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 your photos, music clips and videos, resources for buying instruments, music, and learning materials. Ask beginner questions! All are welcome here no matter 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 in the drop menus. Click on various links to get familiar with where things are. Questions about using the site?- ask them HERE . You've come to the right place to receive 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
@ken-longfield
• 21 minutes ago
• comments: 12
Posted a new Comment on a treasure trove of Jean Ritchie material:
Posted a new Comment on a treasure trove of Jean Ritchie material:
"I saw them also. Andrew Rowan Summers was from Virginia and played a traditional style. Sandy Paton, along with his wife, founded Folk-Legacy records.
Ken..."
@robin-thompson
• an hour ago
• comments: 12
Posted a new Comment on a treasure trove of Jean Ritchie material:
Posted a new Comment on a treasure trove of Jean Ritchie material:
"You're welcome, @ken-longfield. It eventually becomes a lot of Jean Redpath material and some other things yet it may offer a better grouping of JR material..."
@ken-longfield
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 12
Posted a new Comment on a treasure trove of Jean Ritchie material:
Posted a new Comment on a treasure trove of Jean Ritchie material:
"Thanks for whittling the search down.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@robin-thompson
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 12
Posted a new Comment on a treasure trove of Jean Ritchie material:
Posted a new Comment on a treasure trove of Jean Ritchie material:
"Here's a search more specific to Jean: https://dc.library.northwestern.edu/search?q=Jean+Ritchie&collection=Berkeley+Folk+Music+Festival&page=1"
@jleeinmo
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 556
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
"Thank you! I just started learning the dulcimer in early September and am working hard at it."
@lilley-pad
• 8 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Playing dulcimer with a ukelele":
Posted a response to "Playing dulcimer with a ukelele":
"Well just an update on my experiment on trying to blend and play with ukuleles with my standard Mountain Dulcimer. Dusty suggestion on using three finger..."
@robin-thompson
• 8 hours ago
• comments: 12
Posted a new Comment on a treasure trove of Jean Ritchie material:
Posted a new Comment on a treasure trove of Jean Ritchie material:
"Ken, thanks for the link to the foreward! "
@strumelia
• 10 hours ago
• comments: 12
Liked a group discussions item created by @strumelia: a treasure trove of Jean Ritchie material
Liked a group discussions item created by @strumelia: a treasure trove of Jean Ritchie material
@dusty
• 18 hours ago
• comments: 12
Posted a new Comment on a treasure trove of Jean Ritchie material:
Posted a new Comment on a treasure trove of Jean Ritchie material:
"Thanks, Ken. You're right that the foreword doesn't explain why Olivier was selling the material, but it does explain why the Northwestern collection was an..."
@ken-longfield
• 19 hours ago
• comments: 12
Posted a new Comment on a treasure trove of Jean Ritchie material:
Posted a new Comment on a treasure trove of Jean Ritchie material:
"Dusty, your question is asked in the Forward to the collection. Here is the website:..."
@dusty
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 12
Posted a new Comment on a treasure trove of Jean Ritchie material:
Posted a new Comment on a treasure trove of Jean Ritchie material:
"Thanks, Wally. I did indeed look at some of the individual pictures, but I didn't dig deep enough to get that statement about the acquisition of the..."
@wally-venable
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 12
Posted a new Comment on a treasure trove of Jean Ritchie material:
Posted a new Comment on a treasure trove of Jean Ritchie material:
"You might find this set of images illuminating. George was Jean's husband, and partner in the family dulcimer making operation in Brooklyn...."
@wally-venable
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 12
Posted a new Comment on a treasure trove of Jean Ritchie material:
Posted a new Comment on a treasure trove of Jean Ritchie material:
"If you click on a photo and examine the cataloging information you will find something like this:
Provenance
All materials in the Berkeley Folk Music..."
@dusty
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 12
Posted a new Comment on a treasure trove of Jean Ritchie material:
Posted a new Comment on a treasure trove of Jean Ritchie material:
"That's sure a lot of material. Does anyone know why or how all of this ended up at Northwestern University?"
@ken-longfield
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 12
Posted a new Comment on a treasure trove of Jean Ritchie material:
Posted a new Comment on a treasure trove of Jean Ritchie material:
"Thanks, for the link Robin. I enjoyed looking through about half of the photos. That means I still have another half to go.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a new song.""
