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
@bob
• 47 minutes ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "How do I create a new forum discussion?":
Posted a response to "How do I create a new forum discussion?":
"Hi - I just returned here after a few years absence and I am trying to remember how these things work also! anyway, Happy New Year, everyone!"
@homer-ross
• an hour ago
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Gabriel's Message (Basque Christmas Carol)
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Gabriel's Message (Basque Christmas Carol)
@strumelia
• 2 hours ago
• comments: 11
Posted a new Comment on @davisjames:
Posted a new Comment on @davisjames:
"Davis, thank you again for helping support this site !!"
@davisjames
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 0
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: A Walk Out the Hollow
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: A Walk Out the Hollow
@mark-gilston
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Gabriel's Message (Basque Christmas Carol):
Posted a new Comment on Gabriel's Message (Basque Christmas Carol):
"Strumelia:
Lovely to hear this Basque carol, Mark. Thank you!
I'm glad you like it. There are so many wonderful folk carol melodies around the world, I..."
@strumelia
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Click Old Hen (AAC Dulcimer Tuning):
Posted a new Comment on Click Old Hen (AAC Dulcimer Tuning):
"This is so well done!!! I especially like the clicking of the bones. Awesome."
@strumelia
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 3
Liked a youtube item created by @barnjam: Click Old Hen (AAC Dulcimer Tuning)
Liked a youtube item created by @barnjam: Click Old Hen (AAC Dulcimer Tuning)
@strumelia
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Mary Young and Fair (trad. Scotland):
Posted a new Comment on Mary Young and Fair (trad. Scotland):
"This is just beautiful! "
@strumelia
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Gabriel's Message (Basque Christmas Carol)
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Gabriel's Message (Basque Christmas Carol)
@strumelia
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Gabriel's Message (Basque Christmas Carol):
Posted a new Comment on Gabriel's Message (Basque Christmas Carol):
"Lovely to hear this Basque carol, Mark. Thank you!"
@strumelia
• 8 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on In the Beak Midwinter:
Posted a new Comment on In the Beak Midwinter:
"I'm sending warm new year wishes to you and your dulcimer friends as well, Martin. I so much love your musical contributions here! "
@strumelia
• 8 hours ago
• comments: 3
Liked a youtube item created by @martin-oesterle: In the Beak Midwinter
Liked a youtube item created by @martin-oesterle: In the Beak Midwinter
@strumelia
• 8 hours ago
• comments: 2
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: Jack of Diamonds-played with a short quill
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: Jack of Diamonds-played with a short quill
@robin-thompson
• 9 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Mary Young and Fair (trad. Scotland):
Posted a new Comment on Mary Young and Fair (trad. Scotland):
"Wonderfully played, dulcidom!
Sending all warmest wishes for good health, great joy, and much music-making in the coming new year! "
@steve-c
• 9 hours ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Hard Time Killin' Floor Blues, capoed 4th fret key of A:
Posted a new Comment on Hard Time Killin' Floor Blues, capoed 4th fret key of A:
"Alex_Lubet:
Bravo. Really interesting and different. What a great idea.
Thanks Alex Lubet, glad you liked it."
@robin-thompson
• 9 hours ago
• comments: 4
Liked a youtube item created by @dulcidom: Mary Young and Fair (trad. Scotland)
Liked a youtube item created by @dulcidom: Mary Young and Fair (trad. Scotland)
@banjostray
• 15 hours ago
• comments: 2
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: Jack of Diamonds-played with a short quill
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: Jack of Diamonds-played with a short quill
@richard-streib
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @clarkxxx:
Posted a new Comment on @clarkxxx:
"Glad you joined Clarkxxx. Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Best wishes on your build. I look forward to seeing pictures and hearing a sound file."
@homer-ross
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 0
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: A Walk Out the Hollow
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: A Walk Out the Hollow
@homer-ross
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 0
Liked a music item created by @robin-clark: Halsway Schottiesche - 11 nov 13
Liked a music item created by @robin-clark: Halsway Schottiesche - 11 nov 13
@homer-ross
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 3
Liked a youtube item created by @martin-oesterle: In the Beak Midwinter
Liked a youtube item created by @martin-oesterle: In the Beak Midwinter
@robin-thompson
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on In the Beak Midwinter:
Posted a new Comment on In the Beak Midwinter:
"Wonderful, folks-- such as lovely arrangement!
Sending warmest wishes to you all from a cold Ohio US for good health, great joy, and lots of music-making..."
@martin-oesterle
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on In the Beak Midwinter:
Posted a new Comment on In the Beak Midwinter:
"In the Bleak Midwinter. Performed by the Ludwigsburg Dulcimer Circle.Every month, the Ludwigsburg Dulcimer Circle meets for a “YouTube Special.” Together,..."
@davisjames
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Liked a music item created by @robin-clark: Halsway Schottiesche - 11 nov 13
Liked a music item created by @robin-clark: Halsway Schottiesche - 11 nov 13
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @clarkxxx:
Posted a new Comment on @clarkxxx:
"Welcome to FOTMD Clarkxxx. It's good to have you aboard. Best wishes for the successful completion of your mountain dulcimer. Share some photos of your..."
