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 in 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 player 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. 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.. and you'll be able to join in the fun. Click on different areas and links to get familiar with where things are. Questions about using the site?- ask them HERE . Don't be shy- 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
@marg
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Any info. on Jimbows":
Posted a response to "Any info. on Jimbows":
"Demo of Hammered dulcimer with Jimbow"
@robin-thompson
• 8 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Howie Mitchell on Bagpipe tuning :
Posted a new Comment on Howie Mitchell on Bagpipe tuning :
"@traildad Glad you like it!
I'm a fan of the unison tunings-- both Bagppipe (all strings the same note with the bass being an octave lower) and Galax (all..."
@ethan-chastain
• 8 hours ago
• comments: 4
Liked a group discussions item created by @robin-thompson: Howie Mitchell on Bagpipe tuning
Liked a group discussions item created by @robin-thompson: Howie Mitchell on Bagpipe tuning
@traildad
• 9 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Howie Mitchell on Bagpipe tuning :
Posted a new Comment on Howie Mitchell on Bagpipe tuning :
"I like it. "
@robin-thompson
• 10 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Howie Mitchell on Bagpipe tuning :
Posted a new Comment on Howie Mitchell on Bagpipe tuning :
"@steven-berger You're most welcome! "
@ken-hulme
• 10 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Any info. on Jimbows":
Posted a response to "Any info. on Jimbows":
"A dose of rosin should certainly last more than 8 measures, even on a Mountain Dulcimer! Could be you're not dosing with enough rosin; or pressing down too..."
@steven-berger
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Howie Mitchell on Bagpipe tuning :
Posted a new Comment on Howie Mitchell on Bagpipe tuning :
"Thanks, Robin!"
@steven-berger
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 4
Liked a group discussions item created by @robin-thompson: Howie Mitchell on Bagpipe tuning
Liked a group discussions item created by @robin-thompson: Howie Mitchell on Bagpipe tuning
@marg
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Any info. on Jimbows":
Created a new forum topic "Any info. on Jimbows":
"How long should the rosin work before you need to reapply. I am trying one out on a MT. dulcimer and the rosin wears off the bow & it wont sound after..."
@dan
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 4
Liked a group discussions item created by @robin-thompson: Howie Mitchell on Bagpipe tuning
Liked a group discussions item created by @robin-thompson: Howie Mitchell on Bagpipe tuning
@robin-thompson
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 4
Created a new Group discussion "Howie Mitchell on Bagpipe tuning ":
Created a new Group discussion "Howie Mitchell on Bagpipe tuning ":
@ethan-chastain
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 3
Liked a youtube item created by @cindy-stammich: Jesus Loves Me - for my new Great-Grandson!
Liked a youtube item created by @cindy-stammich: Jesus Loves Me - for my new Great-Grandson!
@cindy-stammich
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Jesus Loves Me - for my new Great-Grandson!:
Posted a new Comment on Jesus Loves Me - for my new Great-Grandson!:
"Thank you Robin! Indeed music is a wonderful gift! And you know I am loving the kids!"
@cindy-stammich
• yesterday
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Flop Eared Mule:
Posted a new Comment on Flop Eared Mule:
"That was greeeeeaaaat!!!! "
@dusty-turtle
• yesterday
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on The bottom Tablature:
Posted a new Comment on The bottom Tablature:
"Glad to hear you're on the right track. I have often recommended the Ochs book as the simplest way to begin for people who want to teach themselves."
@robin-thompson
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Jesus Loves Me - for my new Great-Grandson!:
Posted a new Comment on Jesus Loves Me - for my new Great-Grandson!:
"How sweet, Cindy! Music is one of life's great gifts and it is wonderful to share music with our dear ones! Enjoy those kids! "
@robin-thompson
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Liked a youtube item created by @cindy-stammich: Jesus Loves Me - for my new Great-Grandson!
Liked a youtube item created by @cindy-stammich: Jesus Loves Me - for my new Great-Grandson!
@pete-babechuk
• yesterday
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on The bottom Tablature:
Posted a new Comment on The bottom Tablature:
"Well, I'll revive this thread just long enough to say I just didn't know what I was doing. I bought another dulcimer. After about 6 years, I retired the ol'..."
@cindy-stammich
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Jesus Loves Me - for my new Great-Grandson!:
Posted a new Comment on Jesus Loves Me - for my new Great-Grandson!:
"Hi everyone!
I hope you all are doing well! It's been crazy for sure, but life is good.
I haven't posted anything for some time, but wanted to share..."
@cindy-stammich
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Posted a new YouTube video:
Jesus Loves Me - for my new Great-Grandson!
