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
@salt-springs
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 19
Posted a new Comment on Black Eyed Susie - John Mawhee Dulcimer:
Posted a new Comment on Black Eyed Susie - John Mawhee Dulcimer:
"Another dandy from a few years back........sometimes I forget what great videos are on this site......."
@salt-springs
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 19
Liked a youtube item created by @rob-n-lackey: Black Eyed Susie - John Mawhee Dulcimer
Liked a youtube item created by @rob-n-lackey: Black Eyed Susie - John Mawhee Dulcimer
@dusty-turtle
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Redwood Dulcimer Day:
Posted a new Comment on Redwood Dulcimer Day:
"Steve Eulberg: This was a terrific day Festival! I agree, Steve. Tull was correct when he said the whole place had a family vibe to it. Of course,..."
@jill-geary
• 8 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Like new Blue Lion RTD FH for sale":
Posted a response to "Like new Blue Lion RTD FH for sale":
"Hi Rich,
I have a few questions - but firstly, is the dulcimer still for sale? Thanks!"
@steve-eulberg
• 9 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Steve Eulberg on the Pickin' Porch":
Created a new forum topic "Steve Eulberg on the Pickin' Porch":
"Mike & Connie Clemmer have had a different schedule for their Saturday night Pickin' Porch this summer in Townsend, Tennessee at Wood-N-Strings Dulcimers..."
@steve-eulberg
• 9 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Redwood Dulcimer Day:
Posted a new Comment on Redwood Dulcimer Day:
"This was a terrific day Festival!"
@cbrown
• 10 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer Queries":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer Queries":
"Well, thanks everyone for the informative replies!
I do plan on attaching an end plate & nut and get it strung up! Will definitely use brass pins of..."
@christine-shoemaker
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 20
Posted a new Comment on Chicken Scratch:
Posted a new Comment on Chicken Scratch:
"
Kevin R.: I liked this when you first posted it. I still like it. Makes me smile. Great job.
Thank you, Kevin!"
@dan
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on Trepidation:
Posted a new Comment on Trepidation:
"In Dulcimore play, we tune to "xyz" to play do,so,do. I'm contending that 1-5-6 is do,so,do starting on the second staple. Not unlike any other Diatonic..."
@christine-shoemaker
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 20
Posted a new Comment on Chicken Scratch:
Posted a new Comment on Chicken Scratch:
"
Strumelia: Christine, you are just plain cool.
And you are plain kind, Strumelia!"
@christine-shoemaker
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 20
Posted a new Comment on Chicken Scratch:
Posted a new Comment on Chicken Scratch:
"Salt Springs: Every time I watch this it just cracks me up.........so good to see a great musician having a grand time working their art.........way too..."
@ron-zuckerman
• 17 hours ago
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on Trepidation:
Posted a new Comment on Trepidation:
"Dan: I agree that the drones (the bass drone is the root note, the middle drone is the 5th note) will determine the mode. With the melody tuned in..."
@robin-thompson
• 18 hours ago
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on Trepidation:
Posted a new Comment on Trepidation:
"The melody lays nicely on the Phrygian modal scale, Ron-- quite pleasant to listen to! The Locrian scale offers some cool, weird sounds, though. Very good..."
@robin-thompson
• 18 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on The Shadow (Locrian):
Posted a new Comment on The Shadow (Locrian):
"Oh, my! I like this lots, Dan! I've thought about putting together a tune using the Locrian modal scale yet have been too chicken. I'm glad you weren't a..."
@ken-hulme
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Kantele?":
Posted a response to "Kantele?":
"Tung oil is an oil from the tung nut tree in Asia. Better than boiled linseed oil! Yes, it hardens. Get as pure of tung oil as you can -- some..."
@dan
• yesterday
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on Trepidation:
Posted a new Comment on Trepidation:
"The 1-5-6 version is pretty good!!!"
@dan
• yesterday
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on Trepidation:
Posted a new Comment on Trepidation:
"I agree that the drones (the bass drone is the root note, the middle drone is the 5th note) will determine the mode. With the melody tuned in accordance..."
@ferrator
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Kantele?":
Posted a response to "Kantele?":
"Nice catch on the paper with the notes. I made that, and like everything with me, it is a bit more than 20 years old. It has also been in and out of that..."
@ken-hulme
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Octave undertone on the A string (DAdd)":
Posted a response to "Octave undertone on the A string (DAdd)":
"Wolf tones like that can be notoriously hard to cure. However. This is probably something that has crept in from having the instrument used -- tuned,..."
@ken-hulme
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Kantele?":
Posted a response to "Kantele?":
"Finish -- I'm a big fan of Tung Oil. Rub on 4 coats of tung oil and call it good! But then I don't like deep mirror glossy finishes on anything. "
@ron-zuckerman
• yesterday
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on Trepidation:
Posted a new Comment on Trepidation:
"This is an original composition inspired by a discussion as to whether a tune was Phrygian or Locrian. This is only intended to illustrate the difference..."
