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 Groups and Forum discussions that interest you, make new music friends. Share photos, music clips, and videos, resources for buying instruments, music, and learning materials. Ask your beginner questions and learn to play! All are welcome here no matter what your playing 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. Click on different links to get familiar with where things are. Questions about using the site?- ask them HERE . 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
@homer-ross
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 10
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: Our Foundling, a work-in-progress
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: Our Foundling, a work-in-progress
@richard-streib
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @scotts:
Posted a new Comment on @scotts:
"Glad you joined ScottS. Welcome. Kenl has given sage advice for selling your dulcimer here. Best wishes on finding it a new home where it will be lovingly..."
@richard-streib
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @4stringgirl:
Posted a new Comment on @4stringgirl:
"Glad you joined 4stringGirl. Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. There is a lot of information here. Look around and see what all is here. Let us..."
@ken-longfield
• 8 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "No grooves on bridge revisited":
Posted a response to "No grooves on bridge revisited":
"I'm glad that was helpful. Often it takes it a little experimenting to get right action for your playing style.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@wally-venable
• 8 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "No grooves on bridge revisited":
Posted a response to "No grooves on bridge revisited":
"If a bridge is simply too high, you can lower it by taking it out and sanding or filing the bottom a bit. Do it a little at a time and tune and play it after..."
@notsothoreau
• 10 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "No grooves on bridge revisited":
Posted a response to "No grooves on bridge revisited":
"Okay. I replaced the bridge and thanks for telling me where to find those. I've put new strings on it. I'll play it awhile and see if I like it. I'm going..."
@ken-longfield
• 17 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @scotts:
Posted a new Comment on @scotts:
"Welcome to FOTMD ScottS. It's good to have you aboard. It sounds like you are looking for a new home for your dulcimer. If you advertise it for sale here be..."
@ken-longfield
• 17 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @4stringgirl:
Posted a new Comment on @4stringgirl:
"Welcome to FOTMD, 4stringGirl. It's good to have you aboard. I look forward to your participation here.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@strumelia
• yesterday
• comments: 18
Liked a group discussions item created by @flint-hill: Nathan Hicks playing "Pretty Polly" in 1939 - Alternative pre-revival tuning?
Liked a group discussions item created by @flint-hill: Nathan Hicks playing "Pretty Polly" in 1939 - Alternative pre-revival tuning?
@robin-thompson
• yesterday
• comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on Our Foundling, a work-in-progress :
Posted a new Comment on Our Foundling, a work-in-progress :
"Hey, Jamie @davisjames -- thanks a bunch! We're happy you like it! Also, thank you for pulling me back to this tune because I've changed how I play it and..."
@homer-ross
• yesterday
• comments: 1
Liked a music item created by @dan: Number 6_25 Jinny sound clip
Liked a music item created by @dan: Number 6_25 Jinny sound clip
@homer-ross
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @dan: Black Thomas replication
Liked a forum discussions item created by @dan: Black Thomas replication
@davisjames
• 2 days ago
• comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on Our Foundling, a work-in-progress :
Posted a new Comment on Our Foundling, a work-in-progress :
"Hi guys.That is so good.Love the space between melody notes."
@alex-lubet
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on 4 versus 3:
Posted a new Comment on 4 versus 3:
"Very interesting, thanks. I'm especially intrigued by the 5 equidistant strings. "
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on 4 versus 3:
Posted a new Comment on 4 versus 3:
"I personally prefer the sound of two drones, rather than more. I only prefer 4 strings when i am actually using all 4. If three or more are just ringing out..."
@jost
• 2 days ago
• comments: 18
Liked a group discussions item created by @flint-hill: Nathan Hicks playing "Pretty Polly" in 1939 - Alternative pre-revival tuning?
Liked a group discussions item created by @flint-hill: Nathan Hicks playing "Pretty Polly" in 1939 - Alternative pre-revival tuning?
@jost
• 2 days ago
• comments: 21
Liked a group discussions item created by @robin-clark: Working With Drones
Liked a group discussions item created by @robin-clark: Working With Drones
@richard-streib
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @kingtut:
Posted a new Comment on @kingtut:
"Glad you joined Kingtut! Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Please list your dulcimers for sale in the section under FOR SALE in the "forums" tab..."
