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
@dusty-turtle
• 8 hours ago
• comments: 16
Posted a new Comment on Dulcimer Builder’s Books and References :
Posted a new Comment on Dulcimer Builder’s Books and References :
"Some folks who teach dulcimer to young children prefer zither pins for precisely that reason. Those little anxious finger fiddle too much with geared tuners..."
@john-c-knopf
• 12 hours ago
• comments: 16
Posted a new Comment on Dulcimer Builder’s Books and References :
Posted a new Comment on Dulcimer Builder’s Books and References :
"Ken asks some good questions to consider. Over in Hindman, Doug Naselroad mentioned to me that zither pins were just the thing to use on student dulcimers...."
@frank-dudgeon
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "David Olney, age 71 ":
Posted a response to "David Olney, age 71 ":
"I just saw this thread - afraid I've been away from FOTMD (and the dulcimer) for too long. I'm coming back to both.
I was very fortunate to talk with David..."
@robin-thompson
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Lucy Wise - Walking Out":
Posted a response to "Lucy Wise - Walking Out":
"Y'all are most welcome! I know I enjoyed watching. "
@frank-dudgeon
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Lucy Wise - Walking Out":
Posted a response to "Lucy Wise - Walking Out":
"Good stuff. Thanks for sharing this."
@ken-hulme
• 17 hours ago
• comments: 16
Posted a new Comment on Dulcimer Builder’s Books and References :
Posted a new Comment on Dulcimer Builder’s Books and References :
"Really nice idea. But... I don't think you'll find plans a Cardboard Dulcimer. They only cost $50-$75 -- the least expensive way to get a very playable..."
@alegre1
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "David Schnaufer":
Posted a response to "David Schnaufer":
"Thank you for the kind wishes ... If you ever saw David or would like to recall your first reaction to him as a musician, please let me know. I would love..."
@robin-thompson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "NPR piece about sound in the Hagia Sophia":
Posted a response to "NPR piece about sound in the Hagia Sophia":
"I'm glad you fellows liked the piece. I just listened to it again. Wow. "
@steven-berger
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Liked a photos item created by @bob: New member of the Presnell Dulcimer family
Liked a photos item created by @bob: New member of the Presnell Dulcimer family
@robin-thompson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "banjo and mountain dulcimer hybrid from Gary Gallier":
Created a new forum topic "banjo and mountain dulcimer hybrid from Gary Gallier":
"I love the tone of this instrument and the tune he plays. And it's cool to hear Gary discuss the build. "
@robin-thompson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Liked a photos item created by @bob: New member of the Presnell Dulcimer family
Liked a photos item created by @bob: New member of the Presnell Dulcimer family
@bob
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on New member of the Presnell Dulcimer family:
Posted a new Comment on New member of the Presnell Dulcimer family:
"Yes Strumelia, that is the one I made. Curly Maple and Lacewood. I think there are good pics of it here in FOTMD."
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on New member of the Presnell Dulcimer family:
Posted a new Comment on New member of the Presnell Dulcimer family:
"The dulcimer you made is the third one in the lineup Bob?"
@brian-mcc
• 2 days ago
• comments: 16
Posted a new Comment on Dulcimer Builder’s Books and References :
Posted a new Comment on Dulcimer Builder’s Books and References :
"I got a crazy idea the other day, A friend and I are going to be teaching a "how to draw/ paint" class at a local "sober" club house. ( retired addictions..."
@rob-n-lackey
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "David Schnaufer":
Posted a response to "David Schnaufer":
"About time somebody did that. Hope you get a lot of responses and a lot of good stories. "
@glenda-hubbard
• 3 days ago
• comments: 6
Liked a soundcloud item created by @robin-thompson: Mourning For Young Earnest mountain dulcimer and guitar
Liked a soundcloud item created by @robin-thompson: Mourning For Young Earnest mountain dulcimer and guitar
@robin-thompson
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "David Schnaufer":
Posted a response to "David Schnaufer":
"Hi! I'm one of the moderators here and for your own privacy, we encourage members to share private information such as phone numbers and email addresses..."
