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

NateBuildsToys
@nate • 7 hours ago • comments: 3
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: Downtown Eastside Blues.
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • 11 hours ago • comments: 4
Liked a group discussions item created by @dale-a-penrose: Possum boards
jost
@jost • 12 hours ago • comments: 4
Liked a group discussions item created by @dale-a-penrose: Possum boards
Skip
@skip • 12 hours ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Possum boards:
"To me, it's that the back is allowed to resonate. It's not kept from resonating by a huge stick stuck to it's middle,  "
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 13 hours ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Possum boards:
"I have been wondering a lot lately about how similar and how different are actual "possum boards" that a dulcimer sits on from "false bottoms" which are a..."
Bill G
@bill-g • 16 hours ago • comments: 543
Posted a new Comment on @benjamin-w-barr-jr:
"Thank you for welcoming me."
DavisJames
@davisjames • 16 hours ago • comments: 0
Liked a youtube item created by @lynnaj: Achat Sha'alti (One Thing I Ask)
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 17 hours ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Possum boards:
"John has provided goof information for an "after market" possum board. It is merely a device to elevate your dulcimer to allow the back to vibrate freely. On..."
Bing Futch
@bing-futch • 19 hours ago • comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "10-27-23 "Sally's Lament" Chromatic MD Class":
"Join  Bing Futch  in a spooky new workshop for   chromatic mountain dulcimer,   featuring music from the Touchstone Pictures classic,   "The Nightmare..."
John C. Knopf
@john-c-knopf • 19 hours ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Possum boards:
"Dale, it's not critical to use a particular type of wood to make a possum board.  The thickness would run to about 1/4" to 3/8" or so.  Again, not critical...."
Dale A Penrose
@dale-a-penrose • 20 hours ago • comments: 4
Created a new Group discussion "Possum boards":
"Thinking about trying a dulcimer with a possum board. What kind of wood does one use for the back? How thick is the actual possum board. "
Dulcimer Making
Gordon Hardy
@gordon-hardy • 20 hours ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Downtown Eastside Blues.:
"Good stuff Jamie!! I enjoyed this lots!"
Hobbyhorse
@hobbyhorse • yesterday • comments: 3
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: Downtown Eastside Blues.
Salt Springs
@salt-springs • yesterday • comments: 3
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: Downtown Eastside Blues.
Dan
@dan • yesterday • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Downtown Eastside Blues.:
"Bravo!!"
Dan
@dan • yesterday • comments: 3
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: Downtown Eastside Blues.
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • yesterday • comments: 3
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: Downtown Eastside Blues.
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • yesterday • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Downtown Eastside Blues.:
"So cool, Jamie.  Like it lots! "
DavisJames
@davisjames • 2 days ago • comments: 3
Created a new Audio File:
Downtown Eastside Blues.
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • 2 days ago • comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Avinu Malkeinu - Traditional Version:
"So pretty! "
Bing Futch
@bing-futch • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Updated a YouTube Video:
Dulcimerica Episode 667 - "Boondocking"
Bing Futch
@bing-futch • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a new YouTube video:
Dulcimerica Episode 667 - "Boondocking"
Ben Barr Jr
@benjamin-w-barr-jr • 2 days ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @texas-neil:
"Hi Neil, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer  It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the dulcimer,..."
Ben Barr Jr
@benjamin-w-barr-jr • 2 days ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @bill-g:
"Hi Bill, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer.  It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the dulcimer,..."
lynnaj
@lynnaj • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a new YouTube video:
Achat Sha'alti (One Thing I Ask)
lynnaj
@lynnaj • 2 days ago • comments: 1
Posted a new YouTube video:
Avinu Malkeinu - Traditional Version
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Fiddle":
"Have fun fiddling!  One nice thing about fiddling is you can be going along quite nicely and then you're not.  "
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Fiddle":
"Haha I like that dusty. I must be a fast learner because it only took me about 30 seconds to be bad at it"
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Fiddle":
"The piano is easy. Push a button and a nice, clean tone comes out.  The fiddle is tough. You have to practice for a year just to be bad at it. Good luck!"
RG
@rg • 3 days ago • comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @dave-boyt: Southwest Missouri Dulcimer Day
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 3 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Fiddle":
"Ive just started learning fiddle! It's the one instrument that Ive always wished I was really good at, if I could pick one. Guess it's finally time to get..."
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 3 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Checking in":
"Shooter, I built a cigar box guitar tuned DAD before I built any dulcimers. To me a 3 string CBG is the same as a chromatic strumstick. Cigar box guitars led..."
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 4 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on String physics question:
"In general, does the amount of tension being applied to a dulcimer body affect volume much? I picture that extra string length outside the VSL as a bunch of..."
Nonna Donna
@nonna-donna • 4 days ago • comments: 290
Posted a new Comment on @richard-streib:
"Thanks everyone, you are so kind!"
Wally Venable
@wally-venable • 4 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on String physics question:
"The amount of "overhang" will not affect the tension in the string. That is set by the wire diameter, VSL, and note tuned. The upward pull on the ends is..."
Ken Hulme
@ken-hulme • 4 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on String physics question:
"The break angle(s) and amount of string outside the VSL affect sustain, tone, and down-pressure of the strings transmitting vibration to the body.  Most..."
Bill G
@bill-g • 4 days ago • comments: 591
Posted a new Comment on @jim-fawcett:
"Thank you for welcoming me."
Bill G
@bill-g • 4 days ago • comments: 424
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
"Thank you for welcoming me."
Bill G
@bill-g • 4 days ago • comments: 290
Posted a new Comment on @richard-streib:
"Thank you for welcoming me."
Jim Fawcett
@jim-fawcett • 4 days ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @texas-neil:
"Hey Neil, welcome aboard. Glad ya found us."
Jim Fawcett
@jim-fawcett • 4 days ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @bill-g:
"Hey Bill, welcome aboard. Glad ya found us."
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 4 days ago • comments: 3
Created a new Group discussion "String physics question":
"Hey folks. Some of my dulcimers have a lot of string length that is outside of the VSL. I have one that has a 23" vsl, with about 8" of additional string..."
Dulcimer Making
John W. McKinstry
@john-w-mckinstry • 4 days ago • comments: 11
Posted a new Comment on Mr. Rabbit, Mr. Rabbit:
"Thanks Strumelia. The bunny and I are both beginning to feel "energized" by your kind comments."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 4 days ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @bill-g:
"Welcome to FOTMD Bill G. It's always good to have another Pennsylvania on board. Hopefully you will the information for which you are looking either on this..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 4 days ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @texas-neil:
"Welcome to FOTMD Texas Nell. If it information you want about the mountain dulcimer, this is the place to find it. If you can find the information for which..."
Richard Streib
@richard-streib • 4 days ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @bill-g:
"Welcome Bill G to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Glad you joined. This is a wonderful community with a lot of experience and knowledge represented here...."
Richard Streib
@richard-streib • 4 days ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @texas-neil:
"Welcome Texas Neil to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Glad you joined. This is a great place to learn all about the mountain dulcimer. Look over the..."
Strumelia
@strumelia • 5 days ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Cluck Old Hen:
"This is so great John!  And those chicken paintings are just wonderful! These lyrics are some I have not heard before. Your foot tapping adds a lot as..."
Strumelia
@strumelia • 5 days ago • comments: 11
Posted a new Comment on Mr. Rabbit, Mr. Rabbit:
"Watched this one again. It's a keeper!  "
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 5 days ago • comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: Pearly Shells