@ken-longfield
• 3 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @kingtut:
Posted a new Comment on @kingtut:
"Welcome to FOTMD Kingtut. It will be interesting to see what you have for sale. In the meantime I encourage you to look through this site to learn more about..."
@nate
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a group discussions item created by @robin-thompson: a Balinese gamelan ensemble from U of KY
Liked a group discussions item created by @robin-thompson: a Balinese gamelan ensemble from U of KY
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 3 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @kingtut:
Posted a new Comment on @kingtut:
"Hi Kingtut, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the..."
@dan
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Black Thomas replication":
Posted a response to "Black Thomas replication":
"Thank you @kevin-r"
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @dan: Black Thomas replication
Liked a forum discussions item created by @dan: Black Thomas replication
@dan
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Black Thomas replication":
Posted a response to "Black Thomas replication":
"John Pettreemusic:
Thank you, Dan, for the bit of history and insight. "guarded secrets" reminds me of my old trapping days swapping recipes for beaver..."
@randy-adams
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @dan: Black Thomas replication
Liked a forum discussions item created by @dan: Black Thomas replication
@kevin-r
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Black Thomas replication":
Posted a response to "Black Thomas replication":
"Here is a link to another video of this instrument."
@phil-myers
• 3 days ago
• comments: 1
Liked a music item created by @dan: Number 6_25 Jinny sound clip
Liked a music item created by @dan: Number 6_25 Jinny sound clip
@frank-dudgeon
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a group discussions item created by @robin-thompson: a Balinese gamelan ensemble from U of KY
Liked a group discussions item created by @robin-thompson: a Balinese gamelan ensemble from U of KY
@richard-streib
• 4 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @dulsimmer:
Posted a new Comment on @dulsimmer:
"Glad you joined Dulsimmer. Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. I was born not too far from St. Mary's in Darke County. We moved away in 1960 when I..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 4 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @dulsimmer:
Posted a new Comment on @dulsimmer:
"Hi Dulsimmer, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the..."
@lorilee
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Tuning down a half step":
Posted a response to "Tuning down a half step":
"John, as I unerstand it, Yes! Another way to remember the half steps on the scale from E to F and B to C: E at F ish B efore C hicken. I learned that..."
@ken-longfield
• 4 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @dulsimmer:
Posted a new Comment on @dulsimmer:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Dulsimmer. I'm glad you are here. Have fun exploring these discussions. I look forward to your participation in this site.
Ken"The dulcimer..."
@ken-longfield
• 5 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a group discussions item created by @robin-thompson: a Balinese gamelan ensemble from U of KY
Liked a group discussions item created by @robin-thompson: a Balinese gamelan ensemble from U of KY
@robin-thompson
• 5 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new Group discussion "a Balinese gamelan ensemble from U of KY ":
Created a new Group discussion "a Balinese gamelan ensemble from U of KY ":
"a group from the University of Kentucky covering Jean's Blue Diamond Mines at the festival Seedtime on the Cumberland:..."
fans of Jean Ritchie
fans of Jean Ritchie
@robin-thompson
• 5 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Pluck by Linda Paulus":
Posted a response to "Pluck by Linda Paulus":
"Lots of modern mountain dulcimer history and David's connections to so many players and places-- loved it! I think I've read it twice. "
@robin-thompson
• 5 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @notsothoreau: Pluck by Linda Paulus
Liked a forum discussions item created by @notsothoreau: Pluck by Linda Paulus
@notsothoreau
• 5 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Pluck by Linda Paulus":
Created a new forum topic "Pluck by Linda Paulus":
"Just finished reading this, which is about the life of David Schnaufer but also about the dulcimer community. I found it interesting. Got a Kindle copy..."
@dan
• 6 days ago
• comments: 20
Liked a group discussions item created by @david-williams2: What kind of staple
Liked a group discussions item created by @david-williams2: What kind of staple
@davisjames
• 6 days ago
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @randy-adams: Shortening Bread
Liked a youtube item created by @randy-adams: Shortening Bread
@davisjames
• 6 days ago
• comments: 1
Liked a music item created by @dan: Number 6_25 Jinny sound clip
Liked a music item created by @dan: Number 6_25 Jinny sound clip
@dan
• 6 days ago
• comments: 5
Liked a youtube item created by @steve-c: A little tune I just can’t get out of my head
Liked a youtube item created by @steve-c: A little tune I just can’t get out of my head
@steve-c
• 6 days ago
• comments: 5
Updated a YouTube Video:
A little tune I just can’t get out of my head
A little tune I just can’t get out of my head
@wally-venable
• one week ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Tuning down a half step":
Posted a response to "Tuning down a half step":
"If you are a "DAA" player, you tune the Bass string down the half note, then use the same "4th fret" on the Bass to get the others. (Relative tuning works..."
