a group discussions item created by @dale-a-penrose: Possum boards
Liked a group discussions item created by @dale-a-penrose: Possum boards
@skip
• 12 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Possum boards:
Posted a new Comment on Possum boards:
"To me, it's that the back is allowed to resonate. It's not kept from resonating by a huge stick stuck to it's middle, "
@nate
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Possum boards:
Posted a new Comment on Possum boards:
"I have been wondering a lot lately about how similar and how different are actual "possum boards" that a dulcimer sits on from "false bottoms" which are a..."
@bill-g
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 543
Posted a new Comment on @benjamin-w-barr-jr:
Posted a new Comment on @benjamin-w-barr-jr:
"Thank you for welcoming me."
@davisjames
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 0
Liked a youtube item created by @lynnaj: Achat Sha'alti (One Thing I Ask)
Liked a youtube item created by @lynnaj: Achat Sha'alti (One Thing I Ask)
@ken-longfield
• 17 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Possum boards:
Posted a new Comment on Possum boards:
"John has provided goof information for an "after market" possum board. It is merely a device to elevate your dulcimer to allow the back to vibrate freely. On..."
@bing-futch
• 19 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "10-27-23 "Sally's Lament" Chromatic MD Class":
Created a new forum topic "10-27-23 "Sally's Lament" Chromatic MD Class":
"Join Bing Futch in a spooky new workshop for chromatic mountain dulcimer, featuring music from the Touchstone Pictures classic, "The Nightmare..."
@john-c-knopf
• 19 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Possum boards:
Posted a new Comment on Possum boards:
"Dale, it's not critical to use a particular type of wood to make a possum board. The thickness would run to about 1/4" to 3/8" or so. Again, not critical...."
@dale-a-penrose
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 4
Created a new Group discussion "Possum boards":
Created a new Group discussion "Possum boards":
"Thinking about trying a dulcimer with a possum board. What kind of wood does one use for the back? How thick is the actual possum board. "
Dulcimer Making
Dulcimer Making
@gordon-hardy
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Downtown Eastside Blues.:
Posted a new Comment on Downtown Eastside Blues.:
"Good stuff Jamie!! I enjoyed this lots!"
@hobbyhorse
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: Downtown Eastside Blues.
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: Downtown Eastside Blues.
@salt-springs
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: Downtown Eastside Blues.
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: Downtown Eastside Blues.
@robin-thompson
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: Downtown Eastside Blues.
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: Downtown Eastside Blues.
@robin-thompson
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Downtown Eastside Blues.:
Posted a new Comment on Downtown Eastside Blues.:
"So cool, Jamie. Like it lots! "
@robin-thompson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Avinu Malkeinu - Traditional Version:
Posted a new Comment on Avinu Malkeinu - Traditional Version:
"So pretty! "
@bing-futch
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Updated a YouTube Video:
Dulcimerica Episode 667 - "Boondocking"
Dulcimerica Episode 667 - "Boondocking"
@bing-futch
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a new YouTube video:
Dulcimerica Episode 667 - "Boondocking"
Dulcimerica Episode 667 - "Boondocking"
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @texas-neil:
Posted a new Comment on @texas-neil:
"Hi Neil, 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
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @bill-g:
Posted a new Comment on @bill-g:
"Hi Bill, 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
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Fiddle":
Posted a response to "Fiddle":
"Have fun fiddling! One nice thing about fiddling is you can be going along quite nicely and then you're not. "
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Fiddle":
Posted a response to "Fiddle":
"Haha I like that dusty. I must be a fast learner because it only took me about 30 seconds to be bad at it"
@dusty
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Fiddle":
Posted a response to "Fiddle":
"The piano is easy. Push a button and a nice, clean tone comes out. The fiddle is tough. You have to practice for a year just to be bad at it.
Good luck!"
@rg
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @dave-boyt: Southwest Missouri Dulcimer Day
Liked a forum discussions item created by @dave-boyt: Southwest Missouri Dulcimer Day
@nate
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Fiddle":
Posted a response to "Fiddle":
"Ive just started learning fiddle! It's the one instrument that Ive always wished I was really good at, if I could pick one. Guess it's finally time to get..."
@nate
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Checking in":
Posted a response to "Checking in":
"Shooter, I built a cigar box guitar tuned DAD before I built any dulcimers. To me a 3 string CBG is the same as a chromatic strumstick. Cigar box guitars led..."
