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
@jim-dickens
• 20 minutes ago
• comments: 2
Liked a music item created by @macaodha: Port an Deorai (slip jig)
Liked a music item created by @macaodha: Port an Deorai (slip jig)
@davisjames
• an hour ago
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @jack-ferguson: Electric Standard/Bass Scheitholt
Liked a youtube item created by @jack-ferguson: Electric Standard/Bass Scheitholt
@davisjames
• an hour ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Reynardine.:
Posted a new Comment on Reynardine.:
"I neglected to say: the D a dd dulcimer is capoed at the 4th. fret...it gives you what I call the "Sweet Home Alabama" chords,A,G,D."
@dusty
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @jack-ferguson: Electric Standard/Bass Design2 Scheitholt
Liked a youtube item created by @jack-ferguson: Electric Standard/Bass Design2 Scheitholt
@jack-ferguson
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Electric Standard/Bass Design2 Scheitholt:
Posted a new Comment on Electric Standard/Bass Design2 Scheitholt:
"New Scheitholt design, same beautiful sound. Electric 8-string, 4 std fretted, 4 bass drone. New traditional head design. From Jack Ferguson Designs ,..."
@jack-ferguson
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 1
Posted new YouTube video(s):
Electric Standard/Bass Design2 Scheitholt
Electric Standard/Bass Design2 Scheitholt
@carol-h
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on My dulcimer life:
Posted a new Comment on My dulcimer life:
"Thank you!🙂
Strumelia:
What a lovely inviting scene, Carol.
"
@jack-ferguson
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Electric Standard/Bass Scheitholt:
Posted a new Comment on Electric Standard/Bass Scheitholt:
"Electric 8-string scheitholt custom-built by Jack Ferguson Designs , previously called Appalachian Flutes and Dulcimers. New features include 4 standard..."
@jack-ferguson
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 1
Posted new YouTube video(s):
Electric Standard/Bass Scheitholt
Electric Standard/Bass Scheitholt
@strumelia
• 17 hours ago
• comments: 4
Liked a photos item created by @gerry-snelson: ash and chechan dulcimer
Liked a photos item created by @gerry-snelson: ash and chechan dulcimer
@strumelia
• 17 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on My dulcimer life:
Posted a new Comment on My dulcimer life:
"What a lovely inviting scene, Carol. "
@strumelia
• 17 hours ago
• comments: 0
Liked a photos item created by @jack-ferguson: mahogany sch design2s
Liked a photos item created by @jack-ferguson: mahogany sch design2s
@strumelia
• 17 hours ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Appflutes Dulcimers and Scheitholts:
Posted a new Comment on Appflutes Dulcimers and Scheitholts:
"Jack, that instrument is really beautiful. I bet it sounds wonderful."
@richard-streib
• 19 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @ce:
Posted a new Comment on @ce:
"So glad you joined CE. Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. This is a great place with a lot of information. With your interest in the dulcimer with..."
@robin-thompson
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Seven Years.:
Posted a new Comment on Seven Years.:
"Jamie, this does have the feel of an old hymn, like I heard/sang when young, too. My mom became a church pianist when she was about sixteen and was still..."
@homer-ross
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Streaming Playlists":
Posted a response to "Streaming Playlists":
"You might like Bob Thomason (Wayfaring Stranger/I'll Fly Away) streaming on many platforms. "
@dusty
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "RIP Bobbi Adler, past president So CA Dulcimer Heritage":
Posted a response to "RIP Bobbi Adler, past president So CA Dulcimer Heritage":
"So sorry to hear of Bobbi's passing. She was a dedicated champion of the dulcimer and of using music to help others. I am really grateful to have had the..."
@davisjames
• yesterday
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Seven Years.:
Posted a new Comment on Seven Years.:
"Love this song but it also makes me smile.It sounds so much like the old folks singing hymns in the Methodist church of my youth."
@robin-thompson
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "RIP Bobbi Adler, past president So CA Dulcimer Heritage":
Posted a response to "RIP Bobbi Adler, past president So CA Dulcimer Heritage":
"Leo, I offer my condolences to you and all who knew Ms. Adler. It seems she was an incredible ambassador in the mountain dulcimer world!"
@leo-kretzner
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "RIP Bobbi Adler, past president So CA Dulcimer Heritage":
Created a new forum topic "RIP Bobbi Adler, past president So CA Dulcimer Heritage":
"It is with great sadness that I note the passing of Roberta “Bobbi” Adler, 80, who was president and key driving force behind the Southern California..."
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @ce:
Posted a new Comment on @ce:
"Welcome to FOTMD CE. You have found a delightful community of mountain dulcimer enthusiasts. People here are knowledgeable and friendly.Have fun exploring..."
