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

shanonmilan
@shanonmilan • 2 minutes ago • comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on @guitarchef:
"Welcome sir."
steve c.
@steve-c • 10 hours ago • comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on A Tune I just can't get out of my head...:
"John C. Knopf: Lovely!  And I agree it sounds like a variation of "Buffalo Gals".   A "Fantasia on Buffalo Gals", if you will.   Thanks John! I like that a..."
John C. Knopf
@john-c-knopf • 10 hours ago • comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on A Tune I just can't get out of my head...:
"Lovely!  And I agree it sounds like a variation of "Buffalo Gals".   A "Fantasia on Buffalo Gals", if you will."
steve c.
@steve-c • 12 hours ago • comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on A Tune I just can't get out of my head...:
"DavisJames: I think you just made up an original tune.Delightful.   Thanks!  Or at least a new arrangement."
steve c.
@steve-c • 12 hours ago • comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on A Tune I just can't get out of my head...:
"Ken Longfield: There are a few notes that are different, but it does sound like Buffalo Gals. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song."   My wife said the..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 12 hours ago • comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on A Tune I just can't get out of my head...:
"There are a few notes that are different, but it does sound like Buffalo Gals. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 12 hours ago • comments: 6
Liked a youtube item created by @steve-c: A Tune I just can't get out of my head...
DavisJames
@davisjames • 14 hours ago • comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on A Tune I just can't get out of my head...:
"I think you just made up an original tune.Delightful."
Pierre-Yves Donnio
@pierre-yves-donnio • 15 hours ago • comments: 6
Liked a youtube item created by @steve-c: A Tune I just can't get out of my head...
Homer Ross
@homer-ross • 15 hours ago • comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on Fan Frets:
"Yes the improved intonation is due in part to the compensated bridge.  By tonal range I was speaking of the increase range between the high pitch and low..."
steve c.
@steve-c • 16 hours ago • comments: 6
Posted a new YouTube video:
A Tune I just can't get out of my head...
Beth T
@beth-t • 18 hours ago • comments: 9
Liked a youtube item created by @ariane: Garden Sounds
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 18 hours ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Back to the sugar camp.:
"Very nice. A catchy tune indeed! Thanks for sharing. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
olddog75
@olddog75 • 19 hours ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Back to the sugar camp.:
"Very catchy tune, very well-played. Thanks for adding an extra ray of sunshine to my day."
olddog75
@olddog75 • 19 hours ago • comments: 4
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: Back to the sugar camp.
Melvoid
@melvoid • 22 hours ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Any banjo players out there?":
"Hi, My main instrument is the 5-string banjo. I recent did a book for Hal Leonard called Do-It-Yourself Banjo. Written during Covid, it's sort-of intended as..."
Strumelia
@strumelia • 22 hours ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Looking for bowed dulcimer (DONE)":
"Folks, this is a thread in the ForSale/Wanted forum. The original poster has happily gotten their desired instrument, so I will need to delete this thread...."
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 23 hours ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Looking for bowed dulcimer (DONE)":
"Thanks for the info, Gary. Playing a regular MD with a bow can be fun, and the sustaining drone strings under the melody string can sound very similar to a..."
ghcstr
@ghcstr • yesterday • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Looking for bowed dulcimer (DONE)":
"NateBuildsToys: Playing dulcimer with a bow is a lot of fun. I enjoy playing my normal dulcimers with a bow, but I think to play fiddle tunes with a bow, you..."
NateBuildsToys
@nate • yesterday • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Any banjo players out there?":
"My uncle just gave me one of his banjos! It's something I've always wanted to learn."
NateBuildsToys
@nate • yesterday • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Looking for bowed dulcimer (DONE)":
"Playing dulcimer with a bow is a lot of fun. I enjoy playing my normal dulcimers with a bow, but I think to play fiddle tunes with a bow, you would need a..."
ghcstr
@ghcstr • yesterday • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Looking for bowed dulcimer (DONE)":
"shanonmilan: I am just curious can you also play violin tunes on a bowed dulcimer?   @shanonmilan The bowed dulcimer I have chromatically fretted so all..."
shanonmilan
@shanonmilan • yesterday • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Looking for bowed dulcimer (DONE)":
"Wally Venable: Ken Bloom’s "bowed dulcimers" are fine instruments, but they are clearly in the VIOL family, and neither mountain/lap nor hammered dulcimers...."
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • yesterday • comments: 0
Posted a response to "How to train my ear":
"@austinpmckenzie, that's an interesting piece on functional ear training. Having just skimmed it once, I don't know for sure that I fully understand it, but..."
John C. Knopf
@john-c-knopf • yesterday • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Dwight Ladd Dulcimer - Dulcimer Shop Mountain View, Arkansas:
