Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer!
Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer is the most active and extensive online site for Appalachian Mountain Dulcimers and players on the internet today. 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.
So 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
@dusty-turtle
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on How often do you play/practice?:
Posted a new Comment on How often do you play/practice?:
"Don, I'm sure you'll get all sorts of different answers for this one. I enjoy playing the dulcimer and try to play many times a day, though often for only a..."
@don-grundy
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 2
Liked a group discussions by @don-grundy:
How often do you play/practice?
Liked a group discussions by @don-grundy:
How often do you play/practice?
@marg
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on How often do you play/practice?:
Posted a new Comment on How often do you play/practice?:
"I play almost everyday at home & several times a week with a group. Last week we also preformed at two different events.
How long: 2 hours can go by..."
@nick-osullivan
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 20
Posted a new Comment on Baritone Dulcimer Players:
Posted a new Comment on Baritone Dulcimer Players:
"Hi
My baritone dulcimer is set up as four string equidistant tuned ADAd, so I can play in DAD but have those extra low notes as well. Works for me."
@don-grundy
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 2
Created a new Group discussion "How often do you play/practice?":
Created a new Group discussion "How often do you play/practice?":
"Are you organized in your playing?
Every day? How long?"
Beginner players
Beginner players
@gregg-schneeman
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on "HIGHER GROUND" on Hummle:
Posted a new Comment on "HIGHER GROUND" on Hummle:
"The Lyrics to "Higher Ground" were written by Johnson Oatman Jr. in 1892. This tune for it was written by Charles H. Gabriel in 1898. I recommend YouTube..."
@ken-hulme
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 18
Posted a new Comment on Bowed Psalteries:
Posted a new Comment on Bowed Psalteries:
"Not much traffic in this Bowed Group, and even less in this Bowed Psaltery thread. However...
I just acquired a Bowed Psaltery for the price of shipping..."
@strumelia
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 3
Liked a youtube by @gregg-schneeman:
"HIGHER GROUND" on Hummle
Liked a youtube by @gregg-schneeman:
"HIGHER GROUND" on Hummle
@strumelia
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on "HIGHER GROUND" on Hummle:
Posted a new Comment on "HIGHER GROUND" on Hummle:
"I love this Gregg !!
Can you tell me a little something about this hymn?"
@ken-hulme
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 19
Posted a new Comment on Where you playing next?:
Posted a new Comment on Where you playing next?:
"Well, my "concert opener" went off really well! Got lots of good comments on my voice, my playing, and the 'history lesson' on Child Ballads #1 and #2..."
@gregg-schneeman
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on "NOT FOR JOE" on Bowed Psaltery and Dulcimer:
Posted a new Comment on "NOT FOR JOE" on Bowed Psaltery and Dulcimer:
"We all Had a great time at Kindred Dulcimer Gathering this year. I taught this tune to Cathy Trout-Hessom here over 30 years ago! Time flies when your having..."
@gregg-schneeman
• 8 hours ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new YouTube video:
"NOT FOR JOE" on Bowed Psaltery and Dulcimer
"NOT FOR JOE" on Bowed Psaltery and Dulcimer
@gregg-schneeman
• 8 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on "HIGHER GROUND" on Hummle:
Posted a new Comment on "HIGHER GROUND" on Hummle:
" My Hummel or Hummle, I've seen it spelled both ways, means "Bumble Bee" in Swedish. The extra drone strings do make a big sound!"
@gregg-schneeman
• 8 hours ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on "Farther Along":
Posted a new Comment on "Farther Along":
"Here's me playing "Farther Along" on my Hummle built by my friend Terry Watson. Jean Ritchie's Dulcimer Book has to photos of Otto Malmberg with his Hummle...."
@dusty-turtle
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Sugar in the Gourd:
Posted a new Comment on Sugar in the Gourd:
"Another in the long line of Randy's bawdy tunes.
This has a nice hop to it."