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...
Modern/Chord style Players

Modern/Chord style Players


Do you play chords and fret across all strings? Then...
Fingerpicking

Fingerpicking


A place to discuss fingerpicking styles of dulcimer...
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!
Dulcimer Care & Maintenance

Dulcimer Care & Maintenance


Tips, tricks and techniques to help care for your dulcimer.
Rockin' in the Free World

Rockin' in the Free World


A group for those of you who like to play music not...
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...
Little Dulcimers

Little Dulcimers


Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
Baritone & Bass Dulcimer Players

Baritone & Bass Dulcimer...


A Group for discussing the unique aspects of playing...
Help Me Learn this Song

Help Me Learn this Song


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

Four-Equidistant Strings


A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
I have extra frets.....

I have extra frets.....


This group is for those who have a 1 1/2 fret, an 8 1/2...
Dulcimer Therapy

Dulcimer Therapy


This group is dedicated to those that visit, or have a...
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,...
Home Studio Recording

Home Studio Recording


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

Dulcimer Ancestors


Looking at some of the ancestors of the Mountain...
UK and European Mountain Dulcimers

UK and European Mountain...


A group which hopefully allows players/makers in this...
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...
GIG TALK!

GIG TALK!


Do you play gigs? Tell us about your good and not-so-good...
Civil War era music

Civil War era music


For discussing music that was played around the time of...
Scrap/Recycled wood Dulcimer Challenge

Scrap/Recycled wood...


A group for those thrifty and creative folk who like to...
Challenged Players

Challenged Players


A meeting place for players dealing with disabilities.
Rosin the Bow!

Rosin the Bow!


