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 in 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 player 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. 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.. and you'll be able to join in the fun. Click on different areas and links to get familiar with where things are. Questions about using the site?- ask them HERE . Don't be shy- 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
@studentofrhythm
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer String Anchor Pins":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer String Anchor Pins":
"When I put the thin string on the bass it wouldn't hold a pitch lower than the G below middle C but if I tuned it to the D above middle C the other strings..."
@ken-longfield
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer String Anchor Pins":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer String Anchor Pins":
"Dusty Turtle:
In any case, it appears you and I don't really disagree on the appropriate string gauges; we are just not sure how studentofrhythm has his..."
@studentofrhythm
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer String Anchor Pins":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer String Anchor Pins":
"Well, heck it if I didn't get the thing tuned right finally! I've got me a DAD tuned dulcimer at last, and it's now a cinch to get it down to DAC and play..."
@dusty-turtle
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer String Anchor Pins":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer String Anchor Pins":
"Ken, maybe I am misunderstanding something. @studentofrhythm appears to be tuning to a G ionian, which would either put him in the baritone range or in the..."
@robin-thompson
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 0
Liked a group discussions item created by @collier-frederick: New Professional Model Overview
Liked a group discussions item created by @collier-frederick: New Professional Model Overview
@collier-frederick
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new Group discussion "New Professional Model Overview":
Created a new Group discussion "New Professional Model Overview":
"I wanted to post this overview first and foremost to give members of this site ideas and potentially inspire builders to try new designs as I was inspired by..."
Dulcimer Making
Dulcimer Making
@robin-thompson
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 0
Liked a photos item created by @collier-frederick: professional model bridge detail
Liked a photos item created by @collier-frederick: professional model bridge detail
@robin-thompson
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 0
Liked a photos item created by @collier-frederick: professional model back
Liked a photos item created by @collier-frederick: professional model back
@robin-thompson
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Si Beag Si Mor:
Posted a new Comment on Si Beag Si Mor:
"Really pretty Si Beag Si Mor! "
@ken-longfield
• 10 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer String Anchor Pins":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer String Anchor Pins":
"Dusty, if the string VSL is 24 inches and the tuning is the D below middle C, according the the Strothers string calculator the string should be a 0.022. If..."
@dusty-turtle
• 12 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer String Anchor Pins":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer String Anchor Pins":
"@ken-longfield, I think you mean .012 and not .022 for the D strings. Is that correct?"
@ken-longfield
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer String Anchor Pins":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer String Anchor Pins":
"And GDD would be a 0.016 for G and 0.022 for the D strings. String companies market dulcimer string sets mostly for two tunings, DAA and DAd and a VSL of..."
@gordon-hardy
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Blackest Crow on the Grand:
Posted a new Comment on Blackest Crow on the Grand:
"Thanks Dan, I love the voice of your Grand."
@gordon-hardy
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Was you ever in Quebec:
Posted a new Comment on Was you ever in Quebec:
"Good stuff James! I appreciate your enthusiasm."
@davisjames
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Hineh Ma Tov:
Posted a new Comment on Hineh Ma Tov:
"Lovely sound,beautiful playing."
@skip
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer String Anchor Pins":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer String Anchor Pins":
"To be clear; The notes for DAd are D3A3d4, much higher the strings break. http://www.strothers.com/string_choice.html"
@ken-hulme
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer String Anchor Pins":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer String Anchor Pins":
"Sounds like you're trying to tune UP to the "high" Gdd. Optimum string for the G, based on 24" VSL would be a 16 or 18 plain, not wound as they can be hard..."
@lorilee
• 15 hours ago
• comments: 4
Liked a group discussions item created by @guy-babusek: Sean O'Dwyer of the Glen
Liked a group discussions item created by @guy-babusek: Sean O'Dwyer of the Glen
@strumelia
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Was you ever in Quebec:
Posted a new Comment on Was you ever in Quebec:
"Wonderful!! "
@strumelia
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 5
Liked a youtube item created by @davisjames: Was you ever in Quebec
Liked a youtube item created by @davisjames: Was you ever in Quebec
@robin-thompson
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Musical Advent Calendar 2021":
Posted a response to "Musical Advent Calendar 2021":
"Oh, I enjoyed the arrangements for both the 5th and the 6th! Nicely played, Mari and Cindy, Kate, & Roxanne! "
@robin-thompson
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Was you ever in Quebec:
Posted a new Comment on Was you ever in Quebec:
"What a cool tune and a fun video! Well done! "
@studentofrhythm
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer String Anchor Pins":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer String Anchor Pins":
"VSL is 24" and the string gauges are 20 wound for the bass, 12 for the others. I bought a pack of GHS dulcimer strings and broke the bass string..."
@ken-hulme
• 17 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer String Anchor Pins":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer String Anchor Pins":
"As Dusty says, the string gauges you are using for the tuning you want may be the issue. First the VSL -- What is the distance betwen the nut and bridge..."
