Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer!
Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer is the most active and extensive site for Appalachian Mountain Dulcimer players and builders on the internet. 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.
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
• an hour ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Le Basque:
Posted a new Comment on Le Basque:
"Very nice. Exciting and stately"
@pierre-yves-donnio
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @noah-aikens: The Unquiet Grave
Liked a youtube item created by @noah-aikens: The Unquiet Grave
@jill-geary
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 23
Posted a new Comment on Noter drone play list for nursing home?:
Posted a new Comment on Noter drone play list for nursing home?:
"Strumelia:
One thing I've found interesting in this thread's subject is that many of the 'favorite and familiar feel-good' songs of people in nursing..."
@ken-longfield
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on T-5:
Posted a new Comment on T-5:
"Hi, Irene. I'm not a big fan of floating bridges. At our last practice when I was taking the Blue Lion bass out of the case someone distracted me and I..."
@ferrator
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "You know your dulcimer has a hold on you when...":
Posted a response to "You know your dulcimer has a hold on you when...":
"@lisavb I fingerpick. Exclusively. I was taught to play by fingerpicking. While playing chords and all, I have the habit of anchoring the ring finger on..."
@lisavb
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "You know your dulcimer has a hold on you when...":
Posted a response to "You know your dulcimer has a hold on you when...":
"This thread is cracking me up, too! @ferrator, how did you acquire the "callus stripe"? Just years of use, or some specific event not unlike a frying pan?..."
@ferrator
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "You know your dulcimer has a hold on you when...":
Posted a response to "You know your dulcimer has a hold on you when...":
"@irene I understand what it is like to have your ability to get out and about hampered by the weather. Shouldn't be much longer though before you will..."
@ferrator
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "You know your dulcimer has a hold on you when...":
Posted a response to "You know your dulcimer has a hold on you when...":
"@irene You are one good egg! It is a joy to swap posts with you! :)
30 harps? I have been considering building a harp! A smaller, travelling style,..."
@strumelia
• 9 hours ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Christmas Gift:
Posted a new Comment on Christmas Gift:
"No 6.5 fret there. lol!"
@redmando
• 12 hours ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Wayfaring Stranger:
Posted a new Comment on Wayfaring Stranger:
"Gennaro:
Excellent. I just learned a very basic cover. I see I have work to do.
There are some great chord shapes to play around with in this key (DAD..."
@sam
• 12 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on The Drunken Hiccups:
Posted a new Comment on The Drunken Hiccups:
"I know a lot of credit goes to your extraordinary playing, but I LOVE that little dulcimer. The fretting must be very precise and correct. I don't see too..."
@rain-dog
• 18 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "You know your dulcimer has a hold on you when...":
Posted a response to "You know your dulcimer has a hold on you when...":
"@irene I'm using a piece of one of those credit cards as the nut on my dulcimer. Where would we be, if our credit wasn't so good?"
@irene
• 19 hours ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on T-5:
Posted a new Comment on T-5:
"I've made 2 tear drops and enjoy making this style. I learned how to bend wood at my brother's shop in Tyler, Texas. I personally prefer a floating bridge,..."
@irene
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "You know your dulcimer has a hold on you when...":
Posted a response to "You know your dulcimer has a hold on you when...":
"While I smiled writing the last post....on a more serious note (pun intended)..........I thought of the reasons to go to Church for me. Leading the singing..."
@irene
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on T-5:
Posted a new Comment on T-5:
"very beautifully built. I love your choice of woods. bright and cherry. I hope we get to see you in Berea this year and bring this one for us to hear the..."
@steven-berger
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @noah-aikens: The Unquiet Grave
Liked a youtube item created by @noah-aikens: The Unquiet Grave
@ken-longfield
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on T-5:
Posted a new Comment on T-5:
"Thank you, John.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@ken-longfield
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on T-5:
Posted a new Comment on T-5:
"Thank you, Brian.
Ken"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@dusty-turtle
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on The Drunken Hiccups:
Posted a new Comment on The Drunken Hiccups:
"This is great. You show how much can be don with a relatively simple tune. Your picking hand has a soft, precise touch, and I really like that hybrid picking..."
@gpeden
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "New to me, Q’s on nut/bridge fit and strings.":
Posted a response to "New to me, Q’s on nut/bridge fit and strings.":
"Yeah, Ken, I suppose that would only be of interest to me, really😀 I just sent an email to Bill and I‘ll reply with the eventual outcome...."
@ken-hulme
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "New to me, Q’s on nut/bridge fit and strings.":
Posted a response to "New to me, Q’s on nut/bridge fit and strings.":
".00001 or .00002 … rounding up/down the 5th decimal is not really relevant. String gauge recommendations are not set in stone. Going up or down a gauge or..."
