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 in 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 player 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. 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.. and you'll be able to join in the fun. Click on different areas and links to get familiar with where things are. Questions about using the site?- ask them HERE . Don't be shy- 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
@steven-stroot
• 3 minutes ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "String spacing help, please":
Posted a response to "String spacing help, please":
"Thanks everyone for your thoughts and the great information. You guys always come through!"
@dan
• 58 minutes ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @ocean-daughter: Mystery dulcimer, perhaps from the 70's
Liked a forum discussions item created by @ocean-daughter: Mystery dulcimer, perhaps from the 70's
@gordon-hardy
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 0
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: The Albuquerque Mazurka (by Mark Gilston)
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: The Albuquerque Mazurka (by Mark Gilston)
@jacko
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 90
Posted a new Comment on Beginner players:
Posted a new Comment on Beginner players:
"Thank you to all who responded to my questions about my 1967 dulcimer! I will assume it has no special “Antique” value and move on to getting it playable."
@matt-berg
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "String spacing help, please":
Posted a response to "String spacing help, please":
"I have only built a few five string dulcimers, but have never doubled the bass string. Doubling the bass string gives way too much bass (I tried it once on..."
@kristinrichmond
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Left handed playing ":
Posted a response to "Left handed playing ":
"Thanks everyone! She does not seem to have a preference at this point, so we will give it a go and start with learning right handed. Thanks for all of the..."
@ken-hulme
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 90
Posted a new Comment on Beginner players:
Posted a new Comment on Beginner players:
"I was living in Colorado in 1967, and that's about the time I discovered dulcimers at Bud & Donna Ford's Cripple Creek Dulcimer Co. in Manitou Springs...."
@sam
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Left handed playing ":
Posted a response to "Left handed playing ":
"Ok, lets all just gang up on the old guy. Nice bunch ..."
@jost
• 9 hours ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @steven-stroot: Four string spacing pros and cons?
Liked a forum discussions item created by @steven-stroot: Four string spacing pros and cons?
@jost
• 10 hours ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @steven-stroot: String spacing help, please
Liked a forum discussions item created by @steven-stroot: String spacing help, please
@jost
• 10 hours ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @ocean-daughter: Mystery dulcimer, perhaps from the 70's
Liked a forum discussions item created by @ocean-daughter: Mystery dulcimer, perhaps from the 70's
@steven-berger
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @ocean-daughter: Mystery dulcimer, perhaps from the 70's
Liked a forum discussions item created by @ocean-daughter: Mystery dulcimer, perhaps from the 70's
@ken-longfield
• 15 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Mystery dulcimer, perhaps from the 70's":
Posted a response to "Mystery dulcimer, perhaps from the 70's":
"Interesting dulcimer, but I have no clue as to who the builder might be.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@robin-thompson
• 17 hours ago
• comments: 0
Liked a youtube item created by @randy-adams: Squirrel Hunters
Liked a youtube item created by @randy-adams: Squirrel Hunters
@mark-gilston
• 17 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a new YouTube video:
The Albuquerque Mazurka (by Mark Gilston)
The Albuquerque Mazurka (by Mark Gilston)
@ken-hulme
• 18 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "String spacing help, please":
Posted a response to "String spacing help, please":
"With the tuning head to your left, closest to you will be two melody strings, the first one is 1/8"in from the edge of the fretboard, the inner string 1/8"..."
@skip
• 19 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "String spacing help, please":
Posted a response to "String spacing help, please":
"It's probably going to be 1/8" from the sides to the outside strings, another 1/8" between doubled melody and bass strings and single middle string. The..."
@randy-adams
• 19 hours ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @ocean-daughter: Mystery dulcimer, perhaps from the 70's
Liked a forum discussions item created by @ocean-daughter: Mystery dulcimer, perhaps from the 70's
@steven-stroot
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "String spacing help, please":
Created a new forum topic "String spacing help, please":
"I'm the new guy here. I acquired a five string dulcimer as a restoration project. It's missing the nut and bridge so I have no idea what the string spacing..."
