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
@ken-hulme
• 2 hours ago
• comments: 13
Posted a new Comment on Tunings ....:
Posted a new Comment on Tunings ....:
"Modes are scales -- on one string only (the melody string), on fretboards which do not have (or ignore) the non-diatonic 6+ fret . Each Mode/scale has..."
@dusty-turtle
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Today In Mountain Dulcimer History: JUNE:
Posted a new Comment on Today In Mountain Dulcimer History: JUNE:
"Thanks, as always, David, for all the research that went into these pieces.
Five years ago today, Jean Ritchie died. That's sad, of course, but her spirit..."
@robert-schuler
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 2
Liked a music item created by @glenda-hubbard: Carolina Waltz
Liked a music item created by @glenda-hubbard: Carolina Waltz
@steven-berger
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 3
Liked a group discussions item created by @david-bennett: Today In Mountain Dulcimer History: JUNE
Liked a group discussions item created by @david-bennett: Today In Mountain Dulcimer History: JUNE
@david-bennett
• 12 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Today In Mountain Dulcimer History: JUNE:
Posted a new Comment on Today In Mountain Dulcimer History: JUNE:
"Bump"
@john-c-knopf
• 12 hours ago
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on American Chestnut Demo:
Posted a new Comment on American Chestnut Demo:
"Very nice, Jack! It's nice to know you found some prime chestnut to use."
@aire
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 13
Posted a new Comment on Tunings ....:
Posted a new Comment on Tunings ....:
"Hi Guys
& thanks for clearing up some of my fuzzy thinking re tuning our dulcimers. I'm having a blast with this instrument - can't really believe I..."
@dusty-turtle
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Éamonn A’ Chnoic/Mo Ghile Mear on baritone dulcimer:
Posted a new Comment on Éamonn A’ Chnoic/Mo Ghile Mear on baritone dulcimer:
"Thanks for listening, @Steven-Berger and @Gordon-Hardy. I appreciate your taking the time to comment. These are pretty songs and it's a special dulcimer...."
@skip
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on Expensive hobby in the UK. Looks like I'm buying a lathe :D:
Posted a new Comment on Expensive hobby in the UK. Looks like I'm buying a lathe :D:
"A long dowel or chopstick held by a strap around her wrist [or palm?] or fingerless glove may help. Large diameter noter.
Try a different way of holding..."
@connorc
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on Expensive hobby in the UK. Looks like I'm buying a lathe :D:
Posted a new Comment on Expensive hobby in the UK. Looks like I'm buying a lathe :D:
"Well, update. She admitted she’s getting a lot of finger pain, even with just using the finger pick, so on to further plans.
We are going to try the foam..."
@ken-hulme
• 19 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Carved headstock and end piece.Maker?":
Posted a response to "Carved headstock and end piece.Maker?":
"Not a clue of maker. Nice workmanship. Interesting design take on the modern, not traditional dulcimer design. Not having a 6+ fret doesn't make it an..."
@gordon-hardy
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Éamonn A’ Chnoic/Mo Ghile Mear on baritone dulcimer:
Posted a new Comment on Éamonn A’ Chnoic/Mo Ghile Mear on baritone dulcimer:
"Dusty, I am so impressed with your playing talents and I do enjoy the sounds from that baritone. Thank you."
@strumelia
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 7
Liked a youtube item created by @jack-ferguson: American Chestnut Demo
Liked a youtube item created by @jack-ferguson: American Chestnut Demo
@strumelia
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on American Chestnut Demo:
Posted a new Comment on American Chestnut Demo:
"Such beautiful wood!"
@gordon-hardy
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Carolina Waltz:
Posted a new Comment on Carolina Waltz:
"Good stuff Glenda! A lovely melody, well played. Thank you."
