Home | fotmd.com

This site requires Javascript to function properly - please enable Javascript in your browser

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

@tatts • an hour ago • comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on Tips for using loop end strings on a build?:

"Wow, thanks for your replies everyone! I’ve found some “piano center pins” on eBay that look like they’ll do the job - basically nails with no heads - so I..."

@kjb • 6 hours ago • comments: 10
Liked a youtube item created by @ariane: Red is the Rose

@slate-creek-dulcimers • 6 hours ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Dewdrop Strummer:

"Dusty Turtle: Interesting build. It's a guitar because it's chromatic and the bass string is at the top. But it's a dulcimer because it has three strings..."

@dusty-turtle • 6 hours ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Dewdrop Strummer:

"Interesting build. It's a guitar because it's chromatic and the bass string is at the top. But it's a dulcimer because it has three strings and no real..."

@dusty-turtle • 6 hours ago • comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on Tips for using loop end strings on a build?:

"As a player, I agree with @Robin-Thompson. Those small brads with no heads can handle either type of string and are therefore preferable. It is also true..."

@robin-thompson • 7 hours ago • comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on Tips for using loop end strings on a build?:

"I prefer dulcimer string anchors which can accommodate either loop end or ball end strings. When one owns several mountain dulcimers, it is nice to be able..."

@ken-longfield • 7 hours ago • comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on Tips for using loop end strings on a build?:

"When I started building I used #2 screws either 1/2 or 3/4 inch long. I don't know if screw sizes differ from US sizes in the UK. I called the pins either..."

@robin-thompson • 9 hours ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "NDD (New Dulcimer Day) Thread - Let's See Them":

"If I had a new/new-to-me dulcimer I'd post! "

@john-c-knopf • 11 hours ago • comments: 12
Posted a new Comment on Your favourite or preferred shape to build / play:

"Cheap cardboard student dulcimers make a SURPRISINGLY WONDERFUL sound. I almost couldn't believe it when I heard one for the first time."

@john-c-knopf • 11 hours ago • comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on Tips for using loop end strings on a build?:

"Square-cut nails or the aforementioned dowel, which was usually referred to as a tailpin. Some dulcimer builders used screws instead. You can buy a 1/4"..."

@dan • 12 hours ago • comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on Tips for using loop end strings on a build?:

"Agreed, just use a brad or small nail. You can clip the head off with wire cutters and smooth them out with a file. Historically, square cut nails were..."

@ken-hulme • 13 hours ago • comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on Tips for using loop end strings on a build?:

"Surprisingly enough those are called "string pins". I usually just use a small "brad" nail with or without a head. If the head is small enough you can..."

@dulcinina • 13 hours ago • comments: 0
Created a new Group discussion "Irish Music Workshop, Somerset KY":

"Lorinda Jones will be leading a 2 hour Irish Music Workshop on November 15th from 2:30 to 4:30 in Somerset, KY. Songs will be presented to mountain dulcimer..."
Kentucky Dulcimer Players

@tatts • 14 hours ago • comments: 7
Created a new Group discussion "Tips for using loop end strings on a build?":

"Hi, I’m getting ready to start dulcimer #3 and have just purchased some d’darrio dulcimercstrings with loop ends. Being a long time guitar player these are..."
Dulcimer Making

@ken-longfield • 15 hours ago • comments: 12
Posted a new Comment on Your favourite or preferred shape to build / play:

"I've probably helped construct 60 or 70 Backyard dulcimers over the years. We had a week long folk music camp and ordered one for each participant. I still..."

@black-dog-bess • 17 hours ago • comments: 12
Posted a new Comment on Your favourite or preferred shape to build / play:

"I have had a couple rectangular dulcimers that I really enjoyed. I recently discovered the trapezoidal cardboard ones that Backyard Instruments make. Sorry..."

@dusty-turtle • 18 hours ago • comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Old French:

"What a rollicking tune!"

@strumelia • 18 hours ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "NDD (New Dulcimer Day) Thread - Let's See Them":

"I should mention that our members who are dulcimer makers/luthiers often utilize our Dulcimer Making Group to post about their latest creations that they..."

@susie • 19 hours ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "NDD (New Dulcimer Day) Thread - Let's See Them":

"Ken Hulme: Most of us just post a separate thread when we acquire or make a new instrument, rather than having a single thread of new dulcimers. But..."

@susie • 19 hours ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "NDD (New Dulcimer Day) Thread - Let's See Them":

"Don Grundy: Do you have a new dulcimer? No, not today. "

@robin-thompson • yesterday • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Moving to Southern Virginia":

"A dulcimer-builder colony?!?! You'll need testers for all the dulcimers before shipment."