@jill-geary
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Wanted: McSpadden Ginger":
Created a new forum topic "Wanted: McSpadden Ginger":
"Hi all, I have a lovely Ginger and I'd like to keep it tuned to DAD. Looking for a second Ginger to keep in GDG tuning. I'm a caring, picky owner, so if..."
@noah-aikens
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on The Unquiet Grave:
Posted a new Comment on The Unquiet Grave:
"You know maybe next time I’ll actually post a dulcimer video."
@gpeden
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "New to me, Q’s on nut/bridge fit and strings.":
Posted a response to "New to me, Q’s on nut/bridge fit and strings.":
"Funny thing about my string measurements - I had rounded down the fourth digit of 5 on all of them, but I see that Bill’s vid on restringing shows him using..."
@irene
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "You know your dulcimer has a hold on you when...":
Posted a response to "You know your dulcimer has a hold on you when...":
"Oh, how I needed such a good laughing post here. "fess up Irene.........." It's been a hard day in that I can't go outside. Already a 1/2 inch covers my..."
@ken-longfield
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on T-5:
Posted a new Comment on T-5:
"Thanks, Dusty. I am told that the Paduk will turn brown with age and not maintain that vibrant orange color. I'll try to keep it out of sunlight and only..."
@ken-longfield
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on T-5:
Posted a new Comment on T-5:
"Thanks, Robin. It took me some time to figure out what woods I wanted to pair with the Paduk. Also, since I had enough Paduk, I made the sides a little over..."
@ferrator
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "You know your dulcimer has a hold on you when...":
Posted a response to "You know your dulcimer has a hold on you when...":
"Fess up Irene... How did YOU get all callous...er...get the callouses on your fingers?"
@dusty-turtle
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on T-5:
Posted a new Comment on T-5:
"That's an elegant looking instrument, Ken. And the padauk is striking."
@robin-thompson
• yesterday
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on T-5:
Posted a new Comment on T-5:
"Ken, I love the looks of this instrument! "
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on T-5:
Posted a new Comment on T-5:
"The sides and back are Paduk which is an African wood. My luthier friend had a little left over after making two guitars. He was going to throw this wood..."
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on T-5:
Posted a new Comment on T-5:
"The top is western red cedar. The board this came from has been in my garage for 38 years. Finally found a use for it. The fret board is hard maple. The peg..."
@gennaro
• yesterday
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Wayfaring Stranger:
Posted a new Comment on Wayfaring Stranger:
"Excellent. I just learned a very basic cover. I see I have work to do."
@irene
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "You know your dulcimer has a hold on you when...":
Posted a response to "You know your dulcimer has a hold on you when...":
"THIS THREAD CRACKS ME UP LAUGHING. "
@salt-springs
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "You know your dulcimer has a hold on you when...":
Posted a response to "You know your dulcimer has a hold on you when...":
"Go to rock-tips.com and buy a bottle, it works. Check it out."
@rain-dog
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "You know your dulcimer has a hold on you when...":
Posted a response to "You know your dulcimer has a hold on you when...":
"Also, pressing on your finger pads with your nails helps build callouses when you're not playing."
@glowhazel
• yesterday
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on The Oh Hellos - I Have Made Mistakes:
Posted a new Comment on The Oh Hellos - I Have Made Mistakes:
"@Dusty-Turtle thanks! The setup isn't that bad, really - I'm capoed such that the key the song is in (F# maj) is the relative major of where the scale is (D#..."
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...
Fingerpicking
A place to discuss fingerpicking styles of dulcimer...
Modern/Chord style Players
Do you play chords and fret across all strings? Then...
Hymn and Worship Song Players
a place to share the hymns and worship songs we are playing.
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.
Mountain Dulcimer History &...
Share historical information and resources on the...
Singing with the Dulcimer
Here's a group for those of us who are interested in...
Technology/Software/Amplifying
to share info on all aspects of using tech: Amplifying,...
fans of Jean Ritchie
A group for those of us who have been inspired by...
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...
Dulcimer Therapy
This group is dedicated to those that visit, or have a...
Little Dulcimers
Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
Dulcimer teachers
Do you teach dulcimer? Are you helping others to learn?
UK and European Mountain...
A group which hopefully allows players/makers in this...
Stick Dulcimers/Strumsticks
Regardless of what name you favor, this group is a...
I have extra frets.....
This group is for those who have a 1 1/2 fret, an 8 1/2...
Four-Equidistant Strings
A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
Home Studio Recording
Recording dulcimers, vocals and other instruments in the...
Public Domain... or Not?
Ever wanted to record or post that tune, but you just...
Baritone Dulcimer Players
A Group for discussing the unique aspects of playing...
Collector's Corner
A group where collectors of antique, vintage, or rare...
Early & Classical Music
For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
Call the Tune
"Call the Tune" is a place to post audio and video...
