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

Richard Streib
@richard-streib • 2 hours ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @msbmusical:
"Glad you joined Msbmusical. Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. You have come to the right place to learn about the mountain dulcimer. There is a..."
Strumelia
@strumelia • 3 hours ago • comments: 3
Liked a youtube item created by @carol-h: December: Deer and the Moon
Homer Ross
@homer-ross • 4 hours ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on December: Deer and the Moon:
"Beautifully peaceful. We all need more like this...thanks for sharing."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 10 hours ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @msbmusical:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Msbmusical. It's good to have you aboard. There is quite an active group of dulcimer players in Indianapolis. If you haven't been in touch..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • yesterday • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Wedge shaped floating bridge":
"I'm glad to hear that you contacted Warren and the he is helping you. There is nothing like going directly to the builder for help. Ken "The dulcimer sings a..."
GreatLakes73
@greatlakes73 • yesterday • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Wedge shaped floating bridge":
"Mr May said the wedge-shaped bridge was not original and kindly sent me two normal ones in the mail! One other question: I went to swap out the original..."
olddog75
@olddog75 • yesterday • comments: 3
Liked a youtube item created by @carol-h: December: Deer and the Moon
Carol H
@carol-h • yesterday • comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Bonny at Morn
Mark Gilston
@mark-gilston • 2 days ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Bonny at Morn:
"Nate: Masterful as always, Mark. The way you play historical tunes on the dulcimer is like a time  capsule. "
jimrex62
@jimrex62 • 2 days ago • comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Homemade dulcimer from three cigar boxes (except fretboard):
"Nate: Looks and sounds great. I started on my dulcimer journey with cigar boxes. I built CBGs before I built dulcimers, and the dulcimer lends itself to..."
Carol H
@carol-h • 2 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on December: Deer and the Moon:
"Thank you very much, Nate! Nate: Really soulful and enjoyable Carol. I love seeing the tempo move with the emotion of the piece. Thanks for sharing,Nate  "
Carol H
@carol-h • 2 days ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on My dulcimer life:
"Thank you! Strumelia: What a lovely photo, Carol!  "
Nate
@nate • 2 days ago • comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: When I First Came to this land
Nate
@nate • 2 days ago • comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Bonny at Morn
Nate
@nate • 2 days ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Bonny at Morn:
"Masterful as always, Mark. The way you play historical tunes on the dulcimer is like a time  capsule. "
Nate
@nate • 2 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on December: Deer and the Moon:
"Really soulful and enjoyable Carol. I love seeing the tempo move with the emotion of the piece. Thanks for sharing,Nate"
Nate
@nate • 2 days ago • comments: 3
Liked a youtube item created by @carol-h: December: Deer and the Moon
Nate
@nate • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Liked a music item created by @jim-dickens: Blue skies
Nate
@nate • 2 days ago • comments: 6
Liked a music item created by @beth-t: Ymbwyllo (Unwinding)
Nate
@nate • 2 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Peter’s song :
"Really good Jim.I can feel the energy that you are channeling. God bless you."
Nate
@nate • 2 days ago • comments: 3
Liked a music item created by @jim-dickens: Peter’s song
Nate
@nate • 2 days ago • comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Homemade dulcimer from three cigar boxes (except fretboard):
"Looks and sounds great. I started on my dulcimer journey with cigar boxes. I built CBGs before I built dulcimers, and the dulcimer lends itself to cigar..."
Strumelia
@strumelia • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Liked a photos item created by @carol-h: dexter with dulcimers couch 2025
Strumelia
@strumelia • 2 days ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on My dulcimer life:
"What a lovely photo, Carol!"
Cheryl James
@cheryl-james • 2 days ago • comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on @cheryl-james:
"That sounds like a lovely ensemble. Yes, of course! I'm glad that you are enjoying that arrangement.  I would love to see a video of it if you have someone..."
Mark Gilston
@mark-gilston • 2 days ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on All Things Are Quite Silent:
"DavisJames: What a great melody and story.Thanks."
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • 2 days ago • comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on Sleep Tight (again):
"Many thanks, @davisjames !  I appreciate you listening and reminding me of this little tune-- we haven't played it in some months and need to practice it..."
DavisJames
@davisjames • 2 days ago • comments: 6
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: The Haven of Rest
DavisJames
@davisjames • 2 days ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on All Things Are Quite Silent:
"What a great melody and story.Thanks."
DavisJames
@davisjames • 2 days ago • comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on Sleep Tight (again):
"What a beautiful lullaby."
DavisJames
@davisjames • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Liked a music item created by @jim-dickens: Blue skies
Strumelia
@strumelia • 2 days ago • comments: 6
Liked a music item created by @richard-streib: Eventide
Richard Streib
@richard-streib • 3 days ago • comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Eventide:
"Thanks all. It is a beautiful hymn on the mountain dulcimer."
Homer Ross
@homer-ross • 3 days ago • comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Eventide:
"Good playing of a great hymn. Thanks for sharing."
jimrex62
@jimrex62 • 3 days ago • comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Homemade dulcimer from three cigar boxes (except fretboard):
"Strumelia: That's impressive!   Well done and what a creative project.   thanks much!"
Mark Gilston
@mark-gilston • 3 days ago • comments: 2
Updated a YouTube Video:
Bonny at Morn
Mark Gilston
@mark-gilston • 3 days ago • comments: 2
Posted new YouTube video(s):
Bonny at Morn
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • 4 days ago • comments: 8
Liked a group discussions item created by @jimrex62: Homemade dulcimer from three cigar boxes (except fretboard)
Strumelia
@strumelia • 4 days ago • comments: 8
Liked a group discussions item created by @jimrex62: Homemade dulcimer from three cigar boxes (except fretboard)
Strumelia
@strumelia • 4 days ago • comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Homemade dulcimer from three cigar boxes (except fretboard):
"That's impressive!   Well done and what a creative project."
minimejdh
@minimejdh • 4 days ago • comments: 11
Posted a new Comment on Ken Hulme's "I Just Got a Dulcimer, Now What?" article:
"What a nice intro.  Thanks.  "
minimejdh
@minimejdh • 4 days ago • comments: 1
Liked a Group Page item created by @strumelia: Ken Hulme's beginning dulcimer article
minimejdh
@minimejdh • 4 days ago • comments: 597
Posted a new Comment on @benjamin-w-barr-jr:
"ThNK YOU FOR THE WELCOME.  "
jimrex62
@jimrex62 • 4 days ago • comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Homemade dulcimer from three cigar boxes (except fretboard):
"Richard Streib: Nicely done. And good sound and playing.   Thanks Richard!"
jimrex62
@jimrex62 • 4 days ago • comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Homemade dulcimer from three cigar boxes (except fretboard):
"Dusty Turtle: Nice job! thanks Dusty!"
Nate
@nate • 4 days ago • comments: 8
Liked a group discussions item created by @jimrex62: Homemade dulcimer from three cigar boxes (except fretboard)
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 4 days ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @earline-greer:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Earline. It's good to have you aboard. I can't help on groups near you. Have fun exploring this site. There are lots of resources from..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 4 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @minimejdh:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Minimejdh. It's good to have you aboard. This is a good place to learn and gain insight from others on your dulcimer journey. I look..."
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • 4 days ago • comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Homemade dulcimer from three cigar boxes (except fretboard):
"Nice job!"
jimrex62
@jimrex62 • 4 days ago • comments: 8
Liked a group discussions item created by @jimrex62: Homemade dulcimer from three cigar boxes (except fretboard)

