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
• 12 minutes ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Hard Times Come Again No More:
Posted a new Comment on Hard Times Come Again No More:
"Sounds great, Bob! I have a student model dulcimer made by David Lynch of poplar ply and it has a really nice punch to it. I'm not sure if that's due to..."
@bob
• 30 minutes ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Hard Times Come Again No More:
Posted a new Comment on Hard Times Come Again No More:
"I was happy with the sound that Poplar makes. Warm-ish but can ring on the high notes well also. I will be glad when the student's teacher gives it a play..."
@bob
• 33 minutes ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on "Student Model" :
Posted a new Comment on "Student Model" :
"Thank you Salt-springs :-)"
@bob
• 34 minutes ago
• comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on "Student Model" :
Posted a new Comment on "Student Model" :
"Thank you Ken. Contrasting woods are a great way to add some eye-flavor, and the woods were a nice combination sound-wise as well. My first use of Poplar on..."
@mark-gilston
• an hour ago
• comments: 0
Updated a YouTube Video:
A Trip to Kilburn or Black and Gray
A Trip to Kilburn or Black and Gray
@mark-gilston
• an hour ago
• comments: 0
Posted a new YouTube video:
A Trip to Kilburn or Black and Gray
A Trip to Kilburn or Black and Gray
@don-grundy
• an hour ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Anyone else tune GDg?":
Posted a response to "Anyone else tune GDg?":
"Thanks. I’m always astounded that to play with a group everyone is tuned DAd or DAAA; but personal preferences run to so many other tuning."
@kevin-r
• 2 hours ago
• comments: 5
Liked a youtube item created by @bob:
Hard Times Come Again No More
Liked a youtube item created by @bob:
Hard Times Come Again No More
@ken-hulme
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Anyone else tune GDg?":
Posted a response to "Anyone else tune GDg?":
"Because I like the way it cuts through the din. My VSLs are all in the 27-28" range. "
@pierre-yves-donnio
• 9 hours ago
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @noah-cline:
Sí Bheag, Sí Mhór/Carolan’s Cup
Liked a youtube item created by @noah-cline:
Sí Bheag, Sí Mhór/Carolan’s Cup
@salt-springs
• 10 hours ago
• comments: 5
Liked a youtube item created by @bob:
Hard Times Come Again No More
Liked a youtube item created by @bob:
Hard Times Come Again No More
@noah-cline
• 10 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Sí Bheag, Sí Mhór/Carolan’s Cup:
Posted a new Comment on Sí Bheag, Sí Mhór/Carolan’s Cup:
"Elvensong: I could listen to O'Carolan all night long. Very nice combination of tunes and wonderfully played.
Yes I agree. He was definitely blessed..."
@noah-cline
• 10 hours ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Captain O'Kane ~ O'Carolan:
Posted a new Comment on Captain O'Kane ~ O'Carolan:
"Thank you all!"
@salt-springs
• 10 hours ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on "Student Model" :
Posted a new Comment on "Student Model" :
"Wow, that is outstanding!"
