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
@ballad-gal
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Once I Had A Sweetheart:
Posted a new Comment on Once I Had A Sweetheart:
"Dan, good to hear this ballad is alive and well. I have a recording of it, can't recall by whom. Thanks for posting it. Also bringing back memories, seeing..."
@bob
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Cerise, Cerise - featuring Ariane Klauer:
Posted a new Comment on Cerise, Cerise - featuring Ariane Klauer:
"Greatness!!"
@bob
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Floo'ers o' the forest:
Posted a new Comment on Floo'ers o' the forest:
"Thank you Cindy.
The tune is a very old Scottish lament, often plaid by a piper but only at a funeral... a long piper's tradition. I thought the Scheitholt..."
@bob-stephens
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Stephens Lutherie mountain dulcimer:
Posted a new Comment on Stephens Lutherie mountain dulcimer:
"Aaron will be doing an audio file shortly. Once his final instrument is delivered (this one is only a prototype) he will do a video to demonstrate it's..."
@cindy-stammich
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Once I Had A Sweetheart:
Posted a new Comment on Once I Had A Sweetheart:
"Haunting and beautiful!!!"
@cindy-stammich
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Cerise, Cerise - featuring Ariane Klauer:
Posted a new Comment on Cerise, Cerise - featuring Ariane Klauer:
"Wow!
Wow!
Wow!
This was absolutely beautiful! Your daughter, the music, the meaning, the entire video was a wonderful work of art!
Kudos to both you..."
@cindy-stammich
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Stephens Lutherie mountain dulcimer:
Posted a new Comment on Stephens Lutherie mountain dulcimer:
"Beautiful instrument! Hope to hear it soon!"
@cindy-stammich
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Floo'ers o' the forest:
Posted a new Comment on Floo'ers o' the forest:
"I don't know the tune, but this is certainly lovely! Beautiful instrument and beautiful playing! Thank you for sharing!"
@cindy-stammich
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Plastic picks & leather picks":
Posted a response to "Plastic picks & leather picks":
"Well! I got my leather picks today! Oh my gosh they are wonderful........I have had a blast tonight playing my banjammer with my new leather picks! It's..."
@randy-adams
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Obama's March To the White House":
Posted a response to "Obama's March To the White House":
"Jim
Obama is an A tune. 4 stringer tuned AEAB or thereabouts.
Fwiw I play w/noter across the strings and of course can be played w/one finger as well."
@ballad-gal
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "String gauge tolerance(s)":
Created a new forum topic "String gauge tolerance(s)":
"I have strings in gauges 9, 10, 12, & 22 and dulcimers with 28 1/2" & 28" VSLs. What is the highest note (i.e. g4) that I can tune EACH of these..."
@dan
• 9 hours ago
• comments: 0
Liked a photos item created by @jim-fawcett:
Wartz n All Fall Gathering
Liked a photos item created by @jim-fawcett:
Wartz n All Fall Gathering
@robin-thompson
• 10 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Stephens Lutherie mountain dulcimer:
Posted a new Comment on Stephens Lutherie mountain dulcimer:
"I look forward to hearing this instrument! "
@brian-g
• 10 hours ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Once I Had A Sweetheart:
Posted a new Comment on Once I Had A Sweetheart:
"Hi Dan,
I've always loved this tune. Very nice version!"
@jim-soltis
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on hand turned noters:
Posted a new Comment on hand turned noters:
"Richard Streib: Jim, one place is June Apple Dulcimers in Maryland. The proprietors are Carl Gotzmer and his wife Kathleen. If you ask he may be able to..."
@hooahmedic
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Looking for album":
Posted a response to "Looking for album":
"I don't think I could have made my fingers move fast enough!
On the way to Texas! Thank you. "
@richard-streib
• 12 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on hand turned noters:
Posted a new Comment on hand turned noters:
"Jim, one place is June Apple Dulcimers in Maryland. The proprietors are Carl Gotzmer and his wife Kathleen. If you ask he may be able to label them so you..."