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...
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...
Galax Dulcimer Lovers
Just a group to discuss all things Galax Dulcimer. Tips...
Chromatic Dulcimers
For players who enjoy playing dulcimers with ALL the frets!
Scrap/Recycled wood...
A group for those thrifty and creative folk who like to...
Prayers, Hugs, and Kindness
A group for private sharing and support, whether you are...
Rosin the Bow!
Welcome to all who play music using a bow on any type...
Challenged Players
A meeting place for players dealing with disabilities.
California Dulcimer Dreamin'
For dulcimer players living in or just visiting California
Virginia Dulcimer Players
Just thought it would be neet to know how many other...
NorthEastern U.S. dulcimer...
For those of us who live in the northeastern United States.
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...
Pacific Northwest Players
For players who live in or have strong connections to the...
West Virginia players
A group just for dulcimer players in beautiful West...
6 string dulcimers
Owning and playing a 6 string, regardless of tuning, and...
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!...
AussieTalk!
For dulcimer players in Australia. -Be sure to create...
Arkansas Mtn Dulcimer Players
For those who live in Arkansas and love playing the...
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!
Showcase your music event or business here
Latest Forum Posts All
You know your dulcimer has...
Posted: Sunday January 19 2020, 12:52 PM
By: @Ferrator
By: @Ferrator
New to me, Q’s on...
Posted: Saturday January 18 2020, 8:50 PM
By: @gpeden
By: @gpeden
Wanted: McSpadden Ginger
Posted: Saturday January 18 2020, 7:55 PM
By: @Jill Geary
By: @Jill Geary
Embedded video from YouTube...
Posted: Saturday January 18 2020, 11:54 AM
By: @glowhazel
By: @glowhazel
1-2-4 Chord Surprise!
Posted: Saturday January 18 2020, 10:34 AM
By: @LisavB
By: @LisavB
Changing tuners on a Warren...
Posted: Friday January 17 2020, 8:47 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Dulcimer hangers
Posted: Thursday January 16 2020, 7:18 PM
By: @Ken Hulme
By: @Ken Hulme
Berea 2020 Traditional...
Posted: Thursday January 16 2020, 4:44 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Black Friday Dulcimaster Sale!
Posted: Thursday January 16 2020, 4:40 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Introduce Yourself!
Posted: Wednesday January 15 2020, 9:51 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Bowed psaltery
Posted: Wednesday January 15 2020, 4:16 PM
By: @Lorraine
By: @Lorraine
Folkcraft Dulcimer for Sale
Posted: Wednesday January 15 2020, 3:14 PM
By: @Kevin R.
By: @Kevin R.
Modern Sheet Music/Tab?
Posted: Wednesday January 15 2020, 11:57 AM
By: @Rain Dog
By: @Rain Dog
Sears and Roebuck dulcimers
Posted: Wednesday January 15 2020, 8:25 AM
By: @Rain Dog
By: @Rain Dog
Irish duo to visit America.
Posted: Wednesday January 15 2020, 3:30 AM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
"Musical Spring 2020"...
Posted: Tuesday January 14 2020, 4:32 AM
By: @Ariane
By: @Ariane
A Treasure Trove of Old...
Posted: Monday January 13 2020, 1:46 PM
By: @Fatcat
By: @Fatcat
Pick noise
Posted: Monday January 13 2020, 8:45 AM
By: @Staylor
By: @Staylor
Warren May Dulcimer
Posted: Sunday January 12 2020, 10:10 PM
By: @Lorraine
By: @Lorraine
North Carolina dulcimers...
Posted: Saturday January 11 2020, 6:31 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
What's fer dinner?
Posted: Thursday January 9 2020, 7:05 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Would like info on my new...
Posted: Wednesday January 8 2020, 11:57 AM
By: @Gennaro
By: @Gennaro
TEDx talk and music by the...
Posted: Monday January 6 2020, 10:15 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Your next performance?
Posted: Monday January 6 2020, 6:18 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Practice tips
Posted: Monday January 6 2020, 1:33 PM
By: @YeahSureOK
By: @YeahSureOK
Brass instruments
Posted: Monday January 6 2020, 1:18 PM
By: @YeahSureOK
By: @YeahSureOK
John Molineux uses a...
Posted: Sunday January 5 2020, 4:31 PM
By: @hugssandi
By: @hugssandi
silver dagger
Posted: Sunday January 5 2020, 4:29 PM
By: @hugssandi
By: @hugssandi
mountain dulcimer in trio...
Posted: Sunday January 5 2020, 4:26 PM
By: @hugssandi
By: @hugssandi
Read the Site Rules
Our Welcome Wagon!
3 CHEERS to our Volunteer Greeters ...for making new members feel right at home :
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Single Instructor Events / Classifieds
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