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

John C. Knopf
@john-c-knopf • 7 minutes ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Optimum spacing for the two melody strings":
"Hello!  The generally-accepted spacing between melody strings is 1/8" or so.  It can be less, but there's a danger that the strings might touch each other..."
ggray
@ggray • 36 minutes ago • comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Optimum spacing for the two melody strings":
"Is there an optimum spacing for the two melody strings, or at least a minimum spacing that would avoid the strings vibrating and touching each other?  In..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • an hour ago • comments: 16
Posted a new Comment on @sandra-hehl:
"I have a Warren May dulcimer which I enjoy playing although I don't play it all that often. It is in the general rotation and not one of my regular players...."
Strumelia
@strumelia • 2 hours ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "(SOLD) Bonnie Carol - 2001 #321 Koa Dulcimer with Pickup":
"Thank you for your donation to FOTMD, Cheryl. That is one gorgeous dulcimer you sold!"
Cheryl James
@cheryl-james • 2 hours ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "(SOLD) Bonnie Carol - 2001 #321 Koa Dulcimer with Pickup":
"The dulcimer has sold.  Thank you"
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • 2 hours ago • comments: 1
Liked a photos item created by @luigi: Open Night Villingen Germany
Richard Streib
@richard-streib • 3 hours ago • comments: 16
Posted a new Comment on @sandra-hehl:
"Sandra, I had a Warren May dulcimer in the past and loved it. It was set up to play noter drone style. I sold it to a friend. My arthritic wrists and fingers..."
Richard Streib
@richard-streib • 3 hours ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @themusicaldabbler:
"Glad you joined TheMusicalDabbler. Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. This is a very welcoming and friendly community of great folks. Look around..."
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • 7 hours ago • comments: 1
Liked a photos item created by @luigi: Open Night Villingen Germany
Strumelia
@strumelia • 7 hours ago • comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on The 4 poster bed.:
"It's just awesome."
DavisJames
@davisjames • 7 hours ago • comments: 17
Liked a youtube item created by @steveh-2o: Tennessee Music Box - Old Joe Clark
DavisJames
@davisjames • 7 hours ago • comments: 0
Liked a youtube item created by @randy-adams: the Yoda Cakewalk This is
DavisJames
@davisjames • 7 hours ago • comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: Jingle Bells: a family Thanksgiving gathering
DavisJames
@davisjames • 8 hours ago • comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on The 4 poster bed.:
"Hi Strumelia...thank you(and Robin) for the positive comments.Strumelia,I think it's the mute on the fiddle bridge that's making it sound..."
TheMusicalDabbler
@themusicaldabbler • 9 hours ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @themusicaldabbler:
"Yes, Ken, and thank you! If I had realized my answers to those questions were going directly on my profile, I would have written more carefully I was..."
Strumelia
@strumelia • 11 hours ago • comments: 16
Posted a new Comment on @sandra-hehl:
"Sandra if you are asking the general membership for input, you should probably create a new thread in this forum about it:..."
sandra hehl
@sandra-hehl • 12 hours ago • comments: 16
Posted a new Comment on @sandra-hehl:
"I just got aWarren May dulcimer with a case. What are your experiences with this maker. Do you love it? Feedback appreciated!"
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 13 hours ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @themusicaldabbler:
"Welcome to FOTMD, The Musical Dabbler. It's good to have you aboard. I hope you know that hammered dulcimers and mountain dulcimers are to very different..."
Strumelia
@strumelia • 13 hours ago • comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on The 4 poster bed.:
"P.S. do i hear a recorder or low whistle in there too?"
Strumelia
@strumelia • 13 hours ago • comments: 5
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: The 4 poster bed.
Strumelia
@strumelia • 13 hours ago • comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on The 4 poster bed.:
"Wow I ADORE this!! Could not be more perfect. Even the fact of four stomps with four poster bed. What a great tune for a fun folk dance. Can't tell you how..."
Strumelia
@strumelia • 13 hours ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "1981 Jeremy Seeger Dulcimer ":
"There are many players these days however who look for and love the traditional style of dulcimer and dulcimer playing style. Personally, I hope this..."
Richard Streib
@richard-streib • yesterday • comments: 0
Posted a response to "1981 Jeremy Seeger Dulcimer ":
"Most current day mountain dulcimer players are more interested in an instrument which is built to play chords and or finger pick. Jeremy's dulcimers from the..."
