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
@ballad-gal
• an hour ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on How Can I Keep From Singing? (for Maddie):
Posted a new Comment on How Can I Keep From Singing? (for Maddie):
"That was beautiful, Butch. Thanks for sharing it."
@butch-ross
• an hour ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new YouTube video:
How Can I Keep From Singing? (for Maddie)
How Can I Keep From Singing? (for Maddie)
@dusty-turtle
• 2 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Maddie MacNeil":
Posted a response to "Maddie MacNeil":
"That's very touching, Butch. Thanks. Even though you don't sing the words, the music is so soft and sensitive that it fully captures the spirit and mood of..."
@butch-ross
• 2 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Maddie MacNeil":
Created a new forum topic "Maddie MacNeil":
"As many of you likely know Maddie MacNeil passed away last Sunday. At the behest of AShley Ernst from Dulcimer Players News I (and others) made videos..."
@gpeden
• 2 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "New to me, Q’s on nut/bridge fit and strings.":
Posted a response to "New to me, Q’s on nut/bridge fit and strings.":
"Hello! Three months later, I have really enjoyed getting to know this instrument. I used Bradley Laird’s eBook as my first guide and have enjoyed working..."
@terry-wilson
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Abide With Me:
Posted a new Comment on Abide With Me:
"I agree, beautifully done, Gordon.,
Your dulcimer is simple awesome and you play it well.
Other than that, my friend, I am wishing you many many..."
@gordon-hardy
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Abide With Me:
Posted a new Comment on Abide With Me:
"Steven Berger:
Beautifully done, Gordon!
Thanks Steven, good to hear from you."
@steven-berger
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Abide With Me:
Posted a new Comment on Abide With Me:
"Beautifully done, Gordon!"
@steven-berger
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 0
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Hand dance from Dobrudja (Dobrudzhansko Reka)
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Hand dance from Dobrudja (Dobrudzhansko Reka)
@steven-berger
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 3
Liked a photos item created by @randy-adams: Dulcimer Back
Liked a photos item created by @randy-adams: Dulcimer Back
@strumelia
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 115
Posted a new Comment on Beginner players:
Posted a new Comment on Beginner players:
"Keep in mind that fotmd, this site, has a pretty good search function. Use the magnifying glass icon at the very top right of any page to search for a key..."
@ariane
• 8 hours ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Ode an die Freude:
Posted a new Comment on Ode an die Freude:
"Thank you very much, Steven, Jim, Gordon, Dusty, Lisa and Bob - for your kind comments - I am very happy that you like it. Take care and stay healthy!"
@vulcan57
• 9 hours ago
• comments: 115
Posted a new Comment on Beginner players:
Posted a new Comment on Beginner players:
"Strumelia:
I did a search o FOTMD for "Gardner" and I see that member Rob Lackey has one, here are a couple vids... and you might want to contact him here..."
@irene
• 18 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Dulcimer Back:
Posted a new Comment on Dulcimer Back:
"I love this one. How wide is the board? How long is the board? How thin is the board. It would look good as a tear drop, if it's tall enough. I just..."
@strumelia
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 115
Posted a new Comment on Beginner players:
Posted a new Comment on Beginner players:
"I did a search o FOTMD for "Gardner" and I see that member Rob Lackey has one, here are a couple vids... and you might want to contact him here to ask his..."
@vulcan57
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 115
Posted a new Comment on Beginner players:
Posted a new Comment on Beginner players:
"Ken Hulme:
I've not seen them, but they certainly look good, and the price is right. I like the fact that they build a 'not quite traditional but not..."
@vulcan57
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 115
Posted a new Comment on Beginner players:
Posted a new Comment on Beginner players:
"Strumelia:
@Vulcan57 , try doing a search on Youtube for:
"Don Gardner" +dulcimer
It's likely you'll find a couple of videos of somebody playing one, and..."
@strumelia
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 115
Posted a new Comment on Beginner players:
Posted a new Comment on Beginner players:
"@Vulcan57 , try doing a search on Youtube for:
"Don Gardner" +dulcimer
It's likely you'll find a couple of videos of somebody playing one, and then you'll..."
@strumelia
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Is a Dmaj7 too weird for this song?:
Posted a new Comment on Is a Dmaj7 too weird for this song?:
"Dusty Turtle: It's funny, but the more I played the song with the Dmaj7, the less weird and jazzy it sounded. I knew I needed another set of ears...."
@strumelia
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Is a Dmaj7 too weird for this song?:
Posted a new Comment on Is a Dmaj7 too weird for this song?:
"I think your idea of doing a small fingering change there without changing the whole chord 'mood' is a good one. A very subtle sabotage there, just for your..."
@ken-hulme
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 115
Posted a new Comment on Beginner players:
Posted a new Comment on Beginner players:
"I've not seen them, but they certainly look good, and the price is right. I like the fact that they build a 'not quite traditional but not quite modern'..."