@robin-thompson
• yesterday
• comments: 12
Created a new Group discussion "a treasure trove of Jean Ritchie material":
Created a new Group discussion "a treasure trove of Jean Ritchie material":
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 2 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on @k828a:
Posted a new Comment on @k828a:
"Hi K828, 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,..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @samara:
Posted a new Comment on @samara:
"Hi Samara, 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,..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @kimberly-from-ky:
Posted a new Comment on @kimberly-from-ky:
"Hi Kimberly, 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..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @livsoto:
Posted a new Comment on @livsoto:
"Hi Olivia, 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,..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @jleeinmo:
Posted a new Comment on @jleeinmo:
"Hi J. Lee, 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,..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @caledoniasoul:
Posted a new Comment on @caledoniasoul:
"Hi Caledonia, 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..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @dulcimer-novice:
Posted a new Comment on @dulcimer-novice:
"Hi Novice, 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,..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @dark-eyed-junko:
Posted a new Comment on @dark-eyed-junko:
"Hi Junko, 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,..."
@davisjames
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Quartet from The Mikado
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Quartet from The Mikado
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "String HELP":
Posted a response to "String HELP":
"I've been buying D'Addario single strings ever since JustStrings closed. The XS line is currently what Taylor guitars puts on their instruments. It is a..."
@dusty
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "String HELP":
Posted a response to "String HELP":
"John, first, the easy part is the plain steel melody string. No options there.
Everything else only addresses the wound strings. In general, phosphor..."
@lilley-pad
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "String HELP":
Created a new forum topic "String HELP":
"Okay I definitely need help here trying to pick a set of strings for my baritone the recommended sizes that came with the instrument are .036 wound Elixer,..."
@richard-streib
• 3 days ago
• comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on @royb:
Posted a new Comment on @royb:
"Wow. A real beauty. Can't wait to hear it."
@ken-longfield
• 3 days ago
• comments: 556
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
"That was my guess Roy. I just didn't want you to use paste and fix them in place. You're on the right track.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@robin-thompson
• 3 days ago
• comments: 6
https://fotmd.com/robin-thompson/uploaded_audio/1397/fallen-leaves-lullaby
https://fotmd.com/robin-thompson/uploaded_audio/1397/fallen-leaves-lullaby
@royb
• 3 days ago
• comments: 21
Posted a new Comment on @john-c-knopf:
Posted a new Comment on @john-c-knopf:
"Success! Inspired by John, I looked harder. Dated, in pencil directly on the wood, 1972. Dulcimer is # 356."
@royb
• 3 days ago
• comments: 21
Posted a new Comment on @john-c-knopf:
Posted a new Comment on @john-c-knopf:
"I did check. Found what amounts to be a return address label with Mizer's name and full address, but not another one with the date and number, so far. I'll..."
@john-c-knopf
• 3 days ago
• comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on @royb:
Posted a new Comment on @royb:
"A beautiful Mize dulcimer! Did you check inside the soundholes for a label, possibly with a number on it? Such a beauty."
@royb
• 3 days ago
• comments: 556
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
"Sorry Ken, I mean "peg dope", the usual stuff that's used to coat wooden tuning pegs."
@ken-longfield
• 3 days ago
• comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on @royb:
Posted a new Comment on @royb:
"That's a great acquisition. It looks really nice. I'm not sure what you mean by "paste." Go to a place that sells violins and ask for something that..."
@royb
• 3 days ago
• comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on @royb:
Posted a new Comment on @royb:
"I've just obtained a Robert Mize dulcimer, reportedly dating back to the 1980's. Took off the (ancient, unused) strings, cleaned it up and will be applying..."
@robin-thompson
• 4 days ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on In The Pines.:
Posted a new Comment on In The Pines.:
"Wow, Jamie, so good-- the instrumental play, your vocal! Many thanks for sharing this with us! "
@brotherbobgolem
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "2026 Hindman Dulcimer Homecoming":
Posted a response to "2026 Hindman Dulcimer Homecoming":
"Thanks for the info, Ken! It's a shame I won't be able to make it to any events like this--not this year, at least. But I love seeing that this in Hindman! I..."
@dusty
• 5 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @ken-longfield: 2026 Hindman Dulcimer Homecoming
Liked a forum discussions item created by @ken-longfield: 2026 Hindman Dulcimer Homecoming
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...
Four-Equidistant Strings
A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
Little Dulcimers
Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
Arranging/composing for...
A group to discuss creating arrangements of songs and...
Baritone & Bass Dulcimer...
A Group for discussing the unique aspects of playing...
Early & Classical Music
For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
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...
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...
I have extra frets.....
This group is for those who have a 1 1/2 fret, an 8 1/2...
Dulcimer Ancestors
Looking at some of the ancestors of the Mountain...
Home Studio Recording
Recording dulcimers, vocals and other instruments in the...