@salt-springs
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @noah-cline:
Sí Bheag, Sí Mhór/Carolan’s Cup
Liked a youtube item created by @noah-cline:
Sí Bheag, Sí Mhór/Carolan’s Cup
@elvensong
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Sí Bheag, Sí Mhór/Carolan’s Cup:
Posted a new Comment on Sí Bheag, Sí Mhór/Carolan’s Cup:
"I could listen to O'Carolan all night long. Very nice combination of tunes and wonderfully played. "
@elvensong
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @noah-cline:
Sí Bheag, Sí Mhór/Carolan’s Cup
Liked a youtube item created by @noah-cline:
Sí Bheag, Sí Mhór/Carolan’s Cup
@elvensong
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 5
Liked a youtube item created by @bob:
Hard Times Come Again No More
Liked a youtube item created by @bob:
Hard Times Come Again No More
@elvensong
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @noah-cline:
Bonaparte Crossing the Rhine
Liked a youtube item created by @noah-cline:
Bonaparte Crossing the Rhine
@noah-cline
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Hard Times Come Again No More:
Posted a new Comment on Hard Times Come Again No More:
"Sounds great! I’ve been thinking about the next dulcimer build being made with poplar. "
@noah-cline
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 5
Liked a youtube item created by @bob:
Hard Times Come Again No More
Liked a youtube item created by @bob:
Hard Times Come Again No More
@elvensong
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Captain O'Kane ~ O'Carolan:
Posted a new Comment on Captain O'Kane ~ O'Carolan:
"One of the best tunes I've heard in a long time. This is definitely on top of my must learn tunes. Thanks for an inspiring rendition, Noah. Truly. "
@elvensong
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 6
Liked a youtube item created by @noah-cline:
Captain O'Kane ~ O'Carolan
Liked a youtube item created by @noah-cline:
Captain O'Kane ~ O'Carolan
@elvensong
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Valley Forge:
Posted a new Comment on Valley Forge:
"Excellent arrangement, Noah. It's impossible not to tap my foot. "
@elvensong
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Seneca Square Dance:
Posted a new Comment on Seneca Square Dance:
"Great tune Randy! You have quite a collection."
@elvensong
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 8
Liked a youtube item created by @randy-adams:
Seneca Square Dance
Liked a youtube item created by @randy-adams:
Seneca Square Dance
@noah-cline
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new YouTube video:
Sí Bheag, Sí Mhór/Carolan’s Cup
Sí Bheag, Sí Mhór/Carolan’s Cup
@ken-longfield
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Hard Times Come Again No More:
Posted a new Comment on Hard Times Come Again No More:
"That's a really good sound from a very nice dulcimer.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@skip
• 12 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "What if you could only have one dulcimer?":
Posted a response to "What if you could only have one dulcimer?":
"I have a Folkcraft resonator with a pickup. It has a 23.5" VSL , double back, and a reversible nut [raise/lower action and multi string layout], can be setup..."
@don-grundy
• 12 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Anyone else tune GDg?":
Posted a response to "Anyone else tune GDg?":
"Ken, do you have your dulcimer in G because of a short VSL or strictly because of your stated reason?"
@marc-mathieu
• 12 hours ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Hard Times Come Again No More:
Posted a new Comment on Hard Times Come Again No More:
"Great sound !"
@ken-hulme
• 12 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Anyone else tune GDg?":
Posted a response to "Anyone else tune GDg?":
"I don't tune GDg particularly, but do have one instrument that I play at Open Mics, tuned to GDD or Ggg. That high G cuts through the background noise of a..."
@ken-hulme
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "What if you could only have one dulcimer?":
Posted a response to "What if you could only have one dulcimer?":
"Yeah, the subject comes up periodically. And the answers are as varied as the kinds of music people enjoy playing, and the way they play -- Chord Melody,..."
@salt-springs
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Replacing the Nut on a Homer Ledford":
Posted a response to "Replacing the Nut on a Homer Ledford":
"I'm sure your right about those adjusters working really well. I am going to put them back on in short order, they needed to be cleaned up a bit which I'll..."
@ken-hulme
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Advice on old dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Advice on old dulcimer":
"String gauges are totally dependent on the notes of the Open tuning -- DAA, DAd, CGG, CGc, EBB, EBe -- and the VSL of the instrument.
A "normal" set of..."
@geckostar97
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "What if you could only have one dulcimer?":
Created a new forum topic "What if you could only have one dulcimer?":
"Hi everyone. During a break at work today, I wondered what I would do if I was told I could only have one dulcimer BUT it could be any dulcimer I wanted. I..."
@ken-hulme
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Replacing the Nut on a Homer Ledford":
Posted a response to "Replacing the Nut on a Homer Ledford":
"Actually, on the couple of Ledfords that I had the pleasure of playing, those "string adjustment hubs" -- which are fine tuners, BTW -- worked very well to..."