@john-c-knopf
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Mystery dulcimer, perhaps from the 70's":
Posted a response to "Mystery dulcimer, perhaps from the 70's":
"I haven't seen that sort of dulcimer before either. There are nice ones offered on Shop Goodwill Online from time to time.
I like to buy old dulcimer kits..."
@ocean-daughter
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Mystery dulcimer, perhaps from the 70's":
Posted a response to "Mystery dulcimer, perhaps from the 70's":
"Ken, I found it on shopgoodwill.com, the auction site. Goodwill organizations from all over the country sell on there. The seller was actually Missouri..."
@ken-hulme
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Mystery dulcimer, perhaps from the 70's":
Posted a response to "Mystery dulcimer, perhaps from the 70's":
"Haven't a clue as to the builder, but I love the flower-scroll tuning head. Where on the Goodwill site did you find it? What town/state? It has a certain..."
@robin-thompson
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Mystery dulcimer, perhaps from the 70's":
Posted a response to "Mystery dulcimer, perhaps from the 70's":
"That's a lovely instrument, one made by a person with a lot of skill. Enjoy! "
@charlie-in-ky
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @ocean-daughter: Mystery dulcimer, perhaps from the 70's
Liked a forum discussions item created by @ocean-daughter: Mystery dulcimer, perhaps from the 70's
@theresasc
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Mystery dulcimer, perhaps from the 70's":
Posted a response to "Mystery dulcimer, perhaps from the 70's":
"That is really nice looking, good find!"
@theresasc
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "My latest and greatest mountain dulcimer!":
Posted a response to "My latest and greatest mountain dulcimer!":
"ocean-daughter:
That's a beautiful dulcimer, and sounds lovely!
ocean-daughter:
That's a beautiful dulcimer, and sounds lovely! Thank you! I am really..."
@ocean-daughter
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "My latest and greatest mountain dulcimer!":
Posted a response to "My latest and greatest mountain dulcimer!":
"That's a beautiful dulcimer, and sounds lovely!"
@ocean-daughter
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Mystery dulcimer, perhaps from the 70's":
Created a new forum topic "Mystery dulcimer, perhaps from the 70's":
"I have this beautiful dulcimer, which I found on the Goodwill auction site. It is diatonic, so I'm guessing it's not very recent, but the style of the..."
@mr-woolery
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Jouhikko/Tagelharpa":
Posted a response to "Jouhikko/Tagelharpa":
"They are trickier to play than they look, for sure!
All of mine have 3 strings. That’s what I fell in love with and that’s what my favorite players use. If..."
@davisjames
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Liked a youtube item created by @randy-adams: Couple of Jesus Tunes
Liked a youtube item created by @randy-adams: Couple of Jesus Tunes
@noah-cline
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Liked a youtube item created by @randy-adams: Squirrel Hunters
Liked a youtube item created by @randy-adams: Squirrel Hunters
@strumelia
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Left handed playing ":
Posted a response to "Left handed playing ":
"Sam indignant about his emoji:"
@dan
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Jouhikko/Tagelharpa":
Posted a response to "Jouhikko/Tagelharpa":
"I've made several of these pieces. The only ones I can sorta play are the two strings."
@sam
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Left handed playing ":
Posted a response to "Left handed playing ":
"Thanks for all the really great advice and suggestions. The bridge is not slanted and I can regroove both the nut and bridge if Sadie opts to play left..."
@john-gribble
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @davisjames: Viney Flower,JJ Niles
Liked a youtube item created by @davisjames: Viney Flower,JJ Niles
@john-c-knopf
• 2 days ago
• comments: 90
Posted a new Comment on Beginner players:
Posted a new Comment on Beginner players:
"I haven't seen this particular builder's dulcimers before. Can't help you much, sorry."
@john-c-knopf
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Left handed playing ":
Posted a response to "Left handed playing ":
"I too am a leftie who has had no trouble at all learning and playing in the usual manner."
@mr-woolery
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Jouhikko/Tagelharpa":
Posted a response to "Jouhikko/Tagelharpa":
"I’m on to another jouhikko. The one in the previous clips was built without bass bar or sound post. Much as they were built up until about the 1970s, when..."
