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

Paula Brawdy
@paula-brawdy • 13 hours ago • comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Don Neuhauser dulcibro !! ":
"I have 2 Don Neuhauser Dulcibro’s and decided to sell one!!i love the sound!  I play as a mtn dulcimer however it comes with a nut extender which lifts the..."
DavisJames
@davisjames • 15 hours ago • comments: 5
Liked a youtube item created by @dusty-turtle: Safe Haven (original)
Dusty Turtle
@dusty-turtle • 15 hours ago • comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Safe Haven (original):
"Thanks so much, @Rob-N-Lackey and @Ariane.  I'm glad you enjoyed the tune. And I love my McCafferty dulcimer.  Terry is making some now with not only an..."
John W. McKinstry
@john-w-mckinstry • 15 hours ago • comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Mr. Rabbit, Mr. Rabbit:
"Thanks, Ariane!.  It's so good to hear from you.  I appreciate your comments and those of others. I am glad this video has been enjoyed. John"
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • 16 hours ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
"@ariane Your music & your friendship bring joy to us!  I'll keep my eyes open for postings from around the world for IADD!  "
Ariane
@ariane • 16 hours ago • comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Metamorphosis:
"Thank you very much, dear Robin, Benjamin and Dulcidom - I am very happy that you like it."
Ariane
@ariane • 16 hours ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Elizabeth MacDermott Roe - Carolan (1670-1738):
"Very beautiful playing and arrangement - c`était très bien"
Ariane
@ariane • 16 hours ago • comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Branle d´Ecosse:
"Klingt toll, lieber Martin"
Ariane
@ariane • 16 hours ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Captain Kidd/Jack or Sam Hall:
"Beautiful tune and playing, Nate"
Ariane
@ariane • 16 hours ago • comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on For Ireland I’d Not Tell Her Name:
"Very beautiful, Lisa "
Ariane
@ariane • 16 hours ago • comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Mr. Rabbit, Mr. Rabbit:
"This is just wonderful, John"
Ariane
@ariane • 16 hours ago • comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Safe Haven (original):
"Your composition and playing is very beautiful, dear Dusty - by the way you have a wonderfully sounding and looking dulcimer!"
Ariane
@ariane • 16 hours ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
"@Alegre1 - Thank you so much for this lovely video - I have just watched it and enjoyed it very much. @Robin & Mark - I am very much looking forward to..."
Phil Myers
@phil-myers • 18 hours ago • comments: 5
Liked a youtube item created by @dusty-turtle: Safe Haven (original)
Rob N Lackey
@rob-n-lackey • 19 hours ago • comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Safe Haven (original):
"Sounds good DT.... Not just the McCafferty but the tune and your playing of it!"
Bing Futch
@bing-futch • 20 hours ago • comments: 0
Posted a new YouTube video:
Dulcimerica Episode 641 - "Retreat Pt. 4"
John C. Knopf
@john-c-knopf • 20 hours ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Change out friction pegs?":
"Yes, the manufacturers offer different sizes.  Just select ones that are the proper size.  I know of three manufacturers-- Knilling (Perfection pegs),..."
Strumelia
@strumelia • 20 hours ago • comments: 5
Liked a youtube item created by @dusty-turtle: Safe Haven (original)
Dusty Turtle
@dusty-turtle • yesterday • comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Safe Haven (original):
"Thanks for your encouragement, Robin.  I have to admit that I'm pretty pleased with this arrangement myself."
Strumelia
@strumelia • yesterday • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Change out friction pegs?":
"Or, the geared tuners in viola size. Violin sized tuners might only look natural on smaller dulcimers. Check the sizes of the tuners and the instrument."
Ken Hulme
@ken-hulme • yesterday • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Change out friction pegs?":
"I agree with John,  If you want that traditional look go with Perfection geared violin pegs.  Simple to install."
John C. Knopf
@john-c-knopf • yesterday • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Change out friction pegs?":
"I have had good results using Perfection geared violin pegs by Knilling.  The tuning action is very smooth for those suffering from arthritis or other hand..."
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • yesterday • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Change out friction pegs?":
"A friend of mine recently had nice ukulele geared tuners put on a Jeffreys instrument and was happy with the result. "
strumandorpick
@strumandorpick • yesterday • comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Change out friction pegs?":
"I recently purchased an A.W. Jeffreys dulcimer from 1967 (I think - serial # 993). Although I wanted a very traditional style instrument, I am having trouble..."
