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
@ken-longfield
• 11 minutes ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Country Gardens:
Posted a new Comment on Country Gardens:
"Dulcidom, that was a very nice rendition of Country Gardens. Thanks for sharing it.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@ken-longfield
• 13 minutes ago
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @dulcidom: Country Gardens
Liked a youtube item created by @dulcidom: Country Gardens
@ken-longfield
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Cardboard Dulcimer Recommendations":
Posted a response to "Cardboard Dulcimer Recommendations":
"You might talk with Richard Ash at Folkcraft to see if he would make custom kits for you. Folkcraft does make a chromatic dulcimer kit, but all the kits are..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @dave-shattuck: McSpadden Ginger
Liked a forum discussions item created by @dave-shattuck: McSpadden Ginger
@jost
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @kay-bolin: Cardboard Dulcimer Recommendations
Liked a forum discussions item created by @kay-bolin: Cardboard Dulcimer Recommendations
@davisjames
• 17 hours ago
• comments: 0
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Flow Gently Sweet Afton (American tune)
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Flow Gently Sweet Afton (American tune)
@shootrj2003
• 18 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Slots for frets loose":
Posted a response to "Slots for frets loose":
"Oh I used a small wood clam p for the press ,a hammer being uneccesary I will haveto rub in some more Tru oil on the fret board and despite checking several..."
@shootrj2003
• 18 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Slots for frets loose":
Posted a response to "Slots for frets loose":
"Well,I managed to fret and worked out well after all,the frets tang is smaller than I thought with the “ teeth “ .010 I’m measuring them right now so I..."
@dwain-wilder
• 19 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Cardboard Dulcimer Recommendations":
Posted a response to "Cardboard Dulcimer Recommendations":
"As a follow-up on Ken's note, if you intend to cut slots for frets, talk to the maker of your kit about which fret-wire to use, as there is a wide variety...."
@dave-shattuck
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "McSpadden Ginger":
Created a new forum topic "McSpadden Ginger":
"For sale, McSpadden Ginger. September build. Selling to cover costs of my newest one. Cherry/cherry, with micarta overlay on the fretboard, upgraded black..."
@ken-hulme
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Cardboard Dulcimer Recommendations":
Posted a response to "Cardboard Dulcimer Recommendations":
"All of the cardboard dulcimers I've seen have very precise fret spacing. With Folkcraft kits you don't have to cut the fret slots yourself (the critical..."
@phil-myers
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 2
Liked a music item created by @norm-williams: Wayfaring Stranger
Liked a music item created by @norm-williams: Wayfaring Stranger
@kay-bolin
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Cardboard Dulcimer Recommendations":
Created a new forum topic "Cardboard Dulcimer Recommendations":
"We are a group of 8 seniors playing dulcimers together. Several of us are interested in playing different dulcimers and are looking into purchasing..."
@dwain-wilder
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Slots for frets loose":
Posted a response to "Slots for frets loose":
"shootrj2003:
I cut my fret slots the saw cuts .031-.032 the frets I have are just about .030 so there is grab but they can be lifted out easy,will super..."
@homer-ross
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer Players News demise":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer Players News demise":
"I was sadden to learn that DPN was shutting down the publication at the end of 2024. Ashley is doing the right thing by honoring those who have a..."
@bing-futch
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a new YouTube video:
Dulcimerica Episode 634 - "Arirang"
Dulcimerica Episode 634 - "Arirang"
@ken-hulme
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Slots for frets loose":
Posted a response to "Slots for frets loose":
"As Ken sez, a little ordinary or thin superglue will work just fine. Ideally you'll find a fretwire source with a given tang width and buy a fretsaw with an..."
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Slots for frets loose":
Posted a response to "Slots for frets loose":
"Using super glue makes the frets a little harder to remove if you ever need to do that, but not impossible. I've used super glue, the thin kind, after..."
@shootrj2003
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Slots for frets loose":
Created a new forum topic "Slots for frets loose":
"I cut my fret slots the saw cuts .031-.032 the frets I have are just about .030 so there is grab but they can be lifted out easy,will super glue gel hold..."
@cindy-stammich
• yesterday
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Cuckoo's Nest:
Posted a new Comment on Cuckoo's Nest:
"This is a lot of fun Randy! Thank you for sharing!"
@cindy-stammich
• yesterday
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on Balm in Gilead Spiritual:
Posted a new Comment on Balm in Gilead Spiritual:
"What a wonderful hymn done beautifully! Your voice and your dulcimer compliment each other so well! Thank you for sharing a hymn that I was not familiar with!"
@john-w-mckinstry
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Wayfaring Stranger:
Posted a new Comment on Wayfaring Stranger:
"Beautifully done, Norm. This was spellbinding."