Jud_in_VT
@jud-in-vt • yesterday • comments: 0
Posted a response to "1981 Jeremy Seeger Dulcimer ":
"Thanks for the comments, everyone. Yes, it's simple and elegant! It seems like this style of dulcimer is not really an in-demand instrument for playing, so..."
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "(SOLD) Bonnie Carol - 2001 #321 Koa Dulcimer with Pickup":
"What a lovely instrument!"
Ben Barr Jr
Ben Barr Jr
@benjamin-w-barr-jr • 2 days ago • comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Passing of John Clark Van Pelt, MD:
"Hi Jim, I did not see this until just now.  I wasn't aware of him or the Downeast Dulcimer group.  You just never know all that there is to know.   Ben"
Ben Barr Jr
@benjamin-w-barr-jr • 2 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @akacarole:
"Hi Carol, 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 dulcimer,..."
Ben Barr Jr
@benjamin-w-barr-jr • 2 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @catherine-tretheway:
"Hi Catherine, 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..."
Ben Barr Jr
@benjamin-w-barr-jr • 2 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @kayli:
"Hi Kayli, 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 dulcimer,..."
Ben Barr Jr
@benjamin-w-barr-jr • 2 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @don-patrick:
"Hi Don, 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 dulcimer,..."
Ben Barr Jr
@benjamin-w-barr-jr • 2 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @sabinafell:
"Hi Sabina, 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 dulcimer,..."
Ben Barr Jr
@benjamin-w-barr-jr • 2 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @jfox101:
"Hi J., 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 dulcimer, and..."
Cheryl James
@cheryl-james • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "(SOLD) Bonnie Carol - 2001 #321 Koa Dulcimer with Pickup":
"Offering a Bonnie Carol - 2001 #321 Koa Dulcimer with Pickup, 1.5 and 8.5 frets installed by Bonnie. Scale length is 25-1/4, sun sound holes, pearloid and..."
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • 2 days ago • comments: 5
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: The 4 poster bed.
Richard Streib
@richard-streib • 2 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @jfox101:
"Great to have you join, JFox101. Welcome  to the forum. This is a great place to advertise your uncle's dulcimers. Let us know if you need an help to get..."
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • 2 days ago • comments: 5
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: The 4 poster bed.
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • 2 days ago • comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on The 4 poster bed.:
"Jamie, what a cool tune and the stomps make it all even more fun! "
John W. McKinstry
@john-w-mckinstry • 2 days ago • comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @luigi: Reuben´s Train+Drums
DavisJames
@davisjames • 2 days ago • comments: 5
Created a new Audio File:
The 4 poster bed.
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 3 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @jfox101:
"Welcome to FOTMD, JFox101. It's good to have aboard even if it is only to pass along your uncle's dulcimers. I'm sure you will find good homes for them..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 3 days ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Emma´s Waltz Open Night Folkclub Villingen 2024:
"Thank you, Luigi, for sharing your performance at this wonderful event. It looks like everyone was enjoying themselves. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
Luigi
@luigi • 3 days ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Emma´s Waltz Open Night Folkclub Villingen 2024:
"Thanks for the likes and the nice comments. I organized the open night in our folk club and was on stage myself. Unfortunately, I only played one piece with..."
Phil Myers
@phil-myers • 3 days ago • comments: 4
Liked a youtube item created by @luigi: Emma´s Waltz Open Night Folkclub Villingen 2024
Jeannie
@jeannie • 3 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Confused about strings gauge reccomendations...":
"Second the suggestion to buy a number of single strings and experiment. It's what I did, and while it is a pain at first, it's the easiest way to find what..."
sabinafell
@sabinafell • 3 days ago • comments: 325
Posted a new Comment on @richard-streib:
"Thank you so much for the welcome and the info!"
sabinafell
@sabinafell • 3 days ago • comments: 481
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
"Thank you so much!"
Peter W.
@peter-w • 3 days ago • comments: 4
Liked a youtube item created by @luigi: Emma´s Waltz Open Night Folkclub Villingen 2024
MD_Swede
@md-swede • 3 days ago • comments: 0
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Per, the Blacksmith (Norwegian waltz)
DavisJames
@davisjames • 3 days ago • comments: 0
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Per, the Blacksmith (Norwegian waltz)

