Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer!
Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer is the most extensive site for Appalachian Mountain Dulcimer players and builders on the internet. Welcome!
Join Groups and Forum discussions that interest you, make new music friends. Share photos, music clips, and videos, resources for buying instruments, music, and learning materials. Ask your beginner questions and learn to play! All are welcome here no matter what your playing style, skill level, or musical tastes. Become a member of Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer (FOTMD) community -it's friendly and totally FREE!
After joining, please read the Site Rules before posting. You'll find your very own Member Profile Page by clicking on your name link at the top of any page. Click on different links to get familiar with where things are. Questions about using the site?- ask them HERE . You've come to exactly the right place to receive or give 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
@steve-c
• 10 hours ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on A Tune I just can't get out of my head...:
Posted a new Comment on A Tune I just can't get out of my head...:
"John C. Knopf:
Lovely! And I agree it sounds like a variation of "Buffalo Gals".
A "Fantasia on Buffalo Gals", if you will.
Thanks John! I like that a..."
@john-c-knopf
• 10 hours ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on A Tune I just can't get out of my head...:
Posted a new Comment on A Tune I just can't get out of my head...:
"Lovely! And I agree it sounds like a variation of "Buffalo Gals".
A "Fantasia on Buffalo Gals", if you will."
@steve-c
• 12 hours ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on A Tune I just can't get out of my head...:
Posted a new Comment on A Tune I just can't get out of my head...:
"DavisJames:
I think you just made up an original tune.Delightful.
Thanks! Or at least a new arrangement."
@steve-c
• 12 hours ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on A Tune I just can't get out of my head...:
Posted a new Comment on A Tune I just can't get out of my head...:
"Ken Longfield:
There are a few notes that are different, but it does sound like Buffalo Gals.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
My wife said the..."
@ken-longfield
• 12 hours ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on A Tune I just can't get out of my head...:
Posted a new Comment on A Tune I just can't get out of my head...:
"There are a few notes that are different, but it does sound like Buffalo Gals.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@ken-longfield
• 12 hours ago
• comments: 6
Liked a youtube item created by @steve-c: A Tune I just can't get out of my head...
Liked a youtube item created by @steve-c: A Tune I just can't get out of my head...
@davisjames
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on A Tune I just can't get out of my head...:
Posted a new Comment on A Tune I just can't get out of my head...:
"I think you just made up an original tune.Delightful."
@pierre-yves-donnio
• 15 hours ago
• comments: 6
Liked a youtube item created by @steve-c: A Tune I just can't get out of my head...
Liked a youtube item created by @steve-c: A Tune I just can't get out of my head...
@homer-ross
• 15 hours ago
• comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on Fan Frets:
Posted a new Comment on Fan Frets:
"Yes the improved intonation is due in part to the compensated bridge.
By tonal range I was speaking of the increase range between the high pitch and low..."
@steve-c
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new YouTube video:
A Tune I just can't get out of my head...
A Tune I just can't get out of my head...
@ken-longfield
• 18 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Back to the sugar camp.:
Posted a new Comment on Back to the sugar camp.:
"Very nice. A catchy tune indeed! Thanks for sharing.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@olddog75
• 19 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Back to the sugar camp.:
Posted a new Comment on Back to the sugar camp.:
"Very catchy tune, very well-played. Thanks for adding an extra ray of sunshine to my day."
@olddog75
• 19 hours ago
• comments: 4
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: Back to the sugar camp.
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: Back to the sugar camp.
@melvoid
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Any banjo players out there?":
Posted a response to "Any banjo players out there?":
"Hi, My main instrument is the 5-string banjo. I recent did a book for Hal Leonard called Do-It-Yourself Banjo. Written during Covid, it's sort-of intended as..."
@strumelia
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Looking for bowed dulcimer (DONE)":
Posted a response to "Looking for bowed dulcimer (DONE)":
"Folks, this is a thread in the ForSale/Wanted forum. The original poster has happily gotten their desired instrument, so I will need to delete this thread...."
@nate
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Looking for bowed dulcimer (DONE)":
Posted a response to "Looking for bowed dulcimer (DONE)":
"Thanks for the info, Gary. Playing a regular MD with a bow can be fun, and the sustaining drone strings under the melody string can sound very similar to a..."
