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-hulme
• 17 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Cripple Creek Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Cripple Creek Dulcimer":
"That flathead looks like a Cripple Creek Aspen model. IIRC Lori is/was Bud & Donna's daughter in law; but don't quote me on that... If it doesn't..."
@marg
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Cripple Creek Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Cripple Creek Dulcimer":
"Or when was Lori with the Dulcimer shop"
@marg
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Cripple Creek Dulcimer":
Created a new forum topic "Cripple Creek Dulcimer":
"Is this a Cripple Creek Dulcimer from about 20 years ago? Did they have a style like this with the pointed head?
Or was it by someone else but sold at..."
@gordon-hardy
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Wayfarin' Stranger:
Posted a new Comment on Wayfarin' Stranger:
"John, Wayfarin' Stranger has long been a favourite of mine, I play it quite often. Your beautiful rendition brings me great comfort. Thank you."
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: Wayfarin' Stranger
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: Wayfarin' Stranger
@salt-springs
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: Wayfarin' Stranger
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: Wayfarin' Stranger
@robin-thompson
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "worldwide Play Music on the Porch Day ":
Posted a response to "worldwide Play Music on the Porch Day ":
"Two weeks from today, friends. :)"
@john-w-mckinstry
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Wayfarin' Stranger:
Posted a new Comment on Wayfarin' Stranger:
"A few notes to add to my rendition of Wayfarin' Stranger:
My dulcimer was tuned to D A a, Capo 1which now becomes a Dorian Mode. This haunting mode suited..."
@robin-thompson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Wayfarin' Stranger:
Posted a new Comment on Wayfarin' Stranger:
"I especially like the tribute to your mother and father, John. I miss mine every day. "
@jim-schulte
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Finding a tuning Peg":
Posted a response to "Finding a tuning Peg":
"John Knopf made a very good replacement peg. It is great to hear the sweet voice of the John Maxwell dulcimer. Jim"
@jim-schulte
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: Wayfarin' Stranger
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: Wayfarin' Stranger
@ron-zuckerman
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Not Quite Home:
Posted a new Comment on Not Quite Home:
"Thanks @Cynthia-Wigington"
@robin-thompson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @dave-d: Keith Young Youngster
Liked a forum discussions item created by @dave-d: Keith Young Youngster
@john-w-mckinstry
• 2 days ago
• comments: 12
Posted a new Comment on Deep Ellum Blues 03-30-2020:
Posted a new Comment on Deep Ellum Blues 03-30-2020:
"Really loved your presentation of this song."
@dave-d
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Keith Young Youngster ":
Posted a response to "Keith Young Youngster ":
"Roughly 17 inches. Body is a little over 20" long, and 1-1/2" thick."
@daveberry
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer and mandolins":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer and mandolins":
"Strumelia:
Dave, this is an interesting question and subject. I can see that you are a pretty accomplished musician. I'm afraid I can't think of examples..."
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Keith Young Youngster ":
Posted a response to "Keith Young Youngster ":
"What a great little travel dulcimer that would be! Dave, what is the scale length/vsl of the dulcimer, from nut to bridge?"
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @dave-d: Keith Young Youngster
Liked a forum discussions item created by @dave-d: Keith Young Youngster
@daveberry
• 2 days ago
• comments: 9
Liked a youtube item created by @gregg-schneeman: "Balance The Straw" Dulcimer & Octave Mandolin
Liked a youtube item created by @gregg-schneeman: "Balance The Straw" Dulcimer & Octave Mandolin
@dan
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: Leaving Home For Good
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: Leaving Home For Good
@dave-d
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Keith Young Youngster ":
Created a new forum topic "Keith Young Youngster ":
"Keith Young "Youngster" dulcimer. No date or number. Too small for me, and needs to go to a new home.
Looks to me like a wormy chestnut top, with walnut..."
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer and mandolins":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer and mandolins":
"Dave, this is an interesting question and subject. I can see that you are a pretty accomplished musician. I'm afraid I can't think of examples of the kind..."
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @daveberry: Dulcimer and mandolins
Liked a forum discussions item created by @daveberry: Dulcimer and mandolins
@cynthia-wigington
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Not Quite Home:
Posted a new Comment on Not Quite Home:
"Absolutely lovely. Interesting being major without IV and V chords. very pretty indeed and nice balance with your son's good playing on guitar. Thank you."
