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
@hugssandi
• 8 minutes ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Is it worth gifting this dulcimer?":
Posted a response to "Is it worth gifting this dulcimer?":
"THANK YOU, ROBIN!!
KEN!! YOU ARE AMAZING!! That was super clear instruction, and I a think I can do it. I am so grateful for you and all of the dulcimer..."
@strumelia
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "A Very Merry Christmas to all my New Friends":
Posted a response to "A Very Merry Christmas to all my New Friends":
"Hi Sandi, it's great to see you stop by! "
@ken-longfield
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Is it worth gifting this dulcimer?":
Posted a response to "Is it worth gifting this dulcimer?":
"Sandi, yes you can fix it yourself. You will need to replace the nut (correct name, it is not a bridge). You will need a piece of hardwood the same length,..."
@robin-thompson
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Is it worth gifting this dulcimer?":
Posted a response to "Is it worth gifting this dulcimer?":
"Sandi, I have no advice on how to work on the instrument yet hope some knowledgable person chimes in! "
@hugssandi
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "A Very Merry Christmas to all my New Friends":
Posted a response to "A Very Merry Christmas to all my New Friends":
"*MERRY CHRISTMAS!* 🎁🎄🎁 "
@hugssandi
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @randy-s-bretz: A Very Merry Christmas to all my New Friends
Liked a forum discussions item created by @randy-s-bretz: A Very Merry Christmas to all my New Friends
@hugssandi
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Is it worth gifting this dulcimer?":
Created a new forum topic "Is it worth gifting this dulcimer?":
"Someone in our neighborhood's Buy Nothing group asked for a mountain dulcimer!! And I have a beat-up First Act. It needs new strings, and the top bridge is..."
@dale-mccubbins
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "How Many Dulcimers Do You Own? ":
Posted a response to "How Many Dulcimers Do You Own? ":
"Just the two, my Hickory Ridge & my McSpadden. SO FAR I've managed to avoid the temptation of gingers and bass dulcimers ... but I GOTTA QUIT LOOKING..."
@dale-mccubbins
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Directing Facebook Dulcimer friends here, and a neat story.":
Created a new forum topic "Directing Facebook Dulcimer friends here, and a neat story.":
"There's a Mountain Dulcimer facebook page, several of you may be on it, but I've been directing friends from that to here, as some are new/beginners to..."
@dale-mccubbins
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on @dale-mccubbins:
Posted a new Comment on @dale-mccubbins:
"I'd like to share this post from Facebook ... there's a Mountain Dulcimer facebook page, and I've been directing friends from that to here, but this is from..."
@dwain-wilder
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Ever seen an epinette like this?":
Posted a response to "Ever seen an epinette like this?":
"Luigi:
It could also be a Hungarian zither. They don't usually have a bottom, though.
Wow! Bingo! Thanks! I'm finding many references to the Hungarian..."
@robin-thompson
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Peterson Tuner":
Posted a response to "Peterson Tuner":
"I use the Peterson tuner and have one upstairs and one downstairs. :) "
@dusty
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Peterson Tuner":
Posted a response to "Peterson Tuner":
"John, the Peterson clip-on is indeed a great tuner. I just watched the NPR Little Desk concert with Billy Strings and his band, and they all had Peterson..."
@lilley-pad
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Peterson Tuner":
Created a new forum topic "Peterson Tuner":
"Howdy kids first I just wanted to say I hope everybody has or we'll have a good holiday day.
I have a question about my new tuner its a Peterson clip-on...."
@robin-thompson
• yesterday
• comments: 0
https://fotmd.com/robin-thompson/uploaded_audio/1353/the-old-oaks
https://fotmd.com/robin-thompson/uploaded_audio/1353/the-old-oaks
@luigi
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Ever seen an epinette like this?":
Posted a response to "Ever seen an epinette like this?":
"It could also be a Hungarian zither. They don't usually have a bottom, though."
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @dwain-wilder: Ever seen an epinette like this?
Liked a forum discussions item created by @dwain-wilder: Ever seen an epinette like this?
@dwain-wilder
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Ever seen an epinette like this?":
Created a new forum topic "Ever seen an epinette like this?":
"A client recently brought an antique musical instrument in terrible shape, asking me to refurbish it. I think it's a variant of the epinette des vosges. I..."
@joe
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "A Very Merry Christmas to all my New Friends":
Posted a response to "A Very Merry Christmas to all my New Friends":
"Merry Christmas and may everyone find time to spend more quality time with their dulcimer(s) more in the new year! "
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
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)
@davisjames
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: A Light in the Window
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: A Light in the Window
@davisjames
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on "Drunk" with a pseudo pump organ.:
Posted a new Comment on "Drunk" with a pseudo pump organ.:
"Upon subsequent listening,the button box is okay but it doesn't really replicate the sound of those old pump organs.It would be interesting to hear the real..."
