Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer!
Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer is the most active and extensive online site for Appalachian Mountain Dulcimers and players on the internet today. 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.
So 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
@irene
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Oberflacht Lyre started":
Posted a response to "Oberflacht Lyre started":
"this is going to be exciting to see in the making and in the future playing. I've made one Lyre and I say as I tell folks about it in my presentations...."
@caleb-dan-bennett
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Hollow Fingeboards?":
Posted a response to "Hollow Fingeboards?":
"I used a router table when I did one. I use a bandsaw and then a spindle sander when I make a scalloped fretboard. I dont do that often lol
"
@ken-hulme
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 16
Posted a new Comment on no longer a beginner?:
Posted a new Comment on no longer a beginner?:
"If I were you, I wouldn't worry about the somewhat artificial categories of beginner, intermediate, etc. Look at the subject matter of the classes, and see..."
@ken-hulme
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Hollow Fingeboards?":
Posted a response to "Hollow Fingeboards?":
"I prefer hollowing fretboards with a series of holes drilled with a Forstner bit, then chisel out the thin webs between the holes. Other builders I know use..."
@bob
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Hollow Fingeboards?":
Created a new forum topic "Hollow Fingeboards?":
"After sharing ideas with a pro dulcimer builder, I am planning to begin hollowing out my dulcimer fingerboards. I never did it before but my own plan is to..."
@richard-streib
• 8 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "McSpadden for Sale":
Created a new forum topic "McSpadden for Sale":
"FOR SALE McSpadden dulcimer, made in February 1991, signed by Lynn McSpadden. Model MS-12. Hourglass shape. Beautiful walnut back, fretboard and scroll..."
@ken-hulme
• 9 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Oberflacht Lyre started":
Posted a response to "Oberflacht Lyre started":
"Well, when I get this one put together I'll see what I can come up with for a sound clip or two..."
@bill355
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new Group discussion "Mic Placement for Club Recording":
Created a new Group discussion "Mic Placement for Club Recording":
"I need to record a dulcimer group of approximately 12 players. I'll be using a Zoom H1. Has anyone had experience recording with the mic about 6 to 8 feet..."
Home Studio Recording
Home Studio Recording
@mark-gilston
• 17 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on A Trip to Paris:
Posted a new Comment on A Trip to Paris:
"Thanks. Yes there are a couple of local ECD groups and I play for one of them on occasion (along with a pianist and a flautist).
Strumelia: Mark, do..."
@strumelia
• 17 hours ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions by @ken-hulme:
Oberflacht Lyre started
Liked a forum discussions by @ken-hulme:
Oberflacht Lyre started
@strumelia
• 17 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Oberflacht Lyre started":
Posted a response to "Oberflacht Lyre started":
"Would love to eventually hear a clip of these lyres playing a simple tune or just hearing them being plucked, Ken.
Fun!"
@strumelia
• 17 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Blue Lion Dulcimer for sale":
Posted a response to "Blue Lion Dulcimer for sale":
"Paypal simply charges their fees based on the total amount you receive. If you include shipping amount or insurance in what you charge the buyer, then yes..."
@strumelia
• 17 hours ago
• comments: 16
Posted a new Comment on Wartz n All Fall Gathering (WV):
Posted a new Comment on Wartz n All Fall Gathering (WV):
"Hoping you feel better soon Barb! "
@strumelia
• 17 hours ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions by @richard-streib:
Introducing Pretty Betty
Liked a forum discussions by @richard-streib:
Introducing Pretty Betty
@strumelia
• 17 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Introducing Pretty Betty":
Posted a response to "Introducing Pretty Betty":
"Betty is just gorgeous! Dan made another winner."
@strumelia
• 17 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on A Trip to Paris:
Posted a new Comment on A Trip to Paris:
"Mark, do you have any actual English country dances near you, and do you play for them? You'd be so perfect! (I'd come and dance myself if it were an..."
@ken-hulme
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Introducing Pretty Betty":
Posted a response to "Introducing Pretty Betty":
"Dan makes very nice traditional instruments. Does this one have feet on the bottom? Either way, play her using a possum board and you'll be amazed at how..."
@richard-streib
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Introducing Pretty Betty":
Posted a response to "Introducing Pretty Betty":
"Pretty Betty is made of all poplar, a traditional and very locally available wood to our dulcimer ancestors who built dulcimers in the Appalachian area..."