@ghcstr
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Looking for bowed dulcimer (DONE)":
Posted a response to "Looking for bowed dulcimer (DONE)":
"NateBuildsToys:
Playing dulcimer with a bow is a lot of fun. I enjoy playing my normal dulcimers with a bow, but I think to play fiddle tunes with a bow, you..."
@nate
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Any banjo players out there?":
Posted a response to "Any banjo players out there?":
"My uncle just gave me one of his banjos! It's something I've always wanted to learn."
@nate
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Looking for bowed dulcimer (DONE)":
Posted a response to "Looking for bowed dulcimer (DONE)":
"Playing dulcimer with a bow is a lot of fun. I enjoy playing my normal dulcimers with a bow, but I think to play fiddle tunes with a bow, you would need a..."
@ghcstr
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Looking for bowed dulcimer (DONE)":
Posted a response to "Looking for bowed dulcimer (DONE)":
"shanonmilan:
I am just curious can you also play violin tunes on a bowed dulcimer?
@shanonmilan The bowed dulcimer I have chromatically fretted so all..."
@shanonmilan
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Looking for bowed dulcimer (DONE)":
Posted a response to "Looking for bowed dulcimer (DONE)":
"Wally Venable:
Ken Bloom’s "bowed dulcimers" are fine instruments, but they are clearly in the VIOL family, and neither mountain/lap nor hammered dulcimers...."
@dusty
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "How to train my ear":
Posted a response to "How to train my ear":
"@austinpmckenzie, that's an interesting piece on functional ear training. Having just skimmed it once, I don't know for sure that I fully understand it, but..."
@john-c-knopf
• yesterday
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Dwight Ladd Dulcimer - Dulcimer Shop Mountain View, Arkansas:
Posted a new Comment on Dwight Ladd Dulcimer - Dulcimer Shop Mountain View, Arkansas:
"This dulcimer looks just like the ones McSpadden were making back in the mid-70s, when I assembled one of their kits. It has a "leprechaun scroll" as they..."
@richard-streib
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @zen-patty:
Posted a new Comment on @zen-patty:
"Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer Zen Patty. Glad you joined. This is a great place to learn about the mountain dulcimer and to interact with..."
@austinpmckenzie
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "How to train my ear":
Posted a response to "How to train my ear":
"Dusty Turtle:
Put on some music and grab an instrument. Try to play along. Your first task will be to determine the key. Then you will pay attention to..."
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Dwight Ladd Dulcimer - Dulcimer Shop Mountain View, Arkansas:
Posted a new Comment on Dwight Ladd Dulcimer - Dulcimer Shop Mountain View, Arkansas:
"Well, it certainly looks like a McSpadden dulcimer. It has the basic shape, zero fret of a McSpadden, but the fret board appears to be wider and not as thick..."
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on Fan Frets:
Posted a new Comment on Fan Frets:
"Does it improve intonation because of the highly compensated bridge, or for another reason as well? And by tonal range, do you mean that in the sense that a..."
@homer-ross
• 2 days ago
• comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on Fan Frets:
Posted a new Comment on Fan Frets:
"In the guitar world it expands tonal range and increases accurate intonation. Some players use it as an alternative to the harp guitar."
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Traditional role of the mountain dulcimer.":
Posted a response to "Traditional role of the mountain dulcimer.":
"I have no evidence for this, but I suspect that many things we might consider 'traditional' now were done out of necessity at the time. This has always been..."
@davisjames
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Traditional role of the mountain dulcimer.":
Posted a response to "Traditional role of the mountain dulcimer.":
"Good point!The mountain dulcimer is a folk instrument and as such,capable of growth and innovation.Nevertheless my curiousity about its traditional role is..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @trekrider:
Posted a new Comment on @trekrider:
"Hi Trekrider, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @dusty-picker:
Posted a new Comment on @dusty-picker:
"Hi Dusty, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the dulcimer,..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @mitchbob:
Posted a new Comment on @mitchbob:
"Hi Mitchbob, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @appalachiasky:
Posted a new Comment on @appalachiasky:
"Hi Sky, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the dulcimer,..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @brianmc:
Posted a new Comment on @brianmc:
"Hi Brian, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the dulcimer,..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 2 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on @bohne:
Posted a new Comment on @bohne:
"Hi Bohne, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer, It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the dulcimer,..."
