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
@shopdad
• a minute ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Stradivarius Effect":
Posted a response to "The Stradivarius Effect":
"I read that note in the article but it didn't make sense to me. So if I understand it correctly, the hook holds the string down on the fret as a continual..."
@shopdad
• 31 minutes ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Stradivarius Effect":
Posted a response to "The Stradivarius Effect":
"The Scheitholt article is very interesting (log, fire wood) I guess that means a person could use what ever is at hand for the material. . From the pic of..."
@ken-longfield
• 36 minutes ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Stradivarius Effect":
Posted a response to "The Stradivarius Effect":
"That's fine, Shopdad. It is interesting to note that the wire frets on the scheitholt go under all the strings. A notable feature of the scheitholt is that..."
@shopdad
• an hour ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Stradivarius Effect":
Posted a response to "The Stradivarius Effect":
"So what appears to be the fret board is actually the sound box or body. The frets appear to be staples as are the originals from what I read. Nice job on the..."
@davisjames
• an hour ago
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @ondrej: Melodies from Czech broadside ballads for DAD Dulcimer
Liked a youtube item created by @ondrej: Melodies from Czech broadside ballads for DAD Dulcimer
@ken-longfield
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Stradivarius Effect":
Posted a response to "The Stradivarius Effect":
"Shopdad, there is an interesting story regarding the scheitholt reproduction. I wrote an article for DPN, with some help from Ken Hulme, regarding the term..."
@ken-longfield
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Stradivarius Effect":
Posted a response to "The Stradivarius Effect":
"Shopdad, here is a link for the scheitholt: Praetorius scheitholt . And here is a link to one reproduction zitter I made: zitter .
Ken
"The dulcimer sings..."
@wally-venable
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Stradivarius Effect":
Posted a response to "The Stradivarius Effect":
"Wikipedia sez:
Zithers are typically played by strumming or plucking the strings with the fingers or a plectrum . In the Hornbostel–Sachs classification..."
@shopdad
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Stradivarius Effect":
Posted a response to "The Stradivarius Effect":
"Hey John, Ha!, good point about the move. She may want to add more space to her craft work area. There goes my "dul- ci-more space."
@shopdad
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Stradivarius Effect":
Posted a response to "The Stradivarius Effect":
"Hey Ken, pictures would be great. I am especially interested in the zithers and the scheitholt, (Wow, spell check didn't like those words at all). Since I am..."
@strumelia
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @ken-longfield: The Swedish Hummel
Liked a forum discussions item created by @ken-longfield: The Swedish Hummel
@ken-longfield
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Stradivarius Effect":
Posted a response to "The Stradivarius Effect":
"I did a quick recount today. I'm happy to say that I only have 21 mountain dulcimers at the moment. In addition I do have four PA German zitters and a..."
@john-petry
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Stradivarius Effect":
Posted a response to "The Stradivarius Effect":
"You will have to let us know
how you are going to convince
her to move into the addition, so you
have more dulcimer space.....
I think I just realized why..."
@beth-t
• yesterday
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Malltraeth:
Posted a new Comment on Malltraeth:
"DavisJames:
I really like the way you play the one note that doesn't belong in the D scale(G#,only available on the 6+1/2 fret of the A string) without..."
@shopdad
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Stradivarius Effect":
Posted a response to "The Stradivarius Effect":
"23? wow! I will save this post to show my wife the next time I make or purchase another one. In the meantime I will consider making plans to build an..."
@robin-thompson
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @ken-longfield: The Swedish Hummel
Liked a forum discussions item created by @ken-longfield: The Swedish Hummel
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Stradivarius Effect":
Posted a response to "The Stradivarius Effect":
"Good ones, Wally and Shopdad. John you have recognized the beginning of the problem, if indeed one considers it a problem. Has anyone found a cure or end to..."
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Swedish Hummel":
Posted a response to "The Swedish Hummel":
"Thanks, Shopped. I've seen that photo before. She does have it propped up on a foot stool, but still it is a very large instrument.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a..."
