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
@robin-thompson
• 15 minutes ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Are you playing on your porch today? -Aug 26, 2017":
Posted a response to "Are you playing on your porch today? -Aug 26, 2017":
"Friends, get your Public Domain or original tune or song ready! August 26 is the day. And if you don't have a porch, just go outside someplace. :)"
@lizard30
• 24 minutes ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Goodbye Cluck Old Hen:
Posted a new Comment on Goodbye Cluck Old Hen:
"the funeral dirge for the old hen is lovely!"
@marg
• 36 minutes ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Cardboard Dulcimer":
Created a new forum topic "Cardboard Dulcimer":
"I have a cardboard dulcimer given to me, lots of places that the sides do not match up. I was thinking of trying something and looking for your help or ideas..."
@marg
• an hour ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Robert LeFever":
Posted a response to "Robert LeFever":
"I was able to make contact with some folks that knew Robert, they were kind enough to respond. Dulcimer people are great.
Below is what I found out:"I knew..."
@steven-berger
• an hour ago
• comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on Harvest Home and Boys of Bluehill (Hornpipes):
Posted a new Comment on Harvest Home and Boys of Bluehill (Hornpipes):
"Phil, the same thing is happening to me on all the audio files I want to listen to. Videos are ok.
Steven"
@steven-berger
• an hour ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Goodbye Cluck Old Hen:
Posted a new Comment on Goodbye Cluck Old Hen:
"You made it sound like an old English folk song...I like it!
Steven"
@matt-berg
• an hour ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to " bridge compensation":
Posted a response to " bridge compensation":
"Uh, yea, the article on frets.net is confusing. Try going to Stewmac.com (a site everyone who builds instruments visits from time to time) and type in..."
@matt-berg
• an hour ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Fret Markers":
Posted a response to "Fret Markers":
"Maybe the play Flop-eared Mule and other songs that use the 9 & 11 fret?"
@steve-battarbee
• 2 hours ago
• comments: 17
Liked @robin-thompson's soundcloud:
Hatmaker Lane-guitar & lap dulcimer CAUTION: loud dog
Liked @robin-thompson's soundcloud:
Hatmaker Lane-guitar & lap dulcimer CAUTION: loud dog
@steve-battarbee
• 2 hours ago
• comments: 9
Liked @val-hughes's music:
Harvest Home and Boys of Bluehill (Hornpipes)
Liked @val-hughes's music:
Harvest Home and Boys of Bluehill (Hornpipes)
@charles-thomas
• 2 hours ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Summer Storm:
Posted a new Comment on Summer Storm:
"Thanks Matt! This is an original composition, actually it's more of an improvisation."
@lisa-golladay
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to " bridge compensation":
Posted a response to " bridge compensation":
"It determines where McSpadden glues the bridge. Read this page: https://www.mcspaddendulcimers.com/kb_results.asp?ID=6
As a practical matter, compensation..."
@marg
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Chinese Dulcimer Or Yangqin In Question And Setup":
Posted a response to "Chinese Dulcimer Or Yangqin In Question And Setup":
"No, I am sorry except to say he liked me sending your info. on the hammered dulcimer to him."
@bob
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to " bridge compensation":
Posted a response to " bridge compensation":
"From the photo you shared, Marg, it looks like the nut (the Zero Fret) has been compensated at an angle... or maybe it's just the photo angle?"
@marg
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Fret Markers":
Posted a response to "Fret Markers":
"So why would they be at 9 & 11, that doesn't make sense OR would that be for something in a higher scale?"
@gail-webber
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on Clinch Mountain Backstep - Copyrighted?:
Posted a new Comment on Clinch Mountain Backstep - Copyrighted?:
"Lonesome John it is! I just have to not put in the "crooked-y" part out of habit when I play it at Galax! I've worked out a slower part for the beginning..."
@wayne-jiang
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Planxty Fanny Power:
Posted a new Comment on Planxty Fanny Power:
"Matt, Yes, This is my own arrangement.
Ron Zuckerman's arrangement is quiet good as well. You can find more O'Carolan dulcimer arrangements on Neal..."
@marg
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to " bridge compensation":
Posted a response to " bridge compensation":
"(the saddle is angled so that the distance from nut to saddle (bridge) is greater for the thicker strings.)
Is that what this angled is?