@nate
• 4 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on String physics question:
Posted a new Comment on String physics question:
"In general, does the amount of tension being applied to a dulcimer body affect volume much? I picture that extra string length outside the VSL as a bunch of..."
@nonna-donna
• 4 days ago
• comments: 290
Posted a new Comment on @richard-streib:
Posted a new Comment on @richard-streib:
"Thanks everyone, you are so kind!"
@wally-venable
• 4 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on String physics question:
Posted a new Comment on String physics question:
"The amount of "overhang" will not affect the tension in the string. That is set by the wire diameter, VSL, and note tuned.
The upward pull on the ends is..."
@ken-hulme
• 4 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on String physics question:
Posted a new Comment on String physics question:
"The break angle(s) and amount of string outside the VSL affect sustain, tone, and down-pressure of the strings transmitting vibration to the body. Most..."
@bill-g
• 4 days ago
• comments: 591
Posted a new Comment on @jim-fawcett:
Posted a new Comment on @jim-fawcett:
"Thank you for welcoming me."
@bill-g
• 4 days ago
• comments: 424
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
"Thank you for welcoming me."
@bill-g
• 4 days ago
• comments: 290
Posted a new Comment on @richard-streib:
Posted a new Comment on @richard-streib:
"Thank you for welcoming me."
@jim-fawcett
• 4 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @texas-neil:
Posted a new Comment on @texas-neil:
"Hey Neil, welcome aboard. Glad ya found us."
@jim-fawcett
• 4 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @bill-g:
Posted a new Comment on @bill-g:
"Hey Bill, welcome aboard. Glad ya found us."
@nate
• 4 days ago
• comments: 3
Created a new Group discussion "String physics question":
Created a new Group discussion "String physics question":
"Hey folks. Some of my dulcimers have a lot of string length that is outside of the VSL.
I have one that has a 23" vsl, with about 8" of additional string..."
Dulcimer Making
Dulcimer Making
@john-w-mckinstry
• 4 days ago
• comments: 11
Posted a new Comment on Mr. Rabbit, Mr. Rabbit:
Posted a new Comment on Mr. Rabbit, Mr. Rabbit:
"Thanks Strumelia. The bunny and I are both beginning to feel "energized" by your kind comments."
@ken-longfield
• 4 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @bill-g:
Posted a new Comment on @bill-g:
"Welcome to FOTMD Bill G. It's always good to have another Pennsylvania on board. Hopefully you will the information for which you are looking either on this..."
@ken-longfield
• 4 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @texas-neil:
Posted a new Comment on @texas-neil:
"Welcome to FOTMD Texas Nell. If it information you want about the mountain dulcimer, this is the place to find it. If you can find the information for which..."
@richard-streib
• 4 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @bill-g:
Posted a new Comment on @bill-g:
"Welcome Bill G to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Glad you joined. This is a wonderful community with a lot of experience and knowledge represented here...."
@richard-streib
• 4 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @texas-neil:
Posted a new Comment on @texas-neil:
"Welcome Texas Neil to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Glad you joined. This is a great place to learn all about the mountain dulcimer. Look over the..."
@strumelia
• 5 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Cluck Old Hen:
Posted a new Comment on Cluck Old Hen:
"This is so great John! And those chicken paintings are just wonderful!
These lyrics are some I have not heard before. Your foot tapping adds a lot as..."
@strumelia
• 5 days ago
• comments: 11
Posted a new Comment on Mr. Rabbit, Mr. Rabbit:
Posted a new Comment on Mr. Rabbit, Mr. Rabbit:
"Watched this one again. It's a keeper! "
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...
fans of Jean Ritchie
A group for those of us who have been inspired by...
Little Dulcimers
Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
Baritone & Bass Dulcimer...
A Group for discussing the unique aspects of playing...
Help Me Learn this Song
Need help learning to play a particular song? Let another...
Four-Equidistant Strings
A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
I have extra frets.....
This group is for those who have a 1 1/2 fret, an 8 1/2...
Dulcimer Therapy
This group is dedicated to those that visit, or have a...
Public Domain... or Not?
Ever wanted to record or post that tune, but you just...
Early & Classical Music
For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
Home Studio Recording
Recording dulcimers, vocals and other instruments in the...
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...
Dulcimer Ancestors
Looking at some of the ancestors of the Mountain...
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...
Chromatic Dulcimers
For players who enjoy playing dulcimers with ALL the frets!
Call the Tune
"Call the Tune" is a place to post audio and video...