@pierre-yves-donnio
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a music item created by @nick-osullivan: le tombeau de turlough, fils de l'auteur
Liked a music item created by @nick-osullivan: le tombeau de turlough, fils de l'auteur
@ken-hulme
• 3 days ago
• comments: 20
Posted a new Comment on From Ionian to Mixolydian:
Posted a new Comment on From Ionian to Mixolydian:
"Yep -- not gonna move that. Does look like you could lower the action by half a millimeter maybe on the melody side...! "
@greg-gunner
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Does a 2001 McSpadden Ginger have a 'solid' soundboard?":
Posted a response to "Does a 2001 McSpadden Ginger have a 'solid' soundboard?":
"When the McSpadden's owned and operated McSpadden Dulcimers, the solid soundboard was offered as an option. When Jim Woods purchased McSpadden Dulcimers..."
@royb
• 3 days ago
• comments: 20
Posted a new Comment on From Ionian to Mixolydian:
Posted a new Comment on From Ionian to Mixolydian:
"[quote="Ken Hulme"]
The only problem with a toothpick as a temp fret is that it because it is soft, it will alter slightly, the tone of the fretted note.Did..."
@ken-hulme
• 3 days ago
• comments: 20
Posted a new Comment on From Ionian to Mixolydian:
Posted a new Comment on From Ionian to Mixolydian:
"The only problem with a toothpick as a temp fret is that it because it is soft, it will alter slightly, the tone of the fretted note.Did you post a close up..."
@jost
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @daveberry: Dulcimer and mandolins
Liked a forum discussions item created by @daveberry: Dulcimer and mandolins
@daveberry
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Dulcimer and mandolins":
Created a new forum topic "Dulcimer and mandolins":
"Hi All,
I'm new here and looking for examples of videos or audio of dulcimer and mandolin played together in an ensemble. I hope this is the correct place..."
@ken-hulme
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Very frustrated!":
Posted a response to "Very frustrated!":
"Melanie -- send me a PM with your email address, I can't seem to get you 'friended' for some reason. I have PDFs of two of your songs so far -- Star of..."
@davisjames
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Maika Makedonia
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Maika Makedonia
@davisjames
• 4 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Morning Walk:
Posted a new Comment on Morning Walk:
"Lovely tune,playing and video.Thank you."
@davisjames
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: The Rigs of the Times
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: The Rigs of the Times
@steven-stroot
• 5 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "funny frets":
Posted a response to "funny frets":
"Thanks everyone for your input. If nothing else, this was a source of interest and curiosity. But, unless the maker chimes in, I guess this will remain a..."
@dusty-turtle
• 5 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "funny frets":
Posted a response to "funny frets":
"If you Google "true temperament frets" you see lots of guitars with the squiggly frets. Makes you feel like you poured bourbon on your cereal instead of..."
@irene
• 5 days ago
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on "His Voice, as the Sound of the Dulcimer Sweet":
Posted a new Comment on "His Voice, as the Sound of the Dulcimer Sweet":
"I loved your playing and singing and your paintings as well. Thank you and the one that did the video. aloha, irene"
@irene
• 5 days ago
• comments: 7
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: "His Voice, as the Sound of the Dulcimer Sweet"
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: "His Voice, as the Sound of the Dulcimer Sweet"
@irene
• 5 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a youtube item created by @dusty-turtle: Mountains of Mourne
Liked a youtube item created by @dusty-turtle: Mountains of Mourne
@lisa-c
• 5 days ago
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @janene-millen: Ash Grove and Simple Gifts
Liked a youtube item created by @janene-millen: Ash Grove and Simple Gifts
@lisa-c
• 5 days ago
• comments: 7
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: "His Voice, as the Sound of the Dulcimer Sweet"
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: "His Voice, as the Sound of the Dulcimer Sweet"
@lisa-c
• 5 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a youtube item created by @dusty-turtle: Mountains of Mourne
Liked a youtube item created by @dusty-turtle: Mountains of Mourne
@sam-edelston
• 5 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on The Cars on dulcimer - "Just What I Needed":
Posted a new Comment on The Cars on dulcimer - "Just What I Needed":
"@Cindy-Stammich : Thank you for loving it!
By the way, I ordered this Folkcraft specifically because of the pickups. They worked with Fishman to..."
@strumelia
• 5 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "funny frets":
Posted a response to "funny frets":
"I've seen some guitars made with slanted or curvy frets. It's an overly-complex way of avoiding a compensated bridge. A compensated bridge is a heck of a lot..."