@sheltie-lover
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Dwight Ladd Dulcimer - Dulcimer Shop Mountain View, Arkansas:
Posted a new Comment on Dwight Ladd Dulcimer - Dulcimer Shop Mountain View, Arkansas:
"Thank you. That really is very helpful. Here are photos of the dulcimer if they came through. I'm not good at navigating this site."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @allen-wagner:
Posted a new Comment on @allen-wagner:
"Hi Allen, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the dulcimer,..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @zen-patty:
Posted a new Comment on @zen-patty:
"Hi Patty, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the dulcimer,..."
@wally-venable
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Traditional role of the mountain dulcimer.":
Posted a response to "Traditional role of the mountain dulcimer.":
"It seems to me that the inquiry of "what the mountain dulcimer's role was in the area it came from a hundred odd years ago" is attaching undo importance to..."
@jim-fawcett
• 2 days ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on @robwanger:
Posted a new Comment on @robwanger:
"Hey Rob, welcome aboard. Glad ya found us."
@jim-fawcett
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @wolftones:
Posted a new Comment on @wolftones:
"Hey Wolftones, welcome aboard. Glad ya found us."
@jim-fawcett
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @trekrider:
Posted a new Comment on @trekrider:
"Hey Trekrider, welcome aboard. Glad ya found us."
@jim-fawcett
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @dusty-picker:
Posted a new Comment on @dusty-picker:
"Hey Dusty, welcome aboard. Glad ya found us."
@jim-fawcett
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @mitchbob:
Posted a new Comment on @mitchbob:
"Hey Mitchbob, welcome aboard. Glad ya found us."
@jim-fawcett
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @appalachiasky:
Posted a new Comment on @appalachiasky:
"Hey Sky, welcome aboard. Glad ya found us."
@jim-fawcett
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @brianmc:
Posted a new Comment on @brianmc:
"Hey Brian, welcome aboard. Glad ya found us."
@jim-fawcett
• 2 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on @bohne:
Posted a new Comment on @bohne:
"Hey Bohne, welcome aboard. Glad ya found us."
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...
Modern/Chord style Players
Do you play chords and fret across all strings? Then...
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.
The Music Theory Corner
A Group to talk about Music Theory!
Dulcimer Care & Maintenance
Tips, tricks and techniques to help care for your dulcimer.
Rockin' in the Free World
A group for those of you who like to play music not...
Mountain Dulcimer History &...
Share historical information and resources on the...
Technology/Software/Amplifying
to share info on all aspects of using tech: Amplifying,...
Singing with the Dulcimer
Here's a group for those of us who are interested in...
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...
Little Dulcimers
Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
Baritone & Bass Dulcimer...
A Group for discussing the unique aspects of playing...
Help Me Learn this Song
Need help learning to play a particular song? Let another...
Four-Equidistant Strings
A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
I have extra frets.....
This group is for those who have a 1 1/2 fret, an 8 1/2...
Dulcimer Therapy
This group is dedicated to those that visit, or have a...
Public Domain... or Not?
Ever wanted to record or post that tune, but you just...
Early & Classical Music
For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
Home Studio Recording
Recording dulcimers, vocals and other instruments in the...
Dulcimer teachers
Do you teach dulcimer? Are you helping others to learn?
Dulcimer Ancestors
Looking at some of the ancestors of the Mountain...
Stick Dulcimers/Strumsticks
Regardless of what name you favor, this group is a...
UK and European Mountain...
A group which hopefully allows players/makers in this...
Box Dulcimers
A group for those who play, make, or admire all types...
Chromatic Dulcimers
For players who enjoy playing dulcimers with ALL the frets!
Galax Dulcimer Lovers
Just a group to discuss all things Galax Dulcimer. Tips...
Call the Tune
"Call the Tune" is a place to post audio and video...
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...
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 of...
Challenged Players
A meeting place for players dealing with disabilities.
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.
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
6 string dulcimers
Owning and playing a 6 string, regardless of tuning, and...
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...
West Virginia players
A group just for dulcimer players in beautiful West...
Pacific Northwest Players
For players who live in or have strong connections to the...
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!...
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...
Latest Videos
All
Showcase your music event or business here!