NateBuildsToys
@nate • yesterday • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Diddleybow Hiking Pole:
"Jergen: How does that one sound? Is it worth trying to build one myself? Hey Jergen. Sadly I can't record it as it has since broken.The answer depends..."
Jergen
@jergen • yesterday • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Diddleybow Hiking Pole:
"How does that one sound? Is it worth trying to build one myself?"
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • 2 days ago • comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Safe Haven (original):
"Wonderfully composed & played, Dusty!  "
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • 2 days ago • comments: 5
Liked a youtube item created by @dusty-turtle: Safe Haven (original)
Strumelia
@strumelia • 2 days ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on An Original Polska from Mark Gilston:
"Like Nate, I love the tone of your playing on this little instrument. It reminds me of French epinette playing!"
John W. McKinstry
@john-w-mckinstry • 2 days ago • comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Mr. Rabbit, Mr. Rabbit:
"Thanks, Strumelia.  This rabbit just came out of a hat and so I painted him. I have to admit that like the Gingerbread Boy, I was surprised when he came to..."
Mark Gilston
@mark-gilston • 2 days ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on An Original Polska from Mark Gilston:
"Strumelia: Lovely tune, Mark! Btw... I find it fascinating to watch the economy of movement in your right picking hand, meanwhile your left fretting..."
Strumelia
@strumelia • 2 days ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on An Original Polska from Mark Gilston:
"Lovely tune, Mark! Btw... I find it fascinating to watch the economy of movement in your right picking hand, meanwhile your left fretting hand is making..."
Strumelia
@strumelia • 2 days ago • comments: 4
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: An Original Polska from Mark Gilston
Strumelia
@strumelia • 2 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Get Out of the Kitchen While I Cook:
"...And did you make a bundt cake after playing this tune so well? "
Strumelia
@strumelia • 2 days ago • comments: 3
Liked a youtube item created by @nate: Get Out of the Kitchen While I Cook
Strumelia
@strumelia • 2 days ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Elizabeth MacDermott Roe - Carolan (1670-1738):
"So lilting and lovely. I too enjoyed the description, and the richness of the 'cello towards the end."
Strumelia
@strumelia • 2 days ago • comments: 4
Liked a youtube item created by @dulcidom: Elizabeth MacDermott Roe - Carolan (1670-1738)
Strumelia
@strumelia • 2 days ago • comments: 4
Liked a youtube item created by @nate: Captain Kidd/Jack or Sam Hall
Strumelia
@strumelia • 2 days ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Captain Kidd/Jack or Sam Hall:
"Wonderful, it has that loping 'old western prairie' kind of sound to it. I especially like seeing the very old lyrics there."
Strumelia
@strumelia • 2 days ago • comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Mr. Rabbit, Mr. Rabbit:
"This shows how a song can be a true Delight, no matter how simple its melody or lyrics are. Perfectly done John, and I just know you painted the pretty..."
Strumelia
@strumelia • 2 days ago • comments: 8
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: Mr. Rabbit, Mr. Rabbit
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Gary Sager":
"Strumelia: Robin, that was a sweet box dulcimer!   It's a great instrument-- Gary made fantastic instruments.    "
Strumelia
@strumelia • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Gary Sager":
"Robin, that was a sweet box dulcimer!"
dulcidom
@dulcidom • 2 days ago • comments: 5
Liked a youtube item created by @dusty-turtle: Safe Haven (original)
Dusty Turtle
@dusty-turtle • 2 days ago • comments: 5
Posted a new YouTube video:
Safe Haven (original)
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Gary Sager":
"Gary made wonderful box dulcimers and called them Prussia Valley Music Boxes because they weren't reproductions of Tennessee Music Boxes yet paid homage to..."
Ken Hulme
@ken-hulme • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Info needed Ken Rice":
"Flint-Hill is indeed an Educational Working Farm in Lehigh County, PA.  No mention on their site of Ken Rice (or any other individuals for that matter)."
folkfan
@folkfan • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Info needed Ken Rice":
"Thanks so.  Is Flint Hill the name of a farm?  "
Strumelia
@strumelia • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Info needed Ken Rice":
"Hi Keigh,@flint-hill Ken's FOTMD page is here..."
folkfan
@folkfan • 3 days ago • comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Info needed Ken Rice":
"I'm hoping someone here can help me. I'm looking for a Ken Rice who sent a dulcimer to Dave Lynch for repair. The family is trying to get it back to..."