@salt-springs
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Replacing the Nut on a Homer Ledford":
Posted a response to "Replacing the Nut on a Homer Ledford":
"OK Bob,"
@janis-lewman
• 15 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Advice on old dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Advice on old dulcimer":
"In her collection was one interesting old dulcimer, same builder. Beautiful dark wood, possibly walnut, but NO frets! That one was already sold."
@janis-lewman
• 15 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Advice on old dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Advice on old dulcimer":
"Thank you both Kens. I know she will have no idea of string gauge but that can be figured out with a micrometer. Still have Dad’s old antique...or let..."
@ken-longfield
• 15 hours ago
• comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on "Student Model" :
Posted a new Comment on "Student Model" :
"Looks good Bob. I like that it is three strings; good for a beginner. You have a nicely shaped peg head which give the dulcimer a certain elegance. The dark..."
@dusty-turtle
• 15 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Redwood Dulcimer Day -- Santa Cruz, CA:
Posted a new Comment on Redwood Dulcimer Day -- Santa Cruz, CA:
"I look forward to seeing you this weekend, DJ! One of the regular members of my dulcimer group convinced his mom to come to RDD this year. She's never..."
@bob
• 15 hours ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on "Student Model" :
Posted a new Comment on "Student Model" :
"Thanks Brian and Dusty. It is a prototype, and I have some nice construction simplifications going forward with this model."
@bob
• 15 hours ago
• comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on "Student Model" :
Posted a new Comment on "Student Model" :
"Thank you Robin and Marg"
@ken-longfield
• 15 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Recording multiple tracks?":
Posted a response to "Recording multiple tracks?":
"Before I moved to Mac, I used a program from SouceForge called Audacity. It is a free download. I found it easy to use. If you do not have an audio interface..."
@bob
• 15 hours ago
• comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on "Student Model" :
Posted a new Comment on "Student Model" :
"Marc Mathieu: WOW - What a beautiful instrument. That'll make for a very happy beginner. Just curious... what were you planning on selling this instrument..."
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...
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...
Singing with the Dulcimer
Here's a group for those of us who are interested in...
Mountain Dulcimer History
Share historical information on the history and...
UK and European Mountain...
A group which hopefully allows players/makers in this...
Dulcimer teachers
Do you teach dulcimer? Are you helping others to learn?
Technology/Software/Amplifying
to share info on all aspects of using tech: Amplifying,...
Stick Dulcimers/Strumsticks
Regardless of what name you favor, this group is a...
Dulcimer Therapy
This group is dedicated to those that visit, or have a...
Arranging/composing for...
A group to discuss creating arrangements of songs and...
Help Me Learn this Song
Need help learning to play a particular song? Let...
Little Dulcimers
Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
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...
Collector's Corner
A group where collectors of antique, vintage, or rare...
Four-Equidistant Strings
A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
GIG TALK!
Do you play gigs? Tell us about your good and not-so-good...
Call the Tune
"Call the Tune" is a place to post audio and video clips...
Civil War era music
For discussing music that was played around the time of...
Baritone Dulcimer Players
A Group for discussing the unique aspects of playing...
Box Dulcimers
A group for those who play, make, or admire all types of...
Early & Classical Music
For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
Dulcimer Ancestors
Looking at some of the ancestors of the Mountain...
Galax Dulcimer Lovers
Just a group to discuss all things Galax Dulcimer. Tips...
Rosin the Bow!
Welcome to all who play music using a bow on any type of...
The Bass Dulcimer
This group is for anyone interested in sharing tips and...
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...
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...
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
North Carolinians Plus
The Three Sides of North Carolina: Mountains / Piedmont /...
Pacific Northwest Players
For players who live in or have strong connections to the...
Kentucky Dulcimer Players
A group for any players from Kentucky where we can meet...
Florida Sunshine Dulcimer...
Florida Dulcimer Players
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...
