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
@steven-berger
• 10 hours ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on The Wild Rover:
Posted a new Comment on The Wild Rover:
"Nice rendition of this song, Gordon! I like your tempo...most versions tend to be faster...I can actually understand the words when you sing it."
@richard-streib
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Have you met other FOTMD's in real life and become friends?":
Posted a response to "Have you met other FOTMD's in real life and become friends?":
"Yes. Berea the last 2 years was great. I count all those there among my many dulcimer friends. Thanks for FOTMD which allowed the organizers the forum to put..."
@robert-l-porter-jr
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on The Old Rugged Cross - Grant Olson:
Posted a new Comment on The Old Rugged Cross - Grant Olson:
"Man!!! that was great, really enjoyed it.
"
@christine-shoemaker
• 15 hours ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Rosewood Casket:
Posted a new Comment on Rosewood Casket:
"Janene, I sure hope you truly know how incredibly soothing your singing and playing is. I, like sooo many others, greatly appreciate you sharing your..."
@christine-shoemaker
• 15 hours ago
• comments: 20
Posted a new Comment on How Great Thou Art:
Posted a new Comment on How Great Thou Art:
"I sure do appreciate you watching and your very kind comment, @john-Gribble ! Thank you, John! "
@ballad-gal
• 18 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Have you met other FOTMD's in real life and become friends?":
Posted a response to "Have you met other FOTMD's in real life and become friends?":
"I'm among the newer folks to go to a gathering, even with 50+ years with a dulcimer! I was delighted to meet the folks at Berea last May that have responded..."
@robin-thompson
• 19 hours ago
• comments: 1
Liked a photos item created by @bob: Folk Art painted Mountain Dulcimer (#82)
Liked a photos item created by @bob: Folk Art painted Mountain Dulcimer (#82)
@robin-thompson
• 19 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Hog-Eyed Man playing Polly Put the Kettle On":
Posted a response to "Hog-Eyed Man playing Polly Put the Kettle On":
"@Dusty-Turtle I like what the md player is doing, too! These fellas work so well as a duo. "
@john-gribble
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 20
Posted a new Comment on How Great Thou Art:
Posted a new Comment on How Great Thou Art:
"Gorgeous music, gorgeous video. Thank you. "
@ken-longfield
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Have you met other FOTMD's in real life and become friends?":
Posted a response to "Have you met other FOTMD's in real life and become friends?":
"As many have mentioned the Hindman and Berea gatherings have brought many of us together. It is a festivals that I met many of the folks from FOTMD or the..."
@strumelia
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 22
Posted a new Comment on Noter drone play list for nursing home?:
Posted a new Comment on Noter drone play list for nursing home?:
"One thing I've found interesting in this thread's subject is that many of the 'favorite and familiar feel-good' songs of people in nursing homes are popular..."
@christine-shoemaker
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 20
Posted a new Comment on How Great Thou Art:
Posted a new Comment on How Great Thou Art:
"Aww...thank you, @Dusty-Turtle ! I like how you think...that sure would have been a great comedic spin!"
@christine-shoemaker
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 20
Posted a new Comment on How Great Thou Art:
Posted a new Comment on How Great Thou Art:
"Hi, Terry! Thanks so much!"
@terry-wilson
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Call 'em Ukes, Ukuleles, but never Ukeleles!":
Posted a response to "Call 'em Ukes, Ukuleles, but never Ukeleles!":
"You folks are ha ha 😄 funny. "
@john-c-knopf
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Have you met other FOTMD's in real life and become friends?":
Posted a response to "Have you met other FOTMD's in real life and become friends?":
"I've met many WONDERFUL folks from FOTMD in Berea, KY or in Hindman, KY the past few years. (I can't remember any of them as being awful or unfriendly!) I..."
@lois-sprengnether-keel
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Call 'em Ukes, Ukuleles, but never Ukeleles!":
Posted a response to "Call 'em Ukes, Ukuleles, but never Ukeleles!":
"Terry Wilson: 😀👍☀️. Lisa, I say this often. “If God is watching us, the least we can do, is be..."