@ron-zuckerman
• yesterday
• comments: 7
https://fotmd.com/ron-zuckerman/uploaded_audio/1059/trepidation
https://fotmd.com/ron-zuckerman/uploaded_audio/1059/trepidation
@dan
• yesterday
• comments: 16
Posted a new Comment on The Shadow:
Posted a new Comment on The Shadow:
"Salt Springs: Thanks!......got it............I remember some of that when learning Koine Greek many moons ago............where do you guys find this..."
@salt-springs
• 2 days ago
• comments: 16
Posted a new Comment on The Shadow:
Posted a new Comment on The Shadow:
"Thanks!......got it............I remember some of that when learning Koine Greek many moons ago............where do you guys find this stuff!!!!"
@spineloccio
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Octave undertone on the A string (DAdd)":
Created a new forum topic "Octave undertone on the A string (DAdd)":
"My wife has a McSpadden that is about four years old. The other day as she was practicing she started noticing what she thought was a buzzing string when..."
@dan
• 2 days ago
• comments: 16
Posted a new Comment on The Shadow:
Posted a new Comment on The Shadow:
"Salt Springs: After reading all this I am convinced that I haven't a clue as to what all that means. However, I like the tune and it fits the poetry...."
@salt-springs
• 2 days ago
• comments: 16
Posted a new Comment on The Shadow:
Posted a new Comment on The Shadow:
"After reading all this I am convinced that I haven't a clue as to what all that means. However, I like the tune and it fits the poetry. My hat's off to..."
@dan
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on The Shadow (Locrian):
Posted a new Comment on The Shadow (Locrian):
"Redmando: First time I have heard Locrian I believe - a very interesting composition Dan.
Dave H played with this a while back and got me started on..."
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Kantele?":
Posted a response to "Kantele?":
"Um, when you are making a note of what each strings was tuned to, be careful: I'm thinking that someone inadvertently REVERSED that paper naming the notes..."
@redmando
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on The Shadow (Locrian):
Posted a new Comment on The Shadow (Locrian):
"First time I have heard Locrian I believe - a very interesting composition Dan."
@ron-zuckerman
• 2 days ago
• comments: 16
Posted a new Comment on The Shadow:
Posted a new Comment on The Shadow:
"Dan: Let me see if I can explain this in Diatonics...... F is the lower tonic. (1) C is the accompanying middle drone. (5)
@Dan If you just look at..."
@ferrator
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Kantele?":
Posted a response to "Kantele?":
"There is going to be some manner of brass used in this project. That black piece where the stings run over the courses is plastic. Sure, a hard plastic, but..."
@kevin-r
• 2 days ago
• comments: 20
Posted a new Comment on Chicken Scratch:
Posted a new Comment on Chicken Scratch:
"I liked this when you first posted it. I still like it. Makes me smile. Great job."
@dan
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Liked a music item created by @salt-springs: Sound check medley for Epler Dulcimer
Liked a music item created by @salt-springs: Sound check medley for Epler Dulcimer
@kevin-r
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Liked a music item created by @salt-springs: Sound check medley for Epler Dulcimer
Liked a music item created by @salt-springs: Sound check medley for Epler Dulcimer
@slate-creek-dulcimers
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Liked a music item created by @salt-springs: Sound check medley for Epler Dulcimer
Liked a music item created by @salt-springs: Sound check medley for Epler Dulcimer
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 20
Posted a new Comment on Chicken Scratch:
Posted a new Comment on Chicken Scratch:
"Christine, you are just plain cool. "
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Tailpiece help please":
Posted a response to "Tailpiece help please":
"It slides off laterally. Either towards the head stock or away from it, depending on how it's orientated. Sometimes they are very tight and you need to..."
@susie
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Tailpiece help please":
Posted a response to "Tailpiece help please":
"My mandolin had a similar tailpiece. It was also very tight. I very carefully bent the sides out a tiny bit to lessen the tightness of the fit and it was..."
@salt-springs
• 2 days ago
• comments: 20
Posted a new Comment on Chicken Scratch:
Posted a new Comment on Chicken Scratch:
"Every time I watch this it just cracks me up.........so good to see a great musician having a grand time working their art.........way too many sour faces..."
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Tailpiece help please":
Posted a response to "Tailpiece help please":
"Yeah, I've never experienced that before, but it is a cheap import a friend picked up at the thrift store. I adjusted the action and put on new strings.
Ken..."
@john-gribble
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Tailpiece help please":
Posted a response to "Tailpiece help please":
"Ken, in that case, a bit of lube is a good idea. None that I've had were ever that tight."
@john-gribble
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Kantele?":
Posted a response to "Kantele?":
"About the strings-I can't tell for certain, but they look like guitar-type ball end strings. (There were some oddball oversized autoharp ball end strings,..."
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Tailpiece help please":
Posted a response to "Tailpiece help please":
"John, I sprayed a little silcone along both side edges, but it is still holding on there. In fact, I have to put on leather work gloves and push from the..."
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 this...
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...
