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
@lois-sprengnether-keel
• 10 minutes ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Show Us Your Pets!":
Posted a response to "Show Us Your Pets!":
"In my own wilder past goats were also part of my life, starting out with Alpines & Nubians, but found Toggenburgs were the breed for us. Lived in 15.95..."
@randy-adams
• 2 hours ago
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: Bring a Little Sylvie
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: Bring a Little Sylvie
@dulcinina
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Bring a Little Sylvie:
Posted a new Comment on Bring a Little Sylvie:
"That was so much fun to watch. Thanks for sharing it with us. Nina"
@davisjames
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: Bring a Little Sylvie
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: Bring a Little Sylvie
@davisjames
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 6
Liked a youtube item created by @randy-adams: Red Headed Kid at the Dance Last Night
Liked a youtube item created by @randy-adams: Red Headed Kid at the Dance Last Night
@dusty-turtle
• 9 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Hearts of the Dulcimer podcast in 2022":
Posted a response to "Hearts of the Dulcimer podcast in 2022":
"Patricia, I just listened to the episode and want to congratulate you and Wayne once again for your stellar work. You did a great job of framing the episode..."
@randy-adams
• 15 hours ago
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Old MacDonald Had a Farm
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Old MacDonald Had a Farm
@jost
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
"Welcome Mivo, finally another fellow German Player:)
I started two years ago with a dulcimer from the Klangwerkstatt.
Where do you live in Germany?
Viel..."
@susie
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
"Welcome Mivo. You have a beautiful McSpadden and it sounds like you are well on your way. I agree to take the time to find your style. There are many paths..."
@ken-longfield
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Old MacDonald Had a Farm
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Old MacDonald Had a Farm
@gordon-hardy
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Bring a Little Sylvie:
Posted a new Comment on Bring a Little Sylvie:
"John, I love the sound from your new baritone, I find that it is so much easier to sing when being accompanied by a baritone dulcimer than by a standard..."
@mark-gilston
• yesterday
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Old MacDonald Had a Farm:
Posted a new Comment on Old MacDonald Had a Farm:
"Strumelia:
So fun, Mark! 😃
Yes, I had a blast recording this one. Even with the flaws, it made me laugh so much that I decided to..."
@mark-gilston
• yesterday
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Say Darling Say:
Posted a new Comment on Say Darling Say:
"Strumelia: One of my favorite oldtime songs."
@strumelia
• yesterday
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Say Darling Say:
Posted a new Comment on Say Darling Say:
"One of my favorite oldtime songs."
@strumelia
• yesterday
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Old MacDonald Had a Farm
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Old MacDonald Had a Farm
@strumelia
• yesterday
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Old MacDonald Had a Farm:
Posted a new Comment on Old MacDonald Had a Farm:
"So fun, Mark! 😃"
@strumelia
• yesterday
• comments: 7
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: Sweet Hour of Prayer
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: Sweet Hour of Prayer
@strumelia
• yesterday
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on Sweet Hour of Prayer:
Posted a new Comment on Sweet Hour of Prayer:
"How lovely, John.
Your wife must luuuuv listening to you play and sing around the house- she's so lucky."
@ken-hulme
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
"Welcome Mivo! You have a fabulous journey ahead... enjoy every step. I thought it interesting that you said "... I also believed it was just for..."
@mivo
• yesterday
• comments: 32
Posted a new Comment on Do I need that fourth string?:
Posted a new Comment on Do I need that fourth string?:
"I'm just at the beginning of my dulcimer journey and I'm deep in the learning phase, so don't mistake any of this for advice. :)
The double course is..."
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
"Hello again Mivo. Thanks for sharing the beginning of your dulcimer journey with us. It sounds like you are well under way. You have a very nice McSpadden..."
@mivo
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
"Hi, everyone! I just wanted to drop a note here to say hello.
I'm brand new and rather spontaneously picked up a MacSpadden dulcimer a few days ago after..."
@patricia-delich
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Hearts of the Dulcimer podcast in 2022":
Posted a response to "Hearts of the Dulcimer podcast in 2022":
"It was so fun getting to know Ashley! She picked most of the music for this episode. This is a rare episode that has music from both hammered and mountain..."
@dusty-turtle
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Hearts of the Dulcimer podcast in 2022":
Posted a response to "Hearts of the Dulcimer podcast in 2022":
"What a great idea to profile Ashley! She does such a great job with DPN and contributes so much to the magazine and the dulcimer community in general."
