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
@tinyknit
• 24 minutes ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @tinyknit:
Posted a new Comment on @tinyknit:
"Thanks so much! Looking forward to learning more 😊"
@ken-longfield
• 25 minutes ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Washington’s March:
Posted a new Comment on Washington’s March:
"Nice build and playing, Noah. I enjoyed seeing the photos of the dulcimer at the end of the video. Keep up the good work.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@ken-longfield
• 28 minutes ago
• comments: 4
Liked a youtube item created by @noah-cline: Washington’s March
Liked a youtube item created by @noah-cline: Washington’s March
@ken-longfield
• 30 minutes ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @tinyknit:
Posted a new Comment on @tinyknit:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Tinyknit. It's good to have you aboard. You will find a great deal of information about the mountain dulcimer here. Don't hesitate to ask..."
@ken-longfield
• 34 minutes ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @moses-thrasher:
Posted a new Comment on @moses-thrasher:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Moses Thrasher. Follow Richard's advice. There are a few of us here who repair and restore old dulcimers. It shouldn't be difficult to find..."
@ken-longfield
• 40 minutes ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Wayfarin' Stranger:
Posted a new Comment on Wayfarin' Stranger:
"Hi, John. I don't know how I missed this earlier. Perhaps it was because we had a houseful of guests from June 30 - July 3. You did a great job with this..."
@nate
• 12 hours ago
• comments: 5
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: Wayfarin' Stranger
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: Wayfarin' Stranger
@nate
• 12 hours ago
• comments: 0
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Walking tune after Olle Gustafson-Solne
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Walking tune after Olle Gustafson-Solne
@nate
• 12 hours ago
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @phil-myers: Twinkle on Mountain Dulcimer
Liked a youtube item created by @phil-myers: Twinkle on Mountain Dulcimer
@strumelia
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Leaving Lismore:
Posted a new Comment on Leaving Lismore:
"Thanks for that Robin. I'm sure Judith would be happy to know folks are still listening to and enjoying her music here. "
@dusty
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Washington’s March:
Posted a new Comment on Washington’s March:
"That dulcimer sure has a crisp, balanced tone. Nice job on the build and the playing, too. Your fingers must be tired!"
@dusty
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Leaving Lismore:
Posted a new Comment on Leaving Lismore:
"What an elegant version of this fine old Scottish tune!"
@richard-streib
• 17 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @moses-thrasher:
Posted a new Comment on @moses-thrasher:
"Welcome Moses Thrasher to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. So glad you joined. As for parts for your dulcimer restoration, why not start a discussion..."
@richard-streib
• 17 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @norma-redish:
Posted a new Comment on @norma-redish:
"Glad you joined Norma Redish. Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. We are glad to have you. Hoping you find some others in your area to play with...."
@randy-adams
• 17 hours ago
• comments: 4
Liked a youtube item created by @noah-cline: Washington’s March
Liked a youtube item created by @noah-cline: Washington’s March
@robin-thompson
• 19 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Washington’s March:
Posted a new Comment on Washington’s March:
"A pretty build and it sounds great! "
@robin-thompson
• yesterday
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Leaving Lismore:
Posted a new Comment on Leaving Lismore:
"Judith played beautifully.
She passed away a couple years ago and I'm sure is missed by her family and friends. And her music lives on.
"
@strumelia
• yesterday
• comments: 5
Liked a music item created by @judith-giddings: Leaving Lismore
Liked a music item created by @judith-giddings: Leaving Lismore
@strumelia
• yesterday
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Twinkle on Mountain Dulcimer:
Posted a new Comment on Twinkle on Mountain Dulcimer:
"Very fun, and nice playing, Phil!"
@strumelia
• yesterday
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @phil-myers: Twinkle on Mountain Dulcimer
Liked a youtube item created by @phil-myers: Twinkle on Mountain Dulcimer
@norma-redish
• 2 days ago
• comments: 536
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
"Thank you Ken for your welcome. I have so many questions about the right dulcimer for me. And which virtual dulcimer festivals to go to. I signed up with..."
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @norma-redish:
Posted a new Comment on @norma-redish:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Norma. It's good to have you aboard. I wish you success in your hunt for other mountain dulcimer players in the Sedona area. It is fun to..."
@robin-thompson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Twinkle on Mountain Dulcimer:
Posted a new Comment on Twinkle on Mountain Dulcimer:
"What a neat tune, Phil! "
@davisjames
• 2 days ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Leaving Lismore:
Posted a new Comment on Leaving Lismore:
"Beautiful.I so enjoy exploring the archives.Many genres, styles,approaches,sounds.A FOTMD Smithsonian of mountain dulcimer!... as a latecomer dulcimer player..."
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Hindman Homecoming 2026":
Posted a response to "Hindman Homecoming 2026":
"I haven't talked with Doug recently. I'll contact him and see how things are going. I have no idea what the budget is for this event. In the past the cost to..."
@greatlakes73
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Hindman Homecoming 2026":
Posted a response to "Hindman Homecoming 2026":
"Ken, is there a way we can contribute funding? Maybe a link can be set up?"
@ken-longfield
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
"On a positive note we had our children, their spouses, and our grandchildren here for the first three days of July. It was fun for all of us to be together...."