@irene
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Introducing Pretty Betty":
Posted a response to "Introducing Pretty Betty":
"She's a PRETTY BETTY for sure. I love it's the old style. tell us more about the wood used and who made her.
aloha, irene"
@pmundy
• yesterday
• comments: 16
Posted a new Comment on no longer a beginner?:
Posted a new Comment on no longer a beginner?:
"Hi all. I'm new (got my dulcimer in September) and have struggled with the beginner, advanced beginner, etc. classifications. Looking at Ken's list I can do..."
@jim-fawcett
• yesterday
• comments: 16
Posted a new Comment on Wartz n All Fall Gathering (WV):
Posted a new Comment on Wartz n All Fall Gathering (WV):
"Hope those pesky headaches leave you alone soon, Barb.
We'll definitely keep you in the loop. "
@sandra-hehl
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Blue Lion Dulcimer for sale":
Posted a response to "Blue Lion Dulcimer for sale":
"I would need to charge 669 in order to clear 650 because of PayPal fees and then I don’t know if the would charge a fee on the shipping and handling costs."
@lisa-golladay
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Concert Ukulele":
Posted a response to "Concert Ukulele":
"Colleen Hailey:
Will taking a screwdriver to them make the tuners actually turn without bouncing back? Yes. It sounds like your tuners need..."
@black-dog-bess
• yesterday
• comments: 16
Posted a new Comment on Wartz n All Fall Gathering (WV):
Posted a new Comment on Wartz n All Fall Gathering (WV):
"Hi Friends!
Sorry to say I will be unable to attend this Wartz. I've developed daily early morning headaches that make travel pretty difficult. Hopefully..."
@randy-adams
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions by @richard-streib:
Introducing Pretty Betty
Liked a forum discussions by @richard-streib:
Introducing Pretty Betty
@dan
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions by @richard-streib:
Introducing Pretty Betty
Liked a forum discussions by @richard-streib:
Introducing Pretty Betty
@colleen-hailey
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Concert Ukulele":
Posted a response to "Concert Ukulele":
"Lisa Golladay:
Colleen, my Fluke has friction tuners and they give me no problems. Have you taken a screwdriver to the screws at the ends of the..."
@richard-streib
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Introducing Pretty Betty":
Created a new forum topic "Introducing Pretty Betty":
"Just got this dulcimer which I named Pretty Betty, made in the older more traditional style.Nice and bright and silvery sounding.
My DAD [Dulcimer..."
@janene-millen
• yesterday
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Farewell to Whiskey (dulcimer & guitar):
Posted a new Comment on Farewell to Whiskey (dulcimer & guitar):
"(Both Robins :-) and Bob) Thanks...and I am so envious of anyone who has partners to play with, especially GUITAR!!! My husband plays trumpet and we..."
@ken-hulme
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Oberflacht Lyre started":
Posted a response to "Oberflacht Lyre started":
"These are/were 6 string lyres -- "Pentatonic+" as it is thought of ... I tune them in the simple pentatonic do, re, mi, sol, la, Do.
Kolrosing is such an..."
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Oberflacht Lyre started":
Posted a response to "Oberflacht Lyre started":
"That's very cool, Ken!
My recently commissioned epinette in pearwood has kolrosing designs as well. It's a wonderful way to decorate wood items and..."
@dusty-turtle
• 2 days ago
• comments: 5
Liked a youtube by @martin-oesterle:
Dulcimer Gathering Germany 2017
Liked a youtube by @martin-oesterle:
Dulcimer Gathering Germany 2017
@ken-hulme
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Oberflacht Lyre started":
Created a new forum topic "Oberflacht Lyre started":
"I was recently gifted with some beautiful wood to make a couple of lyres. I have Myrtle and Maple for body planks and soundboards, as well as Port Orford..."
@steve-battarbee
• 2 days ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Autum Winds:
Posted a new Comment on Autum Winds:
"Thanks Christine!"
@robin-thompson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Going to Boston:
Posted a new Comment on Going to Boston:
"What a cool Goin' to Boston, Mark! Like Strumelia, the tune always makes me think of Jean Ritchie. :)"
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 2 days ago
• comments: 10
Liked a vimeo by @mary-macgowan:
In an English Country Garden
Liked a vimeo by @mary-macgowan:
In an English Country Garden
@christine-shoemaker
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Autumn is Here:
Posted a new Comment on Autumn is Here:
"Loved it, Charles!!! Bravo!
