Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer!
Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer is the most active and extensive online site for Appalachian Mountain Dulcimers and players on the internet today. 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.
So 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
@marc-mathieu
• an hour ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Everything Dulcimer - Closing Down.":
Posted a response to "Everything Dulcimer - Closing Down.":
"OK tnx Dusty. I'll look into those programs."
@cheryl-james
• 2 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "2016 Rockwell North Carolina Hourglass Dulcimer $550":
Created a new forum topic "2016 Rockwell North Carolina Hourglass Dulcimer $550":
"Like new, excellent condition, made November 2016, walnut with spruce top North Carolina Hourglass Dulcimer with hummingbird sound holes, made November..."
@dusty-turtle
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 4
Liked a photos item created by @dennisg:
Late 1800's style Tennessee Music Box
Liked a photos item created by @dennisg:
Late 1800's style Tennessee Music Box
@dennisg
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Late 1800's style Tennessee Music Box:
Posted a new Comment on Late 1800's style Tennessee Music Box:
"John C. Knopf: That's an excellent music box, Dennis! Looks very "real" to me. (Those looped strings ends scare me, though)! How did you attach your..."
@dusty-turtle
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
"About a year ago my wife got me a $100 gift certificate to Just Strings. And $100 goes a LONG WAY when buying strings in bulk. The good news is that I have..."
@dusty-turtle
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Everything Dulcimer - Closing Down.":
Posted a response to "Everything Dulcimer - Closing Down.":
"Marc Mathieu:
Dusty Turtle:I'm still amazed that I could get all of FOTMD and ED on a little jump drive in my pocket. Wow! I feel so powerful! Hi..."
@strumelia
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 4
Liked a photos item created by @dennisg:
Late 1800's style Tennessee Music Box
Liked a photos item created by @dennisg:
Late 1800's style Tennessee Music Box
@strumelia
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
" I hear you Dusty! One time years ago I sat down one day and put new strings on six of my (5-string) banjos.. that was about 30 strings, with a coffee break..."
@marc-mathieu
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Everything Dulcimer - Closing Down.":
Posted a response to "Everything Dulcimer - Closing Down.":
"Dusty Turtle:
I'm still amazed that I could get all of FOTMD and ED on a little jump drive in my pocket. Wow! I feel so powerful! Hi Dusty. I'd like to..."
@john-c-knopf
• 8 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Late 1800's style Tennessee Music Box:
Posted a new Comment on Late 1800's style Tennessee Music Box:
"That's an excellent music box, Dennis! Looks very "real" to me. (Those looped strings ends scare me, though)! How did you attach your strings to the..."
@val-hughes
• 9 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
"Dusty I don't play autoharp but I just finished re-felting and re-stringing an autoharp for a friend, never again."
@terry-wilson
• 10 hours ago
• comments: 15
Posted a new Comment on The Last Call:
Posted a new Comment on The Last Call:
"Christine, Thank you for posting this most beautiful video. Truly outstanding. "
@christine-shoemaker
• 10 hours ago
• comments: 15
Posted a new Comment on The Last Call:
Posted a new Comment on The Last Call:
"I can certainly understand that, Ben. I am glad you were able to get a couple of shots! Exciting, isn't it? A few years back I was in the boat and the..."
@bill-robison
• 10 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Strings!":
Posted a response to "Strings!":
"I used stewmacs nut and bridge files to cut the grooves, and yes it is only on the open string note.
Thanks for the suggestion, I will give it a try"
@christine-shoemaker
• 10 hours ago
• comments: 15
Posted a new Comment on The Last Call:
Posted a new Comment on The Last Call:
"From the bottom of my heart, thank you Ariane, Elvensong, and Cindy! "
@rob-n-lackey
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
"Way to go, DT! I'm needing strings on 5 guitars and about 7 dulcimers. Where do you want to put 'em when I bring 'em to you? Oh, and can you have them all..."
@jan-potts
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
"I'm VERY impressed. This is not a skill I have acquired! I've made some jumbled up messes because a string HAD to be replaced after it broke, but that's..."
@dennisg
• 15 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Late 1800's style Tennessee Music Box:
Posted a new Comment on Late 1800's style Tennessee Music Box:
"Dan: Sweet!
Thank you Dan :) I used hand tools only too it was quite an experience to research & build."
@dusty-turtle
• 15 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Positive Thread...":
"I was in a meeting this morning that ended around 12:30, giving me an open afternoon. Freed from my computer, I put on the David Schnaufer/Butch Baldassari..."
