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
@homer-ross
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 28
Posted a new Comment on Modern/Chord style Players:
Posted a new Comment on Modern/Chord style Players:
"Has anyone tried the Blue Chip picks?"
@ken-longfield
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on @pghmatt:
Posted a new Comment on @pghmatt:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Pghmatt. It always good to have another Pennsylvanian on board. Let us know if you have any questions. I enjoy noter playing and although I..."
@ken-longfield
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @annie-h:
Posted a new Comment on @annie-h:
"Welcome to FOTMD, AnnieH. It's good to have you aboard. We are here to help. Let us know if have any questions.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@ken-longfield
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @kerin:
Posted a new Comment on @kerin:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Kerin. It's good to have you aboard. Let us know if we can help you in any way as you begin your dulcimer journey.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings..."
@davisjames
• 8 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Cascade:
Posted a new Comment on Cascade:
"An amazing performance and composition."
@davisjames
• 10 hours ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Deep Blue Sea:
Posted a new Comment on Deep Blue Sea:
"Hi Mark.A great song!An odd thing,when I saw the title the melody popped into my head,no,that can't be right,says I..then I remembered- this song was a hit..."
@calvin
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 586
Posted a new Comment on @benjamin-w-barr-jr:
Posted a new Comment on @benjamin-w-barr-jr:
"Thank you, I have a dulcimer on it's way was unable to play before purchasing fingers crossed."
@wally-venable
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on @pghmatt:
Posted a new Comment on @pghmatt:
"I like a 7/16 inch dowel about 6 inches long as a noter. It really doesn't matter to me whether the dowel comes from a lumber yard or a craft department."
@robin-thompson
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 8
https://fotmd.com/robin-thompson/uploaded_audio/1319/all-the-abandoned-mines
https://fotmd.com/robin-thompson/uploaded_audio/1319/all-the-abandoned-mines
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @calvin:
Posted a new Comment on @calvin:
"Hi Calvin, 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,..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @kerin:
Posted a new Comment on @kerin:
"Hi Kerin, 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,..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 15 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @annie-h:
Posted a new Comment on @annie-h:
"Hi Annie, 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,..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 15 hours ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on @pghmatt:
Posted a new Comment on @pghmatt:
"Hi Matt, 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,..."
@richard-streib
• 15 hours ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on @pghmatt:
Posted a new Comment on @pghmatt:
"I found that bamboo or river cane makes a nice noter. Some folks use chopsticks from the Chinese carry out. I find one about 3/8" diameter works for me.Just..."
@pghmatt
• yesterday
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on @pghmatt:
Posted a new Comment on @pghmatt:
"Richard Streib:
Welcome Pghmatt to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Glad you joined. Congrats on finding your dulcimer. The song of the dulcimer is really..."
@richard-streib
• yesterday
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on @pghmatt:
Posted a new Comment on @pghmatt:
"Welcome Pghmatt to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Glad you joined. Congrats on finding your dulcimer. The song of the dulcimer is really in a class by..."
@richard-streib
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @annie-h:
Posted a new Comment on @annie-h:
"Thanks for joining and welcome Annie H to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Glad you joined. This is a great community of wonderful dulcimer people. Look..."
@richard-streib
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @kerin:
Posted a new Comment on @kerin:
"Welcom Kerin to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. So glad you joined. This is a great forum which I am sure you will find interesting. I sent you a private..."
@robin-thompson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Redwood Dulcimer Day 2025 (ONLINE!):
Posted a new Comment on Redwood Dulcimer Day 2025 (ONLINE!):
"Thank you, Dusty-- I'm good to go for the concert! "
@pierre-yves-donnio
• 2 days ago
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @leo-kretzner: Swaggering Jig on lap dulcimer
Liked a youtube item created by @leo-kretzner: Swaggering Jig on lap dulcimer
@pierre-yves-donnio
• 2 days ago
• comments: 6
Liked a youtube item created by @leo-kretzner: The Shepherd's Wife
Liked a youtube item created by @leo-kretzner: The Shepherd's Wife
@dusty
• 2 days ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Redwood Dulcimer Day 2025 (ONLINE!):
Posted a new Comment on Redwood Dulcimer Day 2025 (ONLINE!):
"To register only for the concert, which costs $15, just start the registration process and choose the option for the "Friday evening concert only." Here is..."
@robin-thompson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Redwood Dulcimer Day 2025 (ONLINE!):
Posted a new Comment on Redwood Dulcimer Day 2025 (ONLINE!):
"@dusty How do I register for just the concert? "
@dusty
• 3 days ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Redwood Dulcimer Day 2025 (ONLINE!):
Posted a new Comment on Redwood Dulcimer Day 2025 (ONLINE!):
"Registration is now open for this fun and intimate, online event. If you sign up for any of my workshops, let me know and you can help me choose some of the..."