Dulcimer teachers
Do you teach dulcimer? Are you helping others to learn?
Stick Dulcimers/Strumsticks
Regardless of what name you favor, this group is a...
Chromatic Dulcimers
For players who enjoy playing dulcimers with ALL the frets!
UK and European Mountain...
A group which hopefully allows players/makers in this...
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...
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...
Scrap/Recycled wood...
A group for those thrifty and creative folk who like to...
Challenged Players
A meeting place for players dealing with disabilities.
Rosin the Bow!
Welcome to all who play music using a bow on any type of...
NorthEastern U.S. dulcimer...
For those of us who live in the northeastern United States.
Prayers, Hugs, and Kindness
A group for private sharing and support, whether you are...
Virginia Dulcimer Players
Just thought it would be neet to know how many other...
6 string dulcimers
Owning and playing a 6 string, regardless of tuning, and...
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....
Kentucky Dulcimer Players
A group for any players from Kentucky where we can meet...
Pacific Northwest Players
For players who live in or have strong connections to the...
Florida Sunshine Dulcimer...
Florida Dulcimer Players
West Virginia players
A group just for dulcimer players in beautiful West...
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
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Latest Forum Posts All
Playing dulcimer with a...
Posted: Sunday November 15 2026, 10:30 AM
By: @Lilley Pad
By: @Lilley Pad
String HELP
Posted: Friday November 13 2026, 12:25 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
2026 Hindman Dulcimer...
Posted: Wednesday November 11 2026, 11:24 AM
By: @BrotherBobGolem
By: @BrotherBobGolem
John Huron dulcimer For Sale
Posted: Tuesday November 10 2026, 3:23 PM
By: @bhixon624
By: @bhixon624
Perfect noter in my kitchen...
Posted: Tuesday November 10 2026, 10:41 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Bill Neely Hourglass Questions
Posted: Monday November 9 2026, 8:41 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
How to respond to post on...
Posted: Monday November 9 2026, 8:09 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
RIP John Huron
Posted: Sunday November 8 2026, 11:04 PM
By: @caledoniasoul
By: @caledoniasoul
McSpadden dulcimer for sale
Posted: Thursday November 5 2026, 3:20 PM
By: @David
By: @David
Sheet music and tabs for...
Posted: Thursday November 5 2026, 3:19 PM
By: @Shopdad
By: @Shopdad
Brett Ridgeway YouTube...
Posted: Wednesday November 4 2026, 4:42 PM
By: @Richard Streib
By: @Richard Streib
Your Best, or Worst,...
Posted: Saturday October 31 2026, 5:09 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Happy Halloween
Posted: Saturday October 31 2026, 1:11 PM
By: @BrotherBobGolem
By: @BrotherBobGolem
Bob Thomason
Posted: Friday October 30 2026, 9:30 PM
By: @John C. Knopf
By: @John C. Knopf
Tuning/playing in C ?
Posted: Thursday October 29 2026, 9:55 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
For Jean Ritchie fans
Posted: Tuesday October 27 2026, 7:16 PM
By: @John C. Knopf
By: @John C. Knopf
Luthiers, Builder question...
Posted: Wednesday October 21 2026, 9:36 PM
By: @Luthier
By: @Luthier
Box Dulcimer Project
Posted: Wednesday October 21 2026, 7:24 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Curly Ash Teardrop Dulcimer
Posted: Friday October 16 2026, 4:42 PM
By: @Noah Cline
By: @Noah Cline
Healthy Living- healthy...
Posted: Tuesday October 13 2026, 2:44 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Amp Question
Posted: Saturday October 10 2026, 1:56 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
experiment with the ukulele...
Posted: Friday October 9 2026, 10:04 AM
By: @Skip
By: @Skip
resource information Baritone
Posted: Wednesday October 7 2026, 3:11 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
An Embarrassment of...
Posted: Wednesday October 7 2026, 7:33 AM
By: @Shopdad
By: @Shopdad
McSpadden 'Skunk Stripe'...
Posted: Tuesday September 29 2026, 10:13 AM
By: @michele
By: @michele
For Sale: Box Dulcimer
Posted: Sunday September 27 2026, 2:06 PM
By: @John Pettreemusic
By: @John Pettreemusic
Stoney End Dulcimers - any...
Posted: Sunday September 27 2026, 11:59 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
For Sale: Sunhearth Hourglass
Posted: Wednesday September 23 2026, 8:26 PM
By: @Dwain Wilder
By: @Dwain Wilder
David Massengill
Posted: Tuesday September 22 2026, 11:01 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
New Dulcimer for my 90th...
Posted: Sunday September 20 2026, 10:47 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
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