@nick-osullivan
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Chromatic fret spacing on drone strings":
Posted a response to "Chromatic fret spacing on drone strings":
"And here's the dulcimer"
@nick-osullivan
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Chromatic fret spacing on drone strings":
Posted a response to "Chromatic fret spacing on drone strings":
"Here's a tune played on a dulcimer with diatonic/chromatic fretboard
Listen to Pastorale Michel Corrette by nickosullivan #np on #SoundCloud"
@nick-osullivan
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Chromatic Dulcimers:
Posted a new Comment on Chromatic Dulcimers:
"A piece for chromatic dulcimer with added bass "harp" strings
Listen to Nocturne for harp-dulcimer by nickosullivan #np on #SoundCloud"
@strumelia
• 18 hours ago
• comments: 4
Liked a group discussions by @kathy-ford:
Strings for my Baritone
Liked a group discussions by @kathy-ford:
Strings for my Baritone
@dusty-turtle
• yesterday
• comments: 20
Posted a new Comment on Baritone Dulcimer Players:
Posted a new Comment on Baritone Dulcimer Players:
"Hi @Dulcimerjones.
The term "baritone" refers to the tonal range of the instrument. Generally, a baritone is tuned a fourth or fifth below a standard..."
@jan-potts
• yesterday
• comments: 12
Posted a new Comment on Getting the first dulcimer:
Posted a new Comment on Getting the first dulcimer:
"Yep, good choice. As soon as you get a song figured out, think about posting it on here so we can hear how the McSpadden sound and so we can see you..."
@marg
• yesterday
• comments: 12
Posted a new Comment on Getting the first dulcimer:
Posted a new Comment on Getting the first dulcimer:
"My McSpaaden id all walnut dulcimer also. I like the walnut dulcimers in both sound & looks.
Glad you found a good first dulcimer, enjoy it "
@dusty-turtle
• yesterday
• comments: 12
Posted a new Comment on Getting the first dulcimer:
Posted a new Comment on Getting the first dulcimer:
"Congratulations, @Papasims. A McSpadden is always a good choice since it is a trusted brand that keeps its value over time. And of course, they play so..."
@robin-thompson
• yesterday
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Old Fiddler’s Convention in Galax:
Posted a new Comment on Old Fiddler’s Convention in Galax:
"Congratulations to all! "
@robin-thompson
• yesterday
• comments: 1
Liked a photos by @david-bennett:
Old Fiddler’s Convention in Galax
Liked a photos by @david-bennett:
Old Fiddler’s Convention in Galax
@john-gribble
• yesterday
• comments: 20
Posted a new Comment on Baritone Dulcimer Players:
Posted a new Comment on Baritone Dulcimer Players:
"DulcimerJones: I love the baritone sound & am starting to search for one but I am confused. I thought what made one a baritone was: 1) a longer VSL..."
@rob-n-lackey
• yesterday
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Dizzy Lizzy:
Posted a new Comment on Dizzy Lizzy:
"Nice, Mary. Glad to see you back on
"
@papasims
• yesterday
• comments: 12
Posted a new Comment on Getting the first dulcimer:
Posted a new Comment on Getting the first dulcimer:
"So thankful for all the good advice received. I am now the proud owner of a '89 McSpaaden all walnut dulcimer. Very sweet sound, easy to play and well..."
@dulcimerjones
• yesterday
• comments: 20
Posted a new Comment on Baritone Dulcimer Players:
Posted a new Comment on Baritone Dulcimer Players:
"I love the baritone sound & am starting to search for one but I am confused. I thought what made one a baritone was: 1) a longer VSL 2) heavier..."
@dulcimerjones
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Favorite chair/seat for playing?":
Posted a response to "Favorite chair/seat for playing?":
" Marg, What a lovely setting for playing! I'm looking for similar chairs, but it's hard to find just the right height, cushiness, depth, etc. The hunt is ON!"
@dforrest
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Acoustic sound issue":
Posted a response to "Acoustic sound issue":
"Thank you for responding. I did try to see if I could isolate the problem to one string, and I could not. I think I will try different strings, though, and..."
@christine-shoemaker
• 2 days ago
• comments: 15
Posted a new Comment on Irish Washerwoman duet:
Posted a new Comment on Irish Washerwoman duet:
" Thanks so much, Marc! That was very kind (& very cute!) of you. "
@sean-belt
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Acoustic sound issue":
Posted a response to "Acoustic sound issue":
"I don't think the instrument's sustain is a problem with the strings. You might try a lighter gauge string just to see if it changes anything, but it may..."