@homer-ross
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
"There is nothing better than fresh vegs right out of the field. Pick, cook (or eat raw), eat Hmmmm. Support your local farmers and farmer markets."
@dusty
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
"My grandfather used to say "about two in a hill," and it is indeed a farming reference. The hill referred to is not a real hill, but a tiny mound of soil in..."
@robin-thompson
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
"Lisa, "About two in a hill" is, perhaps, a very localized colloquialism. Though we haven't heard the phrase used in years, Mark and I heard it from older..."
@strumelia
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
"Thanks Richard. I feel so badly for all farmers and ag workers lately. They face such terrible conditions- climate-wise, weather disasters, plus they are..."
@john-c-knopf
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
"Wondeful news about your husband, Lisa! I had that surgery and it was ver helpful to me too.
I'm thankful for all the reports from pleasantly-surprised..."
@richard-streib
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
"What a wonderful thread, Strumelia. Thanks for starting this. What a blessing upon you and your husband with his successful eye surgery and improved vision...."
@davisjames
• 3 days ago
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @ondrej: 3x Gospel for DAD Dulcimer
Liked a youtube item created by @ondrej: 3x Gospel for DAD Dulcimer
@robin-thompson
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
"We have high hopes for our potato crop this year. Last year's crop was poor-- way too wet a Spring here! It'll be nice when time comes to dig the potatoes..."
@strumelia
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
"Tell us about something positive lately in your life that you have experienced or observed.
As for me, there have been a few positive things lately. But..."
@john-c-knopf
• 5 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "GALAX-STYLE MOUNTAIN DULCIMER BY DON NEUHAUSER":
Posted a response to "GALAX-STYLE MOUNTAIN DULCIMER BY DON NEUHAUSER":
"Very nice! Wormy chestnut is a beautiful wood full of character and nice tone."
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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Latest Forum Posts All
Hindman Homecoming 2026
Posted: Thursday July 9 2026, 11:47 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
The Positive Thread...
Posted: Wednesday July 8 2026, 8:45 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
GALAX-STYLE MOUNTAIN...
Posted: Monday July 6 2026, 10:40 PM
By: @John C. Knopf
By: @John C. Knopf
Sources: strings in bulk
Posted: Sunday July 5 2026, 11:10 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Happy Birthday America
Posted: Saturday July 4 2026, 3:45 PM
By: @John C. Knopf
By: @John C. Knopf
How are you dealing with...
Posted: Saturday July 4 2026, 1:04 PM
By: @Richard Streib
By: @Richard Streib
How to dehumidify
Posted: Friday July 3 2026, 10:00 AM
By: @Wally Venable
By: @Wally Venable
Psalmodikon
Posted: Thursday July 2 2026, 2:29 PM
By: @John C. Knopf
By: @John C. Knopf
Diamond 6-String...
Posted: Sunday June 28 2026, 5:47 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Sad news about Wayne Seymour
Posted: Sunday June 28 2026, 11:27 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Luthiers, Builder question...
Posted: Friday June 26 2026, 5:06 PM
By: @James Bryant
By: @James Bryant
For sale: Mark Eubank...
Posted: Wednesday June 24 2026, 2:18 PM
By: @rogerdmac
By: @rogerdmac
Tab for Goddesses 1651
Posted: Tuesday June 23 2026, 9:22 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Box Dulcimer Project
Posted: Tuesday June 23 2026, 7:52 PM
By: @Richard Streib
By: @Richard Streib
Amy Grant: Carolina in My...
Posted: Sunday June 21 2026, 12:54 AM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Bad string?
Posted: Tuesday June 16 2026, 10:48 AM
By: @Alex_Lubet
By: @Alex_Lubet
Does anyone remember the...
Posted: Saturday June 13 2026, 9:22 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
tremolo
Posted: Thursday June 11 2026, 4:34 PM
By: @Wally Venable
By: @Wally Venable
The Stradivarius Effect
Posted: Wednesday June 10 2026, 6:09 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Please, if you can...
Posted: Monday June 8 2026, 9:17 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Gardner Dulcimers -...
Posted: Sunday June 7 2026, 10:03 AM
By: @Wally Venable
By: @Wally Venable
Dulcimer Rescue - Paul Pyle...
Posted: Sunday June 7 2026, 12:21 AM
By: @canard
By: @canard
String-changing adventure...
Posted: Friday May 29 2026, 2:30 PM
By: @Nate
By: @Nate
Article Published
Posted: Friday May 29 2026, 1:25 PM
By: @Shopdad
By: @Shopdad
Dr woodson
Posted: Thursday May 28 2026, 7:37 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
FREE to good home...with a...
Posted: Wednesday May 27 2026, 10:51 PM
By: @John Pettreemusic
By: @John Pettreemusic
The Swedish Hummel
Posted: Saturday May 23 2026, 8:44 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
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
Read the Site Rules
Our Welcome Wagon!
3 CHEERS to our Volunteer Greeters ...for making new members feel right at home :
Jim Fawcett  |
Benjamin Barr  |
Richard Streib  |
Ken Longfield  |
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:
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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.