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
• 39 minutes ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "basic music advice from Chick Corea":
Posted a response to "basic music advice from Chick Corea":
"He describes what musicians do as delivering 'the pleasure of sound." That's a nice concept."
@strumelia
• an hour ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "basic music advice from Chick Corea":
Posted a response to "basic music advice from Chick Corea":
"Some great points made, Robin!"
@dusty-turtle
• an hour ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Planxty Irwin/Colonel John Irwin - Carolan (1670-1738):
Posted a new Comment on Planxty Irwin/Colonel John Irwin - Carolan (1670-1738):
"Quel beau morceau!"
@ken-longfield
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Hemlock Mills - WIP:
Posted a new Comment on Hemlock Mills - WIP:
"Very nice and soothing. I enjoyed listening to Hemlock Mill.
Ken"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@robin-thompson
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Hemlock Mills - WIP:
Posted a new Comment on Hemlock Mills - WIP:
"@Gordon-Hardy, from what little I have learned from a woman in a family who has been in the area for generations, this mill was here on the hill where I live..."
@leny-sue
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Strings":
Posted a response to "Strings":
"Thanks for the responses and insight into this. I will tune the strings according to the meter and then just tweak it to my ear."
@robin-thompson
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Planxty Irwin/Colonel John Irwin - Carolan (1670-1738):
Posted a new Comment on Planxty Irwin/Colonel John Irwin - Carolan (1670-1738):
"Dulcidom, you play these tunes so beautifully and the images are lovely. "
@robin-thompson
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @dulcidom: Planxty Irwin/Colonel John Irwin - Carolan (1670-1738)
Liked a youtube item created by @dulcidom: Planxty Irwin/Colonel John Irwin - Carolan (1670-1738)
@dulcidom
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @granto: Cello Suite 1 - Courante - Bach
Liked a youtube item created by @granto: Cello Suite 1 - Courante - Bach
@ken-longfield
• 15 hours ago
• comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on New Mountain Dulcimer:
Posted a new Comment on New Mountain Dulcimer:
"Enjoy your dulcimer. It looks very nice.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@strumelia
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on New Mountain Dulcimer:
Posted a new Comment on New Mountain Dulcimer:
"Venni, when you start looking at any learning materials, you should keep in mind that your dulcimer has a few 'additional frets'- it has the 6.5 and the..."
@robin-thompson
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Cello Suite 1 - Courante - Bach:
Posted a new Comment on Cello Suite 1 - Courante - Bach:
"Wow, this is ever so lovely, Grant!
You should make arrangements to go over to the Governor's house and, keeping proper distance, play this for the..."
@robin-thompson
• 19 hours ago
• comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on New Mountain Dulcimer:
Posted a new Comment on New Mountain Dulcimer:
"I like the looks of your dulcimer! Happy strumming! "
@ken-hulme
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Strings":
Posted a response to "Strings":
"Well, I just tested 8 dulcimers of various VSLs and tunings, and I can say YES -- at the very end of the sustain, the needle wiggles a little to either side..."
@strumelia
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Strings":
Posted a response to "Strings":
"Leny-sue, that's what is called "decay" of the note, and is normal. It tends to be more noticeable on strings at looser tension and also wound strings, and..."
@leny-sue
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Strings":
Posted a response to "Strings":
"Hi Folks. I have a question concerning my dulcimer strings fluctuating in pitch while tuning with an app on my mobile device. Is it common for them to "go..."
@susan-ann
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 15
Posted a new Comment on 19th Century Pritchard Dulcimer?:
Posted a new Comment on 19th Century Pritchard Dulcimer?:
"Hello Ken, I was looking at your Prichard replica you made. Very nice! Are the hearts actually holes or are they painted on? I am working on my kit right..."
@venni
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on New Mountain Dulcimer:
Posted a new Comment on New Mountain Dulcimer:
"It is a Model 51 Dulcimer made by Black Mountain "
@dusty-turtle
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on New Mountain Dulcimer:
Posted a new Comment on New Mountain Dulcimer:
"That's a nice looking instrument, Venni. Congratulations! And as Robin says, you should see a label inside the lower bout if you look through the..."
@robin-thompson
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on New Mountain Dulcimer:
Posted a new Comment on New Mountain Dulcimer:
"Venni, there appears to be a maker's label inside one of the lower sound holes. The label should give the name of the maker. "
@venni
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on New Mountain Dulcimer:
Posted a new Comment on New Mountain Dulcimer:
"Strumelia:
That's nice with the butterflies. Do you know what maker it is?