Welcome to all who play music using a bow on any type of...
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...
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
Texas Dulcimer Enthusiasts

Texas Dulcimer Enthusiasts


Howdy ya'll! Come on by for a cup o' joe and jammin....
6 string dulcimers

6 string dulcimers


Owning and playing a 6 string, regardless of tuning, and...
North Carolinians Plus

North Carolinians Plus


The Three Sides of North Carolina: Mountains / Piedmont /...
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...
North of the Lakes

North of the Lakes


for any MD players in Upper Canada (aka Ontario) and the...
Indiana Players

Indiana Players


Welcome all dulcimer players in the state of Indiana!...
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
Downtown Eastside Blues.
Down the Hill and Back
Oh Lord, What A Morning
Hymn of Joy
I Don't Believe You
Livi
The Last Mile of the Way
You Lead The Way
Sonny's Mazurka
Rhosgobel
The Clergy's Lamentation
La Volta
James Connolly
Aeolian Medley on Stamper
The Elixir
Tumbling Skies
My Country Tis of Thee
Steal Away to Jesus
Westernlands Waltz.
The Hurricane Creek Mine Disaster
Hatikvah
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

Coming Events   All

Quarantunes 11

Quarantunes 11


Thu Sep 28 2023
Open Acoustic Folk Jam

Open Acoustic Folk Jam


Sat Oct 7 2023
Mtn Dulcimer Day/SoCal Dulcimer Heritage(online)

Mtn Dulcimer Day/SoCal...


Sat Oct 21 2023

Latest gallery Photos   All

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PXL_20221021_180825775 (1).jpg
Tindle Dulcimer.jpg
Sophronie.jpg
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Latest Forum Posts   All

10-27-23 "Sally's Lament"...

Posted: Saturday September 23 2023, 12:37 PM
By: @Bing Futch

Fiddle

Posted: Friday September 22 2023, 8:18 AM
By: @Robin Thompson

Checking in

Posted: Thursday September 21 2023, 3:20 AM
By: @NateBuildsToys

Concertina care

Posted: Sunday September 17 2023, 10:25 PM
By: @shanonmilan

Southwest Missouri Dulcimer...

Posted: Sunday September 17 2023, 3:13 PM
By: @dyannay

Ron Gibson Dulcimers

Posted: Saturday September 16 2023, 1:13 AM
By: @Dusty Turtle

Accompaniment

Posted: Wednesday September 13 2023, 6:13 PM
By: @NateBuildsToys

Anyone have a David Honea...

Posted: Wednesday September 13 2023, 10:09 AM
By: @Strumelia

Healthy Living- healthy...

Posted: Wednesday September 13 2023, 7:28 AM
By: @Ken Hulme

Marlboro - Brattleboro VT -...

Posted: Tuesday September 12 2023, 9:26 PM
By: @lynnaj

Just For Fun - sayings...

Posted: Tuesday September 12 2023, 1:38 PM
By: @John W. McKinstry

What to call your dulcimer...

Posted: Tuesday September 12 2023, 11:56 AM
By: @Ken Longfield

Galax dulcimer for sale now

Posted: Monday September 11 2023, 8:28 AM
By: @John C. Knopf

Maybe ive been in the dark...

Posted: Sunday September 10 2023, 6:52 PM
By: @NateBuildsToys

A.W. Jeffreys with unique...

Posted: Saturday September 9 2023, 1:58 PM
By: @Chris_s

Looking for Traditional...

Posted: Saturday September 9 2023, 9:50 AM
By: @Banjimer

Sow hogfiddle, Slate Creek...

Posted: Friday September 8 2023, 4:06 PM
By: @Hunterdude

John Calkin Dulcimer

Posted: Friday September 8 2023, 1:24 PM
By: @bluesky636

Modern Mountain Dulcimer...

Posted: Thursday September 7 2023, 9:56 AM
By: @Gary Warnock

Cumberland travel dulcimer...

Posted: Thursday September 7 2023, 8:10 AM
By: @Hunterdude

Poplar J. E. Thomas replica...

Posted: Wednesday September 6 2023, 5:51 PM
By: @Jill Geary

Virginia hogfiddle kit...

Posted: Tuesday September 5 2023, 7:50 PM
By: @Hunterdude

April Come She Will (Simon...

Posted: Monday September 4 2023, 11:59 AM
By: @Dusty Turtle

Frank Bond Dulcimer

Posted: Monday September 4 2023, 10:37 AM
By: @Strumelia

Ron Gibson Kentucky...

Posted: Sunday September 3 2023, 5:59 PM
By: @dyannay

Reasons NOT To Get a Chromatic

Posted: Sunday September 3 2023, 12:31 AM
By: @Nightingale

The Joy of Sharing Dulcimer

Posted: Saturday September 2 2023, 9:58 AM
By: @Wally Venable

Confused about Sharps and...

Posted: Saturday September 2 2023, 4:52 AM
By: @NateBuildsToys

Information on luthier...

Posted: Wednesday August 30 2023, 4:20 PM
By: @NateBuildsToys

FANS OF NATE

Posted: Tuesday August 29 2023, 1:27 AM
By: @Dusty Turtle

Read the Site Rules

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
   
   

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:

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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.