@hobbyhorse
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Liked a youtube item created by @dusty-turtle: Éamonn A’ Chnoic/Mo Ghile Mear on baritone dulcimer
Liked a youtube item created by @dusty-turtle: Éamonn A’ Chnoic/Mo Ghile Mear on baritone dulcimer
@hobbyhorse
• yesterday
• comments: 4
Liked a group discussions item created by @sam-edelston: Hey, hey, it's "I'm a Believer"
Liked a group discussions item created by @sam-edelston: Hey, hey, it's "I'm a Believer"
@sam-edelston
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Hey, hey, it's "I'm a Believer":
Posted a new Comment on Hey, hey, it's "I'm a Believer":
"Thanks for loving it, Steven! Personally, I see it as a matter of personal tastes, rather than competition, so it's fine with me whether you like..."
@sam-edelston
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Hey, hey, it's "I'm a Believer":
Posted a new Comment on Hey, hey, it's "I'm a Believer":
"@Dusty It's amazing what staying power this song has had over more than (gulp) 50 years.
I just did a quick play-through of Daydream Believer. Yup, that..."
@steven-berger
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Éamonn A’ Chnoic/Mo Ghile Mear on baritone dulcimer:
Posted a new Comment on Éamonn A’ Chnoic/Mo Ghile Mear on baritone dulcimer:
"You sure know how to bring out the best in any dulcimer I've heard you play, and this one sounds exceptional! "
@dusty-turtle
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new YouTube video:
Éamonn A’ Chnoic/Mo Ghile Mear on baritone dulcimer
Éamonn A’ Chnoic/Mo Ghile Mear on baritone dulcimer
@steven-berger
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Carolina Waltz:
Posted a new Comment on Carolina Waltz:
"Very prettily played, Glenda!"
@glenda-hubbard
• 2 days ago
• comments: 13
Liked a group discussions item created by @aire: Tunings ....
Liked a group discussions item created by @aire: Tunings ....
@steven-berger
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Hey, hey, it's "I'm a Believer":
Posted a new Comment on Hey, hey, it's "I'm a Believer":
"Sam, I like your version WAY better than the Monkees'! (Please don't hate me, but I'm no fan of the Monkees)....."
@marg
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "EBow on the dulcimer?":
Created a new forum topic "EBow on the dulcimer?":
"Does anyone know about the EBow? Has anyone used it on the dulcimer? It is a hand-held electronic bow for guitars. This small unit replaces the..."
@dusty-turtle
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Hey, hey, it's "I'm a Believer":
Posted a new Comment on Hey, hey, it's "I'm a Believer":
"Very cool, Sam. You really catch that groove well.
I grew up on the Monkees and my daughter grew up on Shrek, so this tune brings us together.
A few..."
@sam-edelston
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Created a new Group discussion "Hey, hey, it's "I'm a Believer"":
Created a new Group discussion "Hey, hey, it's "I'm a Believer"":
"I was a Monkees fan growing up, yet it somehow never occurred to me to try this song until last weekend. I love how it fits on the instrument.
Tuned DAD,..."
Rockin' in the Free World
Rockin' in the Free World
@john-gribble
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Carved headstock and end piece.Maker?":
Posted a response to "Carved headstock and end piece.Maker?":
"Thank you for the new photos. That really is an imaginative but tastefully-done spin on traditional design. The tuners are the same style as were common on..."
@robin-thompson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Carved headstock and end piece.Maker?":
Posted a response to "Carved headstock and end piece.Maker?":
"I love the looks of this instrument and would love to hear how it sounds! "
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Carved headstock and end piece.Maker?":
Posted a response to "Carved headstock and end piece.Maker?":
"I may have to adjust my guess of the age of this instrument as it has no 6 1/2 fret that I can see. If someone were going for a traditional dulcimore, I..."
@gstringer
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Carved headstock and end piece.Maker?":
Posted a response to "Carved headstock and end piece.Maker?":
"Top and back. "
@john-gribble
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Carved headstock and end piece.Maker?":
Posted a response to "Carved headstock and end piece.Maker?":
"Steven Berger:
Whoever built it did a very nice job! I agree. It is a little unconventional, but a nicely done piece of work. It would be nice to see a..."
