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
@robin-thompson
• an hour ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @jim-cadorette: Dulcimer building and construction books for sale
Liked a forum discussions item created by @jim-cadorette: Dulcimer building and construction books for sale
@jim-cadorette
• 2 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Dulcimer building and construction books for sale":
Created a new forum topic "Dulcimer building and construction books for sale":
"I've got some dulcimer building resources I'm selling for $50 as a set. Two are full blown construction books, one is an article from Fine Woodworking and..."
@jim-cadorette
• 2 hours ago
• comments: 350
Posted a new Comment on @richard-streib:
Posted a new Comment on @richard-streib:
"My dulcimer sold and I donated $5.
How do I delete my ad?"
@steve-c
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted new YouTube video(s):
Hard Time Killin' Floor Blues, capoed 4th fret key of A
Hard Time Killin' Floor Blues, capoed 4th fret key of A
@jimws
• 8 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Tuners on Folkcrat instrument are difficult to turn":
Posted a response to "Tuners on Folkcrat instrument are difficult to turn":
"Thanks all for your response. I don't post a lot but I've learned much due to your posts."
@strumelia
• 10 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Tuners on Folkcrat instrument are difficult to turn":
Posted a response to "Tuners on Folkcrat instrument are difficult to turn":
"Great advice from both Richard and Ken!
BTW lubricating the gears will not make the tuners less likely to hold tension when tuned. While that might be true..."
@ken-longfield
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @elizabeth-a:
Posted a new Comment on @elizabeth-a:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Elizabeth. It is good to have you aboard. I hope you find ideas and inspiration as you look through this site. Let us know if you have any..."
@ken-longfield
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @cjones:
Posted a new Comment on @cjones:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Cjones. It's good to have you aboard. I'm glad that you are getting back in to playing your dulcimer. Look around this site. You will find..."
@ken-longfield
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @wink-rager:
Posted a new Comment on @wink-rager:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Wink. It's good to have you aboard. You are never too old to play mountain dulcimers, build them, or learn about them. I look forward to..."
@ken-longfield
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @jim-cadorette:
Posted a new Comment on @jim-cadorette:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Jim. I wish you success in finding a new home for your dulcimer. When you post it for sale include a good description and several photos...."
@ken-longfield
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @travlcouple:
Posted a new Comment on @travlcouple:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Travicouple. It's good to have you aboard. I look forward to your participation here.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@ken-longfield
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @eggore76:
Posted a new Comment on @eggore76:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Eggore76. It sounds like you have interesting hobbies. Have fun exploring this site. Let us know if you have any questions. I look forward..."
@ken-longfield
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @mary-frantz:
Posted a new Comment on @mary-frantz:
"Welcome back to FOTMD, Mary. I'm glad that you are getting back in to playing the mountain dulcimer. I look forward to your renewed participation here.
Ken..."
@ken-longfield
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @tammi:
Posted a new Comment on @tammi:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Tammi. It is good to have you aboard. As you explore this site you will learn a good deal about the mountain dulcimer. Please ask questions..."
@ken-longfield
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Tuners on Folkcrat instrument are difficult to turn":
Posted a response to "Tuners on Folkcrat instrument are difficult to turn":
"You are on the right track. First see if it moves better after you loosen the screw. You might start with an 1/8th or 1/4th turn. If it turns well and..."
@robin-thompson
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 14
Posted a new Comment on All the Abandoned Mines:
Posted a new Comment on All the Abandoned Mines:
"@homer-ross & @davisjames , many thanks for listening, friends! We own a little bit of acreage and most/all of it is atop an underground mine. Mark's..."
@richard-streib
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Tuners on Folkcrat instrument are difficult to turn":
Posted a response to "Tuners on Folkcrat instrument are difficult to turn":
"The problem is likely related to the vintage of the dulcimer. That is a long time and things can dry out over time.
I have taken some similar tuners apart...."
@jimws
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Tuners on Folkcrat instrument are difficult to turn":
Created a new forum topic "Tuners on Folkcrat instrument are difficult to turn":
"I play with a dulcimer club located in Fairhope, Al and today I was assisting a young lady in tuning her dulcimer. She has a beautiful Folkcraft dulcimer..."
@homer-ross
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on I Am a Poor Wayfaring Stranger:
Posted a new Comment on I Am a Poor Wayfaring Stranger:
"Love this tune."