@robin-thompson
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @alegre1: David Schnaufer
Liked a forum discussions item created by @alegre1: David Schnaufer
@alegre1
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "David Schnaufer":
Created a new forum topic "David Schnaufer":
"Greetings fellow players. If you knew, played with or toured with David Schnaufer, especially in the late seventies through the eighties (or beyond) I would..."
@ferrator
• 3 days ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Goin' Home:
Posted a new Comment on Goin' Home:
"Thank you very much @John-Gribble!
I am constantly amazed at the generous and helpful nature of the people at FOTMD!"
@john-gribble
• 4 days ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Goin' Home:
Posted a new Comment on Goin' Home:
"I found P.D. scores in C and D flat here: https://imslp.org/wiki/Goin%27_Home_(Fisher%2C_William_Arms)
They might help you create a version beyond just..."
@dusty-turtle
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "NPR piece about sound in the Hagia Sophia":
Posted a response to "NPR piece about sound in the Hagia Sophia":
"That's really cool, Robin. Thanks for sharing that.
What is hard for us to imagine is the majesty of those large churches. Today we are used to massive..."
@robin-thompson
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "NPR piece about sound in the Hagia Sophia":
Created a new forum topic "NPR piece about sound in the Hagia Sophia":
"Put on your headphones and shut your eyes. :)..."
@marg
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Take a guess on who made this dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Take a guess on who made this dulcimer":
"Thanks Ken,
Yes, maybe wasn't noticed when action was higher but as it was lowered it became very noticeable.
I have taken care of the action on a..."
@ken-hulme
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Take a guess on who made this dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Take a guess on who made this dulcimer":
"ANY dulcimer that sits for more than a few days in the wrong environment can get frets popping up. Especially if coming from a very dry climate to a very..."
@robin-thompson
• 4 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on A new set of Mountain Dulcimers:
Posted a new Comment on A new set of Mountain Dulcimers:
"Such a pretty pair! "
@jim-fawcett
• 4 days ago
• comments: 6
Liked a soundcloud item created by @robin-thompson: Mourning For Young Earnest mountain dulcimer and guitar
Liked a soundcloud item created by @robin-thompson: Mourning For Young Earnest mountain dulcimer and guitar
@marg
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Take a guess on who made this dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Take a guess on who made this dulcimer":
" There was a label but no model #. It was made in the 80's and may have had the same strings on it. I took it to get new strings (I could have done that..."
@ken-longfield
• 5 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Take a guess on who made this dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Take a guess on who made this dulcimer":
"Yes, a Folkcraft, but I don't think it is a kit. The kits did not have that type of peg head.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@steven-berger
• 5 days ago
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Eck Robertson's Lost Indian
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Eck Robertson's Lost Indian
@steven-berger
• 5 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Babylon Is Fallen
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Babylon Is Fallen
@steven-berger
• 5 days ago
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Dever the Dancer (slip jig)
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Dever the Dancer (slip jig)
@strumelia
• 5 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Solid Walnut McSpadden for sale":
Posted a response to "Solid Walnut McSpadden for sale":
"Hello Art, our site requires that you do add one or more PHOTOS of this instrument to your for sale ad in order to have an ad here. You may have to reduce..."
@dusty-turtle
• 5 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dancing!...(feet as instrument)":
Posted a response to "Dancing!...(feet as instrument)":
"Yes, Aubrey's amazing. She has mastered every style of clog dancing and can do it while talking, singing, playing the fiddle, or playing the banjo. If I..."
@dusty-turtle
• 5 days ago
• comments: 13
Posted a new Comment on The Boys of Wexford:
Posted a new Comment on The Boys of Wexford:
"Thanks for your comments, Sam. I like this tune a lot. Supposedly some school children in Ireland sang it to President Kennedy when he visited the town."
@marg
• 5 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Take a guess on who made this dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Take a guess on who made this dulcimer":
"Thanks John,I have google Folkcraft teardrops and yes, you are right. I will contact the seller and go check it out.