I forgot"
@strumelia
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on New Mountain Dulcimer:
Posted a new Comment on New Mountain Dulcimer:
"That's nice with the butterflies. Do you know what maker it is?"
@strumelia
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Pictures and Poetry:
Posted a new Comment on Pictures and Poetry:
"A lovely painting John! "
@strumelia
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 0
Liked a photos item created by @john-w-mckinstry: In child-like play this little turtle came my way.
Liked a photos item created by @john-w-mckinstry: In child-like play this little turtle came my way.
@dusty-turtle
• yesterday
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Willow Garden:
Posted a new Comment on Willow Garden:
"Nice playing, PapaSims. I was just working on this tune myself this morning. Gotta love them old murder ballads."
@robin-thompson
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "basic music advice from Chick Corea":
Created a new forum topic "basic music advice from Chick Corea":
"I think the basics of what Chick Corea had to say about music applies to porch players, too, in many ways. "
@dulcinina
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Arkansas Traveler on a Stick Dulcimer:
Posted a new Comment on Arkansas Traveler on a Stick Dulcimer:
"Very cool."
@dulcidom
• yesterday
• comments: 6
Liked a youtube item created by @dusty-turtle: The Strawberry Blossom
Liked a youtube item created by @dusty-turtle: The Strawberry Blossom
@dulcidom
• yesterday
• comments: 4
Liked a youtube item created by @martin-oesterle: Rock the Cradle Fun with Shaker and Clicker
Liked a youtube item created by @martin-oesterle: Rock the Cradle Fun with Shaker and Clicker
@dulcidom
• yesterday
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @janene-millen: The Lambs on the Green Hills
Liked a youtube item created by @janene-millen: The Lambs on the Green Hills
@dulcidom
• yesterday
• comments: 2
Posted a new YouTube video:
Planxty Irwin/Colonel John Irwin - Carolan (1670-1738)
Planxty Irwin/Colonel John Irwin - Carolan (1670-1738)
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
"Great news. Enjoy!"
@strumelia
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
"Venni that's good news for sure. I hope you've been looking in the Beginner Group here to learn about how to tune it for example... lots of good starting out..."
@robin-thompson
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
"@venni Please post a photo of your mountain dulcimer! "
@randy-adams
• yesterday
• comments: 4
Liked a soundcloud item created by @robin-thompson: Hemlock Mills - WIP
Liked a soundcloud item created by @robin-thompson: Hemlock Mills - WIP
@venni
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
"My dulcimer is coming tomorrow."
@john-c-knopf
• 2 days ago
• comments: 24
Posted a new Comment on Neck width:
Posted a new Comment on Neck width:
"Here you go! I've had these cases and they are EXCELLENT. www.TKL.com 21184"
@banjelele
• 2 days ago
• comments: 24
Posted a new Comment on Neck width:
Posted a new Comment on Neck width:
"Once I got it strung up I was a bit disappointed with the intonation. In particular, it seemed to my ear as if the F# note on the melody string in particular..."
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 15
Posted a new Comment on 19th Century Pritchard Dulcimer?:
Posted a new Comment on 19th Century Pritchard Dulcimer?:
"Susan Ann, I am still willing to list this as a Prichard dulcimer. The pegs are very similar to those made by C. N. Prichard. The hearts are typical of..."
@john-w-mckinstry
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
"That's an original, Dusty, except from the quote of Vocabulary.com.
By the way I have painted a turtle to go along with this and I will post it
under photos..."
@dusty-turtle
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
"Thanks, John. I like that a lot. Did you come up with that yourself or is that some ancient Chinese saying or something?"
@john-w-mckinstry
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
"To "Dusty Turtle" & all of my friends at FOTMD:
"Like the turtle may you float in the hard times
and bask in the good!"
"To bask in something is to take..."
@jan-potts
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Arkansas Traveler on a Stick Dulcimer:
Posted a new Comment on Arkansas Traveler on a Stick Dulcimer:
"Great rendition on a lovely stick dulcimer!"
@robin-thompson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "What's fer dinner?":
Posted a response to "What's fer dinner?":
"We didn't have nearly as many Butternut Squash from our garden to carry us through Autumn and into Winter. This year, I hope we'll have more. It is such a..."