"
@marg
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Robert LeFever":
Posted a response to "Robert LeFever":
"Thanks joe,
Interesting using only hand tools, I hope the one I am looking at is this Bob"
@infinity327
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Chinese Dulcimer Or Yangqin In Question And Setup":
Posted a response to "Chinese Dulcimer Or Yangqin In Question And Setup":
"Thank for both of your posts / comments.@marg have you received any information from your friend by chance?
Thanks much"
@robin-thompson
• 9 hours ago
• comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on Clinch Mountain Backstep - Copyrighted?:
Posted a new Comment on Clinch Mountain Backstep - Copyrighted?:
"Dusty, you're probably thinking of the Carter family's "Clinch Mountain Home". Those Hammonses lived in the Alleghenies in WV-- way back in.
Gail, I..."
@matts
• 9 hours ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Summer Storm:
Posted a new Comment on Summer Storm:
"You're funny!
Not familiar with this but really like it and the way you play. "
@matts
• 9 hours ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Planxty Fanny Power:
Posted a new Comment on Planxty Fanny Power:
"Wayne,
Is this your own version/arrangement? I found one on Everything Dulcimer arranged by Zuckerman but it is much simpler. Are there other O'Carolan..."
@gail-webber
• 9 hours ago
• comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on Clinch Mountain Backstep - Copyrighted?:
Posted a new Comment on Clinch Mountain Backstep - Copyrighted?:
"Thanks everyone for your input. Thanks for the links, Dusty. Maybe Lonesome John is a possibility. I just love the crooked-y (as Robin calls it) part of..."
@dusty-turtle
• 9 hours ago
• comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on Clinch Mountain Backstep - Copyrighted?:
Posted a new Comment on Clinch Mountain Backstep - Copyrighted?:
"Rob N Lackey: DT.... Ralph was from VA not TN. Sandy Boys refers to the Big Sandy River in WVA and KY at least that's what I've been able to find out...."
@rob-n-lackey
• 10 hours ago
• comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on Clinch Mountain Backstep - Copyrighted?:
Posted a new Comment on Clinch Mountain Backstep - Copyrighted?:
"DT.... Ralph was from VA not TN. Sandy Boys refers to the Big Sandy River in WVA and KY at least that's what I've been able to find out.
"
@robin-thompson
• 10 hours ago
• comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on Clinch Mountain Backstep - Copyrighted?:
Posted a new Comment on Clinch Mountain Backstep - Copyrighted?:
"Gail, if you were playing it the crooked-y way (with the backstep), I'm guessing that was what made it copyright-able. Just a guess on my part, though...."
@robin-thompson
• 10 hours ago
• comments: 10
Liked @gail-webber's group discussions:
Clinch Mountain Backstep - Copyrighted?
Liked @gail-webber's group discussions:
Clinch Mountain Backstep - Copyrighted?
@joe-sanguinette
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Robert LeFever":
Posted a response to "Robert LeFever":
"they were well made however they were made the old way using hand tools. his main job was demonstrating how it was.
"
@phil-myers
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on Harvest Home and Boys of Bluehill (Hornpipes):
Posted a new Comment on Harvest Home and Boys of Bluehill (Hornpipes):
"Would like to listen, but I get error message about problem loading URL "
@dan-evans
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Concert in Olney, England":
Created a new forum topic "Concert in Olney, England":
"Sunday afteroon 17th September 2017 @3pm
tickets £10 on door
featuring ...
Dan Evans - dulcimers
Rebecca Hallworth - vocals
Andy Crowdy - bass, guitar..."
@val-hughes
• 12 hours ago
• comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on Harvest Home and Boys of Bluehill (Hornpipes):
Posted a new Comment on Harvest Home and Boys of Bluehill (Hornpipes):
"Brian, Robin, Folkfan appreciate your comments."
@matt-berg
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to " bridge compensation":
Posted a response to " bridge compensation":
"Ken, just because YOU can't hear the difference doesn't mean the rest of us can't. Your responses to too many questions are that no one will hear the..."
@ken-hulme
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "scalloped fretboard":
Posted a response to "scalloped fretboard":
"EVER is such a very long time... For all intents and purposes no, you do not have to worry about warping; and if the luthier is at all competent you should..."
@ken-hulme
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to " bridge compensation":
Posted a response to " bridge compensation":
"IMHO most people can't hear the difference between compensated and un-compensated dulcimers, making MacSpadden's claim more marketing hype than functional..."
@ken-hulme
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Fret Markers":
Posted a response to "Fret Markers":
"What Matt said -- there is no standard arrangement of dots; I put them at
3 to mark the start of the Ionian scale,
4 to mark the start of the Dorian scale..."