@ken-longfield
• 3 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @calvin:
Posted a new Comment on @calvin:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Calvin. It looks like you've jumped right in. That's great. I look forward to your continued participation here.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a..."
@ken-longfield
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "What to Look For When Buying a Dulcimer Secondhand":
Posted a response to "What to Look For When Buying a Dulcimer Secondhand":
"Enjoy your new to you dulcimer. Like John, over the years I've built several McSpadden kits; always for others. I'm glad to you found an instrument you like..."
@john-c-knopf
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "What to Look For When Buying a Dulcimer Secondhand":
Posted a response to "What to Look For When Buying a Dulcimer Secondhand":
"Good going! We're happy that you got a nice dulcimer at a nice price. To me it sounds like you bought a McSpadden dulcimer kit that was assembled by Bob..."
@bonnieannie
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "What to Look For When Buying a Dulcimer Secondhand":
Posted a response to "What to Look For When Buying a Dulcimer Secondhand":
"Thank you, everyone! Checking out the dulcimer went well and I ended up taking it home. It turned out to not be a McSpadden – looks like the maker is Bob..."
@calvin
• 4 days ago
• comments: 344
Posted a new Comment on @richard-streib:
Posted a new Comment on @richard-streib:
"I am in the process of getting my first dulcimer, hoping to make a good decision. Thanks for allowing me to join the group."
@strumelia
• 4 days ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Redwood Dulcimer Day 2025 (ONLINE!):
Posted a new Comment on Redwood Dulcimer Day 2025 (ONLINE!):
"Looks to be a great line-up this year! "
@strumelia
• 4 days ago
• comments: 4
Liked an events item created by @steve-eulberg: Noter-Style Master Class (online, Zoom)
Liked an events item created by @steve-eulberg: Noter-Style Master Class (online, Zoom)
@richard-streib
• 4 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @calvin:
Posted a new Comment on @calvin:
"Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Glad you joined Calvin. This is a wonderful community of folks who love the mountain dulcimer. Look around and..."
@leo-kretzner
• 4 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on The Shepherd's Wife:
Posted a new Comment on The Shepherd's Wife:
"FWIW, there was a hammered dulcimer of Gregg's in the room the recording was done in. Perhaps some resonant vibrations were happening!"
@leo-kretzner
• 4 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on The Shepherd's Wife:
Posted a new Comment on The Shepherd's Wife:
"That's some really good ears there!
Thanks for all comments... "
@calvin
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "larry Barringer":
Posted a response to "larry Barringer":
"Robin Thompson:
Scroll to the bottom of this page on Terry McCafferty's website for a little information:..."
@robin-thompson
• 5 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "larry Barringer":
Posted a response to "larry Barringer":
"Scroll to the bottom of this page on Terry McCafferty's website for a little information:..."
@john-petry
• 5 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "What to Look For When Buying a Dulcimer Secondhand":
Posted a response to "What to Look For When Buying a Dulcimer Secondhand":
"Rule # 2 Play it some more....
If YOU like the way it looks, if YOU like the way it sounds, it means more than ANY makers mark or vintage. A dulcimer..."
@calvin
• 5 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "larry Barringer":
Created a new forum topic "larry Barringer":
"I am looking at a Barringer # 58 like new condition any input on his work and possible value?"
@randy-adams
• 5 days ago
• comments: 4
Liked an events item created by @steve-eulberg: Noter-Style Master Class (online, Zoom)
Liked an events item created by @steve-eulberg: Noter-Style Master Class (online, Zoom)
@wally-venable
• 5 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "What to Look For When Buying a Dulcimer Secondhand":
Posted a response to "What to Look For When Buying a Dulcimer Secondhand":
"Rule #1 for purchasing a dulcimer: If possible, PLAY IT.
Dulcimers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and you need one which fits YOU. Even if you can..."
@erin-mae
• 5 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Noter-Style Master Class (online, Zoom):
Posted a new Comment on Noter-Style Master Class (online, Zoom):
"I'm excited for this workshop! My noter-technique is pretty rough-around-the-edges so I'm looking forward to focusing my attention on it for a couple of hours! "
@ken-longfield
• 6 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Noter-Style Master Class (online, Zoom):
Posted a new Comment on Noter-Style Master Class (online, Zoom):
"Sounds like good presentations. I hope they good a response. Unfortunately I am not able to participate on that day.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@david-bennett
• 6 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Noter-Style Master Class (online, Zoom):
Posted a new Comment on Noter-Style Master Class (online, Zoom):
"I'll sign up (and post notice to my website)"
@david-bennett
• 6 days ago
• comments: 4
Is attending an Event:
Noter-Style Master Class (online, Zoom)
Noter-Style Master Class (online, Zoom)
@robin-thompson
• 6 days ago
• comments: 4
Liked an events item created by @steve-eulberg: Noter-Style Master Class (online, Zoom)
Liked an events item created by @steve-eulberg: Noter-Style Master Class (online, Zoom)
@strumelia
• 6 days ago
• comments: 25
Posted a new Comment on Today In Mountain Dulcimer History: JUNE:
Posted a new Comment on Today In Mountain Dulcimer History: JUNE:
"Wow, thanks for pointing that out, Dusty. It does sound like a terrific online event!"