@shopdad
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Swedish Hummel":
Posted a response to "The Swedish Hummel":
"Here it is, I thought I dumped it. One can hardly refer to this one as a "Lap Instrument""
@shopdad
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Swedish Hummel":
Posted a response to "The Swedish Hummel":
"Ken, a while I posted a picture of a very large lady holding an instrument. the site I was following labeled it Dulcimer. Yes, a far cry from what we think..."
@shopdad
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Stradivarius Effect":
Posted a response to "The Stradivarius Effect":
"Ha! love all the comments. Yes, John, clear out some space. Ken, Walley, Now you've done it, every time I tune my instruments I will think "Directly About..."
@beth-t
• yesterday
• comments: 7
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: The Rosebud of Allenvale
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: The Rosebud of Allenvale
@beth-t
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Liked a youtube item created by @dan-evans: South Wind with Cara Bo
Liked a youtube item created by @dan-evans: South Wind with Cara Bo
@john-petry
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Stradivarius Effect":
Posted a response to "The Stradivarius Effect":
""My only dulcimer, SO FAR....."
Therein lies the first symptom of the affliction..."
@wally-venable
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Stradivarius Effect":
Posted a response to "The Stradivarius Effect":
"If DAD is Dulcimer Acquisition Disease, then DAA can be Dulcimers Always Accumulate."
@john-petry
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "FREE to good home...with a catch":
Created a new forum topic "FREE to good home...with a catch":
"Long story short...ish.
I purchased this hammered dulcimer
off of the Good Will auction site.
Intending for a friend in Ohio to
pick it up for me....Alas,..."
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "The Swedish Hummel":
Created a new forum topic "The Swedish Hummel":
"Many folks who have been part of the mountain dulcimer for a while are aware of European instruments that share some characteristics of our mountain..."
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Stradivarius Effect":
Posted a response to "The Stradivarius Effect":
"A couple of other interpretations of DAS and DAD are Dulcimer Acquisition Syndrome, Dulcimers Are Sweet; and Dulcimer Acquisition Disease and Dulcimers Are..."
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Die Schwedische Hummel:
Posted a new Comment on Die Schwedische Hummel:
"There is a new link to The Swedish Hummel . I was able to obtain a copy of Die Schwedishe Hummel from John Hallberg, owner and curator of the Appalachian..."
@shopdad
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Stradivarius Effect":
Posted a response to "The Stradivarius Effect":
"I believe DAS is Dulcimer Addiction Syndrome or something like that. I believe there are many acronyms out there for most every thing. I am a fossil hunting..."
@shopdad
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Stradivarius Effect":
Posted a response to "The Stradivarius Effect":
"Thanks Canard, I have posted this a couple times just after I finished it. It seems to smile every time I play it. Well. sort of if a person has a great..."
@davisjames
• 2 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Malltraeth:
Posted a new Comment on Malltraeth:
"I really like the way you play the one note that doesn't belong in the D scale(G#,only available on the 6+1/2 fret of the A string) without fingering an..."
@davisjames
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a music item created by @david-beede: Castle Kelly - traditional Irish
Liked a music item created by @david-beede: Castle Kelly - traditional Irish
@canard
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Stradivarius Effect":
Posted a response to "The Stradivarius Effect":
"John, points well made and well taken. New, so not sure what DAS means. My only dulcimer so far came from an auction site with the business cards of its..."
@john-c-knopf
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Bad string?":
Posted a response to "Bad string?":
"A trip to that dulcimer shop in Mountain View is a wonderful thing. I was able to meet Lynn McSpadden there once, many years ago, and brought my McSpadden..."
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Bad string?":
Posted a response to "Bad string?":
"If your McSp dulcimer has individual metal tuning machines, you may be able to send them a closeup photo of your headstock and let them know which machine is..."