@matt-berg
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Fret Markers":
Posted a response to "Fret Markers":
"Fret markers go where they are of most use to the musician. 3-5-7-10 tend to be positions frequently used by many musicians.
When building chromatic..."
@matt-berg
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to " bridge compensation":
Posted a response to " bridge compensation":
"Well, first, it shows that McSpadden does not understand the art of lutherie. The bridge is not compensated, the saddle is compensated,..., and no, it..."
@sam
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on Clinch Mountain Backstep - Copyrighted?:
Posted a new Comment on Clinch Mountain Backstep - Copyrighted?:
"Coincidentally I had researched Clinch Mountain for myself not too long ago. Saw someone's version on youtube and though about trying it. I found that it was..."
@marg
• 18 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic " bridge compensation":
Created a new forum topic " bridge compensation":
"What is a bridge compensation or what does it mean?
McSpadden listed below post if you wanted to play in DAd
" If you expect to play only in D-A-dd, we..."
@don-grundy
• 19 hours ago
• comments: 26
Posted a new Comment on DAA to DAD to DAA--how often?:
Posted a new Comment on DAA to DAD to DAA--how often?:
"On my way to Colorado fly fishing at 7am. I'll go over this when not driving. Thank you.
I want to learn as much as possible about the mountain dulcimer."
@marg
• 19 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "scalloped fretboard":
Created a new forum topic "scalloped fretboard":
"With scalloped fretboards do you ever need to worry about warping or how they are placed on? "
@marg
• 19 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Fret Markers":
Created a new forum topic "Fret Markers":
"Most fret markers I see are place at the 3, 5, 7, 10 etc.
Why would one be place on the 9 & 11?
Is their a reason for putting them at certain..."
@marg
• 19 hours ago
• comments: 15
Posted a new Comment on Strolling dulcimer for learning?:
Posted a new Comment on Strolling dulcimer for learning?:
"Up-date, your dulcimer came? How are things coming along?"
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 making dulcimers or interested in...
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.
Modern/Chord style Players
Do you play chords and fret across all strings? Then this...
Rockin' in the Free World
A group for those of you who like to play music not...
Traditional Irish music & Song
The playing of Traditional Irish music and Song on...
The Music Theory Corner
A Group to talk about Music Theory!
Dulcimer Care & Maintenance
Tips, tricks and techniques to help care for your dulcimer.
fans of Jean Ritchie
A group for those of us who have been inspired by...
UK and European Mountain...
A group which hopefully allows players/makers in this...
Singing with the Dulcimer
Here's a group for those of us who are interested in...
Stick Dulcimers/Strumsticks
Regardless of what name you favor, this group is a...
Dulcimer teachers
Do you teach dulcimer? Are you helping others to learn?
Arranging for Dulcimers
A group to discuss creating arrangements of songs for...
Dulcimer Therapy
This group is dedicated to those that visit, or have a...
Mountain Dulcimer History
Share historical information on the history and...
Little Dulcimers
Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
Technology/Software/Amplifying
to share info on all aspects of using tech: Amplifying,...
Help Me Learn this Song
Need help learning to play a particular song? Let...
Public Domain... or Not?
Ever wanted to record or post that tune, but you just...
I have extra frets.....
This group is for those who have a 1 1/2 fret, an 8 1/2...
Home Studio Recording
Recording dulcimers, vocals and other instruments in the...
Call the Tune
"Call the Tune" is a place to post audio and video clips...
Four-Equidistant Strings
A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
Collector's Corner
A group where collectors of antique, vintage, or rare...
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...
Dulcimer Ancestors
Looking at some of the ancestors of the Mountain...
Box Dulcimers
A group for those who play, make, or admire all types of...
Early & Classical Music
For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
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...
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...
The Bass Dulcimer
This group is for anyone interested in sharing tips and...
Chromatic Dulcimers
For players who enjoy playing dulcimers with ALL the frets!
NorthEastern U.S. dulcimer...
For those of us who live in the northeastern United States.
Michigan Dulcimer Players...
All Players in Michigan
Challenged Players
A meeting place for players dealing with disabilities.
Virginia Dulcimer Players
Just thought it would be neet to know how many other...
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....
Baritone Dulcimer Players
A Group for discussing the unique aspects of playing...
California Dulcimer Dreamin'
For dulcimer players living in or just visiting California
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...
Florida Sunshine Dulcimer...
Florida Dulcimer Players
West Virginia players
A group just for dulcimer players in beautiful West...
