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
@chiselerinwood
• 21 minutes ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Need some advise on nut and bridge height :
Posted a new Comment on Need some advise on nut and bridge height :
"Ken, when you say next to the first fret, does that mean it should not be on top of the fret like the nickel ? If so, I will need to start over, I put it..."
@janene-millen
• an hour ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Lord Gregory:
Posted a new Comment on Lord Gregory:
"Dusty Turtle: You should think about developing materials to teach how to accompany singing with the dulcimer. ........I'm still waiting to hear of your..."
@paparazzi
• 2 hours ago
• comments: 12
Posted a new Comment on Is Re-Fretting Possible Without Damage?:
Posted a new Comment on Is Re-Fretting Possible Without Damage?:
"Paparazzi: It ate at me long enough so I did it and my hanger idea worked like a charm, did have a few tear outs however when pulling the frets but..."
@paparazzi
• 2 hours ago
• comments: 12
Posted a new Comment on Is Re-Fretting Possible Without Damage?:
Posted a new Comment on Is Re-Fretting Possible Without Damage?:
"It ate at me long enough so I did it and my hanger idea worked like a charm, did have a few tear outs however when pulling the frets but nothing major. I had..."
@steven-berger
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 0
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Ugros (Hungarian dance suite)
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Ugros (Hungarian dance suite)
@steven-berger
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Emmas Waltz E-Dulcimer 5-String:
Posted a new Comment on Emmas Waltz E-Dulcimer 5-String:
"You have a really nice website for your shop, Martin! Interesting dulcimers there!"
@steven-berger
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Emmas Waltz E-Dulcimer 5-String:
Posted a new Comment on Emmas Waltz E-Dulcimer 5-String:
"That instrument sounds great, Martin! Nice playing, also!"
@ken-hulme
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Need some advise on nut and bridge height :
Posted a new Comment on Need some advise on nut and bridge height :
"The good starting Action Height is what we call the Nickel & Dime. Set a dime next to the 1st fret. The strings should just touch the dime. If the..."
@ken-hulme
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 52
Posted a new Comment on Beginner players:
Posted a new Comment on Beginner players:
"Hi Burke; Don't worry. I was an "outie only" strummer for my first 25 years of playing! I used to claim to have the 'fastest thumb in the West'. Then..."
@strumelia
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 52
Posted a new Comment on Beginner players:
Posted a new Comment on Beginner players:
"Hi there Burke!
Perhaps these 2 blog videos I made would be helpful for your beginning strumming efforts:..."
@mark-gilston
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Little Handkerchief (Bulgarian folk dance):
Posted a new Comment on Little Handkerchief (Bulgarian folk dance):
"Yes, Dusty, it is a chromatic ginger (with a couple of notes missing at the high end). I actually play the tune somewhat on the slow side in the video, but..."
@kjb
• 8 hours ago
• comments: 3
Liked a youtube item created by @martin-oesterle: Emmas Waltz E-Dulcimer 5-String
Liked a youtube item created by @martin-oesterle: Emmas Waltz E-Dulcimer 5-String
@burke
• 8 hours ago
• comments: 52
Posted a new Comment on Beginner players:
Posted a new Comment on Beginner players:
"I can half way find the right note. But strumming is hard to do. I can strum out but in strum is hard to get."
@dusty-turtle
• 10 hours ago
• comments: 3
Liked a youtube item created by @martin-oesterle: Emmas Waltz E-Dulcimer 5-String
Liked a youtube item created by @martin-oesterle: Emmas Waltz E-Dulcimer 5-String
@martin-oesterle
• 10 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Emmas Waltz E-Dulcimer 5-String:
Posted a new Comment on Emmas Waltz E-Dulcimer 5-String:
"This video shows the new Dulcimus 5-String E-Dulcimer. The latest Projekt of the Dulcimershop Germany (Dulcimershop Germany)."
@dusty-turtle
• 10 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Little Handkerchief (Bulgarian folk dance):
Posted a new Comment on Little Handkerchief (Bulgarian folk dance):
"I don't think I could play or dance that fast! Is that a chromatic Ginger?"
