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
@marsha-elliott
• an hour ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Lute Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Lute Dulcimer":
"Thank you all for the interesting feedback. I may be wrong but am thinking that watching other videos from that guy I saw that besides using the capo on fret..."
@dusty
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Lute Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Lute Dulcimer":
"Well OK, so lute might be the genus, but we still need a species name. "
@ken-longfield
• 12 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Lute Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Lute Dulcimer":
"In the lexicon of stringed instruments the lute is characterized not by the number of strings but by having a sound box (often pear shaped) and a neck over..."
@strumelia
• 12 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Lute Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Lute Dulcimer":
"There might be some confusion here between referring to "a lute" and referring to a member of the lute category of instruments... being a sound box with an..."
@dusty
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Lute Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Lute Dulcimer":
"It may not be a dulcimer, but it isn't a lute either. A lute usually has 11 or more strings. I believe a Renaissance lute has 15 strings, and some courses..."
@ken-longfield
• 17 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Lute Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Lute Dulcimer":
"As Strumelia so graciously pointed out, that is not a dulcimer. It is a lute with a diatonic fret board. Seagull makes an instrument similar to the one in..."
@sal-monella
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on @sal-monella:
Posted a new Comment on @sal-monella:
"Hello all. Thanks for your replies. No resolution yet as I have been side tracked by the internet (looking for the end of it) and trying to help save our..."
@robin-thompson
• yesterday
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @macaodha:
Posted a new Comment on @macaodha:
"I am missing your wonderful music, Val! "
@jan-potts
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "RIP to our good fotmd friend Terry Wilson":
Posted a response to "RIP to our good fotmd friend Terry Wilson":
"A really great guy with a big heart! He is missed by so many!"
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on Tuner help please:
Posted a new Comment on Tuner help please:
"Well, since this topic popped up again I'm wondering how you made out with your tuning pegs? Were you able to fix the one? Did you replace them? I looked and..."
@brudar
• 2 days ago
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on Tuner help please:
Posted a new Comment on Tuner help please:
"I’m just starting my first dulcimer build and bought a set of 4 Grover 870 tuners off Reverb for $35. you might want to simply replace your existing tuners..."
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Waltz from Orsa (duet)
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Waltz from Orsa (duet)
@debi
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Jerry Rockwell Short Scale Tear Drop":
Posted a response to "Jerry Rockwell Short Scale Tear Drop":
"HI Cheryl, If you still have this dulcimer, I may be interested. Would it be possible for you to repost the full length pic as it is a bit difficult for me..."
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Lute Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Lute Dulcimer":
"In that video, he is simply putting a capo on fret 1, which changes you to Aeolian mode. Aeolian mode sounds minor and gives you that 'ancient' sound that..."
@marsha-elliott
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Lute Dulcimer":
Created a new forum topic "Lute Dulcimer":
"Have any of you ever played or built a Lute Dulcimer? I saw a YouTube video that fascinated me as I love playing Celtic and medieval tunes. I would love..."
@malcolm
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: The Water is Wide
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: The Water is Wide
@malcolm
• 2 days ago
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: Tis the Gift to be Simple
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: Tis the Gift to be Simple
@malcolm
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: Go Tell It on the Mountain
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: Go Tell It on the Mountain
@malcolm
• 2 days ago
• comments: 6
Liked a youtube item created by @strumelia: Clyde the limberjack
Liked a youtube item created by @strumelia: Clyde the limberjack
@malcolm
• 2 days ago
• comments: 6
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: Just a Closer Walk With Thee
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: Just a Closer Walk With Thee
@malcolm
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Liked a youtube item created by @randy-adams: Who Broke the Lock On the Henhouse Door
Liked a youtube item created by @randy-adams: Who Broke the Lock On the Henhouse Door
@malcolm
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Liked a youtube item created by @peter-w: My Lord, what a morning
Liked a youtube item created by @peter-w: My Lord, what a morning
@malcolm
• 2 days ago
• comments: 25
Liked a youtube item created by @randy-adams: The Jackass Waltz
Liked a youtube item created by @randy-adams: The Jackass Waltz
@robin-thompson
• 3 days ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Danville Girl.:
Posted a new Comment on Danville Girl.:
"So good, Jamie! "
@dusty
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Hearts of the Dulcimer.":
Posted a response to "Hearts of the Dulcimer.":
"I hope you know, @lilley-pad, that the filmmakers responsible for the Hearts of the Dulcimer documentary are FOTMD members @Patricia Delich and @Wayne..."