"
@art-prior
• 5 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Solid Walnut McSpadden for sale":
Created a new forum topic "Solid Walnut McSpadden for sale":
"I am not playing this any longer, I have 2 that I built that are getting all my attention now. Thus is a solid walnut model 4SHWWE built in Jan 09 and signed..."
@marg
• 5 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Take a guess on who made this dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Take a guess on who made this dulcimer":
"it may have a label, I just haven't seen it yet, just the photo"
@john-c-knopf
• 5 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Take a guess on who made this dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Take a guess on who made this dulcimer":
"That is definitely from Folkcraft Instruments, however I'm not sure if it was assembled at the factory, or if somebody just assembled a kit. It would seem..."
@ferrator
• 5 days ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Goin' Home:
Posted a new Comment on Goin' Home:
"@Garret-Olberding : Thank you! I will give that a go! :)"
@marg
• 5 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Take a guess on who made this dulcimer":
Created a new forum topic "Take a guess on who made this dulcimer":
"looking at a dulcimer advertised with no info on who made walnut teardrop, - made USA in the late 1980’s, - purchased in North Carolina.
tuning pegs, white..."
@ken-hulme
• 5 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "":
Posted a response to "":
"There are quite a few "bowed dulcimers", played upright between the knees. Ken Bloom of Pilot Mountain, North Carolina is the major builder and promoter of..."
@ken-hulme
• 5 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dancing!...(feet as instrument)":
Posted a response to "Dancing!...(feet as instrument)":
"Check out any of Aubrey Atwater's youtube vids. I've seen her fiddle and clog and sing -- an "all in one" performer."
@garret-olberding
• 5 days ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Goin' Home:
Posted a new Comment on Goin' Home:
"Linda Brockington has tabbed out the "Largo" movement from Dvorak's 9th Symphony. She can be reached at linda.brockington@att.net."
@sam
• 5 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dancing!...(feet as instrument)":
Posted a response to "Dancing!...(feet as instrument)":
"Miss Strumelia, you are absolutely radient!
Feet as music: I remember well an appearance by Doug Kershaw on the Ed Sullivan show. He sang, played fiddle and..."
@dan
• 5 days ago
• comments: 6
Liked a soundcloud item created by @robin-thompson: Mourning For Young Earnest mountain dulcimer and guitar
Liked a soundcloud item created by @robin-thompson: Mourning For Young Earnest mountain dulcimer and guitar
@sam
• 5 days ago
• comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on Mourning for Young Ernest WIP:
Posted a new Comment on Mourning for Young Ernest WIP:
"Poor Ernest. Tune is somber and earnest though. Always love your 'slide' work with your noter. "
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...
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...
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...
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...
Dulcimer Therapy
This group is dedicated to those that visit, or have a...
Little Dulcimers
Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
Dulcimer teachers
Do you teach dulcimer? Are you helping others to learn?
Four-Equidistant Strings
A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
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...
UK and European Mountain...
A group which hopefully allows players/makers in this...
Home Studio Recording
Recording dulcimers, vocals and other instruments in the...
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,...
Call the Tune
"Call the Tune" is a place to post audio and video...
Dulcimer Ancestors
Looking at some of the ancestors of the Mountain...
GIG TALK!
Do you play gigs? Tell us about your good and not-so-good...
Civil War era music
For discussing music that was played around the time of...
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...
Chromatic Dulcimers
For players who enjoy playing dulcimers with ALL the frets!
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...
Prayers, Hugs, and Kindness
A group for private sharing and support, whether you are...
Challenged Players
A meeting place for players dealing with disabilities.
California Dulcimer Dreamin'
For dulcimer players living in or just visiting California
Virginia Dulcimer Players
Just thought it would be neet to know how many other...
NorthEastern U.S. dulcimer...
For those of us who live in the northeastern United States.
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 /...
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...
West Virginia players
A group just for dulcimer players in beautiful West...
Florida Sunshine Dulcimer...
Florida Dulcimer Players
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...
Indiana Players
Welcome all dulcimer players in the state of Indiana!...