@foundryrat
• 19 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Strings!":
Posted a response to "Strings!":
"I agree with Ken about the likely culprit, although are all notes affected or just open string? I'm just now getting back to dulcimers after a 40 year..."
@ken-hulme
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Strings!":
Posted a response to "Strings!":
"Odd twang . .. I suspect the notch in the bridge ...too wide at the bottom, not angled correctly .. something . How did you cut them? Triangle..."
@strumelia
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Everything Dulcimer - Closing Down.":
Posted a response to "Everything Dulcimer - Closing Down.":
"(bump)"
@dan
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Late 1800's style Tennessee Music Box:
Posted a new Comment on Late 1800's style Tennessee Music Box:
"Sweet!"
@dan
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 4
Liked a photos item created by @dennisg:
Late 1800's style Tennessee Music Box
Liked a photos item created by @dennisg:
Late 1800's style Tennessee Music Box
@ron-zuckerman
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Forest Meditation:
Posted a new Comment on Forest Meditation:
"Thanks, Cindy"
@cindy-stammich
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Forest Meditation:
Posted a new Comment on Forest Meditation:
"There is a whole lot of beauty going on here...
The music
The nature all around
The birds singing along
So peaceful!"
@cindy-stammich
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Going Home:
Posted a new Comment on Going Home:
"Sure sounds beautiful!"
@cindy-stammich
• yesterday
• comments: 15
Posted a new Comment on The Last Call:
Posted a new Comment on The Last Call:
"This was so hauntingly beautiful!!!!
The music and the loon are paired perfectly!"
@bill-robison
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Strings!":
Posted a response to "Strings!":
"I have built several dulcimers from 16" to 30" VSL. The latest one has 30" VSL, Lower bout is 8 1/2", upper bout is 7" and is 2 " thick. Sides and back..."
@strumelia
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "PLEASE Click to READ THIS before posting items for sale here. New requested small fee for sellers.":
Posted a response to "PLEASE Click to READ THIS before posting items for sale here. New requested small fee for sellers.":
"Joe, do you not want to use the simple Paypal donation button on our FOTMD Main page? (you don't have to have a paypal account to use it, just a credit card..."
@joseph-besse
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "PLEASE Click to READ THIS before posting items for sale here. New requested small fee for sellers.":
Posted a response to "PLEASE Click to READ THIS before posting items for sale here. New requested small fee for sellers.":
"I need an address to send in a donation .
joebesse@aol.com"
@elvensong
• yesterday
• comments: 15
Posted a new Comment on The Last Call:
Posted a new Comment on The Last Call:
"Beautiful music! Can't wait to hear more from you!"
@dennisg
• yesterday
• comments: 5
Liked a photos item created by @peter-searle:
Tennessee Music Box
Liked a photos item created by @peter-searle:
Tennessee Music Box
@johanna-m-bolton
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Native American Flute For Sale":
Posted a response to "Native American Flute For Sale":
"Is this flute still available? I'm interested. Could you text me? three five two, seven seven seven, nine six seven three."
@ariane
• yesterday
• comments: 15
Posted a new Comment on The Last Call:
Posted a new Comment on The Last Call:
"Thank you so much, Christine, for this fantastic and touching musical journey "
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• yesterday
• comments: 15
Posted a new Comment on The Last Call:
Posted a new Comment on The Last Call:
"Christine, I can understand about the loons. Here in Maine I generally have to have a long lens on my camera (300mm) and there are often times that is not..."
@dusty-turtle
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Ralph Lee Smith Interview Podcast":
Posted a response to "Ralph Lee Smith Interview Podcast":
"Thanks for the link, Greg. Very interesting. I know many FOTMD members have met Ralph, but since i live on the west coast i haven't, so its nice to hear him."
@greg-gunner
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Ralph Lee Smith Interview Podcast":
Created a new forum topic "Ralph Lee Smith Interview Podcast":
"I've attached a link to a podcast interview someone did with Ralph Lee Smith. It is basically a summary of the mountain dulcimer's history and Ralph's..."
@christine-shoemaker
• 2 days ago
• comments: 15
Posted a new Comment on The Last Call:
Posted a new Comment on The Last Call:
"That is so kind of you and very much appreciated, Irene - thank you!!! "
@irene
• 2 days ago
• comments: 15
Posted a new Comment on The Last Call:
Posted a new Comment on The Last Call:
"THIS WAS JUST FABULOUS....and I soooooooooooo love the loon and the call. thank you for your soul searching playing. aloha, irene"
@dusty-turtle
• 2 days ago
• comments: 15
Liked a youtube item created by @christine-shoemaker:
The Last Call
Liked a youtube item created by @christine-shoemaker:
The Last Call
@christine-shoemaker
• 2 days ago
• comments: 15
Posted a new Comment on The Last Call:
Posted a new Comment on The Last Call:
"I really appreciate that, Robin - thank you. Yes, the remaining Loon...the harrowing rescue...the sad outcome. All of it left a deep imprint on my..."