Showcase your music event or business here
![The Boatman[Fhir a Bhata].](https://fotmd.com/uploaded_audio/image/audio_image/1244/large/crop=auto)
.jpg "1 (2).jpg")
Latest Forum Posts All
Any banjo players out there?
Posted: Thursday December 7 2023, 10:16 AM
By: @Melvoid
By: @Melvoid
Looking for bowed dulcimer...
Posted: Thursday December 7 2023, 10:14 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
How to train my ear
Posted: Wednesday December 6 2023, 11:13 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Traditional role of the...
Posted: Wednesday December 6 2023, 4:24 PM
By: @NateBuildsToys
By: @NateBuildsToys
Frank Bond Dulcimer
Posted: Wednesday December 6 2023, 4:17 AM
By: @shanonmilan
By: @shanonmilan
Checking in
Posted: Tuesday December 5 2023, 4:20 AM
By: @shanonmilan
By: @shanonmilan
The Positive Thread...
Posted: Monday December 4 2023, 1:31 PM
By: @steve c.
By: @steve c.
My first album is for sale!
Posted: Monday December 4 2023, 10:54 AM
By: @steve c.
By: @steve c.
German folk song tabs
Posted: Thursday November 30 2023, 11:02 PM
By: @shanonmilan
By: @shanonmilan
Introduce Yourself!
Posted: Thursday November 30 2023, 10:06 PM
By: @MontyCraig
By: @MontyCraig
Talking with Geoff Reeve-Black
Posted: Thursday November 30 2023, 3:18 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Englewood, Florida dulcimer...
Posted: Thursday November 30 2023, 1:56 PM
By: @kathleen
By: @kathleen
Left handed playing
Posted: Wednesday November 29 2023, 8:58 AM
By: @Salt Springs
By: @Salt Springs
Strings turned iridescent?
Posted: Monday November 27 2023, 3:30 AM
By: @shanonmilan
By: @shanonmilan
Liquid Electrical Tape
Posted: Saturday November 25 2023, 9:30 PM
By: @John C. Knopf
By: @John C. Knopf
Maple, and only maple, for...
Posted: Saturday November 25 2023, 3:06 PM
By: @NateBuildsToys
By: @NateBuildsToys
Reasons NOT To Get a Chromatic
Posted: Saturday November 25 2023, 7:49 AM
By: @Susie
By: @Susie
I've Just Bought a BANJO !!!!
Posted: Friday November 24 2023, 7:07 AM
By: @shanonmilan
By: @shanonmilan
My music for free
Posted: Thursday November 23 2023, 10:28 AM
By: @dulcimerbob
By: @dulcimerbob
April Come She Will (Simon...
Posted: Sunday November 19 2023, 7:12 PM
By: @ocean-daughter
By: @ocean-daughter
What to call your dulcimer...
Posted: Sunday November 19 2023, 7:05 PM
By: @ocean-daughter
By: @ocean-daughter
Contra dancing :)
Posted: Sunday November 19 2023, 1:09 PM
By: @ocean-daughter
By: @ocean-daughter
Dulcimer and mandolins
Posted: Thursday November 16 2023, 6:56 AM
By: @Susie
By: @Susie
A conversation with Italian...
Posted: Wednesday November 15 2023, 6:17 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Jim Fox student dulcimers
Posted: Tuesday November 14 2023, 5:54 PM
By: @Janis Lewman
By: @Janis Lewman
6 string Blue Lion Dulcimer...
Posted: Monday November 13 2023, 11:22 AM
By: @martha woodstock
By: @martha woodstock
FS: Kala Solid Acacia...
Posted: Friday November 10 2023, 7:35 PM
By: @Susie
By: @Susie
PLEASE Click to READ THIS...
Posted: Friday November 10 2023, 1:07 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
New Stew Mac fret saw
Posted: Friday November 10 2023, 9:26 AM
By: @dulcimerbob
By: @dulcimerbob
VSL Breakpoint Angles,...
Posted: Friday November 10 2023, 7:55 AM
By: @Ken Hulme
By: @Ken Hulme
Read the Site Rules
Our Welcome Wagon!
3 CHEERS to our Volunteer Greeters ...for making new members feel right at home :
Jim Fawcett 
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Rob Lackey 
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Richard Streib 
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Ken Longfield 
|
Benjamin Barr 
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Single Instructor Events / Classifieds
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