@bob-stephens
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Ode an die Freude:
Posted a new Comment on Ode an die Freude:
"Ariane,
I remain a big fan of your work. Beautiful arrangement. Thank you fro sharing the TAB."
@dusty-turtle
• yesterday
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Is a Dmaj7 too weird for this song?:
Posted a new Comment on Is a Dmaj7 too weird for this song?:
"Thanks for your thoughts, @Strumelia. I had indeed listened to that version of the tune and changed the rhythm of the melody based on it. I do think you..."
@vulcan57
• yesterday
• comments: 115
Posted a new Comment on Beginner players:
Posted a new Comment on Beginner players:
"I have not picked a dulcimer yet. I have looked at a few web sites. Does anyone have any info on Don Gardner dulcimers? They seem like a good price for a..."
@strumelia
• yesterday
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Is a Dmaj7 too weird for this song?:
Posted a new Comment on Is a Dmaj7 too weird for this song?:
"IMHO... I think a dmaj7 chord there would be too modern and jazzy sounding.
The traditional version seems to stay on the Bm, at least to my ears. I..."
@strumelia
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Dulcimer Back:
Posted a new Comment on Dulcimer Back:
"Time to charge your phone. ;)"
@lisa-golladay
• yesterday
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Ode an die Freude:
Posted a new Comment on Ode an die Freude:
"Beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing your arrangement."
@gordon-hardy
• yesterday
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Abide With Me:
Posted a new Comment on Abide With Me:
"This hymn has always brought comfort to me, especially now in the situation the world is in with the covid-19 virus. The scriptural reference is Luke 24:29..."
@mark-gilston
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a new YouTube video:
Hand dance from Dobrudja (Dobrudzhansko Reka)
Hand dance from Dobrudja (Dobrudzhansko Reka)
@dusty-turtle
• yesterday
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Ode an die Freude:
Posted a new Comment on Ode an die Freude:
"Ariane, you play with remarkable clarity, and I love some of those chords you've chosen. Nice job! I hope you and yours are healthy and safe during these..."
@gordon-hardy
• yesterday
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Ode an die Freude:
Posted a new Comment on Ode an die Freude:
"Lovely!! Ariane, thank you."
@dulcinina
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to ""Generations": Will Singleton replica dulcimore":
Posted a response to ""Generations": Will Singleton replica dulcimore":
"That's a beauty, John. Nina"
@ken-hulme
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to ""Generations": Will Singleton replica dulcimore":
Posted a response to ""Generations": Will Singleton replica dulcimore":
"Beautiful work, as always, John. Is that from the instrument we saw -- and you measured -- two years ago in Lexington?"
@jim-fawcett
• yesterday
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Ode an die Freude:
Posted a new Comment on Ode an die Freude:
"Beautiful song and playing, Ariane."
@steven-berger
• 2 days ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Ode an die Freude:
Posted a new Comment on Ode an die Freude:
"I like that syncopation in there, Ariane!"
@steven-berger
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on “Där Tjänade en Jungfru” Hummel:
Posted a new Comment on “Där Tjänade en Jungfru” Hummel:
"Very nice!"
@tssfulk
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on “Där Tjänade en Jungfru” Hummel:
Posted a new Comment on “Där Tjänade en Jungfru” Hummel:
"You can see the hummel compared to my 1999 Warren May dulcimer in this video:
Astrid Pullar, a Swedish master violin maker, built it for me...."
@dusty-turtle
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Created a new Group discussion "Is a Dmaj7 too weird for this song?":
Created a new Group discussion "Is a Dmaj7 too weird for this song?":
@john-c-knopf
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to ""Generations": Will Singleton replica dulcimore":
Posted a response to ""Generations": Will Singleton replica dulcimore":
"To answer the question, I really don't know if this will be at Berea. If I sell it soon, it won't be, and if Berea doesn't happen, it might not be. I plan..."
@irene
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to ""Generations": Will Singleton replica dulcimore":
Posted a response to ""Generations": Will Singleton replica dulcimore":
"ohhhhhhhhhhh, very nice. I'm asking the same question. Will we see it in Berea? I'm making a dulcimer in my shop to take with me there. I'm sure hoping..."
@irene
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on “Där Tjänade en Jungfru” Hummel:
Posted a new Comment on “Där Tjänade en Jungfru” Hummel:
"that was fun. We'd like to see the whole hummel and how it looks. Did you make it? thanks for sharing. aloha, irene"
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Liked a vimeo item created by @tssfulk: “Där Tjänade en Jungfru” Hummel
Liked a vimeo item created by @tssfulk: “Där Tjänade en Jungfru” Hummel
@steven-berger
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to ""Generations": Will Singleton replica dulcimore":
Posted a response to ""Generations": Will Singleton replica dulcimore":
"That's a nice one. John! Is this going to a customer, or will we see it at Berea?"