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...
Fingerpicking

Fingerpicking


A place to discuss fingerpicking styles of dulcimer...
Modern/Chord style Players

Modern/Chord style Players


Do you play chords and fret across all strings? Then...
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!
Rockin' in the Free World

Rockin' in the Free World


A group for those of you who like to play music not...
Dulcimer Care & Maintenance

Dulcimer Care & Maintenance


Tips, tricks and techniques to help care for your dulcimer.
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...
fans of Jean Ritchie

fans of Jean Ritchie


A group for those of us who have been inspired by...
Help Me Learn this Song

Help Me Learn this Song


Need help learning to play a particular song? Let...
Four-Equidistant Strings

Four-Equidistant Strings


A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
Dulcimer Therapy

Dulcimer Therapy


This group is dedicated to those that visit, or have a...
Little Dulcimers

Little Dulcimers


Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
I have extra frets.....

I have extra frets.....


This group is for those who have a 1 1/2 fret, an 8 1/2...
Baritone & Bass Dulcimer Players

Baritone & Bass Dulcimer...


A Group for discussing the unique aspects of playing...
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,...
Collector's Corner

Collector's Corner


A group where collectors of antique, vintage, or rare...
UK and European Mountain Dulcimers

UK and European Mountain...


A group which hopefully allows players/makers in this...
Dulcimer teachers

Dulcimer teachers


Do you teach dulcimer? Are you helping others to learn?
Stick Dulcimers/Strumsticks

Stick Dulcimers/Strumsticks


Regardless of what name you favor, this group is a...
Home Studio Recording

Home Studio Recording


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

Dulcimer Ancestors


Looking at some of the ancestors of the Mountain...
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!
Call the Tune

Call the Tune


"Call the Tune" is a place to post audio and video...
Galax Dulcimer Lovers

Galax Dulcimer Lovers


Just a group to discuss all things Galax Dulcimer. Tips...
Civil War era music

Civil War era music


For discussing music that was played around the time of...
GIG TALK!

GIG TALK!


Do you play gigs? Tell us about your good and not-so-good...
Scrap/Recycled wood Dulcimer Challenge

Scrap/Recycled wood...


A group for those thrifty and creative folk who like to...
Rosin the Bow!

Rosin the Bow!


Welcome to all who play music using a bow on any type...
Challenged Players

Challenged Players


A meeting place for players dealing with disabilities.
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
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...
Texas Dulcimer Enthusiasts

Texas Dulcimer Enthusiasts


Howdy ya'll! Come on by for a cup o' joe and jammin....
North Carolinians Plus

North Carolinians Plus


The Three Sides of North Carolina: Mountains / Piedmont /...
6 string dulcimers

6 string dulcimers


Owning and playing a 6 string, regardless of tuning, and...
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...
Pacific Northwest Players

Pacific Northwest Players


For players who live in or have strong connections to the...
Florida Sunshine Dulcimer Group

Florida Sunshine Dulcimer...


Florida Dulcimer Players
Missouri Dulcimer Players

Missouri Dulcimer Players


for all the Show Me State dulcimer players
FOTMD on the Road

FOTMD on the Road


Are your traveling, on vacation, on your way to a...
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...

Showcase your music event or business here!