@dan
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Left handed playing ":
Posted a response to "Left handed playing ":
"I'm left handed but play right handed. Some folks can't! I let her try right handed for awhile...."
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 90
Posted a new Comment on Beginner players:
Posted a new Comment on Beginner players:
"You can see that someone later on added that 6.5 fret, right through the fret marker. "
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Left handed playing ":
Posted a response to "Left handed playing ":
"I and a ton of other lefties have no trouble playing 'right handed' instruments. Both hands have important jobs to do.
Switching the strings will make it..."
@dusty-turtle
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Left handed playing ":
Posted a response to "Left handed playing ":
"@kristinrichmond, you've received good advice so far. The first thing to figure out is if your daughter wants to play lefty. Have her play a little..."
@don-grundy
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Left handed playing ":
Posted a response to "Left handed playing ":
"I’m left handed. The left hand is the more active hand; moving; playing chords. The right hand is in place strumming or picking.
I think the usual..."
@jacko
• 2 days ago
• comments: 90
Posted a new Comment on Beginner players:
Posted a new Comment on Beginner players:
"Follow up message for information requested by Ken Hulme regarding my 1967 dulcimer. Hand printed builders card below one sound hole. “Mountain Dulcimer..."
@jost
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @kristinrichmond: Left handed playing
Liked a forum discussions item created by @kristinrichmond: Left handed playing
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Left handed playing ":
Posted a response to "Left handed playing ":
"Some left handed folks have no problem playing right handed. Let her give it a try. If that doesn't work, try restringing, but as Noah cautions, you may find..."
@noah-cline
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Left handed playing ":
Posted a response to "Left handed playing ":
"Mainly, the nut and bridge would need to be replaced so that the thinnest string (melody string) is closest to her. You might be able to get away with just..."
@kristinrichmond
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Left handed playing ":
Created a new forum topic "Left handed playing ":
"We are brand new to learning the dulcimer. My 8 year old daughter is left handed. Will we need to re-string for her? Any advice is appreciated! "
@bing-futch
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Updated a YouTube Video:
Dulcimerica Episode 602 - "Loch Lomond: Melody"
Dulcimerica Episode 602 - "Loch Lomond: Melody"
@bing-futch
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a new YouTube video:
Dulcimerica Episode 602 - "Loch Lomond: Melody"
Dulcimerica Episode 602 - "Loch Lomond: Melody"
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.
The Music Theory Corner
A Group to talk about Music Theory!
Rockin' in the Free World
A group for those of you who like to play music not...
Dulcimer Care & Maintenance
Tips, tricks and techniques to help care for your dulcimer.
Mountain Dulcimer History &...
Share historical information and resources on the...
Singing with the Dulcimer
Here's a group for those of us who are interested in...
Technology/Software/Amplifying
to share info on all aspects of using tech: Amplifying,...
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?
Four-Equidistant Strings
A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
I have extra frets.....
This group is for those who have a 1 1/2 fret, an 8 1/2...
Baritone & Bass Dulcimer...
A Group for discussing the unique aspects of playing...
Public Domain... or Not?
Ever wanted to record or post that tune, but you just...
Dulcimer teachers
Do you teach dulcimer? Are you helping others to learn?
Collector's Corner
A group where collectors of antique, vintage, or rare...
UK and European Mountain...
A group which hopefully allows players/makers in this...
Early & Classical Music
For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
Stick Dulcimers/Strumsticks
Regardless of what name you favor, this group is a...
Home Studio Recording
Recording dulcimers, vocals and other instruments in the...
Dulcimer Ancestors
Looking at some of the ancestors of the Mountain...
Box Dulcimers
A group for those who play, make, or admire all types...
Call the Tune
"Call the Tune" is a place to post audio and video...
Chromatic Dulcimers
For players who enjoy playing dulcimers with ALL the frets!
Civil War era music
For discussing music that was played around the time of...
Galax Dulcimer Lovers
Just a group to discuss all things Galax Dulcimer. Tips...
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...
Challenged Players
A meeting place for players dealing with disabilities.
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
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...
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...
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
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
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!...
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
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Showcase your music event or business here!