AussieTalk!
For dulcimer players in Australia. -Be sure to create...
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
David Olney, age 71
Posted: Wednesday February 26 2020, 8:37 PM
By: @Frank Dudgeon
By: @Frank Dudgeon
Lucy Wise - Walking Out
Posted: Wednesday February 26 2020, 8:20 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
David Schnaufer
Posted: Tuesday February 25 2020, 11:13 PM
By: @Alegre1
By: @Alegre1
NPR piece about sound in...
Posted: Tuesday February 25 2020, 9:20 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
banjo and mountain dulcimer...
Posted: Tuesday February 25 2020, 6:22 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Take a guess on who made...
Posted: Sunday February 23 2020, 10:42 AM
By: @marg
By: @marg
Solid Walnut McSpadden for...
Posted: Saturday February 22 2020, 1:11 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Dancing!...(feet as...
Posted: Saturday February 22 2020, 12:32 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Any banjo players out there?
Posted: Friday February 21 2020, 6:46 PM
By: @Steven Berger
By: @Steven Berger
How do I add my new photo...
Posted: Friday February 21 2020, 10:57 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Airline Travel With a Dulcimer
Posted: Friday February 21 2020, 8:43 AM
By: @ZeeAviatrix
By: @ZeeAviatrix
Trying to get in touch with...
Posted: Monday February 17 2020, 8:08 PM
By: @Scott Collier
By: @Scott Collier
You know your dulcimer has...
Posted: Monday February 17 2020, 4:53 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Epinette
Posted: Friday February 14 2020, 7:40 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Finger picks that don't...
Posted: Friday February 14 2020, 5:22 PM
By: @Steve Smith
By: @Steve Smith
Introduce Yourself!
Posted: Thursday February 13 2020, 3:41 PM
By: @Buckeye67
By: @Buckeye67
Tinwhistle / penny whistles
Posted: Wednesday February 12 2020, 11:22 AM
By: @Buckeye67
By: @Buckeye67
Tell us about your VERY...
Posted: Wednesday February 12 2020, 11:00 AM
By: @Appalachiandreamer
By: @Appalachiandreamer
Show Us Your Pets!
Posted: Wednesday February 12 2020, 10:58 AM
By: @Buckeye67
By: @Buckeye67
Changing the order of posts...
Posted: Wednesday February 12 2020, 7:37 AM
By: @Scott Collier
By: @Scott Collier
L Wright covers D Schnaufer...
Posted: Tuesday February 11 2020, 2:15 AM
By: @Jill Geary
By: @Jill Geary
McSpadden T34-S 4-string...
Posted: Monday February 10 2020, 11:04 AM
By: @SkipII
By: @SkipII
For Sale, Bob Gerard Walnut...
Posted: Sunday February 9 2020, 10:14 PM
By: @Bob
By: @Bob
Hearts Of The Dulcimer...
Posted: Friday February 7 2020, 1:44 PM
By: @Patricia Delich
By: @Patricia Delich
The First Australian...
Posted: Friday February 7 2020, 7:47 AM
By: @Carla Maxwell
By: @Carla Maxwell
Can you help me ID this song?
Posted: Wednesday February 5 2020, 10:42 AM
By: @Blondie
By: @Blondie
I’m unable to explore the...
Posted: Tuesday February 4 2020, 11:35 PM
By: @Don Grundy
By: @Don Grundy
Homer Ledford, Bob Mize,...
Posted: Monday February 3 2020, 7:06 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Mountain dulcimer to sell
Posted: Monday February 3 2020, 2:16 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Problem With Buzzing Base...
Posted: Friday January 31 2020, 11:08 PM
By: @ZeeAviatrix
By: @ZeeAviatrix
Read the Site Rules
Our Welcome Wagon!
3 CHEERS to our Volunteer Greeters ...for making new members feel right at home :
Jim Fawcett 
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Rob Lackey 
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Richard Streib 
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Ken Longfield 
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Benjamin Barr 
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Single Instructor Events / Classifieds
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