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...
Four-Equidistant Strings

Four-Equidistant Strings


A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
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...
fans of Jean Ritchie

fans of Jean Ritchie


A group for those of us who have been inspired by...
Early & Classical Music

Early & Classical Music


For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
Help Me Learn this Song

Help Me Learn this Song


Need help learning to play a particular song? Let another...
I have extra frets.....

I have extra frets.....


This group is for those who have a 1 1/2 fret, an 8 1/2...
Public Domain... or Not?

Public Domain... or Not?


Ever wanted to record or post that tune, but you just...
Dulcimer Therapy

Dulcimer Therapy


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

Home Studio Recording


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

Dulcimer Ancestors


Looking at some of the ancestors of the Mountain...
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...
Chromatic Dulcimers

Chromatic Dulcimers


For players who enjoy playing dulcimers with ALL the frets!
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...
Galax Dulcimer Lovers

Galax Dulcimer Lovers


Just a group to discuss all things Galax Dulcimer. Tips...
Call the Tune

Call the Tune


"Call the Tune" is a place to post audio and video...
Civil War era music

Civil War era music


For discussing music that was played around the time of...
GIG TALK!

GIG TALK!


Do you play gigs? Tell us about your good and not-so-good...
Scrap/Recycled wood Dulcimer Challenge

Scrap/Recycled wood...


A group for those thrifty and creative folk who like to...
Rosin the Bow!

Rosin the Bow!


Welcome to all who play music using a bow on any type of...
Challenged Players

Challenged Players


A meeting place for players dealing with disabilities.
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
North Carolinians Plus

North Carolinians Plus


The Three Sides of North Carolina: Mountains / Piedmont /...
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...
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...
Florida Sunshine Dulcimer Group

Florida Sunshine Dulcimer...