@ken-hulme
• 5 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Does a 2001 McSpadden Ginger have a 'solid' soundboard?":
Posted a response to "Does a 2001 McSpadden Ginger have a 'solid' soundboard?":
"I think Richard is right about the date for the switch to solid wood. If not, I just don't see that a laminated soundboard would make any difference in..."
@ken-hulme
• 5 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "funny frets":
Posted a response to "funny frets":
" I just looked at the pictures, and I don't recall ever seeing anything like that. Maybe some weird attempt to compensate/intonate for string thickness; but..."
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...
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...
Little Dulcimers
Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
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?
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...
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...
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...
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Latest Forum Posts All
Cripple Creek Dulcimer
Posted: Saturday August 13 2022, 10:49 PM
By: @Ken Hulme
By: @Ken Hulme
worldwide Play Music on the...
Posted: Saturday August 13 2022, 9:22 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Finding a tuning Peg
Posted: Friday August 12 2022, 6:25 PM
By: @Jim Schulte
By: @Jim Schulte
Keith Young Youngster
Posted: Friday August 12 2022, 2:12 PM
By: @Dave D
By: @Dave D
Dulcimer and mandolins
Posted: Friday August 12 2022, 1:09 PM
By: @DaveBerry
By: @DaveBerry
Does a 2001 McSpadden...
Posted: Thursday August 11 2022, 1:13 PM
By: @Banjimer
By: @Banjimer
Very frustrated!
Posted: Wednesday August 10 2022, 11:29 AM
By: @Ken Hulme
By: @Ken Hulme
funny frets
Posted: Wednesday August 10 2022, 1:10 AM
By: @Steven Stroot
By: @Steven Stroot
Matt Searles interviews...
Posted: Sunday August 7 2022, 6:58 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Linda Brockinton at Send in...
Posted: Sunday August 7 2022, 12:10 AM
By: @Lisa C
By: @Lisa C
Bing Futch Workshop: Learn...
Posted: Thursday August 4 2022, 5:06 AM
By: @Bing Futch
By: @Bing Futch
Mcspadden ginger
Posted: Thursday August 4 2022, 1:08 AM
By: @Lorraine
By: @Lorraine
Kentucky Flood and Dulcimer...
Posted: Wednesday August 3 2022, 4:59 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Ionian tuning question
Posted: Tuesday August 2 2022, 10:42 PM
By: @jost
By: @jost
Removable Magnetic Pickup...
Posted: Tuesday August 2 2022, 2:18 PM
By: @jost
By: @jost
String action is too high?
Posted: Monday August 1 2022, 11:22 PM
By: @Ken Hulme
By: @Ken Hulme
Wanted: Solid Body Electric...
Posted: Monday August 1 2022, 6:01 PM
By: @John C. Knopf
By: @John C. Knopf
COVID and Nursing Home Visits
Posted: Monday August 1 2022, 3:30 PM
By: @Stanley Adams
By: @Stanley Adams
Show Us Your Pets!
Posted: Monday August 1 2022, 3:14 PM
By: @Stanley Adams
By: @Stanley Adams
mountain dulcimer at...
Posted: Wednesday July 27 2022, 12:18 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
International Appalachian...
Posted: Tuesday July 26 2022, 2:56 PM
By: @Alegre1
By: @Alegre1
Hearts of the Dulcimer...
Posted: Monday July 25 2022, 10:00 PM
By: @Patricia Delich
By: @Patricia Delich
Best instruction material?
Posted: Monday July 25 2022, 7:51 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Bill Taylor, McSpadden...
Posted: Thursday July 21 2022, 11:05 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Other instruments / bowed...
Posted: Thursday July 21 2022, 9:16 PM
By: @Janis Lewman
By: @Janis Lewman
Tuning peg replacement...
Posted: Thursday July 21 2022, 12:35 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
FOTMD Chat Room!
Posted: Thursday July 21 2022, 9:49 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Switching to Mountain...
Posted: Monday July 18 2022, 8:45 AM
By: @Ken Hulme
By: @Ken Hulme
Wanted - clemmer Tennessee...
Posted: Sunday July 17 2022, 10:24 AM
By: @Susie
By: @Susie
Indoor House Plants
Posted: Wednesday July 13 2022, 7:24 PM
By: @Lois Sprengnether Keel
By: @Lois Sprengnether Keel
Read the Site Rules
Our Welcome Wagon!
3 CHEERS to our Volunteer Greeters ...for making new members feel right at home :
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