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
@gale-a-barr
• 34 minutes ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Feather Travel Dulcimer Oriole - For Sale":
Posted a response to "Feather Travel Dulcimer Oriole - For Sale":
"Item had been sold."
@malcolm
• 58 minutes ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Do not adjust your set!":
Posted a response to "Do not adjust your set!":
"looks great can't wait to get it"
@mark-gilston
• an hour ago
• comments: 0
Updated a YouTube Video:
Dulcimer Lesson - June Apple in the key of A
Dulcimer Lesson - June Apple in the key of A
@mark-gilston
• an hour ago
• comments: 0
Posted a new YouTube video:
Dulcimer Lesson - June Apple in the key of A
Dulcimer Lesson - June Apple in the key of A
@robin-thompson
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer Project (Reasonably) Complete!":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer Project (Reasonably) Complete!":
"I look forward to seeing what you decide to do with the fingerboard! Perhaps tied frets with Nylagut strings? Fretless is darn cool, too. "
@ken-longfield
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Do not adjust your set!":
Posted a response to "Do not adjust your set!":
"Very nice John. "
@robin-thompson
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Do not adjust your set!":
Posted a response to "Do not adjust your set!":
"Doggone cool, John! I'd play it like a fretless. :)"
@pondoro
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @john-c-knopf: Do not adjust your set!
Liked a forum discussions item created by @john-c-knopf: Do not adjust your set!
@dan
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Do not adjust your set!":
Posted a response to "Do not adjust your set!":
"Looks great John!!!"
@dan
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @john-c-knopf: Do not adjust your set!
Liked a forum discussions item created by @john-c-knopf: Do not adjust your set!
@john-c-knopf
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Do not adjust your set!":
Created a new forum topic "Do not adjust your set!":
"See something a little different here? I've noticed that when I play the scale, I get "od-it-al-los-af-im-er-od..." Oh-- everything's BACKWARDS. This is a..."
@gale-a-barr
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Feather Travel Dulcimer Oriole - For Sale":
Posted a response to "Feather Travel Dulcimer Oriole - For Sale":
"Hi Dusty - Replied"
@geckostar97
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "David Honea dulcimer with bag and strap $160, free shipping!":
Posted a response to "David Honea dulcimer with bag and strap $160, free shipping!":
"Reduced to $140.00 shipped. This sweet sounding little dulcimer is even more affordable now. This is a lot of dulcimer for the money. Who wants to give it a..."
@epresnell
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "McSpadden mountain dulcimer for sale. ":
Created a new forum topic "McSpadden mountain dulcimer for sale. ":
"McSpadden Hourglass Mountain Dulcimer. Flathead. Walnut Body, Walnut Soundboard. Bridge compensated for DAd tuning. Includes McSpadden padded bag. Asking..."
@dusty-turtle
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Feather Travel Dulcimer Oriole - For Sale":
Posted a response to "Feather Travel Dulcimer Oriole - For Sale":
"Hi Gale. I am interested. Not only to I have a "thing" for little dulcimers, but I think this would be a good way to experiment with a chromatic fretboard...."
@gale-a-barr
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Feather Travel Dulcimer Oriole - For Sale":
Created a new forum topic "Feather Travel Dulcimer Oriole - For Sale":
"
For Sale – 2014 Oriole by Feather Dulcimer – #2014-44. This little travel dulcimer is about 23 inches long (closer to 22.5) with a VSL of 21”). The fret..."
@bigskywild
• 10 hours ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Waiting:
Posted a new Comment on Waiting:
"Congrats to you and your son, Ron! What a beautiful song! BSW "
@dan-evans
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Narrowboat film with trad. dulcimer music :
Posted a new Comment on Narrowboat film with trad. dulcimer music :
"thnx @magictime"
@skip
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Best Fix?":
Posted a response to "Best Fix?":
"You could just replace the bridge and not worry about the saddle."
@greg-gunner
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Ukulele Tuners":
Posted a response to "Ukulele Tuners":
"Before sanding, you might want to try some Hill Peg Compound, which is a substance used by fiddle players to make the pegs turn more freely. I have used it..."
@ken-hulme
• 12 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer Project (Reasonably) Complete!":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer Project (Reasonably) Complete!":
"Tied frets (a la Lute) will be 'way too soft with metal strings, and they'll cut the frets. If you want to use wooden frets, as Salt Spring suggests, use..."
@ken-hulme
• 12 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Ukulele Tuners":
Posted a response to "Ukulele Tuners":
"If you're going to sand the pegs, use a VERY fine sandpaper -- 800 or 1000 grit. A TINY change in diameter makes a huge difference.