Jesus Loves Me - for my new Great-Grandson!
@dan
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Number 8 21 P Saw Body Psaltery":
Created a new forum topic "Number 8 21 P Saw Body Psaltery":
"Select Walnut sawn body with Walnut bottom and figured Maple top. Eight string diatonic C thru C. Hand rubbed oil finish. Comes with a hand made Walnut 12..."
@john-c-knopf
• 2 days ago
• comments: 23
Is attending an Event:
2021 Berea Traditional Dulcimer Gathering -- Live!
2021 Berea Traditional Dulcimer Gathering -- Live!
@robin-thompson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Awarding the "giveaway dulcimore" in Berea!":
Posted a response to "Awarding the "giveaway dulcimore" in Berea!":
"Somewhere around a baker's dozen, @kevin-r yet I have about 5 of them promised to a couple young players. In addition, I have 3 bowed dulcimers and one of..."
@ethan-chastain
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @corvus: What's the exact difference between a dulcimore and dulcimer
Liked a forum discussions item created by @corvus: What's the exact difference between a dulcimore and dulcimer
@kevin-r
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Awarding the "giveaway dulcimore" in Berea!":
Posted a response to "Awarding the "giveaway dulcimore" in Berea!":
"Robin Thompson:
John, with one exception, I am in the process of thinning the herd here. We're thinking we're going to get a much smaller house (and no..."
@steven-berger
• 2 days ago
• comments: 8
Liked a youtube item created by @chadritchie: Flop Eared Mule
Liked a youtube item created by @chadritchie: Flop Eared Mule
@steven-berger
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "What's the exact difference between a dulcimore and dulcimer":
Posted a response to "What's the exact difference between a dulcimore and dulcimer":
"Duckslammer, fence scorpion, waterswivel....my new favorites!...I especially like duckslammer! Thanks, Dusty!"
@dusty-turtle
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "What's the exact difference between a dulcimore and dulcimer":
Posted a response to "What's the exact difference between a dulcimore and dulcimer":
"In the folk tradition, we generally agree that isolating "who" originally did something is pretty tough indeed. Instead we talk about different regional..."
@hobbyhorse
• 2 days ago
• comments: 8
Liked a youtube item created by @chadritchie: Flop Eared Mule
Liked a youtube item created by @chadritchie: Flop Eared Mule
@mandapanda
• 3 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Cripple Creek :
Posted a new Comment on Cripple Creek :
"Thanks so much! Wonderful memory, @Gordon-Hardy!"
@jan-potts
• 3 days ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Flop Eared Mule:
Posted a new Comment on Flop Eared Mule:
"Great! If I had 2 good knees I'd be up dancin'!"
@jan-potts
• 3 days ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Newcastle:
Posted a new Comment on Newcastle:
"I love this tune! So cheerful and full of life! Thanks for posting it."
@ken-hulme
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "What's the exact difference between a dulcimore and dulcimer":
Posted a response to "What's the exact difference between a dulcimore and dulcimer":
""Exact" is such a hard word! As Dan sez, back in the day there was no standard spelling for dulcimer/dulcimore/dulcemore, and there were numerous..."
@dan
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "What's the exact difference between a dulcimore and dulcimer":
Posted a response to "What's the exact difference between a dulcimore and dulcimer":
"Don't know there is any thing exact in the tradition. Some (I included) use the term Dulcimore to differentiate the traditional pieces from the..."
@corvus
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "What's the exact difference between a dulcimore and dulcimer":
Created a new forum topic "What's the exact difference between a dulcimore and dulcimer":
"From the pictures I've seen they both seem to be extremely similar indeed. Do you know who invented the word dulcimore, and who invented the word dulcimer?
"
@bob
• 3 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Dulcimer Photos:
Posted a new Comment on Dulcimer Photos:
"Congrats! Love it!
I live in Mount Airy NC and will be excited to see the going's on around about here. Everyone has to come on down for Autumn Leaves..."
@b-ross-ashley
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "How is the COVID-19 coronavirus affecting you?":
Posted a response to "How is the COVID-19 coronavirus affecting you?":
"Strumelia:
Hey B.Ross, there are two bearded guys with plaid shirts in that video. Ooops, the other one is Steve Taylor, our bass section leader ... my..."
@richard-streib
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Awarding the "giveaway dulcimore" in Berea!":
Posted a response to "Awarding the "giveaway dulcimore" in Berea!":
"Great photo John and great dulcimore given to Diane. Contrats Diane. Enjoy your dulcimore"
@dan
• 3 days ago
• comments: 15
Posted a new Comment on 2021 Berea Traditional Dulcimore Gathering:
Posted a new Comment on 2021 Berea Traditional Dulcimore Gathering:
"I've put together a design for a t-shirt (or other items) for those who are interested.