@dusty-turtle
• 10 hours ago
• comments: 3
Liked a soundcloud item created by @ron-zuckerman: Bittersweet Memories
Liked a soundcloud item created by @ron-zuckerman: Bittersweet Memories
@martin-oesterle
• 10 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new YouTube video:
Emmas Waltz E-Dulcimer 5-String
Emmas Waltz E-Dulcimer 5-String
@dusty-turtle
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Lord Gregory:
Posted a new Comment on Lord Gregory:
"This is so nice, Janene. You should think about developing materials to teach how to accompany singing with the dulcimer. You have a really creative..."
@robin-thompson
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 5
Liked a youtube item created by @janene-millen: Lord Gregory
Liked a youtube item created by @janene-millen: Lord Gregory
@robin-thompson
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 45
Posted a new Comment on Bows:
Posted a new Comment on Bows:
"@Strumelia, that video is sublime.
@Irene I believe there have been some old-time fiddlers who held the violin more like a viol-- something of a lap..."
@strumelia
• 12 hours ago
• comments: 45
Posted a new Comment on Bows:
Posted a new Comment on Bows:
"Here's a video of Ernst Stolz (one of my 'early music' heroes) playing a small 'soprano' rebec in cello position with an underhand bow. This is interesting..."
@chiselerinwood
• 12 hours ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Need some advise on nut and bridge height :
Posted a new Comment on Need some advise on nut and bridge height :
"
Well, I finished it. Thanks for your suggestions. I just broke one of the bottom strings, that's why there are only three. Darn thing stuck right in the..."
@steve-battarbee
• 19 hours ago
• comments: 14
Posted a new Comment on Cluck old hen . Die Ziegenklopfer at the Dulcimershop:
Posted a new Comment on Cluck old hen . Die Ziegenklopfer at the Dulcimershop:
"Rockin’ it!!🔥
👍"
@gary-sager
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on 2019 Ohio Dulcimer Camp Out & Jam -(OH):
Posted a new Comment on 2019 Ohio Dulcimer Camp Out & Jam -(OH):
"Great! Did you pick a site in the 101-111 section?"
@irene
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 45
Posted a new Comment on Bows:
Posted a new Comment on Bows:
"AHHHHHH, read this and here goes. I sooooooo loved all you wrote on the matter of "bows" and bowing. overhand and with the fingers adjusting the tension...."
@lizard30
• yesterday
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on 2019 Ohio Dulcimer Camp Out & Jam -(OH):
Posted a new Comment on 2019 Ohio Dulcimer Camp Out & Jam -(OH):
"Hi. I just booked a site!"
@lizard30
• yesterday
• comments: 2
Liked an events item created by @gary-sager: 2019 Ohio Dulcimer Camp Out & Jam -(OH)
Liked an events item created by @gary-sager: 2019 Ohio Dulcimer Camp Out & Jam -(OH)
@dusty-turtle
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Lullabies from Around the World -- Dusty's tab book available":
Posted a response to "Lullabies from Around the World -- Dusty's tab book available":
"I'm glad it got there safely, Ken. I hope you find a few melodies to your liking."
@janene-millen
• yesterday
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Lord Gregory:
Posted a new Comment on Lord Gregory:
"thanks Steven and Irene. I've had this for a few years..trying to figure out how to play it."
@skip
• 2 days ago
• comments: 12
Posted a new Comment on Is Re-Fretting Possible Without Damage?:
Posted a new Comment on Is Re-Fretting Possible Without Damage?:
"I used a fret puller. They look like end nippers, but smoother. I had to start them using a knife to lift one end of the fret. There was some damage anyway,..."
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 45
Posted a new Comment on Bows:
Posted a new Comment on Bows:
"Irene, I loved your post- so many good thoughts!
Bow making can be crude and simple (as in that bent branch bow I had) or really a highly skilled art, some..."
@irene
• 2 days ago
• comments: 45
Posted a new Comment on Bows:
Posted a new Comment on Bows:
"Dear Tutaine, WOW, this is fabulous. Now to figure a new thing about "free google books". THANKS LOADS....I'll figure it out somehow as I really want to..."