Missouri Dulcimer Players
for all the Show Me State dulcimer players
North of the Lakes
for any MD players in Upper Canada (aka Ontario) and the...
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...
Indiana Players
Welcome all dulcimer players in the state of Indiana!...
Site Moderators Group
A private group to allow FOTMD moderators to communicate...
Latest Videos
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Showcase your music event or business here!
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Latest Forum Posts All
Anyone else tune GDg?
Posted: Friday August 17 2018, 9:26 AM
By: @Don Grundy
By: @Don Grundy
What if you could only have...
Posted: Thursday August 16 2018, 10:59 PM
By: @Skip
By: @Skip
Replacing the Nut on a...
Posted: Thursday August 16 2018, 9:53 PM
By: @Salt Springs
By: @Salt Springs
Advice on old dulcimer
Posted: Thursday August 16 2018, 9:52 PM
By: @Ken Hulme
By: @Ken Hulme
Recording multiple tracks?
Posted: Thursday August 16 2018, 7:05 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Introduce Yourself!
Posted: Thursday August 16 2018, 10:21 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Somewhere over the rainbow
Posted: Thursday August 16 2018, 4:01 AM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Rebuilds
Posted: Wednesday August 15 2018, 3:38 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Courting Dulcimer for sale...
Posted: Monday August 13 2018, 11:14 PM
By: @gregojano
By: @gregojano
Ban-jammer build questions
Posted: Monday August 13 2018, 10:29 PM
By: @Ken Hulme
By: @Ken Hulme
Will donate student...
Posted: Monday August 13 2018, 9:34 PM
By: @John C. Knopf
By: @John C. Knopf
Cedar dulcimer
Posted: Sunday August 12 2018, 8:16 PM
By: @Noah Cline
By: @Noah Cline
Marc Bolan Dulcimer?
Posted: Sunday August 12 2018, 4:12 PM
By: @Grahame Hood
By: @Grahame Hood
Intermediates
Posted: Saturday August 11 2018, 8:04 PM
By: @Terry Wilson
By: @Terry Wilson
Mountain Dulcimer...
Posted: Saturday August 11 2018, 4:34 PM
By: @Geckostar97
By: @Geckostar97
Anyone familiar with Bob...
Posted: Friday August 10 2018, 7:14 PM
By: @Geckostar97
By: @Geckostar97
Question about fret layout.
Posted: Friday August 10 2018, 7:01 PM
By: @Ray D
By: @Ray D
Plastic picks & leather picks
Posted: Thursday August 9 2018, 6:27 PM
By: @Slate Creek Dulcimers
By: @Slate Creek Dulcimers
Frame Drums
Posted: Thursday August 9 2018, 6:24 PM
By: @Eileen
By: @Eileen
Healthy Living- healthy...
Posted: Thursday August 9 2018, 1:52 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
a discusson created by me
Posted: Wednesday August 8 2018, 10:38 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
New Body
Posted: Wednesday August 8 2018, 9:20 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Laurel Mountain Dulcimer...
Posted: Tuesday August 7 2018, 9:46 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Dulcimer just followed me home
Posted: Monday August 6 2018, 2:14 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Naming Our "Babies"?
Posted: Sunday August 5 2018, 9:20 PM
By: @Rev. Wayne McAllister
By: @Rev. Wayne McAllister
Which builder for a...
Posted: Sunday August 5 2018, 9:02 PM
By: @Rev. Wayne McAllister
By: @Rev. Wayne McAllister
Wendy Songe...
Posted: Friday August 3 2018, 2:53 PM
By: @Ginny Schott
By: @Ginny Schott
The Positive Thread...
Posted: Thursday August 2 2018, 8:47 PM
By: @Steve Smith
By: @Steve Smith
1930s Kentucky Dulcimer...
Posted: Wednesday August 1 2018, 8:26 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Choose just ONE song for...
Posted: Tuesday July 31 2018, 2:53 PM
By: @Marsha Elliott
By: @Marsha Elliott
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