@lilley-pad
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Hearts of the Dulcimer.":
Posted a response to "Hearts of the Dulcimer.":
"No that " groovy Strumelia". SMILE"
@ken-longfield
• 4 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @wally:
Posted a new Comment on @wally:
"Welcome to FOTMD Wally. It's good to have you aboard. Not sure what you want to learn, but there is a lot of information here about playing and making..."
@ken-longfield
• 4 days ago
• comments: 2
Liked a music item created by @larry-conger: Bug In The Taters
Liked a music item created by @larry-conger: Bug In The Taters
@olddog75
• 4 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Bug In The Taters:
Posted a new Comment on Bug In The Taters:
"Fine, fine tune and great picking!! Thank you, Larry, for starting my afternoon off on the right foot..."
@dan
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Scale length":
Posted a response to "Scale length":
"Strumelia:
Adding to what Dusty said, tone can also be greatly effected by the wood thickness... not simply by the size of the sound box and its scale..."
@strumelia
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Hearts of the Dulcimer.":
Posted a response to "Hearts of the Dulcimer.":
"@lilley-pad , that's cool!"
@robin-thompson
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @lilley-pad: Hearts of the Dulcimer.
Liked a forum discussions item created by @lilley-pad: Hearts of the Dulcimer.
@nate
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Hearts of the Dulcimer.":
Posted a response to "Hearts of the Dulcimer.":
"Unfortunately, since I live in Southern Oregon, my local library has been ruined by the anti homeless measures, and will probably never recover. Most of the..."
@lilley-pad
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Hearts of the Dulcimer.":
Created a new forum topic "Hearts of the Dulcimer.":
"Hi kids for anyone that's interested and hasn't seen it you may want to check out a DVD from your library called Hearts of the Dulcimer. a documentary..."
@nate
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
"MerlinPicker101:
Hello world!
I’m Gareth, living just outside Edinburgh here in Scotland. I’ve played mandolin off/on for around 20 years (doesn’t make me..."
@nate
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Scale length":
Posted a response to "Scale length":
"John C. Knopf:
Dulcimore Dan is an I.D. Stamper fan! I.D. used those long, jangly, low-pitched strings on his dulcimers.
Dulcimore Dan, you, and I all..."
@strumelia
• 4 days ago
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on White Cockade:
Posted a new Comment on White Cockade:
"This is nice to revisit again. Well done Randy."
@strumelia
• 4 days ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Leaning:
Posted a new Comment on Leaning:
"So very sweet. Love the sound of your dulcimer playing, and the vibe with these sweet photos."
@strumelia
• 4 days ago
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @blue-hand: Land of the Silver Birch
Liked a youtube item created by @blue-hand: Land of the Silver Birch
@strumelia
• 4 days ago
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @tom-mcdonald: A Song for Barbara -- MD original
Liked a youtube item created by @tom-mcdonald: A Song for Barbara -- MD original
@strumelia
• 4 days ago
• comments: 22
Liked a video item created by @foggers: Arise, Arise on Green Man Mountain Dulcimer
Liked a video item created by @foggers: Arise, Arise on Green Man Mountain Dulcimer
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...
Baritone & Bass Dulcimer...
A Group for discussing the unique aspects of playing...
Little Dulcimers
Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
Four-Equidistant Strings
A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
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 another...
I have extra frets.....
This group is for those who have a 1 1/2 fret, an 8 1/2...
Early & Classical Music
For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
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 teachers
Do you teach dulcimer? Are you helping others to learn?
Dulcimer Ancestors
Looking at some of the ancestors of the Mountain...