Join a Group!   All

Beginner players

Beginner players


Are you a brand new player? Join this group and ask all...
OLD STYLE Drone & Noter players

OLD STYLE Drone & Noter...


If you are an avid fan of the older traditional mountain...
Dulcimer Making

Dulcimer Making


A group for those building dulcimers or interested in...
Modern/Chord style Players

Modern/Chord style Players


Do you play chords and fret across all strings? Then...
Fingerpicking

Fingerpicking


A place to discuss fingerpicking styles of dulcimer...
Hymn and Worship Song Players

Hymn and Worship Song Players


a place to share the hymns and worship songs we are playing.
The Music Theory Corner

The Music Theory Corner


A Group to talk about Music Theory!
Dulcimer Care & Maintenance

Dulcimer Care & Maintenance


Tips, tricks and techniques to help care for your dulcimer.
Rockin' in the Free World

Rockin' in the Free World


A group for those of you who like to play music not...
Mountain Dulcimer History & Traditions

Mountain Dulcimer History &...


Share historical information and resources on the...
Technology/Software/Amplifying

Technology/Software/Amplifying


to share info on all aspects of using tech: Amplifying,...
Singing with the Dulcimer

Singing with the Dulcimer


Here's a group for those of us who are interested in...
Arranging/composing for Dulcimers

Arranging/composing for...


A group to discuss creating arrangements of songs and...
Baritone & Bass Dulcimer Players

Baritone & Bass Dulcimer...


A Group for discussing the unique aspects of playing...
Little Dulcimers

Little Dulcimers


Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
fans of Jean Ritchie

fans of Jean Ritchie


A group for those of us who have been inspired by...
Four-Equidistant Strings

Four-Equidistant Strings


A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
Help Me Learn this Song

Help Me Learn this Song


Need help learning to play a particular song? Let another...
I have extra frets.....

I have extra frets.....


This group is for those who have a 1 1/2 fret, an 8 1/2...
Public Domain... or Not?

Public Domain... or Not?


Ever wanted to record or post that tune, but you just...
Early & Classical Music

Early & Classical Music


For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
Dulcimer Therapy

Dulcimer Therapy


This group is dedicated to those that visit, or have a...
Home Studio Recording

Home Studio Recording


Recording dulcimers, vocals and other instruments in the...
Dulcimer teachers

Dulcimer teachers


Do you teach dulcimer? Are you helping others to learn?
Dulcimer Ancestors

Dulcimer Ancestors


Looking at some of the ancestors of the Mountain...
Stick Dulcimers/Strumsticks

Stick Dulcimers/Strumsticks


Regardless of what name you favor, this group is a...
UK and European Mountain Dulcimers

UK and European Mountain...


A group which hopefully allows players/makers in this...
Box Dulcimers

Box Dulcimers


A group for those who play, make, or admire all types...
Chromatic Dulcimers

Chromatic Dulcimers


For players who enjoy playing dulcimers with ALL the frets!
Galax Dulcimer Lovers

Galax Dulcimer Lovers


Just a group to discuss all things Galax Dulcimer. Tips...
Call the Tune

Call the Tune


"Call the Tune" is a place to post audio and video...
GIG TALK!

GIG TALK!


Do you play gigs? Tell us about your good and not-so-good...
Civil War era music

Civil War era music


For discussing music that was played around the time of...
Scrap/Recycled wood Dulcimer Challenge

Scrap/Recycled wood...


A group for those thrifty and creative folk who like to...
Challenged Players

Challenged Players


A meeting place for players dealing with disabilities.
Rosin the Bow!

Rosin the Bow!


Welcome to all who play music using a bow on any type of...
NorthEastern U.S. dulcimer players

NorthEastern U.S. dulcimer...


For those of us who live in the northeastern United States.
Virginia Dulcimer Players

Virginia Dulcimer Players


Just thought it would be neet to know how many other...
Prayers, Hugs, and Kindness

Prayers, Hugs, and Kindness


A group for private sharing and support, whether you are...
California Dulcimer Dreamin'

California Dulcimer Dreamin'


For dulcimer players living in or just visiting California
Texas Dulcimer Enthusiasts

Texas Dulcimer Enthusiasts


Howdy ya'll! Come on by for a cup o' joe and jammin....
6 string dulcimers

6 string dulcimers


Owning and playing a 6 string, regardless of tuning, and...
North Carolinians Plus

North Carolinians Plus


The Three Sides of North Carolina: Mountains / Piedmont /...
Kentucky Dulcimer Players

Kentucky Dulcimer Players


A group for any players from Kentucky where we can meet...
West Virginia players

West Virginia players


A group just for dulcimer players in beautiful West...
Florida Sunshine Dulcimer Group

Florida Sunshine Dulcimer...


Florida Dulcimer Players
Pacific Northwest Players

Pacific Northwest Players


For players who live in or have strong connections to the...
FOTMD on the Road

FOTMD on the Road


Are your traveling, on vacation, on your way to a...
Missouri Dulcimer Players

Missouri Dulcimer Players


for all the Show Me State dulcimer players
Indiana Players

Indiana Players


Welcome all dulcimer players in the state of Indiana!...
North of the Lakes

North of the Lakes


for any MD players in Upper Canada (aka Ontario) and the...
Arkansas Mtn Dulcimer Players

Arkansas Mtn Dulcimer Players


For those who live in Arkansas and love playing the...
AussieTalk!

AussieTalk!


For dulcimer players in Australia.-Be sure to create...
Site Moderators Group

Site Moderators Group


A private group to allow FOTMD moderators to communicate...