"This dulcimer looks just like the ones McSpadden were making back in the mid-70s, when I assembled one of their kits.  It has a "leprechaun scroll" as they..."
Richard Streib
@richard-streib • 2 days ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @zen-patty:
"Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer Zen Patty. Glad you joined. This is a great place to learn about the mountain dulcimer and to interact with..."
austinpmckenzie
@austinpmckenzie • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "How to train my ear":
"Dusty Turtle: Put on some music and grab an instrument.  Try to play along.  Your first task will be to determine the key.  Then you will pay attention to..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 2 days ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Dwight Ladd Dulcimer - Dulcimer Shop Mountain View, Arkansas:
"Well, it certainly looks like a McSpadden dulcimer. It has the basic shape, zero fret of a McSpadden, but the fret board appears to be wider and not as thick..."
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 2 days ago • comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on Fan Frets:
"Does it improve intonation because of the highly compensated bridge, or for another reason as well? And by tonal range, do you mean that in the sense that a..."
Homer Ross
@homer-ross • 2 days ago • comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on Fan Frets:
"In the guitar world it expands tonal range and increases accurate intonation. Some players use it as an alternative to the harp guitar."
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Traditional role of the mountain dulcimer.":
"I have no evidence for this, but I suspect that many things we might consider 'traditional' now were done out of necessity at the time. This has always been..."
DavisJames
@davisjames • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Traditional role of the mountain dulcimer.":
"Good point!The mountain dulcimer is a folk instrument and as such,capable of growth and innovation.Nevertheless my curiousity about its traditional role is..."
Ben Barr Jr
@benjamin-w-barr-jr • 2 days ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @trekrider:
"Hi Trekrider, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer.  It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the..."
Ben Barr Jr
@benjamin-w-barr-jr • 2 days ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @dusty-picker:
"Hi Dusty, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer.  It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the dulcimer,..."
Ben Barr Jr
@benjamin-w-barr-jr • 2 days ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @mitchbob:
"Hi Mitchbob, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer.  It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the..."
Ben Barr Jr
@benjamin-w-barr-jr • 2 days ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @appalachiasky:
"Hi Sky, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer.  It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the dulcimer,..."
Ben Barr Jr
@benjamin-w-barr-jr • 2 days ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @brianmc:
"Hi Brian, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer.  It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the dulcimer,..."
Ben Barr Jr
@benjamin-w-barr-jr • 2 days ago • comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on @bohne:
"Hi Bohne, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer,  It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the dulcimer,..."
Sheltie Lover
@sheltie-lover • 2 days ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Dwight Ladd Dulcimer - Dulcimer Shop Mountain View, Arkansas:
"Thank you.  That really is very helpful.  Here are photos of the dulcimer if they came through.  I'm not good at navigating this site."
Ben Barr Jr
@benjamin-w-barr-jr • 2 days ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @allen-wagner:
"Hi Allen, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer.  It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the dulcimer,..."
Ben Barr Jr
@benjamin-w-barr-jr • 2 days ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @zen-patty:
"Hi Patty, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer.  It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the dulcimer,..."
Wally Venable
@wally-venable • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Traditional role of the mountain dulcimer.":
"It seems to me that the inquiry of "what the mountain dulcimer's role was in the area it came from a hundred odd years ago" is attaching undo importance to..."
Jim Fawcett
@jim-fawcett • 2 days ago • comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on @robwanger:
"Hey Rob, welcome aboard. Glad ya found us."
Jim Fawcett
@jim-fawcett • 2 days ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @wolftones:
"Hey Wolftones, welcome aboard. Glad ya found us."
Jim Fawcett
@jim-fawcett • 2 days ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @trekrider:
"Hey Trekrider, welcome aboard. Glad ya found us."
Jim Fawcett
@jim-fawcett • 2 days ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @dusty-picker:
"Hey Dusty, welcome aboard. Glad ya found us."
Jim Fawcett
@jim-fawcett • 2 days ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @mitchbob:
"Hey Mitchbob, welcome aboard. Glad ya found us."
Jim Fawcett
@jim-fawcett • 2 days ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @appalachiasky:
"Hey Sky, welcome aboard. Glad ya found us."
Jim Fawcett
@jim-fawcett • 2 days ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @brianmc:
"Hey Brian, welcome aboard. Glad ya found us."
Jim Fawcett
@jim-fawcett • 2 days ago • comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on @bohne:
"Hey Bohne, welcome aboard. Glad ya found us."