Better yet, take the..."
@robin-thompson
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Online Advent Calendar":
Posted a response to "Online Advent Calendar":
"What a wonderful idea, Ariane! Mark & I look forward to participating. <3
PS- Some of the very best tunes are the simple ones. I'm not a..."
@robin-thompson
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @ariane: Online Advent Calendar
Liked a forum discussions item created by @ariane: Online Advent Calendar
@repp
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 8
Liked a youtube item created by @dan-evans: Narrowboat film with trad. dulcimer music
Liked a youtube item created by @dan-evans: Narrowboat film with trad. dulcimer music
@steven-berger
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 2
Liked a photos item created by @slate-creek-dulcimers: Under construction
Liked a photos item created by @slate-creek-dulcimers: Under construction
@ariane
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Online Advent Calendar":
Posted a response to "Online Advent Calendar":
"Hi tpatts,
Thank you very much for your interest.
Since Thursday (when I have posted it in the dulcimer facebook groups) 15 musicians have informed me that..."
@tatts
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @julie-semones: Strumming so frustrated
Liked a forum discussions item created by @julie-semones: Strumming so frustrated
@tatts
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @ariane: Online Advent Calendar
Liked a forum discussions item created by @ariane: Online Advent Calendar
@tatts
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Online Advent Calendar":
Posted a response to "Online Advent Calendar":
"Sounds like a wonderful idea!
Is there a required skill level for players to be at? I’ve only been playing less than a year?
What happens if/when there are..."
@david-messenger
• 19 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Ukulele Tuners":
Posted a response to "Ukulele Tuners":
"Thanks for the suggestions. I was thinking of sanding the old pegs a little bit at a time to see if I could get them to fit properly. Maybe I should try that..."
@ken-longfield
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Ukulele Tuners":
Posted a response to "Ukulele Tuners":
"The only problem I see with the ukulele tuners or banjo tuners is that the peg head wall is rather thin. I think you will need to use a shim of some sort to..."
@salt-springs
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer Project (Reasonably) Complete!":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer Project (Reasonably) Complete!":
"Just wondering could you use wooden frets such as are used on some humle's........June Apple dulcimers has some pics of European zithers that use them and I..."
@irene
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Ukulele Tuners":
Posted a response to "Ukulele Tuners":
"Another option is to get some Banjo tuners. I did put on some ukulele tuners on a small dulcimer and it looks good on that one....but your dulcimer here..."
@cbrown
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer Project (Reasonably) Complete!":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer Project (Reasonably) Complete!":
"Aloha Irene! Thanks for the encouragement!
I'm still considering whether or not to set any frets in there. If I can get it play without, I'll just..."
@ken-hulme
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer Project (Reasonably) Complete!":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer Project (Reasonably) Complete!":
"I was wondering that too Irene. Fretting a fretboard that is already installed is a major problem. Even if you use staple frets, all that hammering can do..."
@ken-hulme
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Ukulele Tuners":
Posted a response to "Ukulele Tuners":
"No reason they won't work. You may have to enlarge the holes a bit -- it depends on the diameter of the shaft relative to the diameter of the hole. Check..."
@irene
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer Project (Reasonably) Complete!":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer Project (Reasonably) Complete!":
"this is coming along GREAT.....congratulations. you've not put the frets on the fretboard yet? hummmmmmm. Will you put frets on another piece of wood..."
@slate-creek-dulcimers
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Under construction:
Posted a new Comment on Under construction:
"IRENE: OH COOL. I just must learn how to post photos here.....but when I come here at night, last thing I do is look at this MY FAV SITE ON THE..."
@irene
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Under construction:
Posted a new Comment on Under construction:
"OH COOL. I just must learn how to post photos here.....but when I come here at night, last thing I do is look at this MY FAV SITE ON THE NET......fotmd..."
@cbrown
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Best Fix?":
Posted a response to "Best Fix?":
"The break looks pretty clean to me, judging from the picture. Since 80% of the wood is still integral with that big block thing, I'd be hesitant to cut off..."
@bob
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 2
Liked a photos item created by @slate-creek-dulcimers: Under construction
Liked a photos item created by @slate-creek-dulcimers: Under construction
@cbrown
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Dulcimer Project (Reasonably) Complete!":
Created a new forum topic "Dulcimer Project (Reasonably) Complete!":
"Well, the dulcimer project is coming along nicely (I think)!
Bridge, nut, endplates, spacer, end pin and clip have all been fashioned and installed...."
@david-messenger
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Ukulele Tuners":
Created a new forum topic "Ukulele Tuners":
"
Will Grover 8N geared Ukulele tuners work alright on a Dulcimer, before I go ahead and order any? I want to put them on that dulcimer I just bought,..."