Showcase your music event or business here

Latest Audio

  All
Grace.
Perpetual Motion
Partons,la mer est belle.
Dorwinion (version 3) - practice
New Year Carol (Benjamin Britten)
Uncle Joe
Answer to a Lost Song
Wele gwawriodd dydd i’w gofio
Morag of Dunvegan
Scarborough Fair
Shady Grove
A Jig
Blow Ye Wind
Bonaparte's Retreat
Bright shines the Moon.
Lament for Owen Roe O'Neill(Carolan)
Trust and Obey
Ffarwel fo i Langyfelach lon
Mynwent Eglwys
Ffarwel i Aberystwyth
Dorwinion (version 1)
Leaving Home For Good
Hangman's Waltz.
Ariel
We're Floating Down the Stream of Time
Silly Bill
Hold On, (Keep your hand to the plow)
Wildwood Flower
Simple Gifts
When I first went to Caledonia.

Coming Events   All

4-Equidistant Dulcimer Day -(online)

4-Equidistant Dulcimer...


Sat Mar 11 2023

Latest gallery Photos   All

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mim 2.jpg
mim1.jpg
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Latest Forum Posts   All

Don Neuhauser dulcibro !!

Posted: Friday March 24 2023, 3:22 PM
By: @Paula Brawdy

International Appalachian...

Posted: Friday March 24 2023, 12:44 PM
By: @Robin Thompson

Change out friction pegs?

Posted: Friday March 24 2023, 8:29 AM
By: @John C. Knopf

Gary Sager

Posted: Thursday March 23 2023, 9:43 AM
By: @Robin Thompson

Info needed Ken Rice

Posted: Wednesday March 22 2023, 6:06 PM
By: @Ken Hulme

How Old is This Dulcimer...

Posted: Wednesday March 22 2023, 10:35 AM
By: @John C. Knopf

Lee Zangari in Boston May 12

Posted: Wednesday March 22 2023, 10:29 AM
By: @angelm

Your Dulcimer Audience

Posted: Friday March 17 2023, 4:45 PM
By: @Robin Thompson

Dulcimer Players News demise

Posted: Thursday March 16 2023, 4:25 PM
By: @Ken Hulme

Benefits of longer VSL?

Posted: Thursday March 16 2023, 1:04 PM
By: @Randy Adams

Kora

Posted: Wednesday March 15 2023, 3:07 PM
By: @NateBuildsToys

Question about Blue Lion...

Posted: Wednesday March 15 2023, 9:10 AM
By: @Ken Longfield

Left handed playing

Posted: Wednesday March 15 2023, 4:43 AM
By: @NateBuildsToys

How to re-glue a bridge

Posted: Monday March 13 2023, 8:20 PM
By: @Holly Tannen

Posted: Monday March 13 2023, 5:02 AM
By: @Fred-Kess

Posted: Sunday March 12 2023, 10:49 PM
By: @Ken Hulme

How do I know what key I'm in?

Posted: Sunday March 12 2023, 10:49 PM
By: @Strumelia

Harmonica?

Posted: Sunday March 12 2023, 10:39 PM
By: @NateBuildsToys

Slots for frets loose

Posted: Sunday March 12 2023, 9:46 PM
By: @NateBuildsToys

Posted: Sunday March 12 2023, 5:31 PM
By: @Wally Venable

Dave Lynch Harpmaker passing

Posted: Sunday March 12 2023, 5:04 PM
By: @Richard Streib

Pick noise

Posted: Sunday March 12 2023, 4:38 PM
By: @Kendra Ward

Darcyhorse Dulcimers

Posted: Saturday March 11 2023, 9:37 PM
By: @Michael Willey

John Crocker

Posted: Thursday March 9 2023, 5:02 PM
By: @Ken Longfield

Bing Futch...

Posted: Thursday March 9 2023, 3:12 PM
By: @Dave Boyt

How to Convert guitar tab...

Posted: Monday March 6 2023, 4:48 PM
By: @NateBuildsToys

Search for a tab of "Let...

Posted: Saturday March 4 2023, 8:37 AM
By: @jimws

Mcspadden ginger

Posted: Saturday March 4 2023, 7:09 AM
By: @Lorraine

Liquid Electrical Tape

Posted: Friday March 3 2023, 6:06 PM
By: @Dan

Archive of original...

Posted: Wednesday March 1 2023, 9:31 AM
By: @Strumelia

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Our Welcome Wagon!

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

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

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