Join a Group!   All

Beginner players

Beginner players


Are you a brand new player? Join this group and ask all...
OLD STYLE Drone & Noter players

OLD STYLE Drone & Noter...


If you are an avid fan of the older traditional mountain...
Dulcimer Making

Dulcimer Making


A group for those building dulcimers or interested in...
Modern/Chord style Players

Modern/Chord style Players


Do you play chords and fret across all strings? Then...
Fingerpicking

Fingerpicking


A place to discuss fingerpicking styles of dulcimer...
Hymn and Worship Song Players

Hymn and Worship Song Players


a place to share the hymns and worship songs we are playing.
The Music Theory Corner

The Music Theory Corner


A Group to talk about Music Theory!
Dulcimer Care & Maintenance

Dulcimer Care & Maintenance


Tips, tricks and techniques to help care for your dulcimer.
Rockin' in the Free World

Rockin' in the Free World


A group for those of you who like to play music not...
Mountain Dulcimer History & Traditions

Mountain Dulcimer History &...


Share historical information and resources on the...
Technology/Software/Amplifying

Technology/Software/Amplifying


to share info on all aspects of using tech: Amplifying,...
Singing with the Dulcimer

Singing with the Dulcimer


Here's a group for those of us who are interested in...
Arranging/composing for Dulcimers

Arranging/composing for...


A group to discuss creating arrangements of songs and...
fans of Jean Ritchie

fans of Jean Ritchie


A group for those of us who have been inspired by...
Little Dulcimers

Little Dulcimers


Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
Baritone & Bass Dulcimer Players

Baritone & Bass Dulcimer...


A Group for discussing the unique aspects of playing...
Help Me Learn this Song

Help Me Learn this Song


Need help learning to play a particular song? Let another...
Four-Equidistant Strings

Four-Equidistant Strings


A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
I have extra frets.....

I have extra frets.....


This group is for those who have a 1 1/2 fret, an 8 1/2...
Dulcimer Therapy

Dulcimer Therapy


This group is dedicated to those that visit, or have a...
Public Domain... or Not?

Public Domain... or Not?


Ever wanted to record or post that tune, but you just...
Early & Classical Music

Early & Classical Music


For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
Home Studio Recording

Home Studio Recording


Recording dulcimers, vocals and other instruments in the...
Dulcimer teachers

Dulcimer teachers


Do you teach dulcimer? Are you helping others to learn?
Dulcimer Ancestors

Dulcimer Ancestors


Looking at some of the ancestors of the Mountain...
Stick Dulcimers/Strumsticks

Stick Dulcimers/Strumsticks


Regardless of what name you favor, this group is a...
UK and European Mountain Dulcimers

UK and European Mountain...