@terry-wilson
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Call 'em Ukes, Ukuleles, but never Ukeleles!":
Posted a response to "Call 'em Ukes, Ukuleles, but never Ukeleles!":
"Oh yes yes."
@lois-sprengnether-keel
• yesterday
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Who made this dulcimer?:
Posted a new Comment on Who made this dulcimer?:
"Not only does it look lovely yet very homemade, but it has a beautiful tone. It's been my go-to for my historic storytelling because it definitely doesn't..."
@irene
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Have you met other FOTMD's in real life and become friends?":
Posted a response to "Have you met other FOTMD's in real life and become friends?":
"OH YES YES YES....and I can hardly wait for the next Berea, Kentucky gathering. I consider all that were there my friends. If fact, a great blessing. I..."
@irene
• yesterday
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Folk Art painted Mountain Dulcimer (#82):
Posted a new Comment on Folk Art painted Mountain Dulcimer (#82):
"oh oh.....wayyyyyyyyyyy to beautiful in getting the happiness painted on. And I listened to you play this on youtube. I like it very much. Now keep..."
@irene
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Call 'em Ukes, Ukuleles, but never Ukeleles!":
Posted a response to "Call 'em Ukes, Ukuleles, but never Ukeleles!":
"TERRY, can I quote you....more smiles on this one....aloha, irene"
@steven-berger
• yesterday
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Folk Art painted Mountain Dulcimer (#82):
Posted a new Comment on Folk Art painted Mountain Dulcimer (#82):
"Your ability to create art for the eyes and ears, Bob, is fantastic!"
@steven-berger
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Sound testing a newly built Mountain Dulcimer (#82):
Posted a new Comment on Sound testing a newly built Mountain Dulcimer (#82):
"That's a fine sounding and looking dulcimer you've built there, Bob!"
@steven-berger
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Have you met other FOTMD's in real life and become friends?":
Posted a response to "Have you met other FOTMD's in real life and become friends?":
"Me three...at Berea, where the wacky ones tend to gather...including Kenh and David!"
@greg-gunner
• yesterday
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Clara Callahan Weave Shop Dulcimer Player 1930:
Posted a new Comment on Clara Callahan Weave Shop Dulcimer Player 1930:
"Harry Callahan was Clara Callahan's brother. According to the preliminary information I have on the family, he would have been 13 years old at the time of..."
@ken-hulme
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Have you met other FOTMD's in real life and become friends?":
Posted a response to "Have you met other FOTMD's in real life and become friends?":
"Me too -- same wacky bunch of hardcore Traditional players and builders, including David..."
@robin-thompson
• yesterday
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on Mourning for Young Ernest WIP:
Posted a new Comment on Mourning for Young Ernest WIP:
"@Jill-Geary @Strumelia Thank you, ladies! On this tune I used a leather waist tab cut from a pair of old blue jeans. I really like the size and feel of it. "
@dusty-turtle
• yesterday
• comments: 20
Posted a new Comment on How Great Thou Art:
Posted a new Comment on How Great Thou Art:
"Beautiful playing, Christine. Truly moving. What a deep, rich, round voice that dulcimer has, too.
Its funny, but whenever you appear again in the video..."
@david-bennett
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Have you met other FOTMD's in real life and become friends?":
Posted a response to "Have you met other FOTMD's in real life and become friends?":
"I've met several/many the last two years at the Berea Traditional Dulcimore Gathering and have become friends with them!
"
@david-bennett
• 2 days ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Clara Callahan Weave Shop Dulcimer Player 1930:
Posted a new Comment on Clara Callahan Weave Shop Dulcimer Player 1930:
"I thought this was interesting: Harry Callahan is mentioned in a history of health care at [Pine Mountain Settlement School] PMSS by Evelyn Wells as..."
@bob
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Sound testing a newly built Mountain Dulcimer (#82):
Posted a new Comment on Sound testing a newly built Mountain Dulcimer (#82):
"Dusty Turtle:
What a fine sounding instrument and a great rendition of Fanny Power.
Thanks Dusty!"