Composing and Songwriting
Do you like composing original songs? Are you writing a...
Missouri Dulcimer Players
for all the Show Me State dulcimer players
North of the Lakes
for any MD players in Upper Canada (aka Ontario) and the...
FOTMD on the Road
Are your traveling, on vacation, on your way to a...
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...
Indiana Players
Welcome all dulcimer players in the state of Indiana!...
Latest Videos
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Showcase your music event or business here!
Showcase your music event or business here
![IMG_0109[1].jpg](https://fotmd.com/tennessee-jed/gallery/9670/IMG_0109[1].jpg "IMG_0109[1].jpg")
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Latest Forum Posts All
Are you playing on your...
Posted: Monday July 24 2017, 8:09 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Cardboard Dulcimer
Posted: Monday July 24 2017, 7:48 PM
By: @marg
By: @marg
Robert LeFever
Posted: Monday July 24 2017, 7:17 PM
By: @marg
By: @marg
bridge compensation
Posted: Monday July 24 2017, 6:30 PM
By: @Matt Berg
By: @Matt Berg
Fret Markers
Posted: Monday July 24 2017, 6:27 PM
By: @Matt Berg
By: @Matt Berg
Chinese Dulcimer Or Yangqin...
Posted: Monday July 24 2017, 2:02 PM
By: @marg
By: @marg
scalloped fretboard
Posted: Monday July 24 2017, 12:59 PM
By: @marg
By: @marg
Concert in Olney, England
Posted: Monday July 24 2017, 8:35 AM
By: @Dan Evans
By: @Dan Evans
Hollows in a dulcimer top...
Posted: Saturday July 22 2017, 5:12 PM
By: @Blondie
By: @Blondie
1985 Green River Dulcimer
Posted: Saturday July 22 2017, 8:28 AM
By: @Ken Hulme
By: @Ken Hulme
1978 Homer Ledford
Posted: Friday July 21 2017, 5:16 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
FOR SALE: Beautiful Tom...
Posted: Friday July 21 2017, 3:24 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
PRICE REDUCTION Probst all...
Posted: Friday July 21 2017, 2:44 PM
By: @Rick Probst
By: @Rick Probst
How to form a local...
Posted: Friday July 21 2017, 12:51 PM
By: @majajog
By: @majajog
Dulcimer Carry Case
Posted: Thursday July 20 2017, 8:44 PM
By: @Bob
By: @Bob
The Drifting Thread...
Posted: Thursday July 20 2017, 7:21 PM
By: @Ken Hulme
By: @Ken Hulme
Concert Ukulele
Posted: Thursday July 20 2017, 2:34 PM
By: @Lisa Golladay
By: @Lisa Golladay
Healthy Living- healthy...
Posted: Thursday July 20 2017, 10:56 AM
By: @robert schuler
By: @robert schuler
The Positive Thread...
Posted: Thursday July 20 2017, 9:35 AM
By: @dulcinina
By: @dulcinina
Tune You've Had The Most...
Posted: Wednesday July 19 2017, 9:02 AM
By: @Ken Hulme
By: @Ken Hulme
My first custom build
Posted: Monday July 17 2017, 9:33 PM
By: @Bob
By: @Bob
A Day with Wendy Songe (PA)...
Posted: Sunday July 16 2017, 10:34 PM
By: @Ginny Schott
By: @Ginny Schott
Hearts Of The Dulcimer...
Posted: Saturday July 15 2017, 12:36 AM
By: @Patricia Delich
By: @Patricia Delich
Does anyone recognize this...
Posted: Friday July 14 2017, 3:03 PM
By: @JenniferC
By: @JenniferC
DAA or DAD as primary tuning ?
Posted: Thursday July 13 2017, 10:28 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
The Gauges of the Strings
Posted: Wednesday July 12 2017, 7:34 AM
By: @joe sanguinette
By: @joe sanguinette
DulciFlute Book
Posted: Sunday July 9 2017, 9:22 PM
By: @Susie
By: @Susie
Show us your sound holes!
Posted: Sunday July 9 2017, 8:54 PM
By: @Susie
By: @Susie
Happy Anniversary!!
Posted: Saturday July 8 2017, 9:25 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Read the Site Rules
Our Welcome Wagon!
3 CHEERS to our Volunteer Greeters ...for making new members feel right at home:
Jim Fawcett
|
Rob Lackey
|
John Keane
|
Ken Longfield
|
Cynthia Wigington
|
Benjamin Barr
|
Single Instructor Events / Classifieds
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