@dan
• 19 hours ago
• comments: 5
Liked a youtube item created by @davisjames: Was you ever in Quebec
Liked a youtube item created by @davisjames: Was you ever in Quebec
@ariane
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Musical Advent Calendar 2021":
Posted a response to "Musical Advent Calendar 2021":
"MUSICAL ADVENT CALENDAR 2021!
Today you can open the 6th door
filled with music played by Mari US...
and of course also the 5th door
(it seems as if..."
@ariane
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Musical Advent Calendar 2021":
Posted a response to "Musical Advent Calendar 2021":
"Thank you very much, Robin, Dusty, StudentofRhythm and John, for your kind comments."
@dusty-turtle
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Was you ever in Quebec:
Posted a new Comment on Was you ever in Quebec:
"Cool tune! I can't believe you pulled that string retuning/key change off so quickly. Impressive."
@dusty-turtle
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer String Anchor Pins":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer String Anchor Pins":
"Hey @studentofrhythm, the first thing I would ask is what gauge strings you are using and what the scale length (measurement of the bridge to the nut) is...."
@studentofrhythm
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer String Anchor Pins":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer String Anchor Pins":
"If I may revive this thread with a slightly different problem:
I have a cardboard-body dulcimer, like the backyard models but from a different maker. I've..."
@davisjames
• yesterday
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Was you ever in Quebec:
Posted a new Comment on Was you ever in Quebec:
"After the first go round I drop the low "D"string down to "A"and change key."
@davisjames
• yesterday
• comments: 6
Liked a youtube item created by @slate-creek-dulcimers: Reuben's Train
Liked a youtube item created by @slate-creek-dulcimers: Reuben's Train
@davisjames
• yesterday
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @gregg-schneeman: "MARYTON" - Dulcimer
Liked a youtube item created by @gregg-schneeman: "MARYTON" - Dulcimer
@davisjames
• yesterday
• comments: 5
Liked a youtube item created by @granto: The Mowing Jig - Original Composition
Liked a youtube item created by @granto: The Mowing Jig - Original Composition
@davisjames
• yesterday
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on The Mowing Jig - Original Composition:
Posted a new Comment on The Mowing Jig - Original Composition:
"That's a good jig and a cool instrument."
@davisjames
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Liked a youtube item created by @pierre-lain: Le Chêne Fourchu
Liked a youtube item created by @pierre-lain: Le Chêne Fourchu
@davisjames
• yesterday
• comments: 6
Liked a youtube item created by @ariane: C'est dans le mois de mai
Liked a youtube item created by @ariane: C'est dans le mois de mai
@davisjames
• yesterday
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on C'est dans le mois de mai:
Posted a new Comment on C'est dans le mois de mai:
"Beautiful.One of the songs I remember from childhood."
@davisjames
• yesterday
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @gregg-schneeman: "CRIMOND" on Hummel
Liked a youtube item created by @gregg-schneeman: "CRIMOND" on Hummel
@davisjames
• yesterday
• comments: 11
Liked a youtube item created by @christine-shoemaker: Rainy Train
Liked a youtube item created by @christine-shoemaker: Rainy Train
@davisjames
• yesterday
• comments: 11
Posted a new Comment on Rainy Train:
Posted a new Comment on Rainy Train:
"Very cool blues!The tuning is interesting-is it common?I know I've seen Joni Mitchell play with the dulcimer tuned to a major chord."
@davisjames
• yesterday
• comments: 1
Liked a music item created by @dan: Brown Eyed Janie on the Grand
Liked a music item created by @dan: Brown Eyed Janie on the Grand
@ethan-chastain
• 2 days ago
• comments: 1
Liked a music item created by @dan: Brown Eyed Janie on the Grand
Liked a music item created by @dan: Brown Eyed Janie on the Grand
@ethan-chastain
• 2 days ago
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @dan: Blackest Crow on the Grand
Liked a youtube item created by @dan: Blackest Crow on the Grand
@studentofrhythm
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Musical Advent Calendar 2021":
Posted a response to "Musical Advent Calendar 2021":
"Yes, this is wonderful, very inspiring for a new player."
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...
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,...
Arranging/composing for...
A group to discuss creating arrangements of songs and...
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...
Dulcimer Therapy
This group is dedicated to those that visit, or have a...
Four-Equidistant Strings
A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
Little Dulcimers
Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
I have extra frets.....
This group is for those who have a 1 1/2 fret, an 8 1/2...
Baritone & Bass Dulcimer...
A Group for discussing the unique aspects of playing...
Public Domain... or Not?
Ever wanted to record or post that tune, but you just...
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...
Collector's Corner
A group where collectors of antique, vintage, or rare...
Early & Classical Music
For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
Stick Dulcimers/Strumsticks
Regardless of what name you favor, this group is a...