@patricia-delich
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Hearts of the Dulcimer podcast in 2022":
Posted a response to "Hearts of the Dulcimer podcast in 2022":
"Hearts of the Dulcimer Podcast - Episode 58 Ashley Ernst, Publisher and Owner of Dulcimer Players News https://dulcimuse.com/podcast In..."
@susie
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "For Sale: Folkcraft Dulcimer Case (SOLD)":
Posted a response to "For Sale: Folkcraft Dulcimer Case (SOLD)":
"Case is sold."
@susie
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "For Sale: Folkcraft Dulcimer Case (SOLD)":
Posted a response to "For Sale: Folkcraft Dulcimer Case (SOLD)":
"Thanks Ken, I sent you an email."
@ken-longfield
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "For Sale: Folkcraft Dulcimer Case (SOLD)":
Posted a response to "For Sale: Folkcraft Dulcimer Case (SOLD)":
"Susie, I'll take it. Email me at: klongfield69 at gmail dot com with your PayPal account info so I can send the payment.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet..."
@davisjames
• 3 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Hangman’s Reel :
Posted a new Comment on Hangman’s Reel :
"You really make that dulcimer sing!One of my favourite tunes,never heard it on the dulcimer before."
@susie
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "For Sale: Folkcraft Dulcimer Case (SOLD)":
Posted a response to "For Sale: Folkcraft Dulcimer Case (SOLD)":
"Price drop to $75.00.
PayPal (Friends and Family), Venmo, or Zelle."
@gordon-hardy
• 3 days ago
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on Sweet Hour of Prayer:
Posted a new Comment on Sweet Hour of Prayer:
"A beautiful hymn John, lovingly played and sung. A favorite of mine. Happy Thanksgiving!"
@dusty-turtle
• 3 days ago
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on Sweet Hour of Prayer:
Posted a new Comment on Sweet Hour of Prayer:
"Very nice, John. I hope you and yours enjoy a peaceful Thanksgiving."
@fthronson
• 4 days ago
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on Sweet Hour of Prayer:
Posted a new Comment on Sweet Hour of Prayer:
"Very nice. Thanks for sharing"
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 4 days ago
• comments: 6
Liked a youtube item created by @randy-adams: Red Headed Kid at the Dance Last Night
Liked a youtube item created by @randy-adams: Red Headed Kid at the Dance Last Night
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 4 days ago
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on Sweet Hour of Prayer:
Posted a new Comment on Sweet Hour of Prayer:
"Nice one John."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 4 days ago
• comments: 7
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: Sweet Hour of Prayer
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: Sweet Hour of Prayer
@cynthia-wigington
• 4 days ago
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on Sweet Hour of Prayer:
Posted a new Comment on Sweet Hour of Prayer:
"Very calming and beautiful and you look very handsome in those clothes John - love the colors - you're ever an artist!"
@dulcinina
• 4 days ago
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on Sweet Hour of Prayer:
Posted a new Comment on Sweet Hour of Prayer:
"Very nice, John. Happy thanksgiving to you, too. Nina"
@strumelia
• 4 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Red Headed Kid at the Dance Last Night :
Posted a new Comment on Red Headed Kid at the Dance Last Night :
"Great playing Randy. That must have been fun playing for the dance!
I remember long ago when a small child came up to touch my dulcimer or banjo (can't..."
@ken-hulme
• 4 days ago
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on Museum Replica Bowed Zither:
Posted a new Comment on Museum Replica Bowed Zither:
"That's what it looks like to me too, Lisa, and how I plan setting it up. There's no "compelling reason" to change to a fretboard, but I can certainly offer..."
@strumelia
• 4 days ago
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on Museum Replica Bowed Zither:
Posted a new Comment on Museum Replica Bowed Zither:
"Looks great KenH! I like the woods you chose.
Assuming the museum instrument is strung similarly to how it was originally, it looks like the bass string is..."
@ken-longfield
• 4 days ago
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on Museum Replica Bowed Zither:
Posted a new Comment on Museum Replica Bowed Zither:
"Thanks Ken. Somehow I missed the bottom photo. I actually saw that display at the museum. As I recall, it wasn't the finest woodworking.
Ken
"The dulcimer..."
@ken-hulme
• 5 days ago
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on Museum Replica Bowed Zither:
Posted a new Comment on Museum Replica Bowed Zither:
"The photo at the bottom of the first post list is one from the Museum. Here are a couple of the "research" photos they sent me... "
@robin-thompson
• 5 days ago
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on Museum Replica Bowed Zither:
Posted a new Comment on Museum Replica Bowed Zither:
"Looking fine, KenH! "
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.
The Music Theory Corner
A Group to talk about Music Theory!