@oldmdpicker
• yesterday
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Strrumming with arthritic finngers:
Posted a new Comment on Strrumming with arthritic finngers:
"The last ten days were busy as I was trying out your suggestions and was hoping to get comfortable with my dulcimer. Strumelia's videos were an excellent..."
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...
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 teachers
Do you teach dulcimer? Are you helping others to learn?
UK and European Mountain...
A group which hopefully allows players/makers in this...
I have extra frets.....
This group is for those who have a 1 1/2 fret, an 8 1/2...
Home Studio Recording
Recording dulcimers, vocals and other instruments in the...
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!
Scrap/Recycled wood...
A group for those thrifty and creative folk who like to...
Prayers, Hugs, and Kindness
A group for private sharing and support, whether you are...
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...
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 /...
West Virginia players
A group just for dulcimer players in beautiful West...
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...
6 string dulcimers
Owning and playing a 6 string, regardless of tuning, and...
Florida Sunshine Dulcimer...
Florida Dulcimer Players
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...
AussieTalk!
For dulcimer players in Australia. -Be sure to create...
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...
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
Latest Forum Posts All
Feather Travel Dulcimer...
Posted: Saturday September 21 2019, 9:03 PM
By: @Gale A Barr
By: @Gale A Barr
Do not adjust your set!
Posted: Saturday September 21 2019, 8:40 PM
By: @Malcolm
By: @Malcolm
Dulcimer Project...
Posted: Saturday September 21 2019, 5:31 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
David Honea dulcimer with...
Posted: Saturday September 21 2019, 4:29 PM
By: @Geckostar97
By: @Geckostar97
McSpadden mountain dulcimer...
Posted: Saturday September 21 2019, 3:48 PM
By: @epresnell
By: @epresnell
Ukulele Tuners
Posted: Saturday September 21 2019, 10:08 AM
By: @Banjimer
By: @Banjimer
Online Advent Calendar
Posted: Saturday September 21 2019, 8:27 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Folkcraft Dulcimer for Sale
Posted: Friday September 20 2019, 1:11 AM
By: @Fatcat
By: @Fatcat
McSpadden --- wax
Posted: Thursday September 19 2019, 1:44 PM
By: @Ken Hulme
By: @Ken Hulme
Conversation with Kendra Ward
Posted: Thursday September 19 2019, 10:21 AM
By: @Susie
By: @Susie
Healthy Living- healthy...
Posted: Wednesday September 18 2019, 8:53 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Like new Blue Lion RTD FH...
Posted: Wednesday September 18 2019, 4:40 PM
By: @Rich D
By: @Rich D
FUNNY songs you sing & play...
Posted: Wednesday September 18 2019, 12:30 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Dad tuning
Posted: Wednesday September 18 2019, 11:19 AM
By: @Butch Ross
By: @Butch Ross
What In The World Is This?
Posted: Wednesday September 18 2019, 8:42 AM
By: @John Gribble
By: @John Gribble
Blarney pilgrim
Posted: Wednesday September 18 2019, 1:03 AM
By: @mikemullen1
By: @mikemullen1
Play Music On The Porch Day...
Posted: Friday September 13 2019, 7:27 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Introduce Yourself!
Posted: Friday September 13 2019, 5:19 PM
By: @pattyfromor
By: @pattyfromor
Value of this instrument or...
Posted: Thursday September 12 2019, 10:55 PM
By: @waynebergman
By: @waynebergman
Homemade Capo
Posted: Thursday September 12 2019, 5:19 PM
By: @Kevin Keating
By: @Kevin Keating
How to change my profile...
Posted: Thursday September 12 2019, 12:47 PM
By: @tpatts
By: @tpatts
Remembering 9/11
Posted: Thursday September 12 2019, 11:48 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
What’s your favourite...
Posted: Thursday September 12 2019, 10:57 AM
By: @whateversusan
By: @whateversusan
Tabs or chords for “Only You”
Posted: Tuesday September 10 2019, 2:50 PM
By: @Molly McCurdy
By: @Molly McCurdy
Walnut Thomas with possum...
Posted: Tuesday September 10 2019, 1:18 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Dulcimer Maker ID
Posted: Tuesday September 10 2019, 11:02 AM
By: @steve c.
By: @steve c.
Removing a fretboard
Posted: Tuesday September 10 2019, 7:58 AM
By: @IRENE
By: @IRENE
Show Us Your Pets!
Posted: Monday September 9 2019, 10:31 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
How do I post in the Photos...
Posted: Sunday September 8 2019, 11:53 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
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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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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