Florida Dulcimer Players
Pacific Northwest Players

Pacific Northwest Players


For players who live in or have strong connections to the...
FOTMD on the Road

FOTMD on the Road


Are your traveling, on vacation, on your way to a...
Missouri Dulcimer Players

Missouri Dulcimer Players


for all the Show Me State dulcimer players
Indiana Players

Indiana Players


Welcome all dulcimer players in the state of Indiana!...
North of the Lakes

North of the Lakes


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

Latest Audio

  All
Blue skies
Peter’s song
Ymbwyllo (Unwinding)
Crawdad Song
Planxty Seymour Cleland
Ramblin' Round.
Isabella
Peace
Varsoviana
 Sharbot's Waltz.
Seven Years.
I Am a Poor Wayfaring Stranger
A Tune For Cece
Headin' South
Pine Cones
Number 6_25 Jinny sound clip
Maggie Darling[tearjerker on the teardrop].
Brian Boru's March
Prairie Medley.
Old Motel
All the Abandoned Mines
Nesting Season
After the Flood
John O'Connor.
Youghal Harbour
The Princess Royal.
Cuncti Simus Concanentes
Danville Girl.
Eventide
Stout Staves, Sure Feet

Coming Events   All

No Coming Events


Latest gallery Photos   All

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me playing Mastertone-Gary on whistle-FC-Feb 2025.jpg
Dexter with dulcimers, couch-2025.jpg
Ferguson dulcimer-me-flute circle Aug 2024-2.jpg
Me playing Mastertone-4-FC-Feb 2025.jpg
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Ash-and-Chechan-dulcimer.jpg
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Latest Forum Posts   All

Wedge shaped floating bridge

Posted: Monday October 20 2025, 1:01 PM
By: @Ken Longfield

David Lynch Baritone

Posted: Friday October 17 2025, 4:16 PM
By: @todd metcalf

A review of my new album

Posted: Thursday October 16 2025, 4:06 PM
By: @Robin Thompson

Folkcraft dulcimer,1993,...

Posted: Wednesday October 15 2025, 12:31 AM
By: @todd metcalf

Extended Range Dulcimer

Posted: Thursday October 9 2025, 9:56 AM
By: @Marko

A question about intonating...

Posted: Monday October 6 2025, 11:06 AM
By: @Skip

John Stockard Dulcimer For...

Posted: Friday October 3 2025, 1:54 PM
By: @Dave shattuck

Listing A Dulcimer For Sale

Posted: Wednesday October 1 2025, 7:11 AM
By: @Old Dawg

Anybody familiar with...

Posted: Tuesday September 30 2025, 6:07 PM
By: @Ken Longfield

A track from my new album

Posted: Tuesday September 23 2025, 5:45 PM
By: @Robin Thompson

jubilee

Posted: Saturday September 20 2025, 1:53 PM
By: @Robin Thompson

Amy Levy: Songs of Love...

Posted: Friday September 19 2025, 12:07 PM
By: @Alex_Lubet

Wanted: The “next” dulcimer

Posted: Thursday September 18 2025, 9:28 PM
By: @Steve Kenny

More or less overtones

Posted: Thursday September 18 2025, 8:55 PM
By: @John Pettreemusic

Stringing a Cripple Creek...

Posted: Thursday September 18 2025, 8:02 PM
By: @Ken Longfield

A review of my new album

Posted: Tuesday September 16 2025, 2:25 PM
By: @Alex_Lubet

Want to buy Warren A. May...

Posted: Monday September 15 2025, 6:23 PM
By: @Jill Geary

Jean Ritchie and her ballad...

Posted: Monday September 15 2025, 12:47 PM
By: @DavisJames

Hello friends, Does anyone...

Posted: Friday September 12 2025, 1:56 PM
By: @sandbar17

How to tune a 22 vsl...

Posted: Sunday September 7 2025, 7:02 PM
By: @Misty

Introduce Yourself!

Posted: Sunday September 7 2025, 4:03 PM
By: @Jack M

Jewish Music

Posted: Sunday August 31 2025, 10:59 AM
By: @Alex_Lubet

worldwide Play Music on the...

Posted: Sunday August 31 2025, 8:57 AM
By: @Robin Thompson

Good dulcimer for busking?

Posted: Thursday August 28 2025, 12:08 PM
By: @DavisJames

Play Music On The Porch Day...

Posted: Wednesday August 27 2025, 2:20 PM
By: @Robin Thompson

practicing app

Posted: Thursday August 21 2025, 4:50 PM
By: @Nate

New to the group, several...

Posted: Monday August 18 2025, 5:43 AM
By: @Nate

New album

Posted: Sunday August 17 2025, 12:52 PM
By: @Alex_Lubet

"Extra" frets and JI vs ET

Posted: Sunday August 17 2025, 10:34 AM
By: @Strumelia

Pluck by Linda Paulus

Posted: Saturday August 16 2025, 9:02 AM
By: @Robin Thompson

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 Benjamin Barr greeterben.jpg
  Richard Streib RStreibwithdulcimer_2017_200px.jpg Ken Longfield greeterken.jpg
 

Single Instructor Events / Classifieds

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