@salt-springs
• 12 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Looking for album":
Posted a response to "Looking for album":
"Did you get it?
"
@jim-soltis
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on hand turned noters:
Posted a new Comment on hand turned noters:
"I've attached a pic of the noter I bought so you can see what I have in mind when I say hand-turned noter"
@jim-soltis
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 3
https://fotmd.com/jim-soltis/group_discuss/2285/hand-turned-noters
@jim-soltis
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 3
Created a new Group discussion "hand turned noters":
Created a new Group discussion "hand turned noters":
"A couple of years ago, I came across a site selling really beautiful hand-turned noters and bought one. I'd like to give some out for Christmas presents..."
OLD STYLE Drone & Noter players
OLD STYLE Drone & Noter players
@jim-soltis
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Obama's March To the White House":
Posted a response to "Obama's March To the White House":
"I've been trying to figure out Randy's tuning for Obama's March, but can't seem to get it. Anyone know what it is? Also, does anyone know if this has been..."
@jim-soltis
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Obama's March To the White House":
Posted a response to "Obama's March To the White House":
"Randy Adams: "
@ken-longfield
• 15 hours ago
• comments: 3
Liked a photos item created by @bob-stephens:
Stephens Lutherie mountain dulcimer
Liked a photos item created by @bob-stephens:
Stephens Lutherie mountain dulcimer
@bob-stephens
• 15 hours ago
• comments: 17
Posted a new Comment on Bocs Cân Idris – A new traditional instrument!:
Posted a new Comment on Bocs Cân Idris – A new traditional instrument!:
"I applaud both your creativity and your workmanship, Robin. I am sure it will bring you many hours of enjoyment. In regards to the volume of the..."
@hooahmedic
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Looking for album":
Posted a response to "Looking for album":
"Salt Springs!
That's it!!!! I know coming here was a wise move! Do you know where I can find it to buy?I've searched The Steam Powered Preservation..."
@john-gribble
• 19 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on New strings:
Posted a new Comment on New strings:
"The "conventional wisdom" generally is the make of the plain strings is unimportant. They are all made from the same material from the same sources. Wound..."
@kusani
• 19 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Clamps for building":
Posted a response to "Clamps for building":
"As many have said, one can't have too many clamps. Here are my spool clamps in use: "
@yeahsureok
• 19 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on New strings:
Posted a new Comment on New strings:
"I looked around. So far, from brands that I already know are good, Amazon has D'Addario strings that are .012, .012, .014, .022
Cedar Creek in Branson has..."
@robin-thompson
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 3
Liked a photos item created by @bob-stephens:
Stephens Lutherie mountain dulcimer
Liked a photos item created by @bob-stephens:
Stephens Lutherie mountain dulcimer
@yeahsureok
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 2
Updated a Group discussion "":
Updated a Group discussion "":
"I am getting ready to replace my strings for the first time. Looking for size(thickness) and brand recommendations. If it makes any difference, I generally..."
Beginner players
Beginner players
@dan
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Once I Had A Sweetheart:
Posted a new Comment on Once I Had A Sweetheart:
"Ariane: Very beautiful playing, Dan, with a lovely crystal-clear sound!
Thank you!"
@ariane
• yesterday
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Once I Had A Sweetheart:
Posted a new Comment on Once I Had A Sweetheart:
"Very beautiful playing, Dan, with a lovely crystal-clear sound!"
@ariane
• yesterday
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Little Pink:
Posted a new Comment on Little Pink:
"I love this deep sound - it is great, Dan!"
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Clamps for building":
Posted a response to "Clamps for building":
"If I were home, I would post a photo of my clamp rack which only shows the large clamps. The smaller ones are stored in boxes under one of my work benches...."
@irene
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Clamps for building":
Posted a response to "Clamps for building":
"yep, I know they are clamps....but just a thought here. Thanks so much for posting the photo and way to make them and others too. I'm going to make a bunch..."