@john-c-knopf
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic ""Generations": Will Singleton replica dulcimore":
Created a new forum topic ""Generations": Will Singleton replica dulcimore":
"Folks, here's something to get your mind off the ( ) today. This is "Generations", it's name was taken from Psalm 90:1. A poplar replica with ebony..."
@ariane
• 2 days ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Ode an die Freude:
Posted a new Comment on Ode an die Freude:
"Tabs can be downloaded from my website: https://arianemusic.jimdofree.com/…/moun…/ode-an-die-freude/
Musicians all over Germany (and perhaps also..."
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...
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...
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...
Little Dulcimers
Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
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Do you teach dulcimer? Are you helping others to learn?
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...
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...
I have extra frets.....
This group is for those who have a 1 1/2 fret, an 8 1/2...
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...
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...
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...
Rosin the Bow!
Welcome to all who play music using a bow on any type...
Prayers, Hugs, and Kindness
A group for private sharing and support, whether you are...
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 /...
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...
West Virginia players
A group just for dulcimer players in beautiful West...
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...
Indiana Players
Welcome all dulcimer players in the state of Indiana!...
AussieTalk!
For dulcimer players in Australia. -Be sure to create...
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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Latest Forum Posts All
Maddie MacNeil
Posted: Saturday March 28 2020, 2:37 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
New to me, Q’s on...
Posted: Saturday March 28 2020, 1:41 PM
By: @gpeden
By: @gpeden
"Generations": Will...
Posted: Friday March 27 2020, 10:31 AM
By: @dulcinina
By: @dulcinina
Dulcimer String Anchor Pins
Posted: Thursday March 26 2020, 11:27 AM
By: @Ken Hulme
By: @Ken Hulme
How is the COVID-19...
Posted: Thursday March 26 2020, 10:15 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Hearts Of The Dulcimer...
Posted: Wednesday March 25 2020, 6:25 PM
By: @Patricia Delich
By: @Patricia Delich
The Drifting Thread...
Posted: Wednesday March 25 2020, 10:56 AM
By: @Black Dog Bess
By: @Black Dog Bess
You know your dulcimer has...
Posted: Tuesday March 24 2020, 10:13 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Rest in peace, Maddie MacNeil
Posted: Tuesday March 24 2020, 9:24 PM
By: @Butch Ross
By: @Butch Ross
Healthy Living- healthy...
Posted: Tuesday March 24 2020, 7:12 PM
By: @Ken Hulme
By: @Ken Hulme
What's the deal with...
Posted: Monday March 23 2020, 7:36 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
FUNNY songs you sing & play...
Posted: Friday March 20 2020, 7:57 PM
By: @Lois Sprengnether Keel
By: @Lois Sprengnether Keel
Creating a new group
Posted: Thursday March 19 2020, 9:21 AM
By: @Don B
By: @Don B
Introduce Yourself!
Posted: Tuesday March 17 2020, 5:43 PM
By: @John C. Knopf
By: @John C. Knopf
The "I have small hands" idea
Posted: Sunday March 15 2020, 2:05 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Idle time. What to do.
Posted: Saturday March 14 2020, 7:54 PM
By: @Terry Wilson
By: @Terry Wilson
Any banjo players out there?
Posted: Friday March 13 2020, 8:54 PM
By: @Lois Sprengnether Keel
By: @Lois Sprengnether Keel
Where to Purchase Tablature...
Posted: Friday March 13 2020, 8:40 PM
By: @Lois Sprengnether Keel
By: @Lois Sprengnether Keel
Lucy Wise - Walking Out
Posted: Friday March 13 2020, 12:46 PM
By: @Terry Wilson
By: @Terry Wilson
"Musical Spring 2020"...
Posted: Friday March 13 2020, 8:48 AM
By: @Ariane
By: @Ariane
The Positive Thread...
Posted: Friday March 13 2020, 7:32 AM
By: @Ken Hulme
By: @Ken Hulme
Paste-on fretboard markers
Posted: Wednesday March 11 2020, 12:29 PM
By: @Susie
By: @Susie
John Molineux uses a...
Posted: Monday March 9 2020, 10:40 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
What's fer dinner?
Posted: Sunday March 8 2020, 2:47 PM
By: @Ken Hulme
By: @Ken Hulme
Hondo HD2 - peg problems,...
Posted: Sunday March 8 2020, 4:05 AM
By: @John Gribble
By: @John Gribble
1976 jazz recording...
Posted: Friday March 6 2020, 5:28 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
TAB for Mambo Italiano
Posted: Friday March 6 2020, 12:48 PM
By: @Diesel
By: @Diesel
Hair line crack bottom back...
Posted: Friday March 6 2020, 11:12 AM
By: @Ken Hulme
By: @Ken Hulme
Which dulcimer to tune to GDG?
Posted: Friday March 6 2020, 12:08 AM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Dusty's new book of tab!...
Posted: Wednesday March 4 2020, 8:08 PM
By: @Susie
By: @Susie
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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Single Instructor Events / Classifieds
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