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Any banjo players out there?":
Posted a response to "Any banjo players out there?":
"I love banjo music. I bought my first banjo in 1971 when I was in graduate school. It was a Gibson RB175 which was an open back long neck. I was a big fan of..."
@ryan-cornett
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Any banjo players out there?":
Posted a response to "Any banjo players out there?":
"Strumelia:
Though i don't play much music lately, Ryan's comment brought back a memory of when i first started learning clawhammer banjo 28 long years..."
@strumelia
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Any banjo players out there?":
Posted a response to "Any banjo players out there?":
"Ryan Cornett:I could play/listen to old-time clawhammer all day.
Though i don't play much music lately, Ryan's comment brought back a memory of when i..."
@ryan-cornett
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Streaming Playlists":
Posted a response to "Streaming Playlists":
"Dusty Turtle:
Ryan, I don't really create playlists on Spotify, mainly because I still believe in the concept of the album and tend to listen to whole albums..."
@ryan-cornett
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Any banjo players out there?":
Posted a response to "Any banjo players out there?":
"robert schuler:
I love the sound of clawhammer banjo. I keep my banjo close by and never as Pete Seeger said in a case.
I play often, but dont consider..."
@dusty
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Abandoned 1928:
Posted a new Comment on Abandoned 1928:
"What a charming melody! Less plaintive than many of your tunes. And both the dulcimer and guitar are precise and sensitive, as always. The melody cries..."
@robert-schuler
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Any banjo players out there?":
Posted a response to "Any banjo players out there?":
"I love the sound of clawhammer banjo. I keep my banjo close by and never as Pete Seeger said in a case.
I play often, but dont consider myself proficient..."
@homer-ross
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Streaming Playlists":
Posted a response to "Streaming Playlists":
"I have three CD's from Jerry Read Smith which are awesome. Sadly I have never seen any on a streaming platform. "
@dusty
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Streaming Playlists":
Posted a response to "Streaming Playlists":
"Ryan, I don't really create playlists on Spotify, mainly because I still believe in the concept of the album and tend to listen to whole albums at once. I..."
@shopdad
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Streaming Playlists":
Posted a response to "Streaming Playlists":
"Some music I want to learn on the Dulcimer is not available except for piano or guitar and seldom for dulcimer. I have found it easier to tabulate the song..."
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Any banjo players out there?":
Posted a response to "Any banjo players out there?":
"I hear the struggle and can relate, Ryan!Welcome to the site."
@ryan-cornett
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Any banjo players out there?":
Posted a response to "Any banjo players out there?":
"I play clawhammer style. Used to be decent at it, then life got in the way and I barely picked my banjo up for years. Now I'm trying to regain the ability..."
@ryan-cornett
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Streaming Playlists":
Created a new forum topic "Streaming Playlists":
"Do you have any favorite mountain dulcimer playlists on sites like Spotify, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, etc.?
If not, please suggest some artists I should..."
@davisjames
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Port an Deorai (slip jig):
Posted a new Comment on Port an Deorai (slip jig):
"That's a twisty one.Much enjoyed."
@ryan-cornett
• 2 days ago
• comments: 365
Posted a new Comment on @richard-streib:
Posted a new Comment on @richard-streib:
"Thank you for the welcome, Richard. I appreciate your hospitality! "
@wally-venable
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Playing with hand issues":
Posted a response to "Playing with hand issues":
"Drew009: I'm playing with only one finger on my right hand and may I say I'm making a lot of music. I'm looking for an adaptive pick though that would fit..."
@patml
• 3 days ago
• comments: 601
Posted a new Comment on @benjamin-w-barr-jr:
Posted a new Comment on @benjamin-w-barr-jr:
"Thank you.l I fell in love with the mountain dulcimer when I went to The Dulcimer Shoppe in Mt. View, Arkansas, back in the early 70s."
@robin-thompson
• 3 days ago
• comments: 12
Posted a new Comment on A Skift of Snow:
Posted a new Comment on A Skift of Snow:
"Only in my dreams could I ever attempt to learn pedal steel, @davisjames ! Love to hear it in some styles of music-- last time I listened to good pedal..."
@jennifer-landry
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Playing with hand issues":
Posted a response to "Playing with hand issues":
"Drew, I’ve been racking my brain for a few days because I knew I’d seen a pick that might be right for you but I couldn’t remember the name of it. Facebook..."
@richard-streib
• 3 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @ryan-cornett:
Posted a new Comment on @ryan-cornett:
"So glad to have you join Ryan Cornett. Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. And thank you for your interest in keeping the culture of the mountain..."
@richard-streib
• 3 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @moksha:
Posted a new Comment on @moksha:
"Welcome Moksha to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Glad you joined. There is a lot of information here about the mountain dulcimer, its history, its..."