@dusty-turtle
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Sound testing a newly built Mountain Dulcimer (#82):
Posted a new Comment on Sound testing a newly built Mountain Dulcimer (#82):
"What a fine sounding instrument and a great rendition of Fanny Power."
@terry-wilson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on John & Karen Keane at Evart 2019:
Posted a new Comment on John & Karen Keane at Evart 2019:
"John & Karen, I’ll never make it up to Michigan, but I still enjoyed the video. Y’all are so very talented. "
@terry-wilson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 13
Liked a youtube item created by @strumelia: Handsome Molly (2009, short clip)
Liked a youtube item created by @strumelia: Handsome Molly (2009, short clip)
@terry-wilson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 13
Posted a new Comment on Handsome Molly (2009, short clip):
Posted a new Comment on Handsome Molly (2009, short clip):
"Lisa, I just found your video. Loved it. It’s a grand you, and you only, in every way. Smiled the whole video. May have even giggled..."
@bob
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new YouTube video:
Sound testing a newly built Mountain Dulcimer (#82)
Sound testing a newly built Mountain Dulcimer (#82)
@pierre-yves-donnio
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Liked a youtube item created by @granto: Autumn's Farewell - Original Composition
Liked a youtube item created by @granto: Autumn's Farewell - Original Composition
@terry-wilson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Call 'em Ukes, Ukuleles, but never Ukeleles!":
Posted a response to "Call 'em Ukes, Ukuleles, but never Ukeleles!":
"😀👍☀️.
Lisa, I say this often. “If God is watching us, the least we can do, is be entertaining.”"
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Has the Everything Dulcimer "Facebook" page closed?":
Posted a response to "Has the Everything Dulcimer "Facebook" page closed?":
"This morning I was deleting a few online bookmarks that no longer do me any good. Since I had no been able to view the 'set to Secret group'..."
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @strumelia: Have you met other FOTMD's in real life and become friends?
Liked a forum discussions item created by @strumelia: Have you met other FOTMD's in real life and become friends?
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Call 'em Ukes, Ukuleles, but never Ukeleles!":
Posted a response to "Call 'em Ukes, Ukuleles, but never Ukeleles!":
"Terry Wilson: This is the first time in my life I’ve been 73. A little pain was expected, but so much fun was totally unexpected. Terry I love the way..."
@jud-barry
• 2 days ago
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on Revenant:
Posted a new Comment on Revenant:
"Thank you, @Ariane! I'm very glad you enjoyed it!"
@terry-wilson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 20
Posted a new Comment on How Great Thou Art:
Posted a new Comment on How Great Thou Art:
"Christine, that was so pretty."
@terry-wilson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Night of the Living Dulcimers Part 2:
Posted a new Comment on Night of the Living Dulcimers Part 2:
"Wonderful music and presentation. What I like most is everyone’s interaction with the crowd. The young lady at the beginning of the video drew the crowd..."
@terry-wilson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Call 'em Ukes, Ukuleles, but never Ukeleles!":
Posted a response to "Call 'em Ukes, Ukuleles, but never Ukeleles!":
"Hi Lisa,
Thank you.
Good time to be us, huh? This is the first time in my life I’ve been 73. A little pain was expected, but so much fun was totally..."
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 7
Liked a soundcloud item created by @robin-thompson: Mourning for Young Ernest WIP
Liked a soundcloud item created by @robin-thompson: Mourning for Young Ernest WIP
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on Mourning for Young Ernest WIP:
Posted a new Comment on Mourning for Young Ernest WIP:
"Robin, this is amazing and wonderful."
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 7
Liked a soundcloud item created by @robin-thompson: Mourning for Young Ernest WIP
Liked a soundcloud item created by @robin-thompson: Mourning for Young Ernest 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...
Dulcimer Therapy
This group is dedicated to those that visit, or have a...
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 teachers
Do you teach dulcimer? Are you helping others to learn?
UK and European Mountain...
A group which hopefully allows players/makers in this...
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...
Stick Dulcimers/Strumsticks
Regardless of what name you favor, this group is a...