2021 Berea Dulcimore Gathering"
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...
Baritone Dulcimer Players
A Group for discussing the unique aspects of playing...
Public Domain... or Not?
Ever wanted to record or post that tune, but you just...
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...
Early & Classical Music
For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
Home Studio Recording
Recording dulcimers, vocals and other instruments in the...
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...
Box Dulcimers
A group for those who play, make, or admire all types...
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...
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...
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
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!...
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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Showcase your music event or business here!
Showcase your music event or business here
.jpg "McSpaddenGingerD (4).jpg")
Latest Forum Posts All
Any info. on Jimbows
Posted: Tuesday June 15 2021, 9:01 PM
By: @marg
By: @marg
Number 8 21 P Saw Body...
Posted: Monday June 14 2021, 7:42 PM
By: @Dan
By: @Dan
Awarding the "giveaway...
Posted: Sunday June 13 2021, 9:12 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
What's the exact difference...
Posted: Sunday June 13 2021, 7:39 PM
By: @Steven Berger
By: @Steven Berger
How is the COVID-19...
Posted: Saturday June 12 2021, 11:28 PM
By: @B. Ross Ashley
By: @B. Ross Ashley
New J. E. Thomas Cumberland...
Posted: Friday June 11 2021, 9:53 PM
By: @Ken Hulme
By: @Ken Hulme
The Positive Thread...
Posted: Friday June 11 2021, 7:52 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Indoor House Plants
Posted: Thursday June 10 2021, 9:46 PM
By: @Lois Sprengnether Keel
By: @Lois Sprengnether Keel
The Drifting Thread...
Posted: Wednesday June 9 2021, 10:17 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
"The Story Of The Dulcimer"...
Posted: Wednesday June 9 2021, 10:26 AM
By: @John C. Knopf
By: @John C. Knopf
How Many Dulcimers Do You...
Posted: Wednesday June 9 2021, 5:14 AM
By: @Susie
By: @Susie
How do I create a new forum...
Posted: Tuesday June 8 2021, 3:15 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
4-string Trillium dulcimer...
Posted: Sunday June 6 2021, 1:53 PM
By: @Bob Abrams
By: @Bob Abrams
PLEASE Click to READ THIS...
Posted: Saturday June 5 2021, 8:44 AM
By: @Bob Abrams
By: @Bob Abrams
McSpadden Ginger Like New...
Posted: Thursday June 3 2021, 12:31 PM
By: @Susie
By: @Susie
My mom’s teardrop dulcimer
Posted: Tuesday June 1 2021, 8:28 PM
By: @Richard Streib
By: @Richard Streib
Making a dulcimer humidity...
Posted: Monday May 31 2021, 2:36 PM
By: @Nathina
By: @Nathina
For sale: Prichard copy...
Posted: Sunday May 30 2021, 7:18 PM
By: @Jill Geary
By: @Jill Geary
Need advice on Schaller...
Posted: Saturday May 29 2021, 8:42 AM
By: @Dale A Penrose
By: @Dale A Penrose
Leonard Bernstein...
Posted: Friday May 28 2021, 3:51 PM
By: @Steven Berger
By: @Steven Berger
Show Us Your Pets!
Posted: Thursday May 27 2021, 4:15 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
What is this instrument?
Posted: Monday May 24 2021, 8:34 PM
By: @Gooch Mountain Boy
By: @Gooch Mountain Boy
Zoom group invitation
Posted: Sunday May 23 2021, 6:24 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Healthy Living- healthy...
Posted: Sunday May 23 2021, 8:55 AM
By: @Don Grundy
By: @Don Grundy
Bass dulcimer strings
Posted: Saturday May 22 2021, 3:04 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Rosin the Beau and...
Posted: Wednesday May 19 2021, 5:31 PM
By: @Lois Sprengnether Keel
By: @Lois Sprengnether Keel
Strumstick book wanted
Posted: Wednesday May 19 2021, 2:37 PM
By: @Gooch Mountain Boy
By: @Gooch Mountain Boy
Edit audio descriptions...
Posted: Tuesday May 18 2021, 5:26 PM
By: @jost
By: @jost
2021 Berea Traditional...
Posted: Tuesday May 18 2021, 3:04 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Randy Wilkinson tab book...
Posted: Sunday May 16 2021, 6:13 PM
By: @Lisa C
By: @Lisa C
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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