Stick Dulcimers/Strumsticks
Regardless of what name you favor, this group is a...
UK and European Mountain...
A group which hopefully allows players/makers in this...
Chromatic Dulcimers
For players who enjoy playing dulcimers with ALL the frets!
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...
California Dulcimer Dreamin'
For dulcimer players living in or just visiting California
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....
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...
FOTMD on the Road
Are your traveling, on vacation, on your way to a...
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
All
Latest Forum Posts All
Lute Dulcimer
Posted: Monday March 17 2025, 6:42 AM
By: @Marsha Elliott
By: @Marsha Elliott
RIP to our good fotmd...
Posted: Sunday March 16 2025, 4:18 AM
By: @Jan Potts
By: @Jan Potts
Jerry Rockwell Short Scale...
Posted: Saturday March 15 2025, 12:56 PM
By: @Debi
By: @Debi
Hearts of the Dulcimer.
Posted: Thursday March 13 2025, 9:52 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Scale length
Posted: Thursday March 13 2025, 11:34 AM
By: @Dan
By: @Dan
Introduce Yourself!
Posted: Thursday March 13 2025, 3:38 AM
By: @Nate
By: @Nate
Dulcimer for sale in London UK
Posted: Tuesday March 11 2025, 5:46 AM
By: @jonnyd
By: @jonnyd
Hair line crack bottom back...
Posted: Monday March 10 2025, 2:26 PM
By: @John Pettreemusic
By: @John Pettreemusic
Tuning for a 4 Equidistant...
Posted: Monday March 10 2025, 9:27 AM
By: @
By: @
McSpadden v. Folkcraft?
Posted: Sunday March 9 2025, 10:47 PM
By: @
By: @
Reasons NOT To Get a Chromatic
Posted: Sunday March 9 2025, 8:58 PM
By: @
By: @
Mr Moses Scrivner
Posted: Sunday March 9 2025, 12:13 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
A Question about dulcimer...
Posted: Friday March 7 2025, 9:42 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Chet Hines “dulcimore”
Posted: Sunday March 2 2025, 5:03 PM
By: @cairney
By: @cairney
International Appalachian...
Posted: Saturday March 1 2025, 12:25 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Understanding McSpadden...
Posted: Saturday March 1 2025, 10:26 AM
By: @Janis Lewman
By: @Janis Lewman
Music for Kalimba, Dulcimer...
Posted: Friday February 28 2025, 9:00 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
McSpadden 26" VSL Walnut w/...
Posted: Tuesday February 25 2025, 11:19 AM
By: @Susie
By: @Susie
Question about the 6 1/2 fret
Posted: Sunday February 23 2025, 2:22 PM
By: @Skip
By: @Skip
Optimum spacing for the two...
Posted: Sunday February 23 2025, 11:27 AM
By: @Cristian Huet
By: @Cristian Huet
to get chromatic or not
Posted: Sunday February 23 2025, 9:44 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Newbie to Dulcimers / 1978...
Posted: Friday February 21 2025, 12:21 PM
By: @John Pettreemusic
By: @John Pettreemusic
Tunings you like to use on...
Posted: Monday February 17 2025, 8:37 PM
By: @
By: @
CD listening Help
Posted: Monday February 17 2025, 5:36 PM
By: @Lilley Pad
By: @Lilley Pad
Three Strings or Four ?
Posted: Monday February 17 2025, 5:32 PM
By: @
By: @
1976 Sunhearth #266
Posted: Friday February 14 2025, 3:36 PM
By: @MacDonald001
By: @MacDonald001
DAD........but no chords
Posted: Friday February 14 2025, 10:14 AM
By: @Malcolm
By: @Malcolm
Embellishments
Posted: Saturday February 8 2025, 7:52 PM
By: @jet3rry
By: @jet3rry
Dda tuning
Posted: Friday February 7 2025, 12:11 PM
By: @Skip
By: @Skip
Backing tracks
Posted: Thursday February 6 2025, 8:51 AM
By: @Lilley Pad
By: @Lilley Pad
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