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...
Little Dulcimers
Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
Baritone & Bass Dulcimer...
A Group for discussing the unique aspects of playing...
Four-Equidistant Strings
A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
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 another...
Early & Classical Music
For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
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...
UK and European Mountain...
A group which hopefully allows players/makers in this...
Chromatic Dulcimers
For players who enjoy playing dulcimers with ALL the frets!
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...
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....
6 string dulcimers
Owning and playing a 6 string, regardless of tuning, and...
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...
FOTMD on the Road
Are your traveling, on vacation, on your way to a...
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
All
Latest Forum Posts All
What to Look For When...
Posted: Friday June 6 2025, 4:31 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
larry Barringer
Posted: Thursday June 5 2025, 12:52 PM
By: @calvin
By: @calvin
WANTED: Blue Lion teardrop
Posted: Monday June 2 2025, 6:54 PM
By: @Jill Geary
By: @Jill Geary
Bar Cords
Posted: Sunday June 1 2025, 4:00 AM
By: @Lilley Pad
By: @Lilley Pad
Mountain Dulcimer on The...
Posted: Saturday May 24 2025, 12:38 PM
By: @Jim Yates
By: @Jim Yates
Just String info.
Posted: Thursday May 15 2025, 5:36 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
storing an instrument
Posted: Thursday May 15 2025, 11:51 AM
By: @Wally Venable
By: @Wally Venable
Jim Good dulcimer
Posted: Wednesday May 14 2025, 6:38 PM
By: @wanative07
By: @wanative07
Things to consider with...
Posted: Monday May 12 2025, 7:29 PM
By: @Richard Streib
By: @Richard Streib
Gary Gallier Dulcimer
Posted: Friday May 9 2025, 10:38 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
American old time music.
Posted: Thursday May 8 2025, 8:16 AM
By: @DavisJames
By: @DavisJames
Only 10 to go till 200 members
Posted: Wednesday May 7 2025, 11:37 PM
By: @John Pettreemusic
By: @John Pettreemusic
Mystery dulcimer from 1970
Posted: Wednesday May 7 2025, 10:43 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
tuning pegs
Posted: Tuesday May 6 2025, 9:46 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Any information about this...
Posted: Wednesday April 30 2025, 11:41 AM
By: @Richard Streib
By: @Richard Streib
Introduce Yourself!
Posted: Wednesday April 30 2025, 8:10 AM
By: @Terry Jaye
By: @Terry Jaye
The Positive Thread...
Posted: Monday April 28 2025, 11:22 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
McCafferty Desert Motif...
Posted: Sunday April 27 2025, 10:52 PM
By: @fromsfca
By: @fromsfca
WTB: glass noter
Posted: Sunday April 27 2025, 4:42 PM
By: @John Pettreemusic
By: @John Pettreemusic
six string Dulcimer
Posted: Friday April 25 2025, 2:34 PM
By: @Lilley Pad
By: @Lilley Pad
Amplification of an...
Posted: Thursday April 24 2025, 1:28 AM
By: @Pux0r3
By: @Pux0r3
Help with restoring a 1962...
Posted: Tuesday April 22 2025, 10:29 PM
By: @Robert Owens
By: @Robert Owens
New Harmony saddle?
Posted: Saturday April 19 2025, 4:31 PM
By: @Debi
By: @Debi
John Stockard Dulcimer
Posted: Saturday April 19 2025, 8:04 AM
By: @Old Dawg
By: @Old Dawg
recommendations for...
Posted: Friday April 18 2025, 12:12 PM
By: @John Pettreemusic
By: @John Pettreemusic
Good dulcimer for busking?
Posted: Friday April 18 2025, 3:12 AM
By: @Nate
By: @Nate
Chet Hines “dulcimore”
Posted: Friday April 18 2025, 2:48 AM
By: @John Pettreemusic
By: @John Pettreemusic
2 dulcimer dilemma
Posted: Tuesday April 15 2025, 9:33 PM
By: @John Pettreemusic
By: @John Pettreemusic
Don Neuhauser
Posted: Monday April 14 2025, 6:18 AM
By: @Lilley Pad
By: @Lilley Pad
International Appalachian...
Posted: Sunday April 13 2025, 9:33 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Read the Site Rules
Our Welcome Wagon!
3 CHEERS to our Volunteer Greeters ...for making new members feel right at home :
Jim Fawcett  |
Benjamin Barr  |
Richard Streib  |
Ken Longfield  |
Single Instructor Events / Classifieds
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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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