@gstringer
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Carved headstock and end piece.Maker?":
Posted a response to "Carved headstock and end piece.Maker?":
"It sounds terrific. I like to learn as much as I can about my instruments! "
@irene
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Carved headstock and end piece.Maker?":
Posted a response to "Carved headstock and end piece.Maker?":
"The bottom line, How does it sound? aloha, irene"
@gstringer
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Carved headstock and end piece.Maker?":
Posted a response to "Carved headstock and end piece.Maker?":
"Thanks!"
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Carved headstock and end piece.Maker?":
Posted a response to "Carved headstock and end piece.Maker?":
"I have no idea who made that dulcimer. I doubt that the peg head and tailpiece are carved. It looks like a simple cut with a band saw. From the look of the..."
@dusty-turtle
• 3 days ago
• comments: 13
Posted a new Comment on Tunings ....:
Posted a new Comment on Tunings ....:
"Aire: Finger dancing sounds rather cool - can you point out any examples, I'm not sure I could distinguish that from the chord-melody style! Aire,..."
@susie
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "FUNNY songs you sing & play on your dulcimer":
Posted a response to "FUNNY songs you sing & play on your dulcimer":
"I've always loved Doug Berch's "Shame and Scandal in the Family". "
@kusani
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "FUNNY songs you sing & play on your dulcimer":
Posted a response to "FUNNY songs you sing & play on your dulcimer":
"My grandkids love the following, sung to the tune of Mary Had A Little Lamb: Bunny rabbits have no tails, have no tails; Bunny rabbits have no tails, they..."
@gstringer
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Carved headstock and end piece.Maker?":
Posted a response to "Carved headstock and end piece.Maker?":
"Hah! Good one, Stumelia!"
@steven-berger
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Carved headstock and end piece.Maker?":
Posted a response to "Carved headstock and end piece.Maker?":
"Whoever built it did a very nice job!"
@strumelia
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Carved headstock and end piece.Maker?":
Posted a response to "Carved headstock and end piece.Maker?":
"It's a "PushMi-PullYu" dulcimer. "
@gstringer
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Carved headstock and end piece.Maker?":
Posted a response to "Carved headstock and end piece.Maker?":
"Thanks for introducing, me to yet another person to spend my time and money on!"
@greg-gunner
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Carved headstock and end piece.Maker?":
Posted a response to "Carved headstock and end piece.Maker?":
"After taking a second look, it appears that I mistook the tail end for the peghead. Like John K. states , you can't tell if it's coming or going.
So it..."
@gstringer
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Carved headstock and end piece.Maker?":
Posted a response to "Carved headstock and end piece.Maker?":
"Nope. No marks. But thanks for your input. The string holes are in the tail piece. Ball end strings are anchored and out of sight in the holes. It’s a very..."
@greg-gunner
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Carved headstock and end piece.Maker?":
Posted a response to "Carved headstock and end piece.Maker?":
"I don't recognize the peghead shape, but Kerry Rapp in Myerstown, PA runs the strings through holes in the peghead and attaches them to the tuning peg shafts..."
@gstringer
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Carved headstock and end piece.Maker?":
Posted a response to "Carved headstock and end piece.Maker?":
"It’s a strange one for sure!"
@john-c-knopf
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Carved headstock and end piece.Maker?":
Posted a response to "Carved headstock and end piece.Maker?":
"Is it coming or going? Never seen the like of it. Sorry I can't help you!"
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,...
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...
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?
Four-Equidistant Strings
A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
Baritone Dulcimer Players
A Group for discussing the unique aspects of playing...
UK and European Mountain...
A group which hopefully allows players/makers in this...
Public Domain... or Not?
Ever wanted to record or post that tune, but you just...
Stick Dulcimers/Strumsticks
Regardless of what name you favor, this group is a...
Home Studio Recording
Recording dulcimers, vocals and other instruments in the...
I have extra frets.....