@robin-thompson
• yesterday
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Jack of Diamonds-played with a short quill:
Posted a new Comment on Jack of Diamonds-played with a short quill:
"Thanks, @davisjames-- I'd forgotten all about this tune! It's been quite a spell since I played with a quill and think I may have played this on a dulcimer..."
@davisjames
• yesterday
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Jack of Diamonds-played with a short quill:
Posted a new Comment on Jack of Diamonds-played with a short quill:
"That sounds so good with the quill,plus the melody is fine.It reminds me of "Hangman's Waltz"..the notes are different,but the contours are the same."
@robin-thompson
• yesterday
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on The Old Oaks:
Posted a new Comment on The Old Oaks:
"@davisjames Thanks, Jamie! We'll do our best to live up to being worthy of your vote-- the trees, music, and dulcimers are certainly deserving. "
@davisjames
• yesterday
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on The Old Oaks:
Posted a new Comment on The Old Oaks:
"Great melody and title... anything to do with trees,music and dulcimers you've got my vote,laugh."
@strumelia
• yesterday
• comments: 88
Posted a new Comment on @cindy-stammich:
Posted a new Comment on @cindy-stammich:
"Cindy, your longterm support of FOTMD is so much appreciated (and needed). Thank you so very much!"
@dusty
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: A Walk Out the Hollow
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: A Walk Out the Hollow
@robin-thompson
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
"The next celebration of International Appalachian Dulcimer Day will be Saturday 28 March 2026!
I look forward to seeing videos, audio recording, photos,..."
@robin-thompson
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "My dulcimer collection":
Posted a response to "My dulcimer collection":
"An amazing collection-- such treasures, Kendra! "
@robin-thompson
• yesterday
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on The Old Oaks:
Posted a new Comment on The Old Oaks:
"Oh, my goodness-- years ago, that would've been some majestic tree to see and sit under, @nate!
Here, lots of logging is being done, some selective and..."
@strumelia
• yesterday
• comments: 18
Posted a new Comment on @sandra-hehl:
Posted a new Comment on @sandra-hehl:
"sandra hehl:
I am looking for a Blue Lion dulcimer. Anyone have one to sell?
Hi Sandra, your question will be better seen by other members if you..."
@sandra-hehl
• yesterday
• comments: 18
Posted a new Comment on @sandra-hehl:
Posted a new Comment on @sandra-hehl:
"I am looking for a Blue Lion dulcimer. Anyone have one to sell?"
@richard-streib
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @grizelda:
Posted a new Comment on @grizelda:
"So good to have you join, Grizelda. Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It is great you are playing in the style of John Jacob Niles. There are..."
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on The Old Oaks:
Posted a new Comment on The Old Oaks:
"When I saw the width of the stump, I jokingly said "that must have made a lot of matchsticks.""
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on The Old Oaks:
Posted a new Comment on The Old Oaks:
"It was big enough that I could lay on it with a few feet above my head as a 6'3 person. The tape measure said it was 10 feet between the most distant..."
@robin-thompson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on The Old Oaks:
Posted a new Comment on The Old Oaks:
"Wow, 10', @nate ! That must've been some tree!
Lucky for us, we can see some large Oaks out our West windows-- there aren't a lot of them yet we're..."
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Gabriel's Message (Basque Christmas Carol)
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Gabriel's Message (Basque Christmas Carol)
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: The Rosebud of Allenvale
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: The Rosebud of Allenvale
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on The Rosebud of Allenvale:
Posted a new Comment on The Rosebud of Allenvale:
"Jamie, I have always loved this song, and your rendition is incredible. Thank you very much for sharing this. I'd love to hear you sing this song! I know..."
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on The Old Oaks:
Posted a new Comment on The Old Oaks:
"I recently had the pleasure of seeing the stump of the largest oak tree in Oregon, just a few weeks ago. The tree had become a hazard after years of decay,..."
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: "Drunk" with a pseudo pump organ.
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: "Drunk" with a pseudo pump organ.
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on drunk at night and dry in the morning:
Posted a new Comment on drunk at night and dry in the morning:
"Strumelia:
Pretty tune and well played, James!
(Robin, I'm kind of guessing that 'dry in the morning' refers to swearing off booze once waking up sober the..."
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...
Modern/Chord style Players
Do you play chords and fret across all strings? Then...
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.
The Music Theory Corner
A Group to talk about Music Theory!
Dulcimer Care & Maintenance
Tips, tricks and techniques to help care for your dulcimer.
Rockin' in the Free World
A group for those of you who like to play music not...
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...
Four-Equidistant Strings
A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
Little Dulcimers
Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
Baritone & Bass Dulcimer...
A Group for discussing the unique aspects of playing...
fans of Jean Ritchie
A group for those of us who have been inspired by...