Little Dulcimers
Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
Help Me Learn this Song
Need help learning to play a particular song? Let...
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...
Home Studio Recording
Recording dulcimers, vocals and other instruments in the...
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...
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 clips...
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!
Prayers, Hugs, and Kindness
A group for private sharing and support, whether you are...
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.
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...
Michigan Dulcimer Players...
All Players in Michigan
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 /...
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A group just for dulcimer players in beautiful West...
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A group for any players from Kentucky where we can meet...
Florida Sunshine Dulcimer...
Florida Dulcimer Players
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For players who live in or have strong connections to the...
6 string dulcimers
Owning and playing a 6 string, regardless of tuning, and...
Missouri Dulcimer Players
for all the Show Me State dulcimer players
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Are your traveling, on vacation, on your way to a...
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for any MD players in Upper Canada (aka Ontario) and the...
AussieTalk!
For dulcimer players in Australia. -Be sure to create...
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Welcome all dulcimer players in the state of Indiana!...
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For those who live in Arkansas and love playing the...
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A private group to allow FOTMD moderators to communicate...
Latest Videos
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Showcase your music event or business here!
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Latest Forum Posts All
Like new Blue Lion RTD FH...
Posted: Sunday August 18 2019, 8:01 PM
By: @Jill Geary
By: @Jill Geary
Steve Eulberg on the...
Posted: Sunday August 18 2019, 7:11 PM
By: @Steve Eulberg
By: @Steve Eulberg
Dulcimer Queries
Posted: Sunday August 18 2019, 6:18 PM
By: @cbrown
By: @cbrown
Kantele?
Posted: Sunday August 18 2019, 12:28 AM
By: @Ken Hulme
By: @Ken Hulme
Octave undertone on the A...
Posted: Saturday August 17 2019, 6:37 PM
By: @Ken Hulme
By: @Ken Hulme
Tailpiece help please
Posted: Saturday August 17 2019, 8:24 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Show Us Your Pets!
Posted: Friday August 16 2019, 7:34 PM
By: @Lois Sprengnether Keel
By: @Lois Sprengnether Keel
Black Mountain Instruments...
Posted: Friday August 16 2019, 6:51 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Who Made Swan-shaped Dulcimer?
Posted: Friday August 16 2019, 1:33 PM
By: @Banjimer
By: @Banjimer
Intro... Hello!
Posted: Friday August 16 2019, 12:23 PM
By: @Lois Sprengnether Keel
By: @Lois Sprengnether Keel
Bass string gauges
Posted: Friday August 16 2019, 9:57 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Kantele
Posted: Thursday August 15 2019, 8:13 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
How do I post in the Photos...
Posted: Thursday August 15 2019, 6:13 PM
By: @Lois Sprengnether Keel
By: @Lois Sprengnether Keel
Mcspadden Dulcimer For Sale...
Posted: Thursday August 15 2019, 4:54 PM
By: @Billy T
By: @Billy T
Healthy Living- healthy...
Posted: Thursday August 15 2019, 2:48 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Conversations with Mountain...
Posted: Wednesday August 14 2019, 10:47 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Tell us about your VERY...
Posted: Tuesday August 13 2019, 6:44 PM
By: @Kim Cheng
By: @Kim Cheng
Keith Johnson Dulcimer
Posted: Tuesday August 13 2019, 7:42 AM
By: @sarah_17545
By: @sarah_17545
Where is that fret supposed...
Posted: Monday August 12 2019, 3:52 PM
By: @Phroedrick
By: @Phroedrick
Dulcimer tuning problem
Posted: Sunday August 11 2019, 11:12 AM
By: @Slate Creek Dulcimers
By: @Slate Creek Dulcimers
Play Music On The Porch Day...
Posted: Saturday August 10 2019, 11:32 PM
By: @robert schuler
By: @robert schuler
Mystery Solved!!! (comment...
Posted: Friday August 9 2019, 9:11 PM
By: @Ballad Gal
By: @Ballad Gal
Having trouble with search...
Posted: Friday August 9 2019, 7:02 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
McCafferty Dulcimer for Sale
Posted: Tuesday August 6 2019, 2:06 PM
By: @LD
By: @LD
Randy Wilkinson tab book...
Posted: Monday August 5 2019, 8:41 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Great Lyric/Chord Find
Posted: Monday August 5 2019, 6:20 PM
By: @Lois Sprengnether Keel
By: @Lois Sprengnether Keel
Sheet music collection
Posted: Monday August 5 2019, 6:05 PM
By: @Lois Sprengnether Keel
By: @Lois Sprengnether Keel
Classic Country and Old...
Posted: Monday August 5 2019, 5:06 PM
By: @Lois Sprengnether Keel
By: @Lois Sprengnether Keel
Looking for tabs/books...
Posted: Monday August 5 2019, 4:57 PM
By: @Lois Sprengnether Keel
By: @Lois Sprengnether Keel
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3 CHEERS to our Volunteer Greeters ...for making new members feel right at home:
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Ken Longfield
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