@marg
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on digital effects:
Posted a new Comment on digital effects:
"Oh, I was wondering but the dulcimer seem to have a thicker body. Great, enjoy the tones & sounds. Can't wait to hear a sample"
@dan-evans
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on digital effects:
Posted a new Comment on digital effects:
"@marg it's a solid body-electric - I did try to add more text to explain but the software of the website kept rejecting it
"
@marg
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on digital effects:
Posted a new Comment on digital effects:
"No sound holes? Does the pick up take care of not having any?"
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Favorite chair/seat for playing?":
Posted a response to "Favorite chair/seat for playing?":
"For home playing, Brian and I bought these chairs several years ago, and we find them incredibly comfortable for playing music. They are also great for..."
@trevor-boyd
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Seeing all postings in a discussion":
Posted a response to "Seeing all postings in a discussion":
"Thank you. Strumelia.
Trevor"
@marg
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "How do I tune this Bass Dulcimer?":
Posted a response to "How do I tune this Bass Dulcimer?":
" Blevins dulcimer
WOW, very nice
yes, how does it sound"
@marg
• 2 days ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on JR Beall..............6 string, 1969 #1:
Posted a new Comment on JR Beall..............6 string, 1969 #1:
"Beautiful, what a treasure. Enjoy, have fun & can't wait to hear it."
@marg
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Favorite chair/seat for playing?":
Posted a response to "Favorite chair/seat for playing?":
"I have little grandchildren; so when I was looking for a chair for playing the dulcimer, I also was thinking of extra space for extra little angles. It is..."
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 making dulcimers or interested in...
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.
Modern/Chord style Players
Do you play chords and fret across all strings? Then this...
Rockin' in the Free World
A group for those of you who like to play music not...
Traditional Irish music & Song
The playing of Traditional Irish music and Song on...
The Music Theory Corner
A Group to talk about Music Theory!
Dulcimer Care & Maintenance
Tips, tricks and techniques to help care for your dulcimer.
fans of Jean Ritchie
A group for those of us who have been inspired by...
UK and European Mountain...
A group which hopefully allows players/makers in this...
Singing with the Dulcimer
Here's a group for those of us who are interested in...
Stick Dulcimers/Strumsticks
Regardless of what name you favor, this group is a...
Arranging for Dulcimers
A group to discuss creating arrangements of songs for...
Dulcimer teachers
Do you teach dulcimer? Are you helping others to learn?
Dulcimer Therapy
This group is dedicated to those that visit, or have a...
Mountain Dulcimer History
Share historical information on the history and...
Little Dulcimers
Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
Technology/Software/Amplifying
to share info on all aspects of using tech: Amplifying,...
Help Me Learn this Song
Need help learning to play a particular song? Let...
Public Domain... or Not?
Ever wanted to record or post that tune, but you just...
I have extra frets.....
This group is for those who have a 1 1/2 fret, an 8 1/2...
Home Studio Recording
Recording dulcimers, vocals and other instruments in the...
Call the Tune
"Call the Tune" is a place to post audio and video clips...
Four-Equidistant Strings
A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
Collector's Corner
A group where collectors of antique, vintage, or rare...
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...
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...
Early & Classical Music
For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
Galax Dulcimer Lovers
Just a group to discuss all things Galax Dulcimer. Tips...
Prayers, Hugs, and Kindness
A group for private sharing and support, whether you are...
Scrap/Recycled wood...
A group for those thrifty and creative folk who like to...
The Bass Dulcimer
This group is for anyone interested in sharing tips and...
Rosin the Bow!
Welcome to all who play music using a bow on any type of...
Chromatic Dulcimers
For players who enjoy playing dulcimers with ALL the frets!
NorthEastern U.S. dulcimer...
For those of us who live in the northeastern United States.
Challenged Players
A meeting place for players dealing with disabilities.
Michigan Dulcimer Players...
All Players in Michigan
Virginia Dulcimer Players
Just thought it would be neet to know how many other...
North Carolinians Plus
The Three Sides of North Carolina: Mountains / Piedmont /...
Baritone Dulcimer Players
A Group for discussing the unique aspects of playing...
Texas Dulcimer Enthusiasts
Howdy ya'll! Come on by for a cup o' joe and jammin....
California Dulcimer Dreamin'
For dulcimer players living in or just visiting California
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...
Florida Sunshine Dulcimer...
Florida Dulcimer Players
West Virginia players
A group just for dulcimer players in beautiful West...