This group is for those who have a 1 1/2 fret, an 8 1/2...
Collector's Corner
A group where collectors of antique, vintage, or rare...
Early & Classical Music
For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
Dulcimer Ancestors
Looking at some of the ancestors of the Mountain...
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...
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...
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.
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
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...
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...
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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Latest Forum Posts All
Carved headstock and end...
Posted: Sunday May 31 2020, 2:59 PM
By: @Ken Hulme
By: @Ken Hulme
EBow on the dulcimer?
Posted: Saturday May 30 2020, 1:07 PM
By: @marg
By: @marg
FUNNY songs you sing & play...
Posted: Friday May 29 2020, 7:59 PM
By: @Susie
By: @Susie
Randy Wilkinson tab book...
Posted: Thursday May 28 2020, 10:29 PM
By: @dulcimermaid
By: @dulcimermaid
You know your dulcimer has...
Posted: Thursday May 28 2020, 3:25 PM
By: @ConnorC
By: @ConnorC
Please tell me your very...
Posted: Thursday May 28 2020, 12:50 PM
By: @Lois Sprengnether Keel
By: @Lois Sprengnether Keel
Herdim picks
Posted: Wednesday May 27 2020, 3:05 PM
By: @magictime
By: @magictime
The EverythingDulcimer...
Posted: Tuesday May 26 2020, 10:18 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Beer Bottle Bridge/Glass...
Posted: Friday May 22 2020, 12:54 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Is the strumhollow redundant?
Posted: Thursday May 21 2020, 11:43 AM
By: @NateBuildsToys
By: @NateBuildsToys
Tips what do you bring when...
Posted: Tuesday May 19 2020, 9:13 PM
By: @Hobbyhorse
By: @Hobbyhorse
Bass String Buzz @ 1st &...
Posted: Tuesday May 19 2020, 9:58 AM
By: @Silverstrings
By: @Silverstrings
Hearts Of The Dulcimer...
Posted: Sunday May 17 2020, 4:24 PM
By: @Patricia Delich
By: @Patricia Delich
Dulcimer String Anchor Pins
Posted: Saturday May 16 2020, 5:31 PM
By: @dockildare
By: @dockildare
Humidity and a sticky...
Posted: Saturday May 16 2020, 12:08 PM
By: @Leny-Sue
By: @Leny-Sue
A.W. Jeffreys #2517 For Sale
Posted: Friday May 15 2020, 11:10 PM
By: @Dave D
By: @Dave D
What's fer dinner?
Posted: Friday May 15 2020, 10:13 AM
By: @Ken Hulme
By: @Ken Hulme
The Drifting Thread...
Posted: Thursday May 14 2020, 2:24 AM
By: @Alan Thompson
By: @Alan Thompson
Seeking Bonnie Carol...
Posted: Sunday May 10 2020, 6:30 PM
By: @Dave shattuck
By: @Dave shattuck
VSL Breakpoint Angles,...
Posted: Sunday May 10 2020, 2:37 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
How is the COVID-19...
Posted: Saturday May 9 2020, 5:18 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
FOTMD Chat Room!
Posted: Saturday May 9 2020, 3:17 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Thomas reproductions...
Posted: Friday May 8 2020, 11:25 AM
By: @Kevin R.
By: @Kevin R.
archives section / Search?
Posted: Thursday May 7 2020, 9:54 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Looking for "Walkabout"...
Posted: Wednesday May 6 2020, 3:23 PM
By: @Jim Phillips
By: @Jim Phillips
Adding Extra Strings to...
Posted: Wednesday May 6 2020, 3:04 PM
By: @NateBuildsToys
By: @NateBuildsToys
What's your favorite tune...
Posted: Monday May 4 2020, 10:00 AM
By: @NateBuildsToys
By: @NateBuildsToys
For Sale Berea Event Buttons
Posted: Sunday May 3 2020, 7:07 PM
By: @Steven Berger
By: @Steven Berger
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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