@banjostray
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
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)
@mark-gilston
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted new YouTube video(s):
Gabriel's Message (Basque Christmas Carol)
Gabriel's Message (Basque Christmas Carol)
@homer-ross
• 3 days ago
• comments: 4
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: A Light in the Window
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: A Light in the Window
@robin-thompson
• 3 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on "Drunk" with a pseudo pump organ.:
Posted a new Comment on "Drunk" with a pseudo pump organ.:
"Sounds good, Jamie! I'd say that Button Box fills-in nicely. "
@ritaj540
• 3 days ago
• comments: 599
Posted a new Comment on @benjamin-w-barr-jr:
Posted a new Comment on @benjamin-w-barr-jr:
"Thanks you for the welcome, Ben!"
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 3 days ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on @ritaj540:
Posted a new Comment on @ritaj540:
"Hi Rita, 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
• 3 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @martay6:
Posted a new Comment on @martay6:
"Hi MarTay, 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
• 3 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @chrisshannon:
Posted a new Comment on @chrisshannon:
"Hi Chris, 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,..."
@robin-thompson
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "A Very Merry Christmas to all my New Friends":
Posted a response to "A Very Merry Christmas to all my New Friends":
"Sending all good wishes for light, love, and lots of music-making in this season and in the coming year! "
@robin-thompson
• 3 days ago
• comments: 3
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:
"Ah, @strumelia, that makes sense! "
@strumelia
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "A Very Merry Christmas to all my New Friends":
Posted a response to "A Very Merry Christmas to all my New Friends":
"Happy holidays, Merry Christmas, gentle Winter Solstice, and a joyful new year to all - may the friendships and good will we forge here grow and branch..."
@strumelia
• 3 days ago
• comments: 3
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: drunk at night and dry in the morning
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: drunk at night and dry in the morning
@strumelia
• 3 days ago
• comments: 3
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:
"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 next day.)"
@strumelia
• 3 days ago
• comments: 63
Posted a new Comment on @gordon-hardy:
Posted a new Comment on @gordon-hardy:
"Wishing you a very happy Christmas, Gordon. "
@luigi
• 4 days ago
• comments: 4
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: A Light in the Window
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: A Light in the Window
@robin-thompson
• 4 days ago
• comments: 3
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:
"What a strange (to me, at least) title for this cool tune! Nicely played, Jamie! "
@dusty
• 4 days ago
• comments: 3
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: drunk at night and dry in the morning
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: drunk at night and dry in the morning
@davisjames
• 4 days ago
• comments: 3
Created a new Audio File:
drunk at night and dry in the morning
Created a new Audio File:
drunk at night and dry in the morning
@robin-thompson
• 4 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on A Light in the Window:
Posted a new Comment on A Light in the Window:
"Hey, @gordon-hardy -- thank you for listening and for the sweet comment! Wishing you and yours a lovely holiday season! Keep cozy! "
@phil-myers
• 4 days ago
• comments: 1
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)
@gordon-hardy
• 4 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on A Light in the Window:
Posted a new Comment on A Light in the Window:
"Such a sweet, lovely melody Robin! You and Mark do a great job on this one. Thanks so much for sharing and adding to the depth of my Christmas experience...."
@phil-myers
• 4 days ago
• comments: 4
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: A Light in the Window
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: A Light in the Window
@robin-thompson
• 4 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on A Light in the Window:
Posted a new Comment on A Light in the Window:
"Thanks, @dan ! Hope you and your dear ones have a lovely Christmas! "
@dan
• 4 days ago
• comments: 4
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: A Light in the Window
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: A Light in the Window
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
All
![Maggie Darling[tearjerker on the teardrop].](https://fotmd.com/uploaded_audio/image/audio_image/1323/large/crop=auto)
Latest Forum Posts All
Is it worth gifting this...
Posted: Monday December 22 2025, 8:36 PM
By: @hugssandi
By: @hugssandi
A Very Merry Christmas to...
Posted: Monday December 22 2025, 5:37 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
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
Ever seen an epinette like...
Posted: Sunday December 21 2025, 10:09 PM
By: @Dwain Wilder
By: @Dwain Wilder
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
My dulcimer collection
Posted: Thursday December 4 2025, 10:59 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
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
the bridge “saddle”
Posted: Friday October 31 2025, 5:05 PM
By: @Nate
By: @Nate
TK O'Brien Walnut Creek...
Posted: Friday October 31 2025, 10:40 AM
By: @BJ Jordan
By: @BJ Jordan
Listing A Dulcimer For Sale
Posted: Tuesday October 28 2025, 5:57 PM
By: @Old Dawg
By: @Old Dawg
Approximate age/info about...
Posted: Saturday October 25 2025, 10:59 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Wedge shaped floating bridge
Posted: Monday October 20 2025, 1:01 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
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