@christine-shoemaker
• 2 days ago
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on fat felt pick demonstration on mountain dulcimer:
Posted a new Comment on fat felt pick demonstration on mountain dulcimer:
"Thank you, Robin! I checked Elderly's website and you are correct, they still carry them. Cool!"
@john-gribble
• 2 days ago
• comments: 15
Liked a youtube item created by @christine-shoemaker:
The Last Call
Liked a youtube item created by @christine-shoemaker:
The Last Call
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 making dulcimers or interested in...
Fingerpicking
A place to discuss fingerpicking styles of dulcimer...
Hymn and Worship Song Players
a place to share the hymns and worship songs we are playing.
Modern/Chord style Players
Do you play chords and fret across all strings? Then this...
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.
fans of Jean Ritchie
A group for those of us who have been inspired by...
Singing with the Dulcimer
Here's a group for those of us who are interested in...
UK and European Mountain...
A group which hopefully allows players/makers in this...
Stick Dulcimers/Strumsticks
Regardless of what name you favor, this group is a...
Dulcimer teachers
Do you teach dulcimer? Are you helping others to learn?
Arranging/composing for...
A group to discuss creating arrangements of songs and...
Dulcimer Therapy
This group is dedicated to those that visit, or have a...
Mountain Dulcimer History
Share historical information on the history and...
Technology/Software/Amplifying
to share info on all aspects of using tech: Amplifying,...
Help Me Learn this Song
Need help learning to play a particular song? Let...
Little Dulcimers
Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
Public Domain... or Not?
Ever wanted to record or post that tune, but you just...
Home Studio Recording
Recording dulcimers, vocals and other instruments in the...
I have extra frets.....
This group is for those who have a 1 1/2 fret, an 8 1/2...
Call the Tune
"Call the Tune" is a place to post audio and video clips...
Collector's Corner
A group where collectors of antique, vintage, or rare...
Civil War era music
For discussing music that was played around the time of...
Four-Equidistant Strings
A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
Box Dulcimers
A group for those who play, make, or admire all types of...
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...
Baritone Dulcimer Players
A Group for discussing the unique aspects of playing...
Early & Classical Music
For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
Galax Dulcimer Lovers
Just a group to discuss all things Galax Dulcimer. Tips...
Prayers, Hugs, and Kindness
A group for private sharing and support, whether you are...
The Bass Dulcimer
This group is for anyone interested in sharing tips and...
Rosin the Bow!
Welcome to all who play music using a bow on any type of...
Scrap/Recycled wood...
A group for those thrifty and creative folk who like to...
Chromatic Dulcimers
For players who enjoy playing dulcimers with ALL the frets!
Challenged Players
A meeting place for players dealing with disabilities.
NorthEastern U.S. dulcimer...
For those of us who live in the northeastern United States.
Michigan Dulcimer Players...
All Players in Michigan
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....
California Dulcimer Dreamin'
For dulcimer players living in or just visiting California
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...
West Virginia players
A group just for dulcimer players in beautiful West...
Florida Sunshine Dulcimer...
Florida Dulcimer Players
6 string dulcimers
Owning and playing a 6 string, regardless of tuning, and...
Missouri Dulcimer Players
for all the Show Me State dulcimer players
North of the Lakes
for any MD players in Upper Canada (aka Ontario) and the...
FOTMD on the Road
Are your traveling, on vacation, on your way to a...
Arkansas Mtn Dulcimer Players
For those who live in Arkansas and love playing the...
AussieTalk!
For dulcimer players in Australia. -Be sure to create...
Indiana Players
Welcome all dulcimer players in the state of Indiana!...
Site Moderators Group
A private group to allow FOTMD moderators to communicate...
Latest Videos
All
Showcase your music event or business here!
Showcase your music event or business here
Latest Forum Posts All
Everything Dulcimer -...
Posted: Friday May 25 2018, 5:11 PM
By: @Marc Mathieu
By: @Marc Mathieu
2016 Rockwell North...
Posted: Friday May 25 2018, 3:56 PM
By: @Cheryl James
By: @Cheryl James
The Positive Thread...