@wally-venable
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Bad string?":
Posted a response to "Bad string?":
"If you want a top level dulcimer and can't do repairs yourself, you should consider buying directly from the builder. It may be cheaper in the long run.
I..."
@ondrej
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Melodies from Czech broadside ballads for DAD Dulcimer :
Posted a new Comment on Melodies from Czech broadside ballads for DAD Dulcimer :
"Strumelia:
Very sweet traditional melodies. Thank you for posting them!
Thank you"
@ken-longfield
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Bad string?":
Posted a response to "Bad string?":
"I've visited the Dulcimer Shoppe in Mountain View, Arkansas a couple of times. The first time was in 1974 and then again a couple of years ago. The folks at..."
@alex-lubet
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Bad string?":
Posted a response to "Bad string?":
"Thanks. I do suspect that I'll need a new tuning mechanism. It's not something I can do myself and my understanding is that McSpadden expects owners to use..."
@alex-lubet
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Bad string?":
Posted a response to "Bad string?":
"First, a gentle correction. Amy Levy is the poet whose texts I used for my songs. I'm Alex Lubet, composer and dulcimer player.
I agree with you,..."
@john-c-knopf
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Bad string?":
Posted a response to "Bad string?":
"Yes, call the McSpadden folks about this issue, by all means. And you could try replacing that tuning peg with what we call a "known good peg" to see if the..."
@richard-streib
• 3 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @ellie:
Posted a new Comment on @ellie:
"So glad you have joined, Ellie. Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. This is an active community and there is a lot of information here. If you have..."
@strumelia
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Bad string?":
Posted a response to "Bad string?":
"Sounds like most likely a problem just with that one tuner.But to be safe, also check all around the dulcimer - the back, sides, and the headstock- check for..."
@robin-thompson
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Bad string?":
Posted a response to "Bad string?":
"I'm sure it was a treat for your audience to hear you & Ms. Levy!
@alex-lubet Thank you for the correction-- a mistake I shouldn't have made since I..."
@alex-lubet
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Bad string?":
Posted a response to "Bad string?":
"It seems that there's an issue with the dulcimer and not the string. I changed strings three times and continued to have the same problem. It was quite..."
@ken-longfield
• 3 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @ellie:
Posted a new Comment on @ellie:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Ellie. It is good to have you aboard. Renaissance and early dance music are musical genres with which I am not familiar. You can search..."
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...
Four-Equidistant Strings
A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
Little Dulcimers
Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
Baritone & Bass Dulcimer...
A Group for discussing the unique aspects of playing...
fans of Jean Ritchie
A group for those of us who have been inspired by...
Early & Classical Music
For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
Help Me Learn this Song
Need help learning to play a particular song? Let another...
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...
Dulcimer Therapy
This group is dedicated to those that visit, or have a...
Home Studio Recording
Recording dulcimers, vocals and other instruments in the...
Dulcimer Ancestors
Looking at some of the ancestors of the Mountain...
Dulcimer teachers
Do you teach dulcimer? Are you helping others to learn?
Stick Dulcimers/Strumsticks
Regardless of what name you favor, this group is a...
Chromatic Dulcimers
For players who enjoy playing dulcimers with ALL the frets!
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...
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...
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...
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.
NorthEastern U.S. dulcimer...
For those of us who live in the northeastern United States.
Virginia Dulcimer Players
Just thought it would be neet to know how many other...
Prayers, Hugs, and Kindness
A group for private sharing and support, whether you are...
6 string dulcimers
Owning and playing a 6 string, regardless of tuning, and...
North Carolinians Plus
The Three Sides of North Carolina: Mountains / Piedmont /...
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
Kentucky Dulcimer Players
A group for any players from Kentucky where we can meet...
Florida Sunshine Dulcimer...
Florida Dulcimer Players
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...
Missouri Dulcimer Players
for all the Show Me State dulcimer players
Indiana Players
Welcome all dulcimer players in the state of Indiana!...