@tutaine
• 2 days ago
• comments: 45
Posted a new Comment on Bows:
Posted a new Comment on Bows:
"Hi, Irene.
I don't know if this will help you with your psaltry bows, but you might want to look into bow frogs and screws. No, not amphibians engaged in..."
@chiselerinwood
• 2 days ago
• comments: 12
Posted a new Comment on Is Re-Fretting Possible Without Damage?:
Posted a new Comment on Is Re-Fretting Possible Without Damage?:
"Skip, you say you have replaced frets but did not explain how you removed them without damaging the fret board. Can you answer that Please, thanks. John
"
@chiselerinwood
• 2 days ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Need some advise on nut and bridge height :
Posted a new Comment on Need some advise on nut and bridge height :
"Irene,
The nut will be a press in fit and the bridge I am not sure of yet. So if I take and measure a dimes thickness and the thickness of a fret, use..."
@irene
• 2 days ago
• comments: 45
Posted a new Comment on Bows:
Posted a new Comment on Bows:
"Okay, Lisa and those that want to know my 2cents worth. Ha. I've made 108 bowed psalteries and have used a longer bow for 95 of them. THEN I got on the..."
@irene
• 2 days ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Lord Gregory:
Posted a new Comment on Lord Gregory:
"WOAH, this was awesome. I love how you play and sing....and love the old ballads. verses indicate that the old mean mother drowned the maid....sigh. But..."
@irene
• 2 days ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Need some advise on nut and bridge height :
Posted a new Comment on Need some advise on nut and bridge height :
"Are you going to have a floating bridge? When I put my nut in....I keep in my mind that the string that is going in the grove will be a dime's depth to the..."
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Lullabies from Around the World -- Dusty's tab book available":
Posted a response to "Lullabies from Around the World -- Dusty's tab book available":
"Hello, Dusty, I received the book today. It really looks good. At this point I have not had the chance to play any of the tunes but look forward to doing so..."
@chiselerinwood
• 2 days ago
• comments: 5
Created a new Group discussion "Need some advise on nut and bridge height ":
Created a new Group discussion "Need some advise on nut and bridge height ":
"Thanks to Ken who answered my question on Planetary gear tuners I ordered them and they are installed.
At the same times I ordered new nut and bridge from..."
Dulcimer Making
Dulcimer Making
@steven-berger
• 2 days ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Lord Gregory:
Posted a new Comment on Lord Gregory:
"Wonderfully played and sung, Janene! "
@tutaine
• 2 days ago
• comments: 45
Posted a new Comment on Bows:
Posted a new Comment on Bows:
"Out of curiosity, I sent out a call to borrow any bow any of my friends had so I could try them out. Out of five bows, the one I liked the most was an..."
@robert-schuler
• 2 days ago
• comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on Double-bottomed dulcimer question:
Posted a new Comment on Double-bottomed dulcimer question:
"I glue 3/8" square scalloped poplar around perimeter leaving space for fiddle edge. Then attach inner back. I treat this as a single back as with a..."
@strumelia
• 3 days ago
• comments: 45
Posted a new Comment on Bows:
Posted a new Comment on Bows:
"I'm not knowledgeable about bows for the most part. But one thing I did notice was that sometimes a 'better' quality bow might not suit a particular..."
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...
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...
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...
Home Studio Recording
Recording dulcimers, vocals and other instruments in the...
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...
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,...
GIG TALK!
Do you play gigs? Tell us about your good and not-so-good...
Dulcimer Ancestors
Looking at some of the ancestors of the Mountain...
Civil War era music
For discussing music that was played around the time of...
Call the Tune
"Call the Tune" is a place to post audio and video clips...
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...
Prayers, Hugs, and Kindness
A group for private sharing and support, whether you are...
Chromatic Dulcimers
For players who enjoy playing dulcimers with ALL the frets!
Rosin the Bow!
Welcome to all who play music using a bow on any type of...
Scrap/Recycled wood...
A group for those thrifty and creative folk who like to...
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.
Michigan Dulcimer Players...