@homer-ross
• yesterday
• comments: 14
Posted a new Comment on All the Abandoned Mines:
Posted a new Comment on All the Abandoned Mines:
"Very emotional tune. Well done and beautifully expressed."
@davisjames
• yesterday
• comments: 14
Posted a new Comment on All the Abandoned Mines:
Posted a new Comment on All the Abandoned Mines:
"I love this melody.I suspect that the folks who worked in the mine near you and the people who depended on them would be glad to know that you composed and..."
@davisjames
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Liked a music item created by @richard-streib: I Am a Poor Wayfaring Stranger
Liked a music item created by @richard-streib: I Am a Poor Wayfaring Stranger
@shopdad
• yesterday
• comments: 592
Posted a new Comment on @benjamin-w-barr-jr:
Posted a new Comment on @benjamin-w-barr-jr:
"Thanks Ben. Getting things together for a Tear Drop. I just read a post about the Tear Drop Dulcimer. Sounds like there are some different opinions. Pro's;..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• yesterday
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on @shopdad:
Posted a new Comment on @shopdad:
"Wow, Shopdad, those look great. Can't wait to see what more you come up with."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @willywasel:
Posted a new Comment on @willywasel:
"HI Willy 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
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @codelady7:
Posted a new Comment on @codelady7:
"Hi Codelady, 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..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @karilee:
Posted a new Comment on @karilee:
"Hi Karilee, 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..."
@strumelia
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Playing A Longer VSL":
Posted a response to "Playing A Longer VSL":
"Nate:I don't think the difference between 24 and 26.5 is that huge. Long stretches like a 1-2-4 chord might be about 1/2 inch further.
Nate makes a great..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @tammi:
Posted a new Comment on @tammi:
"Hi Tammi, 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
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @mary-frantz:
Posted a new Comment on @mary-frantz:
"Hi Mary, 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
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @eggore76:
Posted a new Comment on @eggore76:
"Hi Eggore, 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
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @travlcouple:
Posted a new Comment on @travlcouple:
"Hi Travlcouple, 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..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @jim-cadorette:
Posted a new Comment on @jim-cadorette:
"Hi Jim, 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
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @wink-rager:
Posted a new Comment on @wink-rager:
"Hi Wink, 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
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @cjones:
Posted a new Comment on @cjones:
"Hi C., 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, and..."
@strumelia
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Playing A Longer VSL":
Posted a response to "Playing A Longer VSL":
"Something else to keep in mind... assuming you wish to tune both dulcimers to the same key and the same notes on your strings, you may have to use slightly..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @elizabeth-a:
Posted a new Comment on @elizabeth-a:
"Hi Elizabeth, 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..."
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Playing A Longer VSL":
Posted a response to "Playing A Longer VSL":
"I don't think the difference between 24 and 26.5 is that huge. Long stretches like a 1-2-4 chord might be about 1/2 inch further. I would say that hand..."
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Playing A Longer VSL":
Posted a response to "Playing A Longer VSL":
"I'm assuming you mostly play in DAd tuning?Are you able to concentrate more on playing the melody notes without necessarily playing the full chords of the..."
@debi
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Playing A Longer VSL":
Posted a response to "Playing A Longer VSL":
"John Pettreemusic:
Couldn't resist....sorry...
Didn't say I'd be playing on Halloween!"
@john-petry
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Playing A Longer VSL":
Posted a response to "Playing A Longer VSL":
"Couldn't resist....sorry..."
@mark-gilston
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Once I had a sweetheart (duet):
Posted a new Comment on Once I had a sweetheart (duet):
"Dusty Turtle:
Nice job, you two! Charming duet.
I wish I could have better seen your fingers in the fretboards. How am I supposed to steal licks?..."
@richard-streib
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @elizabeth-a:
Posted a new Comment on @elizabeth-a:
"Welcome Elizabeth A to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Glad you joined. I applaud your desire to get back into playing your dulcimer. It can be hard to..."
@debi
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Playing A Longer VSL":
Created a new forum topic "Playing A Longer VSL":
"Hi Folks,
Hope everyone is doing well. I am interested in suggestions for someone who normally plays a 24 to max 25 VSL dulcimer and wish to get a..."
@dusty
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Once I had a sweetheart (duet):
Posted a new Comment on Once I had a sweetheart (duet):
"Nice job, you two! Charming duet.