@david-bennett
• one week ago
• comments: 11
Posted a new Comment on Today In Mountain Dulcimer History: JULY:
Posted a new Comment on Today In Mountain Dulcimer History: JULY:
"Bump
Today In Mountain Dulcimer History: July..."
@marko
• one week ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on 4 versus 3:
Posted a new Comment on 4 versus 3:
"We're having an unusually early heat wave here in Germany. The temperature in my home office is about 90°F (just hooked up the AC), so I'll make this short...."
@strumelia
• one week ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Tuning down a half step":
Posted a response to "Tuning down a half step":
"Yes, that's correct. To sound good, you'll need to tune your other strings down the same amount (a half step, or a whole step).
Keep in mind that some note..."
@lilley-pad
• one week ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Tuning down a half step":
Created a new forum topic "Tuning down a half step":
"Hello kids. I know I know not Jon again. I have a tuning question. For example, let's say You want to tune your Bass string down a half step. Do you tune it..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• one week ago
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on @paderau:
Posted a new Comment on @paderau:
"Hi Padreau, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• one week ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @worthywords:
Posted a new Comment on @worthywords:
"Hi Worthywords, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the..."
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...
Modern/Chord style Players
Do you play chords and fret across all strings? Then...
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.
The Music Theory Corner
A Group to talk about Music Theory!
Dulcimer Care & Maintenance
Tips, tricks and techniques to help care for your dulcimer.
Rockin' in the Free World
A group for those of you who like to play music not...
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...
Little Dulcimers
Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
Four-Equidistant Strings
A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
Baritone & Bass Dulcimer...
A Group for discussing the unique aspects of playing...
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 another...
Early & Classical Music
For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
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...
Dulcimer Therapy
This group is dedicated to those that visit, or have a...
Home Studio Recording
Recording dulcimers, vocals and other instruments in the...
Dulcimer Ancestors
Looking at some of the ancestors of the Mountain...
Dulcimer teachers
Do you teach dulcimer? Are you helping others to learn?
Stick Dulcimers/Strumsticks
Regardless of what name you favor, this group is a...
UK and European Mountain...
A group which hopefully allows players/makers in this...
Chromatic Dulcimers
For players who enjoy playing dulcimers with ALL the frets!
Box Dulcimers
A group for those who play, make, or admire all types...
Galax Dulcimer Lovers
Just a group to discuss all things Galax Dulcimer. Tips...
Call the Tune
"Call the Tune" is a place to post audio and video...
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...
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 of...
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.
Virginia Dulcimer Players
Just thought it would be neet to know how many other...
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
North Carolinians Plus
The Three Sides of North Carolina: Mountains / Piedmont /...
Texas Dulcimer Enthusiasts
Howdy ya'll! Come on by for a cup o' joe and jammin....
6 string dulcimers
Owning and playing a 6 string, regardless of tuning, and...
Kentucky Dulcimer Players
A group for any players from Kentucky where we can meet...
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...
FOTMD on the Road
Are your traveling, on vacation, on your way to a...
Missouri Dulcimer Players
for all the Show Me State dulcimer players
Indiana Players
Welcome all dulcimer players in the state of Indiana!...
North of the Lakes
for any MD players in Upper Canada (aka Ontario) and the...