@robin-thompson
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on From Appalshop, a wonderful interview with Jean Ritchie. :
Posted a new Comment on From Appalshop, a wonderful interview with Jean Ritchie. :
"Mr Stamper made great music! You've made some fine Stamper-sounding music yourself, @Dan ! "
@ken-hulme
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Clamps for building":
Posted a response to "Clamps for building":
"The clamp Dan describes is called a spool or spindle clamp. I make mine from 3/4" pine and use a 1-1/2 Hole Saw to cut the disks out and drill the center..."
@david-bennett
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "A W Jeffreys Jr.":
Posted a response to "A W Jeffreys Jr.":
" Just by chance several weeks ago, before my friend sent me the link to this dulcimer sale, I had started gathering information on A.W. Jeffreys for my..."
@dan
• yesterday
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Cerise, Cerise - featuring Ariane Klauer:
Posted a new Comment on Cerise, Cerise - featuring Ariane Klauer:
"Dude and dudette, spot on!!!
DAN
www.dulcimore.com"
@dan
• yesterday
• comments: 5
Liked a youtube item created by @elvensong:
Cerise, Cerise - featuring Ariane Klauer
Liked a youtube item created by @elvensong:
Cerise, Cerise - featuring Ariane Klauer
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Clamps for building":
Posted a response to "Clamps for building":
""You can never have too many clamps." I made a bunch of clamps like those Dan made. I also used some regular wood working clamps. I have some deep throat..."
@yeahsureok
• yesterday
• comments: 2
Created a new Group discussion "New strings":
Created a new Group discussion "New strings":
"I am getting ready to replace my strings for the first time. Looking for size(thickness) and brand recommendations. If it makes any difference, I generally..."
Beginner players
Beginner players
@lorraine
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Clamps for building":
Posted a response to "Clamps for building":
"Not a capo...clamps to use to build a dulcimer"
@randy-adams
• yesterday
• comments: 5
Liked a soundcloud item created by @dan:
Once I Had A Sweetheart
Liked a soundcloud item created by @dan:
Once I Had A Sweetheart
@irene
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Clamps for building":
Posted a response to "Clamps for building":
"If you cut the broom handle a little less thick, and put a plastic tubing over the grooves on that screw......... you have a nice, easy to use, capo for your..."
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...
Technology/Software/Amplifying
to share info on all aspects of using tech: Amplifying,...
Dulcimer teachers
Do you teach dulcimer? Are you helping others to learn?
Arranging/composing for...
A group to discuss creating arrangements of songs and...
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...
Little Dulcimers
Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
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...
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...
Baritone Dulcimer Players
A Group for discussing the unique aspects of playing...
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...
Call the Tune
"Call the Tune" is a place to post audio and video clips...
Early & Classical Music
For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
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...
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...
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...
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
All
Showcase your music event or business here!
Showcase your music event or business here
.JPG "DSC_3684 (2).JPG")
.JPG "DSC_3686 (2).JPG")
.JPG "DSC_3687 (2).JPG")
.JPG "DSC_3693 (2).JPG")
.JPG "DSC_3698 (2).JPG")
Latest Forum Posts All
Plastic picks & leather picks
Posted: Monday October 15 2018, 9:54 PM
By: @Cindy Stammich
By: @Cindy Stammich
Obama's March To the White...
Posted: Monday October 15 2018, 9:35 PM
By: @Randy Adams
By: @Randy Adams
String gauge tolerance(s)
Posted: Monday October 15 2018, 9:21 PM
By: @Ballad Gal
By: @Ballad Gal
Looking for album
Posted: Monday October 15 2018, 4:12 PM
By: @hooahmedic
By: @hooahmedic
Clamps for building
Posted: Monday October 15 2018, 8:28 AM
By: @Kusani
By: @Kusani
A W Jeffreys Jr.
Posted: Sunday October 14 2018, 8:15 PM
By: @David Bennett
By: @David Bennett
Need help, strings cutting...
Posted: Sunday October 14 2018, 5:49 PM
By: @Ken Hulme
By: @Ken Hulme
complete list of possible...
Posted: Sunday October 14 2018, 7:45 AM
By: @Brian G.
By: @Brian G.
MEET THE MODERATORS...