Early & Classical Music
For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
Help Me Learn this Song
Need help learning to play a particular song? Let another...
I have extra frets.....
This group is for those who have a 1 1/2 fret, an 8 1/2...
Public Domain... or Not?
Ever wanted to record or post that tune, but you just...
Dulcimer Therapy
This group is dedicated to those that visit, or have a...
Home Studio Recording
Recording dulcimers, vocals and other instruments in the...
Dulcimer Ancestors
Looking at some of the ancestors of the Mountain...
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...
Chromatic Dulcimers
For players who enjoy playing dulcimers with ALL the frets!
UK and European Mountain...
A group which hopefully allows players/makers in this...
Box Dulcimers
A group for those who play, make, or admire all types...
Galax Dulcimer Lovers
Just a group to discuss all things Galax Dulcimer. Tips...
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...
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 of...
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.
Virginia Dulcimer Players
Just thought it would be neet to know how many other...
Prayers, Hugs, and Kindness
A group for private sharing and support, whether you are...
6 string dulcimers
Owning and playing a 6 string, regardless of tuning, and...
California Dulcimer Dreamin'
For dulcimer players living in or just visiting California
North Carolinians Plus
The Three Sides of North Carolina: Mountains / Piedmont /...
Texas Dulcimer Enthusiasts
Howdy ya'll! Come on by for a cup o' joe and jammin....
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
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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![Maggie Darling[tearjerker on the teardrop].](https://fotmd.com/uploaded_audio/image/audio_image/1323/large/crop=auto)
Latest Forum Posts All
How do I create a new forum...
Posted: Wednesday December 31 2025, 5:25 PM
By: @Bob
By: @Bob
International Appalachian...
Posted: Tuesday December 30 2025, 9:37 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
My dulcimer collection
Posted: Tuesday December 30 2025, 9:34 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Chet Hines “dulcimore”
Posted: Monday December 29 2025, 8:47 AM
By: @paula
By: @paula
At a Dinner Party
Posted: Friday December 26 2025, 5:39 PM
By: @Alex_Lubet
By: @Alex_Lubet
Two new reviews of my...
Posted: Friday December 26 2025, 1:09 PM
By: @Alex_Lubet
By: @Alex_Lubet
A Very Merry Christmas to...
Posted: Thursday December 25 2025, 5:10 PM
By: @RobMachin
By: @RobMachin
Is it worth gifting this...
Posted: Wednesday December 24 2025, 7:30 PM
By: @hugssandi
By: @hugssandi
Ever seen an epinette like...
Posted: Wednesday December 24 2025, 1:55 PM
By: @Mark Gilston
By: @Mark Gilston
How Many Dulcimers Do You...
Posted: Monday December 22 2025, 1:26 PM
By: @RDaleMc
By: @RDaleMc
Directing Facebook Dulcimer...
Posted: Monday December 22 2025, 1:21 PM
By: @RDaleMc
By: @RDaleMc
Peterson Tuner
Posted: Sunday December 21 2025, 4:17 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Plucked psaltries
Posted: Wednesday December 17 2025, 6:22 PM
By: @Mr. Woolery
By: @Mr. Woolery
Western North Carolina...
Posted: Tuesday December 16 2025, 4:24 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Retuning
Posted: Wednesday December 10 2025, 6:31 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Blue Lion Soprano Dulcimer...
Posted: Monday December 8 2025, 10:29 AM
By: @Debi
By: @Debi
Cyndi Lauper live
Posted: Sunday November 30 2025, 10:47 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Playing with hand issues
Posted: Friday November 28 2025, 1:51 PM
By: @John Pettreemusic
By: @John Pettreemusic
The Positive Thread...
Posted: Thursday November 27 2025, 11:29 AM
By: @Banjostray
By: @Banjostray
Shifting bridge and nut
Posted: Sunday November 23 2025, 10:03 PM
By: @Shopdad
By: @Shopdad
Leveling of frets - why?
Posted: Sunday November 23 2025, 9:33 PM
By: @Shopdad
By: @Shopdad
Cyndi Lauper Walk Away Renee
Posted: Thursday November 20 2025, 2:37 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Searching for tab for...
Posted: Saturday November 15 2025, 1:02 AM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Goodbye my old friend
Posted: Thursday November 13 2025, 10:30 AM
By: @John Pettreemusic
By: @John Pettreemusic
Blue Lion model IIRS; Style...
Posted: Tuesday November 11 2025, 9:31 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Looking for Info on Laurel...
Posted: Monday November 10 2025, 2:00 PM
By: @Jerry Posner
By: @Jerry Posner
Advice for fire-damaged...
Posted: Sunday November 9 2025, 9:27 AM
By: @Wally Venable
By: @Wally Venable
History of Pinewoods folk...
Posted: Tuesday November 4 2025, 8:55 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Child ballads playlist on...
Posted: Friday October 31 2025, 7:26 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
equal intonation versus...
Posted: Friday October 31 2025, 5:30 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Read the Site Rules
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