A group which hopefully allows players/makers in this...
Box Dulcimers

Box Dulcimers


A group for those who play, make, or admire all types...
Chromatic Dulcimers

Chromatic Dulcimers


For players who enjoy playing dulcimers with ALL the frets!
Galax Dulcimer Lovers

Galax Dulcimer Lovers


Just a group to discuss all things Galax Dulcimer. Tips...
Call the Tune

Call the Tune


"Call the Tune" is a place to post audio and video...
GIG TALK!

GIG TALK!


Do you play gigs? Tell us about your good and not-so-good...
Civil War era music

Civil War era music


For discussing music that was played around the time of...
Scrap/Recycled wood Dulcimer Challenge

Scrap/Recycled wood...


A group for those thrifty and creative folk who like to...
Rosin the Bow!

Rosin the Bow!


Welcome to all who play music using a bow on any type of...
Challenged Players

Challenged Players


A meeting place for players dealing with disabilities.
Virginia Dulcimer Players

Virginia Dulcimer Players


Just thought it would be neet to know how many other...
NorthEastern U.S. dulcimer players

NorthEastern U.S. dulcimer...


For those of us who live in the northeastern United States.
Prayers, Hugs, and Kindness

Prayers, Hugs, and Kindness


A group for private sharing and support, whether you are...
California Dulcimer Dreamin'

California Dulcimer Dreamin'


For dulcimer players living in or just visiting California
6 string dulcimers

6 string dulcimers


Owning and playing a 6 string, regardless of tuning, and...
Texas Dulcimer Enthusiasts

Texas Dulcimer Enthusiasts


Howdy ya'll! Come on by for a cup o' joe and jammin....
North Carolinians Plus

North Carolinians Plus


The Three Sides of North Carolina: Mountains / Piedmont /...
Kentucky Dulcimer Players

Kentucky Dulcimer Players


A group for any players from Kentucky where we can meet...
West Virginia players

West Virginia players


A group just for dulcimer players in beautiful West...
Pacific Northwest Players

Pacific Northwest Players


For players who live in or have strong connections to the...
Florida Sunshine Dulcimer Group

Florida Sunshine Dulcimer...


Florida Dulcimer Players
Missouri Dulcimer Players

Missouri Dulcimer Players


for all the Show Me State dulcimer players
FOTMD on the Road

FOTMD on the Road


Are your traveling, on vacation, on your way to a...
North of the Lakes

North of the Lakes


for any MD players in Upper Canada (aka Ontario) and the...
Indiana Players

Indiana Players


Welcome all dulcimer players in the state of Indiana!...
Arkansas Mtn Dulcimer Players

Arkansas Mtn Dulcimer Players


For those who live in Arkansas and love playing the...
AussieTalk!

AussieTalk!


For dulcimer players in Australia.-Be sure to create...
Site Moderators Group

Site Moderators Group


A private group to allow FOTMD moderators to communicate...

Showcase your music event or business here!

Showcase your music event or business here

Latest Audio

  All
Back to the sugar camp.
In Knee-Deep Snow
Ghost Riders
Over the River
Meillionen
Awn i Fethlem (a Welsh Christmas carol)
Si hei lwli
Mil Harddach Wyt (a Welsh lullaby)
Myfanwy
The Boatman[Fhir a Bhata].
If I only knew.
Reel de St.Martin.
Y Delyn Aur
Tŷ a Gardd
Paid â Deud (Don't tell)
Cuckoo's Nest.
Falling Leaves
Zion Ridge
Up on a Hill song.
Coinleach Glas An Fhomhair
Downtown Eastside Blues.
Down the Hill and Back
Oh Lord, What A Morning
Hymn of Joy
I Don't Believe You
Livi
The Last Mile of the Way
You Lead The Way
Sonny's Mazurka
Rhosgobel

Coming Events   All

Playing Blues on the Mountain Dulcimer

Playing Blues on the...