Posted: Friday May 25 2018, 11:51 AM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Strings!
Posted: Friday May 25 2018, 8:15 AM
By: @Bill Robison
By: @Bill Robison
PLEASE Click to READ THIS...
Posted: Thursday May 24 2018, 4:05 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Native American Flute For Sale
Posted: Thursday May 24 2018, 1:32 PM
By: @JM Bolton
By: @JM Bolton
Ralph Lee Smith Interview...
Posted: Thursday May 24 2018, 1:32 AM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Kennedy Barn String Band
Posted: Wednesday May 23 2018, 9:25 AM
By: @Rob N Lackey
By: @Rob N Lackey
visit discussion? (See all...
Posted: Monday May 21 2018, 9:10 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Pick paranoia!
Posted: Monday May 21 2018, 8:57 PM
By: @notsothoreau
By: @notsothoreau
A Word of Thanks and...
Posted: Monday May 21 2018, 7:25 AM
By: @Susie
By: @Susie
Mikael Carstanjen 1975...
Posted: Sunday May 20 2018, 1:28 PM
By: @Ron Stewart
By: @Ron Stewart
Strum Stick for sale
Posted: Saturday May 19 2018, 11:06 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Clemmer Dulcimers
Posted: Thursday May 17 2018, 10:23 PM
By: @William White
By: @William White
Pets and Dulcimers
Posted: Sunday May 13 2018, 7:12 PM
By: @Lois Sprengnether Keel
By: @Lois Sprengnether Keel
details of my Nashville...
Posted: Sunday May 13 2018, 1:06 AM
By: @Dan Evans
By: @Dan Evans
details of my KY & TN US...
Posted: Sunday May 13 2018, 1:02 AM
By: @Dan Evans
By: @Dan Evans
details of my classes at...
Posted: Sunday May 13 2018, 12:59 AM
By: @Dan Evans
By: @Dan Evans
NEW!- Fotmd Main Page...
Posted: Thursday May 10 2018, 4:09 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Song choices for transcribing
Posted: Thursday May 10 2018, 1:24 PM
By: @Ken Hulme
By: @Ken Hulme
Hoping for donated beginner...
Posted: Thursday May 10 2018, 9:01 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Wanted: Laurel Mountain...
Posted: Wednesday May 9 2018, 2:20 PM
By: @Debi
By: @Debi
Show Us Your Pets!
Posted: Wednesday May 9 2018, 9:54 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Restringing a scroll head?
Posted: Tuesday May 8 2018, 1:01 PM
By: @Noah Coy Barfield
By: @Noah Coy Barfield
Tabs "I can't even walk"
Posted: Sunday May 6 2018, 8:05 PM
By: @YepSureOK
By: @YepSureOK
strumming technique
Posted: Sunday May 6 2018, 2:56 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Remember Log In
Posted: Sunday May 6 2018, 12:02 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
a discusson created by me
Posted: Sunday May 6 2018, 11:45 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
a discussion created by admin
Posted: Saturday May 5 2018, 10:00 AM
By: @The member
By: @The member
The Drifting Thread...
Posted: Saturday May 5 2018, 8:11 AM
By: @Charles Thomas
By: @Charles Thomas
Read the Site Rules
Our Welcome Wagon!
3 CHEERS to our Volunteer Greeters ...for making new members feel right at home:
Jim Fawcett
|
Rob Lackey
|
Richard Streib
|
Ken Longfield
|
Cynthia Wigington
|
Benjamin Barr
|
Single Instructor Events / Classifieds
Help Keep FOTMD up and Running!
Membership in Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer is FREE to all. We gratefully accept donations towards the costs of maintaining this site- which includes hundreds of dollars annually in server and software costs. (you don't have to have a Paypal account to donate- Paypal accepts simple credit card payments as well.) A minimum donation of $5 please. Read HERE about FOUR different ways you can help support FOTMD. Questions? email contact@fotmd.com Together we can keep FOTMD up and running! Click the Paypal button below to make a quick site donation:
NEW!- Would you like to become a Special Patron of FOTMD? All donations are 100% applied to paying for site maintenance. Your generosity makes a big difference in what we can do to improve FOTMD! Become a special 'Patron Member' simply by making a single donation of $35 or more.
In return, your patronage will be recognized for a year with a special Patron designation banner that will be displayed prominently under your member picture on your profile page. Your Patron ID will show others your generosity in supporting this special site! Above is what the Patron label looks like on member profile pages, right under your member picture.