Home Studio Recording
Recording dulcimers, vocals and other instruments in the...
Dulcimer Ancestors
Looking at some of the ancestors of the Mountain...
Call the Tune
"Call the Tune" is a place to post audio and video...
Box Dulcimers
A group for those who play, make, or admire all types...
Civil War era music
For discussing music that was played around the time of...
Chromatic Dulcimers
For players who enjoy playing dulcimers with ALL the frets!
GIG TALK!
Do you play gigs? Tell us about your good and not-so-good...
Galax Dulcimer Lovers
Just a group to discuss all things Galax Dulcimer. Tips...
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...
Challenged Players
A meeting place for players dealing with disabilities.
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
Virginia Dulcimer Players
Just thought it would be neet to know how many other...
NorthEastern U.S. dulcimer...
For those of us who live in the northeastern United States.
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 /...
Kentucky Dulcimer Players
A group for any players from Kentucky where we can meet...
6 string dulcimers
Owning and playing a 6 string, regardless of tuning, and...
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...
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...
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...
AussieTalk!
For dulcimer players in Australia. -Be sure to create...
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
Dulcimer String Anchor Pins
Posted: Monday December 6 2021, 9:42 PM
By: @StudentofRhythm
By: @StudentofRhythm
Musical Advent Calendar 2021
Posted: Monday December 6 2021, 9:03 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Jouhikko/Tagelharpa
Posted: Saturday December 4 2021, 6:28 PM
By: @Mr. Woolery
By: @Mr. Woolery
Frame Drums
Posted: Thursday December 2 2021, 8:47 AM
By: @StudentofRhythm
By: @StudentofRhythm
Native American Flutes
Posted: Thursday December 2 2021, 8:19 AM
By: @StudentofRhythm
By: @StudentofRhythm
Introduce Yourself!
Posted: Wednesday December 1 2021, 11:14 PM
By: @StudentofRhythm
By: @StudentofRhythm
15 string mini lap harp
Posted: Wednesday December 1 2021, 10:36 PM
By: @StudentofRhythm
By: @StudentofRhythm
Fellenbaum dulcimers
Posted: Wednesday December 1 2021, 9:30 AM
By: @John C. Knopf
By: @John C. Knopf
New poplar Tennessee music box
Posted: Monday November 29 2021, 8:14 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Can anyone identify this...
Posted: Sunday November 28 2021, 9:27 PM
By: @Ron Curry
By: @Ron Curry
Terry Hennessy
Posted: Sunday November 28 2021, 7:21 PM
By: @John Dunn
By: @John Dunn
New cherry Jethro Amburgey...
Posted: Saturday November 27 2021, 9:15 PM
By: @John C. Knopf
By: @John C. Knopf
Final Hearts of the...
Posted: Saturday November 27 2021, 6:00 PM
By: @Patricia Delich
By: @Patricia Delich
Deluxe Whistlepig Hogfiddle...
Posted: Saturday November 27 2021, 11:20 AM
By: @Slate Creek Dulcimers
By: @Slate Creek Dulcimers
The Positive Thread...
Posted: Thursday November 25 2021, 9:50 PM
By: @steve c.
By: @steve c.
Removable Magnetic Pickup...
Posted: Tuesday November 23 2021, 8:08 PM
By: @Ron Curry
By: @Ron Curry
Trying to identify this...
Posted: Monday November 22 2021, 9:31 PM
By: @John C. Knopf
By: @John C. Knopf
Painful thumb
Posted: Wednesday November 17 2021, 10:27 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
COVID and Nursing Home Visits
Posted: Thursday November 11 2021, 11:12 AM
By: @Tilmen
By: @Tilmen
Searching for a song-...
Posted: Tuesday November 9 2021, 7:26 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Sam Rizzetta Has Passed
Posted: Monday November 1 2021, 9:18 AM
By: @Susie
By: @Susie
Does anyone have...
Posted: Saturday October 30 2021, 10:20 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
tiple
Posted: Wednesday October 27 2021, 7:43 PM
By: @Jim Yates
By: @Jim Yates
Hearts Of The Dulcimer...
Posted: Tuesday October 26 2021, 9:36 PM
By: @Patricia Delich
By: @Patricia Delich
Song(s) for retirement
Posted: Tuesday October 26 2021, 6:33 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Cedar soundboards
Posted: Tuesday October 26 2021, 5:23 PM
By: @MacAodha
By: @MacAodha
What Are You Working On?
Posted: Monday October 25 2021, 9:03 PM
By: @robert schuler
By: @robert schuler
SoundCloud issues
Posted: Monday October 25 2021, 6:00 PM
By: @Dan
By: @Dan
Jaromin dulcimer kit from...
Posted: Sunday October 24 2021, 11:44 AM
By: @Ken Hulme
By: @Ken Hulme
Simerman Dulcimers
Posted: Friday October 22 2021, 1:09 PM
By: @Dan
By: @Dan
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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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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