"
@christine-shoemaker
• 2 days ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Autum Winds:
Posted a new Comment on Autum Winds:
"Nice, Steve - and pretty darned cool! "
@christine-shoemaker
• 2 days ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Dulcimer Gathering Germany 2017:
Posted a new Comment on Dulcimer Gathering Germany 2017:
"Wonderful sounding group, Martin! Sure wish I could have heard them in person. I'm a little bit envious...I see a member has one of your dulcimers - he's a..."
@martin-oesterle
• 3 days ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Dulcimer Gathering Germany 2017:
Posted a new Comment on Dulcimer Gathering Germany 2017:
"Thank you for the comments!@Mike The song called "Nun will der Lenz und grüßen" It´s a german Folksong.@Strumelia: Yes and very nice people ;-)@Robin: Best..."
@mike-thurman
• 3 days ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Dulcimer Gathering Germany 2017:
Posted a new Comment on Dulcimer Gathering Germany 2017:
"Looks like you had a lot of fun. I really like the song. What is it?"
@mary-macgowan
• 3 days ago
• comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on In an English Country Garden:
Posted a new Comment on In an English Country Garden:
"Rob N Lackey: Nice playing there, Mary! I see the cord plugged in to the dulcimer, are you using an amp? I may have to learn that one too
Hey Rob,..."
@strumelia
• 3 days ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Dulcimer Gathering Germany 2017:
Posted a new Comment on Dulcimer Gathering Germany 2017:
"Wow, what a great bunch of musicians! "
@strumelia
• 3 days ago
• comments: 5
Liked a youtube by @martin-oesterle:
Dulcimer Gathering Germany 2017
Liked a youtube by @martin-oesterle:
Dulcimer Gathering Germany 2017
@richard-streib
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "New River Dulcimer Info needed":
Posted a response to "New River Dulcimer Info needed":
"Thanks, Ken.
I checked with Don Pedi since the owner's manual has his picture on it. Don has a dim recollection of the family perhaps selling Green River..."
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 making dulcimers or interested in...
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.
Modern/Chord style Players
Do you play chords and fret across all strings? Then this...
Rockin' in the Free World
A group for those of you who like to play music not...
Traditional Irish music & Song
The playing of Traditional Irish music and Song on...
The Music Theory Corner
A Group to talk about Music Theory!
Dulcimer Care & Maintenance
Tips, tricks and techniques to help care for your dulcimer.
fans of Jean Ritchie
A group for those of us who have been inspired by...
Singing with the Dulcimer
Here's a group for those of us who are interested in...
UK and European Mountain...
A group which hopefully allows players/makers in this...
Stick Dulcimers/Strumsticks
Regardless of what name you favor, this group is a...
Dulcimer teachers
Do you teach dulcimer? Are you helping others to learn?
Arranging for Dulcimers
A group to discuss creating arrangements of songs for...
Dulcimer Therapy
This group is dedicated to those that visit, or have a...
Mountain Dulcimer History
Share historical information on the history and...
Technology/Software/Amplifying
to share info on all aspects of using tech: Amplifying,...
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...
Public Domain... or Not?
Ever wanted to record or post that tune, but you just...
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...
Call the Tune
"Call the Tune" is a place to post audio and video clips...
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...
Four-Equidistant Strings
A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
Box Dulcimers
A group for those who play, make, or admire all types of...
Collector's Corner
A group where collectors of antique, vintage, or rare...
Dulcimer Ancestors
Looking at some of the ancestors of the Mountain...
Early & Classical Music
For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
Galax Dulcimer Lovers
Just a group to discuss all things Galax Dulcimer. Tips...
Rosin the Bow!
Welcome to all who play music using a bow on any type of...
Prayers, Hugs, and Kindness
A group for private sharing and support, whether you are...
The Bass Dulcimer
This group is for anyone interested in sharing tips and...
Scrap/Recycled wood...
A group for those thrifty and creative folk who like to...
Chromatic Dulcimers
For players who enjoy playing dulcimers with ALL the frets!
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.
Michigan Dulcimer Players...
All Players in Michigan
Baritone Dulcimer Players
A Group for discussing the unique aspects of playing...
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 /...
California Dulcimer Dreamin'
For dulcimer players living in or just visiting California
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
West Virginia players
A group just for dulcimer players in beautiful West...
Composing and Songwriting
Do you like composing original songs? Are you writing a...