Rockin' in the Free World
A group for those of you who like to play music not...
Dulcimer Care & Maintenance
Tips, tricks and techniques to help care for your dulcimer.
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...
Help Me Learn this Song
Need help learning to play a particular song? Let...
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...
Little Dulcimers
Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
I have extra frets.....
This group is for those who have a 1 1/2 fret, an 8 1/2...
Baritone & Bass Dulcimer...
A Group for discussing the unique aspects of playing...
Public Domain... or Not?
Ever wanted to record or post that tune, but you just...
Collector's Corner
A group where collectors of antique, vintage, or rare...
Early & Classical Music
For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
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...
Dulcimer Ancestors
Looking at some of the ancestors of the Mountain...
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!
Call the Tune
"Call the Tune" is a place to post audio and video...
Galax Dulcimer Lovers
Just a group to discuss all things Galax Dulcimer. Tips...
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...
Challenged Players
A meeting place for players dealing with disabilities.
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
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...
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 /...
6 string dulcimers
Owning and playing a 6 string, regardless of tuning, and...
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...
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...
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...
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Showcase your music event or business here
.jpg "FolkcraftFSH (1).jpg")
Latest Forum Posts All
Show Us Your Pets!
Posted: Saturday November 26 2022, 11:51 AM
By: @Lois Sprengnether Keel
By: @Lois Sprengnether Keel
Hearts of the Dulcimer...
Posted: Saturday November 26 2022, 2:17 AM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Introduce Yourself!
Posted: Friday November 25 2022, 1:39 PM
By: @jost
By: @jost
For Sale: Folkcraft...
Posted: Wednesday November 23 2022, 9:03 PM
By: @Susie
By: @Susie
FOTMD Chat Room!
Posted: Friday November 18 2022, 5:50 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Feedback welcome
Posted: Thursday November 17 2022, 10:04 PM
By: @dtortorich
By: @dtortorich
Bruce Hornsby documentary
Posted: Thursday November 17 2022, 5:15 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
New use for old dulcimer...
Posted: Thursday November 17 2022, 12:56 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Rugg and Jackel Folkroots...
Posted: Sunday November 13 2022, 2:33 PM
By: @michellefolkman
By: @michellefolkman
How Many Dulcimers Do You...
Posted: Friday November 11 2022, 6:50 PM
By: @Susie
By: @Susie
Tinwhistle / penny whistles
Posted: Wednesday November 9 2022, 7:03 AM
By: @Lenard
By: @Lenard
Can you identify this dulcimer
Posted: Tuesday November 8 2022, 12:40 PM
By: @Knobby
By: @Knobby
Best Practices for Practice
Posted: Sunday November 6 2022, 6:54 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Clemmer Peg head
Posted: Saturday November 5 2022, 10:35 AM
By: @Dan
By: @Dan
Sarah Kate on mountain...
Posted: Friday November 4 2022, 10:13 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
what to clean a dulcimer with
Posted: Thursday November 3 2022, 4:01 PM
By: @Skip
By: @Skip
Help me name this instrument!
Posted: Thursday November 3 2022, 12:23 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Healthy Living- healthy...
Posted: Monday October 31 2022, 12:22 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Left handed playing
Posted: Monday October 31 2022, 12:10 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Strap button question
Posted: Monday October 31 2022, 11:15 AM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Mountain Dulcimer A to Z
Posted: Sunday October 30 2022, 9:32 PM
By: @ryanpryor
By: @ryanpryor
Indoor House Plants
Posted: Sunday October 30 2022, 6:42 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Dulcimer Moving when I play
Posted: Friday October 28 2022, 12:47 PM
By: @jmhundley
By: @jmhundley
Looking for a Small Dulcimer
Posted: Wednesday October 26 2022, 11:06 AM
By: @Tom McShane
By: @Tom McShane
Do I keep it and fix it up...
Posted: Wednesday October 26 2022, 9:53 AM
By: @Butch Ross
By: @Butch Ross
Magnetic pickup vs Piezo vs...
Posted: Wednesday October 26 2022, 9:37 AM
By: @Butch Ross
By: @Butch Ross
Thanks to our FOTMD...
Posted: Tuesday October 25 2022, 9:53 AM
By: @marg
By: @marg
Walworth capo issue
Posted: Sunday October 23 2022, 12:47 AM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Seeking the maker of my...
Posted: Friday October 21 2022, 10:42 PM
By: @NShedd
By: @NShedd
Hearing Aids
Posted: Tuesday October 18 2022, 7:00 PM
By: @rickanderson28031
By: @rickanderson28031
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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