North of the Lakes
for any MD players in Upper Canada (aka Ontario) and the...
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
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.jpg "McSpaddenSycamore (1).jpg")
.jpg "me playing Mastertone-2-FC MAy 2025 (1).jpg")
Latest Forum Posts All
The Stradivarius Effect
Posted: Sunday May 24 2026, 2:54 PM
By: @Shopdad
By: @Shopdad
The Swedish Hummel
Posted: Saturday May 23 2026, 8:44 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
FREE to good home...with a...
Posted: Friday May 22 2026, 10:13 PM
By: @John Pettreemusic
By: @John Pettreemusic
Bad string?
Posted: Friday May 22 2026, 9:03 AM
By: @John C. Knopf
By: @John C. Knopf
Mark Tindle dulcimer for sale
Posted: Sunday May 17 2026, 4:37 PM
By: @Gary Warnock
By: @Gary Warnock
Thrift Auction: Early Paul...
Posted: Sunday May 17 2026, 12:34 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Affordable Sleeper Listing...
Posted: Sunday May 17 2026, 11:01 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Dulcimer instruction in...
Posted: Wednesday May 13 2026, 11:27 PM
By: @John Pettreemusic
By: @John Pettreemusic
Gary Gallier just passed away.
Posted: Wednesday May 13 2026, 11:22 PM
By: @John Pettreemusic
By: @John Pettreemusic
Sad news: Christophe...
Posted: Wednesday May 13 2026, 8:13 PM
By: @Richard Streib
By: @Richard Streib
Dulcimer effects
Posted: Wednesday May 13 2026, 9:09 AM
By: @John C. Knopf
By: @John C. Knopf
6 String Baritone Dulcimers
Posted: Saturday May 9 2026, 6:04 AM
By: @Susie
By: @Susie
Indoor House Plants
Posted: Monday May 4 2026, 6:59 PM
By: @Richard Streib
By: @Richard Streib
An Icelandic instrument -...
Posted: Sunday May 3 2026, 3:05 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Travel dulcimer/strumstick...
Posted: Friday May 1 2026, 6:46 AM
By: @Shopdad
By: @Shopdad
McSpadden 'Skunk Stripe'...
Posted: Thursday April 23 2026, 9:12 AM
By: @Mike the Beginner
By: @Mike the Beginner
Fret Rocker
Posted: Saturday April 18 2026, 8:21 AM
By: @Matt Berg
By: @Matt Berg
Changing from pegs to...
Posted: Saturday April 18 2026, 6:13 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
NGFDA's A Day with Dusty --...
Posted: Friday April 17 2026, 2:12 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Luthiers, Builder question...
Posted: Thursday April 16 2026, 7:56 AM
By: @Wally Venable
By: @Wally Venable
Hindman Homecoming 2026
Posted: Friday April 10 2026, 9:09 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
What Are You Working On?
Posted: Thursday April 9 2026, 10:27 PM
By: @Maddie Myers
By: @Maddie Myers
Book Miller's Song or...
Posted: Thursday April 9 2026, 5:12 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Troublesome Creek on PBS
Posted: Thursday April 9 2026, 9:20 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Happy Easter
Posted: Sunday April 5 2026, 7:25 AM
By: @Shopdad
By: @Shopdad
Here's a song I wrote. I...
Posted: Saturday April 4 2026, 1:57 AM
By: @Peter Losky
By: @Peter Losky
Hammered Dulcimer...
Posted: Friday April 3 2026, 5:51 PM
By: @Homer Ross
By: @Homer Ross
New Knopf Dulcimers website!
Posted: Tuesday March 31 2026, 1:10 AM
By: @Jill Geary
By: @Jill Geary
Freight Train Tab
Posted: Monday March 30 2026, 8:30 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Used Wolf Hill Woodworking...
Posted: Monday March 30 2026, 10:04 AM
By: @Joseph Besse
By: @Joseph Besse
Read the Site Rules
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