Missouri Dulcimer Players
for all the Show Me State dulcimer players
North of the Lakes
for any MD players in Upper Canada (aka Ontario) and the...
FOTMD on the Road
Are your traveling, on vacation, on your way to a...
Arkansas Mtn Dulcimer Players
For those who live in Arkansas and love playing the...
AussieTalk!
For dulcimer players in Australia. -Be sure to create...
Indiana Players
Welcome all dulcimer players in the state of Indiana!...
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!
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Latest Forum Posts All
Oberflacht Lyre started
Posted: Saturday October 21 2017, 12:09 AM
By: @IRENE
By: @IRENE
Hollow Fingeboards?
Posted: Friday October 20 2017, 11:56 PM
By: @Caleb Dan Bennett
By: @Caleb Dan Bennett
McSpadden for Sale
Posted: Friday October 20 2017, 8:01 PM
By: @Richard Streib
By: @Richard Streib
Blue Lion Dulcimer for sale
Posted: Friday October 20 2017, 11:22 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Introducing Pretty Betty
Posted: Friday October 20 2017, 11:19 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Concert Ukulele
Posted: Thursday October 19 2017, 6:34 PM
By: @Lisa Golladay
By: @Lisa Golladay
New River Dulcimer Info needed
Posted: Wednesday October 18 2017, 7:37 AM
By: @Richard Streib
By: @Richard Streib
Gigbook/Dropbox
Posted: Wednesday October 18 2017, 12:22 AM
By: @marg
By: @marg
Passing of Bud Ford
Posted: Tuesday October 17 2017, 7:34 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Set up for first dulcimer
Posted: Monday October 16 2017, 5:24 PM
By: @Ken Hulme
By: @Ken Hulme
Show Us Your Pets!
Posted: Saturday October 14 2017, 2:03 PM
By: @Sam
By: @Sam
What do you use for end pins?
Posted: Saturday October 14 2017, 1:01 PM
By: @Ian Duthie
By: @Ian Duthie
Wanted: Bonnie Carol dulcimer
Posted: Friday October 13 2017, 6:37 PM
By: @Joseph Besse
By: @Joseph Besse
What Are You Working On?
Posted: Friday October 13 2017, 5:17 PM
By: @Bob
By: @Bob
The Positive Thread...
Posted: Monday October 9 2017, 5:54 PM
By: @Mary MacGowan
By: @Mary MacGowan
Seeking jamming buddies...
Posted: Saturday October 7 2017, 9:25 PM
By: @JenniferC
By: @JenniferC
Wanted: Dulciborn
Posted: Saturday October 7 2017, 7:01 PM
By: @Blondie
By: @Blondie
WANTED: Bill Neely dulcimer
Posted: Saturday October 7 2017, 1:37 AM
By: @whocindylou
By: @whocindylou
Tuning Mystery
Posted: Thursday October 5 2017, 10:07 PM
By: @Noah Aikens
By: @Noah Aikens
Hearts Of The Dulcimer...
Posted: Wednesday October 4 2017, 7:34 PM
By: @Patricia Delich
By: @Patricia Delich
Strum Stick for sale
Posted: Tuesday October 3 2017, 5:37 PM
By: @Vbeegle
By: @Vbeegle
Jessica Comeau's NEW...
Posted: Tuesday October 3 2017, 1:05 PM
By: @Jessica Comeau
By: @Jessica Comeau
Meeting to buy a 2007...
Posted: Monday October 2 2017, 10:16 PM
By: @Nellie
By: @Nellie
Dave Lynch/Harpmaker in...
Posted: Monday October 2 2017, 8:36 PM
By: @Jan Potts
By: @Jan Potts
Dulcimer records
Posted: Sunday October 1 2017, 7:55 PM
By: @Rob N Lackey
By: @Rob N Lackey
Hi everyone! Total Noob
Posted: Sunday October 1 2017, 11:42 AM
By: @Tillmanator
By: @Tillmanator
I am SO in over my head!!!
Posted: Sunday October 1 2017, 10:48 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Thomas completed
Posted: Saturday September 30 2017, 7:03 PM
By: @Cindy Stammich
By: @Cindy Stammich
Need Contact Info
Posted: Tuesday September 26 2017, 8:04 PM
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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Rob Lackey
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John Keane
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Ken Longfield
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Cynthia Wigington
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Benjamin Barr
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Single Instructor Events / Classifieds
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