@studentofrhythm
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Wayfaring Stranger:
Posted a new Comment on Wayfaring Stranger:
"This is excellent."
@studentofrhythm
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Liked a music item created by @norm-williams: Wayfaring Stranger
Liked a music item created by @norm-williams: Wayfaring Stranger
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer Players News demise":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer Players News demise":
"I am stunned to learn of this. I have been thus far a one-time contributor with an article that I wrote on Dulcimer Association of Albany's yearly festival..."
@davisjames
• 2 days ago
• comments: 5
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Die Gedanken Sind Frei (My Thoughts are Free)
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Die Gedanken Sind Frei (My Thoughts are Free)
@dusty-turtle
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer Players News demise":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer Players News demise":
"This is sad news indeed. DPN served an obvious need for several decades. But since we can now interact, share, teach, and learn online in real time and..."
@strumelia
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @ken-longfield: Dulcimer Players News demise
Liked a forum discussions item created by @ken-longfield: Dulcimer Players News demise
@strumelia
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer Players News demise":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer Players News demise":
"Well stated Ken.
Wishing all the best for the folks involved. Times have really changed profoundly. Sad to see this worthy magazine come to an end. What a..."
@david-bennett
• 3 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Today In Mountain Dulcimer History: February:
Posted a new Comment on Today In Mountain Dulcimer History: February:
"Bump
Today In Mountain Dulcimer History: February..."
@mark-gilston
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Updated a YouTube Video:
Flow Gently Sweet Afton (American tune)
Flow Gently Sweet Afton (American tune)
@mark-gilston
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a new YouTube video:
Flow Gently Sweet Afton (American tune)
Flow Gently Sweet Afton (American tune)
@davisjames
• 3 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Miss McLeod's Reel:
Posted a new Comment on Miss McLeod's Reel:
"That's amazing.Emile Benoit in S.W.NL played this almost note for note it seems.Which begs the question,"How did a french-speaking Newfoundlander from the..."
@davisjames
• 3 days ago
• comments: 4
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: Help Somebody Today
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: Help Somebody Today
@davisjames
• 3 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Great High Mountain :
Posted a new Comment on Great High Mountain :
"That is so cool!Does that dulcimer have frets?I started thinking about it a couple days ago,wondering how a dulcimer would be without frets[I've tried using..."
@davisjames
• 3 days ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Die Gedanken Sind Frei (My Thoughts are Free):
Posted a new Comment on Die Gedanken Sind Frei (My Thoughts are Free):
"That's delightful!"
@davisjames
• 3 days ago
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @gregg-schneeman: "Ak Toti, Vana Androks!" on Hummel
Liked a youtube item created by @gregg-schneeman: "Ak Toti, Vana Androks!" on Hummel
@robin-thompson
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer Players News demise":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer Players News demise":
"Ashley is a wonderful person and I wish her all the best as finishes out her tenure at the helm of DPN! "
@ken-longfield
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Dulcimer Players News demise":
Created a new forum topic "Dulcimer Players News demise":
"On Facebook today, 01 February 2023, Ashley Ernst announced that DPN will cease publication in 2024. She did not give a volume or issue number, but I..."
@gordon-hardy
• 3 days ago
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on Balm in Gilead Spiritual:
Posted a new Comment on Balm in Gilead Spiritual:
"This is a beautiful rendition John and lovely sound from that dulcimer. Thank you."
@dulcidom
• 3 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on "Ak Toti, Vana Androks!" on Hummel:
Posted a new Comment on "Ak Toti, Vana Androks!" on Hummel:
"Nice tune on a nice instrument ! Thanks for sharing."
@dulcidom
• 3 days ago
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @gregg-schneeman: "Ak Toti, Vana Androks!" on Hummel
Liked a youtube item created by @gregg-schneeman: "Ak Toti, Vana Androks!" on Hummel
@randy-adams
• 3 days ago
• comments: 7
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: Balm in Gilead Spiritual
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: Balm in Gilead Spiritual
@strumelia
• 3 days ago
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on Balm in Gilead Spiritual:
Posted a new Comment on Balm in Gilead Spiritual:
"So lovely. Thank you for all the beautiful hymns and songs you share with us."
@strumelia
• 3 days ago
• comments: 7
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: Balm in Gilead Spiritual
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: Balm in Gilead Spiritual
@gregg-schneeman
• 3 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on "Ak Toti, Vana Androks!" on Hummel:
Posted a new Comment on "Ak Toti, Vana Androks!" on Hummel:
"I've been busy making lots of Bowed Psaltery videos, lately 30 or so Latvian tunes some of which I intend to "Dulcimerize". Any Kokle players in Southern..."