@steven-berger
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Liked a soundcloud item created by @robin-thompson: Hemlock Mills - WIP
Liked a soundcloud item created by @robin-thompson: Hemlock Mills - WIP
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...
Little Dulcimers
Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
Dulcimer Therapy
This group is dedicated to those that visit, or have a...
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...
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...
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...
Home Studio Recording
Recording dulcimers, vocals and other instruments in the...
Early & Classical Music
For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
Collector's Corner
A group where collectors of antique, vintage, or rare...
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...
Prayers, Hugs, and Kindness
A group for private sharing and support, whether you are...
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...
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...
Florida Sunshine Dulcimer...
Florida Dulcimer Players
Pacific Northwest Players
For players who live in or have strong connections to the...
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
.JPG "pictures and poetry bird (2).JPG")
![20210206_091156[1].jpg](https://fotmd.com/susan-ann/gallery/11240/20210206_091156[1].jpg "20210206_091156[1].jpg")
.jpg "dulces (2).jpg")
Latest Forum Posts All
basic music advice from...
Posted: Wednesday February 24 2021, 12:45 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
The Positive Thread...
Posted: Tuesday February 23 2021, 9:27 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
What's fer dinner?
Posted: Monday February 22 2021, 7:56 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Where have all the...
Posted: Sunday February 21 2021, 7:05 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Steeleye Span & John...
Posted: Sunday February 21 2021, 5:10 PM
By: @FoundryRat
By: @FoundryRat
Legacy Straps Review
Posted: Sunday February 21 2021, 5:04 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Richard Troughear MD made...
Posted: Sunday February 21 2021, 2:53 PM
By: @John C. Knopf
By: @John C. Knopf
Texas-bound J. E. Thomas...
Posted: Saturday February 20 2021, 7:36 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Zebrawood F# Native...
Posted: Thursday February 18 2021, 12:35 PM
By: @Susie
By: @Susie
How is the COVID-19...
Posted: Tuesday February 16 2021, 6:46 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Choosing Your String Gauge
Posted: Tuesday February 16 2021, 8:38 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Grant Olson Website
Posted: Saturday February 13 2021, 4:59 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Free tabs: More German folk...
Posted: Saturday February 13 2021, 1:22 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Non-Metal Fret Material
Posted: Thursday February 11 2021, 4:09 PM
By: @Ken Hulme
By: @Ken Hulme
Blue Lion Dulcimers why so...
Posted: Thursday February 11 2021, 4:38 AM
By: @Catwheezle
By: @Catwheezle
a 1994 Mt Airy jam with Don...
Posted: Wednesday February 10 2021, 11:52 AM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
VSL, Tuning and Breaking...
Posted: Wednesday February 10 2021, 7:39 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Bridge feet contact area
Posted: Tuesday February 9 2021, 9:58 PM
By: @robert schuler
By: @robert schuler
Archie Smith Bowed Psaltery...
Posted: Monday February 8 2021, 10:29 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Need Help Identifying two...
Posted: Monday February 8 2021, 8:52 PM
By: @Nathina
By: @Nathina
Introduce Yourself!
Posted: Monday February 8 2021, 11:11 AM
By: @Winks
By: @Winks
article about world globes...
Posted: Monday February 8 2021, 9:43 AM
By: @Venni aka Adrianne
By: @Venni aka Adrianne
New player / New purchase /...
Posted: Monday February 8 2021, 8:45 AM
By: @Spam1977
By: @Spam1977
John Frazier dulcimer
Posted: Monday February 8 2021, 2:10 AM
By: @Kevin63
By: @Kevin63
Dolly on mountain dulcimer
Posted: Sunday February 7 2021, 3:28 PM
By: @Susie
By: @Susie
Healthy Living- healthy...
Posted: Friday February 5 2021, 9:46 PM
By: @Don Grundy
By: @Don Grundy
Balalaika playing video
Posted: Friday February 5 2021, 9:01 PM
By: @Venni aka Adrianne
By: @Venni aka Adrianne
Hearts Of The Dulcimer...
Posted: Friday February 5 2021, 3:39 PM
By: @Patricia Delich
By: @Patricia Delich
FOTMD Chat Room!
Posted: Friday February 5 2021, 12:25 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
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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Richard Streib 
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Ken Longfield 
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Single Instructor Events / Classifieds
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