All Players in Michigan
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 /...
Florida Sunshine Dulcimer...
Florida Dulcimer Players
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...
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
Lullabies from Around the...
Posted: Wednesday April 17 2019, 8:17 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Dulcimer-Guitar Style Options?
Posted: Tuesday April 16 2019, 7:50 AM
By: @Butch Ross
By: @Butch Ross
Berea Traditional Dulcimer...
Posted: Tuesday April 16 2019, 6:47 AM
By: @Dan
By: @Dan
Top/Back Thickness and...
Posted: Wednesday April 10 2019, 10:53 PM
By: @Bob Stephens
By: @Bob Stephens
Introduce Yourself!
Posted: Wednesday April 10 2019, 9:57 PM
By: @JackLarwa
By: @JackLarwa
Wind Instruments????
Posted: Tuesday April 9 2019, 7:39 PM
By: @Jimmy Lamar
By: @Jimmy Lamar
looking for a new trad...
Posted: Tuesday April 9 2019, 9:01 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Music must be in my blood
Posted: Monday April 8 2019, 6:08 PM
By: @Jimmy Lamar
By: @Jimmy Lamar
Just For Fun - sayings...
Posted: Monday April 8 2019, 5:54 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Beautiful Custom McSpadden...
Posted: Sunday April 7 2019, 9:43 AM
By: @Gary Warnock
By: @Gary Warnock
Buzzing middle & base...
Posted: Saturday April 6 2019, 8:10 AM
By: @Ken Hulme
By: @Ken Hulme
The Positive Thread...
Posted: Thursday April 4 2019, 7:44 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Mccafferty Dulcimer for sale
Posted: Thursday April 4 2019, 9:24 AM
By: @Monica
By: @Monica
Germany
Posted: Wednesday April 3 2019, 6:07 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Hearts Of The Dulcimer...
Posted: Wednesday April 3 2019, 12:02 AM
By: @Patricia Delich
By: @Patricia Delich
McCafferty Dulcimer $900
Posted: Sunday March 31 2019, 12:58 PM
By: @Gail Webber
By: @Gail Webber
Wanted: Jean Ritchie Model...
Posted: Saturday March 30 2019, 6:33 PM
By: @Jill Geary
By: @Jill Geary
What songs are familiar to...
Posted: Friday March 29 2019, 5:39 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Dad tuning
Posted: Wednesday March 27 2019, 12:12 PM
By: @D. chitwood
By: @D. chitwood
Using a non-dulcimer case...
Posted: Wednesday March 27 2019, 10:11 AM
By: @DebbieBerry
By: @DebbieBerry
Brazos Valley Dulcimer Club
Posted: Tuesday March 26 2019, 9:12 PM
By: @Blondie
By: @Blondie
a discussion created by admin
Posted: Tuesday March 26 2019, 10:14 AM
By: @Ken Hulme
By: @Ken Hulme
For Sale: cute hand-sewn...
Posted: Tuesday March 26 2019, 9:39 AM
By: @Ariane
By: @Ariane
Wanted: Ken Bloom Octave...
Posted: Monday March 25 2019, 7:14 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Tiny mahogany dulcimer...
Posted: Sunday March 24 2019, 3:39 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
30 Days of Dulcimer Joy
Posted: Friday March 22 2019, 11:35 PM
By: @Steve Eulberg
By: @Steve Eulberg
Slight bow in back of...
Posted: Friday March 22 2019, 9:13 AM
By: @Joolsy
By: @Joolsy
Frank Proffitt Mountain...
Posted: Thursday March 21 2019, 11:34 AM
By: @SPhillips
By: @SPhillips
For Sale: Folkcraft...
Posted: Tuesday March 19 2019, 8:44 PM
By: @tutaine
By: @tutaine
Cigar Box Guitars
Posted: Tuesday March 19 2019, 1:56 PM
By: @kjb
By: @kjb
Read the Site Rules
Our Welcome Wagon!
3 CHEERS to our Volunteer Greeters ...for making new members feel right at home:
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Ken Longfield
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Single Instructor Events / Classifieds
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