@ryan-cornett
• 3 days ago
• comments: 33
Posted a new Comment on @dan:
Posted a new Comment on @dan:
"I might be related to your wife's granny's family. There's one county between me and Harlan Co.
My family moved here directly from Perry Co., which is close..."
@dan
• 3 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @ryan-cornett:
Posted a new Comment on @ryan-cornett:
"Wife's granny was a Cornett. She lived her whole life in Harlan County.
Welcome!"
@davisjames
• 3 days ago
• comments: 12
Posted a new Comment on A Skift of Snow:
Posted a new Comment on A Skift of Snow:
"I'd love to add pedal steel if I could play one.My imagination outruns my capabilities!Nevertheless it would sound great.I suppose it's the similarity..."
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...
Four-Equidistant Strings
A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
Little Dulcimers
Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
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...
Early & Classical Music
For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
Help Me Learn this Song
Need help learning to play a particular song? Let another...
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...
Chromatic Dulcimers
For players who enjoy playing dulcimers with ALL the frets!
UK and European Mountain...
A group which hopefully allows players/makers in this...
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...
6 string dulcimers
Owning and playing a 6 string, regardless of tuning, and...
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....
Kentucky Dulcimer Players
A group for any players from Kentucky where we can meet...
Florida Sunshine Dulcimer...
Florida Dulcimer Players
West Virginia players
A group just for dulcimer players in beautiful West...
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
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
Latest Forum Posts All
Streaming Playlists
Posted: Wednesday February 11 2026, 4:48 PM
By: @Homer Ross
By: @Homer Ross
RIP Bobbi Adler, past...
Posted: Wednesday February 11 2026, 4:47 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Any banjo players out there?
Posted: Wednesday February 11 2026, 11:30 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Playing with hand issues
Posted: Monday February 9 2026, 8:47 PM
By: @Wally Venable
By: @Wally Venable
Jean Ritchie and her ballad...
Posted: Monday February 9 2026, 12:05 AM
By: @Jan Potts
By: @Jan Potts
Introduce Yourself!
Posted: Sunday February 8 2026, 8:37 AM
By: @Damon
By: @Damon
Hearts of the Dulcimer.
Posted: Sunday February 8 2026, 12:00 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
RIP Ron Ewing
Posted: Saturday February 7 2026, 9:26 PM
By: @Leo Kretzner
By: @Leo Kretzner
Blue Lion model IIRS; Style...
Posted: Saturday February 7 2026, 9:20 PM
By: @Drew009
By: @Drew009
Probst and Gallier instruments
Posted: Thursday February 5 2026, 9:00 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Wanted Probst and /or...
Posted: Thursday February 5 2026, 5:40 PM
By: @Paula Brawdy
By: @Paula Brawdy
Mountain (Appalachian)...
Posted: Wednesday February 4 2026, 3:25 PM
By: @diamondintherough
By: @diamondintherough
Minnesota
Posted: Wednesday February 4 2026, 11:49 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Possum Board
Posted: Monday February 2 2026, 7:30 PM
By: @Richard Streib
By: @Richard Streib
The use of hammer-on,...
Posted: Monday February 2 2026, 7:27 AM
By: @Shopdad
By: @Shopdad
Garage Band Clean AMP?
Posted: Friday January 30 2026, 9:53 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Leveling of frets - why?
Posted: Thursday January 29 2026, 1:51 PM
By: @Shopdad
By: @Shopdad
The Praetorius Scheitholt
Posted: Tuesday January 27 2026, 10:48 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Let's Bury The Term...
Posted: Saturday January 24 2026, 3:47 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
International Appalachian...
Posted: Saturday January 24 2026, 9:02 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
The Story of the Hummel
Posted: Friday January 23 2026, 11:03 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Geoffrey R. Johnson Dulcimer?
Posted: Wednesday January 21 2026, 9:01 PM
By: @Rob Williams
By: @Rob Williams
fret markers.
Posted: Wednesday January 21 2026, 12:41 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Low-maintenance/easy-to-pla...
Posted: Thursday January 15 2026, 9:11 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
chromatic V.S.L.
Posted: Monday January 12 2026, 4:57 PM
By: @Lilley Pad
By: @Lilley Pad
Family History & Tales of...
Posted: Friday January 9 2026, 10:34 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
More or less overtones
Posted: Wednesday January 7 2026, 4:06 PM
By: @Dwain Wilder
By: @Dwain Wilder
New editor looking for...
Posted: Monday January 5 2026, 5:36 AM
By: @Redmando
By: @Redmando
The Positive Thread...
Posted: Thursday January 1 2026, 4:51 PM
By: @Richard Streib
By: @Richard Streib
How do I create a new forum...
Posted: Wednesday December 31 2025, 5:25 PM
By: @Bob
By: @Bob
Read the Site Rules
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