Home Studio Recording
Recording dulcimers, vocals and other instruments in the...
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...
Collector's Corner
A group where collectors of antique, vintage, or rare...
Early & Classical Music
For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
Call the Tune
"Call the Tune" is a place to post audio and video...
Dulcimer Ancestors
Looking at some of the ancestors of the Mountain...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
6 string dulcimers
Owning and playing a 6 string, regardless of tuning, and...
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...
AussieTalk!
For dulcimer players in Australia. -Be sure to create...
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...
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
Latest Forum Posts All
Have you met other FOTMD's...
Posted: Thursday November 14 2019, 6:57 PM
By: @Richard Streib
By: @Richard Streib
Hog-Eyed Man playing Polly...
Posted: Thursday November 14 2019, 11:01 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Call 'em Ukes, Ukuleles,...
Posted: Thursday November 14 2019, 7:55 AM
By: @Terry Wilson
By: @Terry Wilson
Veterans Day 2019
Posted: Wednesday November 13 2019, 8:09 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Purpose of DAA tuning
Posted: Tuesday November 12 2019, 10:22 AM
By: @Don Grundy
By: @Don Grundy
tuning my guitar into a...
Posted: Tuesday November 12 2019, 9:51 AM
By: @marg
By: @marg
Mountain dulcimer to sell
Posted: Monday November 11 2019, 9:31 PM
By: @Uker
By: @Uker
Sears and Roebuck dulcimers
Posted: Monday November 11 2019, 5:13 PM
By: @Gstringer
By: @Gstringer
Introduce Yourself!
Posted: Monday November 11 2019, 12:15 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Picks on hammered dulcimers
Posted: Sunday November 10 2019, 8:36 PM
By: @string hopper
By: @string hopper
1930s Regal Tenor Guitar
Posted: Sunday November 10 2019, 8:23 AM
By: @slowpicker1950
By: @slowpicker1950
TEDx talk and music by the...
Posted: Saturday November 9 2019, 5:52 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
The Positive Thread...
Posted: Saturday November 9 2019, 10:23 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Four equidistant strings
Posted: Wednesday November 6 2019, 11:31 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
PLEASE Click to READ THIS...
Posted: Tuesday November 5 2019, 7:32 PM
By: @Uker
By: @Uker
NDD (New Dulcimer Day)...
Posted: Tuesday November 5 2019, 3:17 PM
By: @Susie
By: @Susie
Fair price for a 2003...
Posted: Monday November 4 2019, 12:52 PM
By: @Banjimer
By: @Banjimer
Sneak peek at a walnut...
Posted: Sunday November 3 2019, 7:19 AM
By: @Susie
By: @Susie
A litle confused on string...
Posted: Thursday October 31 2019, 7:46 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Hog-Eyed Man playing Green...
Posted: Wednesday October 30 2019, 6:10 PM
By: @Rob N Lackey
By: @Rob N Lackey
Identifying A Ventage...
Posted: Wednesday October 30 2019, 8:38 AM
By: @DulcimerBill
By: @DulcimerBill
DADGAD Guitar
Posted: Tuesday October 29 2019, 11:51 AM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Group Contents Re-ordered???
Posted: Sunday October 27 2019, 7:08 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Looking for a Rick Long...
Posted: Sunday October 27 2019, 5:18 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
For sale: Bob & Anne...
Posted: Sunday October 27 2019, 2:41 PM
By: @msmussel
By: @msmussel
Hearts Of The Dulcimer...
Posted: Saturday October 26 2019, 5:44 PM
By: @Patricia Delich
By: @Patricia Delich
General direction on tuning...
Posted: Friday October 25 2019, 11:46 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Looking for Limberjacks
Posted: Tuesday October 22 2019, 9:58 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Do Not Upgrade Your Mac To...
Posted: Monday October 21 2019, 11:00 AM
By: @Black Dog Bess
By: @Black Dog Bess
The Drifting Thread...
Posted: Monday October 21 2019, 6:48 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 
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Benjamin Barr 
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Single Instructor Events / Classifieds
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