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
All
![Maggie Darling[tearjerker on the teardrop].](https://fotmd.com/uploaded_audio/image/audio_image/1323/large/crop=auto)
Latest Forum Posts All
No grooves on bridge revisited
Posted: Monday July 7 2025, 5:56 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Black Thomas replication
Posted: Saturday July 5 2025, 8:35 AM
By: @Dan
By: @Dan
Tuning down a half step
Posted: Friday July 4 2025, 11:15 AM
By: @Lorilee
By: @Lorilee
Pluck by Linda Paulus
Posted: Wednesday July 2 2025, 7:50 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Reasons NOT To Get a Chromatic
Posted: Monday June 30 2025, 4:33 PM
By: @Alex_Lubet
By: @Alex_Lubet
Guitar strap (Straplok)
Posted: Saturday June 28 2025, 6:35 PM
By: @Lilley Pad
By: @Lilley Pad
When to replace tuners
Posted: Thursday June 26 2025, 10:46 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Value of a Mize Dulcimer
Posted: Tuesday June 24 2025, 11:35 AM
By: @John Pettreemusic
By: @John Pettreemusic
For our new members - The Chat
Posted: Tuesday June 24 2025, 9:45 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
My happiness with Heinrich...
Posted: Sunday June 22 2025, 6:40 PM
By: @Mountainmender
By: @Mountainmender
Which melody string to...
Posted: Sunday June 22 2025, 5:58 PM
By: @Paderau
By: @Paderau
Hello, Hi again!
Posted: Sunday June 22 2025, 4:36 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Price estimate on old dulcimer
Posted: Thursday June 19 2025, 1:03 AM
By: @Molly McCurdy
By: @Molly McCurdy
New to the group, several...
Posted: Wednesday June 18 2025, 11:51 AM
By: @Alex_Lubet
By: @Alex_Lubet
Are string breaks dangerous?
Posted: Monday June 16 2025, 10:12 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Tuning my new Dulcimer
Posted: Saturday June 14 2025, 10:11 PM
By: @calvin
By: @calvin
Replacing wood tuners
Posted: Saturday June 14 2025, 7:04 AM
By: @Richard Streib
By: @Richard Streib
Brass instruments
Posted: Thursday June 12 2025, 6:00 PM
By: @ryan-carey
By: @ryan-carey
Introduce Yourself!
Posted: Thursday June 12 2025, 7:04 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
What to Look For When...
Posted: Friday June 6 2025, 4:31 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
larry Barringer
Posted: Thursday June 5 2025, 12:52 PM
By: @calvin
By: @calvin
WANTED: Blue Lion teardrop
Posted: Monday June 2 2025, 6:54 PM
By: @Jill Geary
By: @Jill Geary
Bar Cords
Posted: Sunday June 1 2025, 4:00 AM
By: @Lilley Pad
By: @Lilley Pad
Mountain Dulcimer on The...
Posted: Saturday May 24 2025, 12:38 PM
By: @Jim Yates
By: @Jim Yates
Just String info.
Posted: Thursday May 15 2025, 5:36 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
storing an instrument
Posted: Thursday May 15 2025, 11:51 AM
By: @Wally Venable
By: @Wally Venable
Jim Good dulcimer
Posted: Wednesday May 14 2025, 6:38 PM
By: @wanative07
By: @wanative07
Things to consider with...
Posted: Monday May 12 2025, 7:29 PM
By: @Richard Streib
By: @Richard Streib
Gary Gallier Dulcimer
Posted: Friday May 9 2025, 10:38 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
American old time music.
Posted: Thursday May 8 2025, 8:16 AM
By: @DavisJames
By: @DavisJames
Read the Site Rules
Our Welcome Wagon!
3 CHEERS to our Volunteer Greeters ...for making new members feel right at home :
Jim Fawcett  |
Benjamin Barr  |
Richard Streib  |
Ken Longfield  |
Single Instructor Events / Classifieds
Help Keep FOTMD up and Running!
Membership in Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer is FREE to all. We gratefully accept donations towards the costs of maintaining this site- which includes hundreds of dollars annually in server and software costs. (you don't have to have a Paypal account to donate- Paypal accepts simple credit card payments as well.) A minimum donation of $5 please. Read HERE about FOUR different ways you can help support FOTMD. Questions? email contact@fotmd.com Together we can keep FOTMD up and running! Click the Paypal button below to make a quick site donation:
NEW!- Would you like to become a Special Patron of FOTMD? All donations are 100% applied to paying for site maintenance. Your generosity makes a big difference in what we can do to improve FOTMD! Become a special 'Patron Member' simply by making a single donation of $35 or more.
In return, your patronage will be recognized for a year with a special Patron designation banner that will be displayed prominently under your member picture on your profile page. Your Patron ID will show others your generosity in supporting this special site! Above is what the Patron label looks like on member profile pages, right under your member picture.