Showcase your music event or business here
![Vancouver[surviving,laugh]](https://fotmd.com/uploaded_audio/image/audio_image/1176/large/crop=auto)
Latest Forum Posts All
String spacing help, please
Posted: Sunday June 26 2022, 2:12 PM
By: @Steven Stroot
By: @Steven Stroot
Left handed playing
Posted: Sunday June 26 2022, 7:29 AM
By: @kristinrichmond
By: @kristinrichmond
Mystery dulcimer, perhaps...
Posted: Saturday June 25 2022, 11:04 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
My latest and greatest...
Posted: Saturday June 25 2022, 3:11 PM
By: @TheresaSC
By: @TheresaSC
Jouhikko/Tagelharpa
Posted: Saturday June 25 2022, 12:48 PM
By: @Mr. Woolery
By: @Mr. Woolery
Removable Magnetic Pickup...
Posted: Monday June 20 2022, 10:08 PM
By: @CajunJam
By: @CajunJam
For Sale: McSpadden...
Posted: Monday June 20 2022, 5:30 PM
By: @Wendell G
By: @Wendell G
For Sale: Bill Taylor...
Posted: Saturday June 18 2022, 3:35 PM
By: @Susie
By: @Susie
How Many Dulcimers Do You...
Posted: Saturday June 18 2022, 11:50 AM
By: @Susie
By: @Susie
Are these strings on the...
Posted: Friday June 17 2022, 8:14 PM
By: @Charlie in Ky
By: @Charlie in Ky
Healthy Living- healthy...
Posted: Wednesday June 15 2022, 9:11 PM
By: @Charlie in Ky
By: @Charlie in Ky
Turn Your Standard Mountain...
Posted: Wednesday June 15 2022, 9:05 AM
By: @Bing Futch
By: @Bing Futch
June 9 at 7 pm - MD...
Posted: Wednesday June 15 2022, 9:02 AM
By: @Bing Futch
By: @Bing Futch
Warren May Hourdrop Question
Posted: Tuesday June 14 2022, 11:44 AM
By: @Charlie in Ky
By: @Charlie in Ky
A Samuel F. Russell...
Posted: Tuesday June 14 2022, 9:03 AM
By: @Steven Berger
By: @Steven Berger
Somewhere Over the Rainbow
Posted: Monday June 13 2022, 9:21 PM
By: @Don Grundy
By: @Don Grundy
Table for Mt. Dulcimer
Posted: Sunday June 12 2022, 3:26 PM
By: @Melvoid
By: @Melvoid
For Sale Modern Mountain...
Posted: Saturday June 11 2022, 7:27 PM
By: @Blondie
By: @Blondie
Various Tunings
Posted: Wednesday June 8 2022, 3:31 PM
By: @Melvoid
By: @Melvoid
Any banjo players out there?
Posted: Tuesday June 7 2022, 12:02 PM
By: @Melvoid
By: @Melvoid
Clinch Mountain Backstep
Posted: Monday June 6 2022, 6:48 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
COVID and Nursing Home Visits
Posted: Monday June 6 2022, 10:27 AM
By: @Dorisma
By: @Dorisma
Slit in Strum Hollow? What...
Posted: Saturday June 4 2022, 9:11 AM
By: @Joe Madl
By: @Joe Madl
Citera - Hungarian folk...
Posted: Thursday June 2 2022, 8:23 PM
By: @strumandorpick
By: @strumandorpick
Tennessee Sweetie for sale
Posted: Tuesday May 31 2022, 7:37 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Gebhard Woods Dulcimer &...
Posted: Monday May 30 2022, 10:13 AM
By: @TheresaSC
By: @TheresaSC
Four string spacing pros...
Posted: Saturday May 28 2022, 4:09 PM
By: @Steven Stroot
By: @Steven Stroot
Kevin Roth interviews...
Posted: Wednesday May 25 2022, 11:50 AM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
(Monthly, Ohio) Germantown...
Posted: Wednesday May 25 2022, 11:39 AM
By: @Debbie Kopp Simpkins
By: @Debbie Kopp Simpkins
Read the Site Rules
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3 CHEERS to our Volunteer Greeters ...for making new members feel right at home :
Jim Fawcett 
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Ken Longfield 
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