Posted: Sunday October 14 2018, 12:17 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Wind Instruments????
Posted: Saturday October 13 2018, 11:03 PM
By: @Ken Hulme
By: @Ken Hulme
Lookin for a probst for...
Posted: Saturday October 13 2018, 2:16 PM
By: @tshults
By: @tshults
The Positive Thread...
Posted: Saturday October 13 2018, 12:34 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Introduce Yourself!
Posted: Saturday October 13 2018, 11:03 AM
By: @Ken Hulme
By: @Ken Hulme
Kleske Dulcimer
Posted: Thursday October 11 2018, 9:50 PM
By: @Ken Hulme
By: @Ken Hulme
Native American Flutes
Posted: Thursday October 11 2018, 4:49 PM
By: @Susie
By: @Susie
Richard and Denise Wilson...
Posted: Wednesday October 10 2018, 9:24 PM
By: @John C. Knopf
By: @John C. Knopf
Bonnie Carol Dulcimer #462...
Posted: Tuesday October 9 2018, 10:07 PM
By: @Dave shattuck
By: @Dave shattuck
Looking for John Stockard...
Posted: Tuesday October 9 2018, 6:30 PM
By: @Cindy Stammich
By: @Cindy Stammich
Guitar Strings?
Posted: Tuesday October 9 2018, 12:01 AM
By: @Diane R
By: @Diane R
motivation
Posted: Monday October 8 2018, 8:21 PM
By: @Charles Thomas
By: @Charles Thomas
Comprehensive List of...
Posted: Monday October 8 2018, 12:01 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
"Glory" in all her glory
Posted: Saturday October 6 2018, 5:26 PM
By: @Dan
By: @Dan
Ländler and Boarischer
Posted: Friday October 5 2018, 2:12 PM
By: @Kavik
By: @Kavik
Ron Gibson Dulcimers
Posted: Thursday October 4 2018, 11:22 PM
By: @Diane R
By: @Diane R
Small Octave dulcimer plans...
Posted: Tuesday October 2 2018, 5:46 PM
By: @John C. Knopf
By: @John C. Knopf
New chatroom sidebar
Posted: Monday October 1 2018, 10:36 PM
By: @John C. Knopf
By: @John C. Knopf
Capritaurus Dulcimer listed...
Posted: Monday October 1 2018, 9:12 PM
By: @Cindy Stammich
By: @Cindy Stammich
Tinwhistle / penny whistles
Posted: Friday September 28 2018, 8:39 PM
By: @PapaSims
By: @PapaSims
Do you name your dulcimers?
Posted: Wednesday September 26 2018, 10:06 PM
By: @Diane R
By: @Diane R
Hickory Haven Dulcimers -...
Posted: Tuesday September 25 2018, 3:42 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Read the Site Rules
Our Welcome Wagon!
3 CHEERS to our Volunteer Greeters ...for making new members feel right at home:
Jim Fawcett
|
Rob Lackey
|
Richard Streib
|
Ken Longfield
|
Cynthia Wigington
|
Benjamin Barr
|
Single Instructor Events / Classifieds
Help Keep FOTMD up and Running!
Membership in Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer is FREE to all. We gratefully accept donations towards the costs of maintaining this site- which includes hundreds of dollars annually in server and software costs. (you don't have to have a Paypal account to donate- Paypal accepts simple credit card payments as well.) A minimum donation of $5 please. Read HERE about FOUR different ways you can help support FOTMD. Questions? email contact@fotmd.com Together we can keep FOTMD up and running! Click the Paypal button below to make a quick site donation:
NEW!- Would you like to become a Special Patron of FOTMD? All donations are 100% applied to paying for site maintenance. Your generosity makes a big difference in what we can do to improve FOTMD! Become a special 'Patron Member' simply by making a single donation of $35 or more.
In return, your patronage will be recognized for a year with a special Patron designation banner that will be displayed prominently under your member picture on your profile page. Your Patron ID will show others your generosity in supporting this special site! Above is what the Patron label looks like on member profile pages, right under your member picture.