I wish I could have better seen your fingers in the fretboards. How am I supposed to steal licks?"
@richard-streib
• 3 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @cjones:
Posted a new Comment on @cjones:
"Welcome Cjones to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Glad you joined. Best wishes on your learning and progress with playing your mountain dulcimer. We are..."
@richard-streib
• 3 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @wink-rager:
Posted a new Comment on @wink-rager:
"Welcome Wink Rager to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer Glad you joined. There is a lot of information here about the mountain dulcimer. Please let us know if..."
@richard-streib
• 3 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @jim-cadorette:
Posted a new Comment on @jim-cadorette:
"Welcome Jim Cadorette to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Glad you joined. Yes we do have a for sale forum. On the bar above click on forums and then at the..."
@alex-lubet
• 3 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Autumn's Farewell - Original Composition:
Posted a new Comment on Autumn's Farewell - Original Composition:
"Beautiful"
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
![Maggie Darling[tearjerker on the teardrop].](https://fotmd.com/uploaded_audio/image/audio_image/1323/large/crop=auto)
Latest Forum Posts All
Dulcimer building and...
Posted: Saturday August 9 2025, 3:47 PM
By: @Jim Cadorette
By: @Jim Cadorette
Tuners on Folkcrat...
Posted: Saturday August 9 2025, 9:37 AM
By: @jimws
By: @jimws
Playing A Longer VSL
Posted: Friday August 8 2025, 9:45 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Want to buy Warren A. May...
Posted: Tuesday August 5 2025, 10:57 PM
By: @Jill Geary
By: @Jill Geary
2016 Modern Mountain...
Posted: Tuesday August 5 2025, 10:20 PM
By: @Jim Cadorette
By: @Jim Cadorette
Rebec
Posted: Tuesday August 5 2025, 5:24 PM
By: @Richard Streib
By: @Richard Streib
Jean Ritchie and her ballad...
Posted: Tuesday August 5 2025, 9:03 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
A Farewell
Posted: Sunday August 3 2025, 3:04 PM
By: @Alex_Lubet
By: @Alex_Lubet
Old dulcimers that want to...
Posted: Sunday August 3 2025, 3:32 AM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
tambourin à cordes
Posted: Saturday August 2 2025, 12:44 PM
By: @Alex_Lubet
By: @Alex_Lubet
Translating chords from one...
Posted: Friday August 1 2025, 11:07 AM
By: @Kathreen Miller
By: @Kathreen Miller
New album
Posted: Wednesday July 30 2025, 4:27 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
I need BASIC dulcimer help...
Posted: Tuesday July 29 2025, 3:39 PM
By: @JDNewberry
By: @JDNewberry
Baritone dulcimette
Posted: Tuesday July 29 2025, 1:39 PM
By: @CarolynF
By: @CarolynF
Gary Gallier's Starsong...
Posted: Monday July 28 2025, 8:37 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Dulcimer Value
Posted: Saturday July 26 2025, 1:28 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Teaching
Posted: Tuesday July 22 2025, 2:55 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
1 1/2" and 1 3/8ths...
Posted: Monday July 21 2025, 10:32 AM
By: @wibble
By: @wibble
radius fret-board.
Posted: Monday July 21 2025, 2:17 AM
By: @Nate
By: @Nate
The Positive Thread...
Posted: Saturday July 19 2025, 7:10 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Anyone have experience with...
Posted: Friday July 18 2025, 9:23 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Number 7_25 London
Posted: Thursday July 17 2025, 1:46 PM
By: @Dan
By: @Dan
Mr Dusty T
Posted: Saturday July 12 2025, 6:34 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Lefties
Posted: Thursday July 10 2025, 5:07 PM
By: @Alex_Lubet
By: @Alex_Lubet
Apologies
Posted: Wednesday July 9 2025, 7:41 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
No grooves on bridge revisited
Posted: Monday July 7 2025, 5:56 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Black Thomas replication
Posted: Saturday July 5 2025, 8:35 AM
By: @Dan
By: @Dan
Tuning down a half step
Posted: Friday July 4 2025, 11:15 AM
By: @Lorilee
By: @Lorilee
Pluck by Linda Paulus
Posted: Wednesday July 2 2025, 7:50 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Reasons NOT To Get a Chromatic
Posted: Monday June 30 2025, 4:33 PM
By: @Alex_Lubet
By: @Alex_Lubet
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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