Sat Jan 6 2024
4-Equidistant Dulcimer Day -(online) 2024

4-Equidistant Dulcimer...


Sat Mar 2 2024

Latest gallery Photos   All

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Latest Forum Posts   All

Any banjo players out there?

Posted: Thursday December 7 2023, 10:16 AM
By: @Melvoid

Looking for bowed dulcimer...

Posted: Thursday December 7 2023, 10:14 AM
By: @Strumelia

How to train my ear

Posted: Wednesday December 6 2023, 11:13 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle

Traditional role of the...

Posted: Wednesday December 6 2023, 4:24 PM
By: @NateBuildsToys

Frank Bond Dulcimer

Posted: Wednesday December 6 2023, 4:17 AM
By: @shanonmilan

Checking in

Posted: Tuesday December 5 2023, 4:20 AM
By: @shanonmilan

The Positive Thread...

Posted: Monday December 4 2023, 1:31 PM
By: @steve c.

My first album is for sale!

Posted: Monday December 4 2023, 10:54 AM
By: @steve c.

German folk song tabs

Posted: Thursday November 30 2023, 11:02 PM
By: @shanonmilan

Introduce Yourself!

Posted: Thursday November 30 2023, 10:06 PM
By: @MontyCraig

Talking with Geoff Reeve-Black

Posted: Thursday November 30 2023, 3:18 PM
By: @Robin Thompson

Englewood, Florida dulcimer...

Posted: Thursday November 30 2023, 1:56 PM
By: @kathleen

Left handed playing

Posted: Wednesday November 29 2023, 8:58 AM
By: @Salt Springs

Strings turned iridescent?

Posted: Monday November 27 2023, 3:30 AM
By: @shanonmilan

Liquid Electrical Tape

Posted: Saturday November 25 2023, 9:30 PM
By: @John C. Knopf

Maple, and only maple, for...

Posted: Saturday November 25 2023, 3:06 PM
By: @NateBuildsToys

Reasons NOT To Get a Chromatic

Posted: Saturday November 25 2023, 7:49 AM
By: @Susie

I've Just Bought a BANJO !!!!

Posted: Friday November 24 2023, 7:07 AM
By: @shanonmilan

My music for free

Posted: Thursday November 23 2023, 10:28 AM
By: @dulcimerbob

April Come She Will (Simon...

Posted: Sunday November 19 2023, 7:12 PM
By: @ocean-daughter

What to call your dulcimer...

Posted: Sunday November 19 2023, 7:05 PM
By: @ocean-daughter

Contra dancing :)

Posted: Sunday November 19 2023, 1:09 PM
By: @ocean-daughter

Dulcimer and mandolins

Posted: Thursday November 16 2023, 6:56 AM
By: @Susie

A conversation with Italian...

Posted: Wednesday November 15 2023, 6:17 PM
By: @Robin Thompson

Jim Fox student dulcimers

Posted: Tuesday November 14 2023, 5:54 PM
By: @Janis Lewman

6 string Blue Lion Dulcimer...

Posted: Monday November 13 2023, 11:22 AM
By: @martha woodstock

FS: Kala Solid Acacia...

Posted: Friday November 10 2023, 7:35 PM
By: @Susie

PLEASE Click to READ THIS...

Posted: Friday November 10 2023, 1:07 PM
By: @Strumelia

New Stew Mac fret saw

Posted: Friday November 10 2023, 9:26 AM
By: @dulcimerbob

VSL Breakpoint Angles,...

Posted: Friday November 10 2023, 7:55 AM
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 greeterjim.jpg Rob Lackey greeterrob.jpg
  Richard Streib RStreibwithdulcimer_2017_200px.jpg Ken Longfield greeterken.jpg
  Benjamin Barr greeterben.jpg
   
   

Single Instructor Events / Classifieds

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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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