Composing and Songwriting
Do you like composing original songs? Are you writing a...
North of the Lakes
for any MD players in Upper Canada (aka Ontario) and the...
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...
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...
Indiana Players
Welcome all dulcimer players in the state of Indiana!...
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Latest Forum Posts All
Chromatic fret spacing on...
Posted: Wednesday August 16 2017, 2:57 PM
By: @nick o'sullivan
By: @nick o'sullivan
Favorite chair/seat for...
Posted: Tuesday August 15 2017, 6:44 PM
By: @DulcimerJones
By: @DulcimerJones
Acoustic sound issue
Posted: Tuesday August 15 2017, 4:52 PM
By: @dforrest
By: @dforrest
Seeing all postings in a...
Posted: Tuesday August 15 2017, 5:11 AM
By: @Trevor Boyd
By: @Trevor Boyd
How do I tune this Bass...
Posted: Tuesday August 15 2017, 2:20 AM
By: @marg
By: @marg
HOW TO for finding, add...
Posted: Monday August 14 2017, 2:44 PM
By: @Skip
By: @Skip
Which builder for a...
Posted: Sunday August 13 2017, 10:00 PM
By: @Ken Hulme
By: @Ken Hulme
Hitting the strings
Posted: Saturday August 12 2017, 10:48 PM
By: @marg
By: @marg
PRICE REDUCTION Probst all...
Posted: Saturday August 12 2017, 12:08 PM
By: @D. Chitwood
By: @D. Chitwood
Recognize this?
Posted: Saturday August 12 2017, 9:21 AM
By: @Ken Hulme
By: @Ken Hulme
Cardboard Dulcimer
Posted: Saturday August 12 2017, 8:33 AM
By: @Ken Hulme
By: @Ken Hulme
Fingerpicking a dulcimer -...
Posted: Friday August 11 2017, 2:01 PM
By: @Ann Wells
By: @Ann Wells
Dulcimer Carry Case
Posted: Wednesday August 9 2017, 10:09 PM
By: @Bob
By: @Bob
Singing with my dulcimer...
Posted: Tuesday August 8 2017, 10:03 PM
By: @Gordon Hardy
By: @Gordon Hardy
Crowd Sourcing Questions...
Posted: Tuesday August 8 2017, 12:53 PM
By: @hugssandi
By: @hugssandi
I am SO in over my head!!!
Posted: Tuesday August 8 2017, 12:43 PM
By: @hugssandi
By: @hugssandi
Free tabs: More German folk...
Posted: Tuesday August 8 2017, 10:14 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Are you playing on your...
Posted: Tuesday August 8 2017, 12:36 AM
By: @marg
By: @marg
Tune You've Had The Most...
Posted: Monday August 7 2017, 3:04 PM
By: @Sean Ruprecht-Belt
By: @Sean Ruprecht-Belt
DAA or DAD as primary tuning ?
Posted: Monday August 7 2017, 11:59 AM
By: @Leo Kretzner
By: @Leo Kretzner
And then peace fell.....
Posted: Sunday August 6 2017, 5:02 PM
By: @Lois Sprengnether Keel
By: @Lois Sprengnether Keel
Clicking straight to the...
Posted: Wednesday August 2 2017, 11:56 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Jeff Furman in Marine City,...
Posted: Wednesday August 2 2017, 9:15 PM
By: @Lois Sprengnether Keel
By: @Lois Sprengnether Keel
Tell us about your VERY...
Posted: Wednesday August 2 2017, 8:16 PM
By: @Ashkettle
By: @Ashkettle
The Positive Thread...
Posted: Wednesday August 2 2017, 1:13 PM
By: @marg
By: @marg
bridge compensation
Posted: Wednesday August 2 2017, 12:28 AM
By: @John Gribble
By: @John Gribble
Show Us Your Pets!
Posted: Monday July 31 2017, 9:21 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
What's a Noter-Drone...
Posted: Monday July 31 2017, 9:21 AM
By: @marg
By: @marg
Concert Ukulele
Posted: Friday July 28 2017, 7:19 PM
By: @Colleen Hailey
By: @Colleen Hailey
Audio files not working for me
Posted: Friday July 28 2017, 11:21 AM
By: @Salt Springs
By: @Salt Springs
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Single Instructor Events / Classifieds
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