@gregg-schneeman
• 3 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new YouTube video:
"Ak Toti, Vana Androks!" on Hummel
"Ak Toti, Vana Androks!" on Hummel
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...
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...
Four-Equidistant Strings
A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
Dulcimer Therapy
This group is dedicated to those that visit, or have a...
I have extra frets.....
This group is for those who have a 1 1/2 fret, an 8 1/2...
Little Dulcimers
Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
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...
Early & Classical Music
For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
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...
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...
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...
Chromatic Dulcimers
For players who enjoy playing dulcimers with ALL the frets!
Call the Tune
"Call the Tune" is a place to post audio and video...
Galax Dulcimer Lovers
Just a group to discuss all things Galax Dulcimer. Tips...
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...
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 /...
6 string dulcimers
Owning and playing a 6 string, regardless of tuning, and...
Kentucky Dulcimer Players
A group for any players from Kentucky where we can meet...
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...
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
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Latest Forum Posts All
Cardboard Dulcimer...
Posted: Friday February 3 2023, 9:34 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Slots for frets loose
Posted: Friday February 3 2023, 5:07 PM
By: @shootrj2003
By: @shootrj2003
McSpadden Ginger
Posted: Friday February 3 2023, 2:42 PM
By: @Dave shattuck
By: @Dave shattuck
Dulcimer Players News demise
Posted: Friday February 3 2023, 9:12 AM
By: @Homer Ross
By: @Homer Ross
Jethro Amburgey #110
Posted: Wednesday February 1 2023, 9:16 AM
By: @John Gribble
By: @John Gribble
W. Martin Dulcimer History
Posted: Tuesday January 31 2023, 10:41 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Bing Futch...
Posted: Tuesday January 31 2023, 8:48 AM
By: @Bing Futch
By: @Bing Futch
confusing fret layout
Posted: Tuesday January 31 2023, 2:21 AM
By: @Dwain Wilder
By: @Dwain Wilder
Introduce Yourself!
Posted: Tuesday January 31 2023, 1:47 AM
By: @shootrj2003
By: @shootrj2003
Hearts of the Dulcimer...
Posted: Monday January 30 2023, 8:16 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Bonnie Carol dulcimer for...
Posted: Sunday January 29 2023, 3:44 PM
By: @Carmen Armstrong
By: @Carmen Armstrong
Stanley Hicks / David Love...
Posted: Wednesday January 25 2023, 3:19 PM
By: @Banjimer
By: @Banjimer
Wanted: Case for a Galax...
Posted: Monday January 23 2023, 8:28 AM
By: @Susie
By: @Susie
2003 Performance model Kurt...
Posted: Saturday January 21 2023, 8:43 PM
By: @Thomas Paquette
By: @Thomas Paquette
A stolen Rolling Stones...
Posted: Tuesday January 17 2023, 10:02 PM
By: @jp
By: @jp
CBS piece on Troublesome...
Posted: Tuesday January 17 2023, 7:37 PM
By: @Dan
By: @Dan
Tab or chords needed for We...
Posted: Tuesday January 17 2023, 1:23 PM
By: @Art S
By: @Art S
to get chromatic or not
Posted: Monday January 16 2023, 1:36 PM
By: @John C. Knopf
By: @John C. Knopf
Kind of like, "Where's Waldo?"
Posted: Sunday January 15 2023, 6:29 PM
By: @Alegre1
By: @Alegre1
Dulcimer Tuning Pegs for Sale
Posted: Saturday January 14 2023, 2:59 PM
By: @Richard Streib
By: @Richard Streib
Looking to Upgrade/Add to...
Posted: Monday January 9 2023, 1:06 PM
By: @Dwain Wilder
By: @Dwain Wilder
New Year's Resolution:...
Posted: Sunday January 8 2023, 6:54 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
New biography of David...
Posted: Saturday January 7 2023, 12:58 PM
By: @KLKD
By: @KLKD
Sarah Kate on mountain...
Posted: Friday January 6 2023, 11:45 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Loop Pedal 101: The Basics...
Posted: Thursday January 5 2023, 1:45 PM
By: @Bing Futch
By: @Bing Futch
International Appalachian...
Posted: Wednesday January 4 2023, 11:04 PM
By: @Alegre1
By: @Alegre1
The Positive Thread...
Posted: Wednesday January 4 2023, 9:33 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Recommendations for best...
Posted: Tuesday January 3 2023, 8:57 PM
By: @jal
By: @jal
Folkcraft LAP-JO For Sale
Posted: Tuesday January 3 2023, 11:33 AM
By: @Jim Phillips
By: @Jim Phillips
Rest in Peace, Gwen Caeli
Posted: Monday January 2 2023, 2:09 AM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Read the Site Rules
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