Latest Audio

  All
The 4 poster bed.
Champagne Waltz.
Emma´s Waltz
Elephant in the room.
Lost in the Woods
Mediaeval Noodle with Metronome
Jet's Piece
Departure
Minor Waltz
Pavane 2 experiment.
Deer at Dusk, a work-in-progress
Gorhoffedd Owain Cyfeiliog (Owain Cyfeiliog's Delight)
Malltraeth
Y Lili (The Lilly)
Belle Isle March
Drunken Captain.
Traveling Mercies - a work-in-progress, for PMOTPD
Our Foundling, a work-in-progress
Valse Clog de Peribonka.
Pelargir
The Indian's Lament.
Brown Eyed Janie
On East Mill Street (a work-in-progress)
Misty Mountain Moon
Sweet Yellows and Pinks
She Moved Through the Fair
Ble'r wyt ti'n myned? (Where are you going?)
Pwt ar y Bys
Y Deryn Pur
Recessional

Coming Events   All

Hindman Dulcimer Homecoming 2025 -(KY)

Hindman Dulcimer...


Thu Apr 24 2025

Latest gallery Photos   All

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Dulcimer Wedding 2.JPG
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JCCampbellFolkSchool.jpg

Latest Forum Posts   All

Optimum spacing for the two...

Posted: Thursday December 12 2024, 10:38 PM
By: @John C. Knopf

(SOLD) Bonnie Carol - 2001...

Posted: Thursday December 12 2024, 8:40 PM
By: @Strumelia

1981 Jeremy Seeger Dulcimer

Posted: Thursday December 12 2024, 9:15 AM
By: @Strumelia

Confused about strings...

Posted: Monday December 9 2024, 7:51 PM
By: @Jeannie

Jerry Rockwell Short Scale...

Posted: Monday December 9 2024, 1:03 PM
By: @Robin Thompson

WNCDC Free Emailed...

Posted: Sunday December 8 2024, 10:44 PM
By: @Steve Smith

Bowed Psaltery

Posted: Sunday December 8 2024, 2:57 PM
By: @Susie

Question about my Dulcimer Kit

Posted: Saturday December 7 2024, 11:11 PM
By: @Ken Longfield

Disappointed with customer...

Posted: Friday December 6 2024, 7:03 PM
By: @Strumelia

Dick Van Dyke.. at 99 years...

Posted: Friday December 6 2024, 5:44 PM
By: @Robin Thompson

How do I create a new forum...

Posted: Friday December 6 2024, 1:24 PM
By: @Ken Longfield

Wanted Original Clifford...

Posted: Tuesday December 3 2024, 7:25 PM
By: @John Petry

Custom James Jones Dulcimer...

Posted: Tuesday December 3 2024, 7:05 PM
By: @John Petry

Dulcimer Factory With Case...

Posted: Tuesday December 3 2024, 6:11 PM
By: @John Petry

Appalachian Dulcimer Museum

Posted: Saturday November 30 2024, 8:16 AM
By: @Jerry Posner

Chromatic Dulcimer is still...

Posted: Friday November 29 2024, 6:08 PM
By: @NateBuildsToys

Three Strings or Four ?

Posted: Thursday November 28 2024, 8:36 PM
By: @Strumelia

Roller Wound Strings on...

Posted: Thursday November 28 2024, 8:05 PM
By: @s11141827

Inner melody string flat by...

Posted: Wednesday November 27 2024, 6:28 PM
By: @Ken Longfield

Lil' Willie Dulcimer

Posted: Monday November 25 2024, 8:54 PM
By: @Strumelia

Pete Seeger

Posted: Monday November 25 2024, 9:37 AM
By: @Robin Thompson

Introduce Yourself!

Posted: Friday November 22 2024, 11:15 PM
By: @NateBuildsToys

Looking to buy a new dulcimer

Posted: Saturday November 16 2024, 7:23 PM
By: @NateBuildsToys

Silicone Free Furniture...

Posted: Friday November 15 2024, 9:47 PM
By: @robert schuler

Showing support for FOTMD ?

Posted: Friday November 15 2024, 1:57 PM
By: @Strumelia

Healthy Living- healthy...

Posted: Tuesday November 12 2024, 10:51 AM
By: @robert schuler

Peterson Strobo Clip tuner...

Posted: Sunday November 10 2024, 9:12 AM
By: @Robin Thompson

Looking fo a NH Pudge Pro

Posted: Wednesday November 6 2024, 6:19 PM
By: @jal

String guages for slide...

Posted: Monday November 4 2024, 3:31 PM
By: @pattyfromor

Folkcraft dulcimer,1993,...

Posted: Sunday November 3 2024, 2:43 AM
By: @gerardo1000

Read the Site Rules

Our Welcome Wagon!

3 CHEERS to our Volunteer Greeters ...for making new members feel right at home :

Jim Fawcett greeterjim.jpg Benjamin Barr greeterben.jpg
  Richard Streib RStreibwithdulcimer_2017_200px.jpg Ken Longfield greeterken.jpg
 

Single Instructor Events / Classifieds

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