Galax Dulcimer Lovers
Just a group to discuss all things Galax Dulcimer. Tips...
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...
Scrap/Recycled wood...
A group for those thrifty and creative folk who like to...
Challenged Players
A meeting place for players dealing with disabilities.
Rosin the Bow!
Welcome to all who play music using a bow on any type of...
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...
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....
6 string dulcimers
Owning and playing a 6 string, regardless of tuning, and...
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...
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...
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!...
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
Showcase your music event or business here!
Showcase your music event or business here
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Latest Forum Posts All
10-27-23 "Sally's Lament"...
Posted: Saturday September 23 2023, 12:37 PM
By: @Bing Futch
By: @Bing Futch
Fiddle
Posted: Friday September 22 2023, 8:18 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Checking in
Posted: Thursday September 21 2023, 3:20 AM
By: @NateBuildsToys
By: @NateBuildsToys
Concertina care
Posted: Sunday September 17 2023, 10:25 PM
By: @shanonmilan
By: @shanonmilan
Southwest Missouri Dulcimer...
Posted: Sunday September 17 2023, 3:13 PM
By: @dyannay
By: @dyannay
Ron Gibson Dulcimers
Posted: Saturday September 16 2023, 1:13 AM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Accompaniment
Posted: Wednesday September 13 2023, 6:13 PM
By: @NateBuildsToys
By: @NateBuildsToys
Anyone have a David Honea...
Posted: Wednesday September 13 2023, 10:09 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Healthy Living- healthy...
Posted: Wednesday September 13 2023, 7:28 AM
By: @Ken Hulme
By: @Ken Hulme
Marlboro - Brattleboro VT -...
Posted: Tuesday September 12 2023, 9:26 PM
By: @lynnaj
By: @lynnaj
Just For Fun - sayings...
Posted: Tuesday September 12 2023, 1:38 PM
By: @John W. McKinstry
By: @John W. McKinstry
What to call your dulcimer...
Posted: Tuesday September 12 2023, 11:56 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Galax dulcimer for sale now
Posted: Monday September 11 2023, 8:28 AM
By: @John C. Knopf
By: @John C. Knopf
Maybe ive been in the dark...
Posted: Sunday September 10 2023, 6:52 PM
By: @NateBuildsToys
By: @NateBuildsToys
A.W. Jeffreys with unique...
Posted: Saturday September 9 2023, 1:58 PM
By: @Chris_s
By: @Chris_s
Looking for Traditional...
Posted: Saturday September 9 2023, 9:50 AM
By: @Banjimer
By: @Banjimer
Sow hogfiddle, Slate Creek...
Posted: Friday September 8 2023, 4:06 PM
By: @Hunterdude
By: @Hunterdude
John Calkin Dulcimer
Posted: Friday September 8 2023, 1:24 PM
By: @bluesky636
By: @bluesky636
Modern Mountain Dulcimer...
Posted: Thursday September 7 2023, 9:56 AM
By: @Gary Warnock
By: @Gary Warnock
Cumberland travel dulcimer...
Posted: Thursday September 7 2023, 8:10 AM
By: @Hunterdude
By: @Hunterdude
Poplar J. E. Thomas replica...
Posted: Wednesday September 6 2023, 5:51 PM
By: @Jill Geary
By: @Jill Geary
Virginia hogfiddle kit...
Posted: Tuesday September 5 2023, 7:50 PM
By: @Hunterdude
By: @Hunterdude
April Come She Will (Simon...
Posted: Monday September 4 2023, 11:59 AM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Frank Bond Dulcimer
Posted: Monday September 4 2023, 10:37 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Ron Gibson Kentucky...
Posted: Sunday September 3 2023, 5:59 PM
By: @dyannay
By: @dyannay
Reasons NOT To Get a Chromatic
Posted: Sunday September 3 2023, 12:31 AM
By: @Nightingale
By: @Nightingale
The Joy of Sharing Dulcimer
Posted: Saturday September 2 2023, 9:58 AM
By: @Wally Venable
By: @Wally Venable
Confused about Sharps and...
Posted: Saturday September 2 2023, 4:52 AM
By: @NateBuildsToys
By: @NateBuildsToys
Information on luthier...
Posted: Wednesday August 30 2023, 4:20 PM
By: @NateBuildsToys
By: @NateBuildsToys
FANS OF NATE
Posted: Tuesday August 29 2023, 1:27 AM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
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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