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
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @karen-lee:
Posted a new Comment on @karen-lee:
"Welcome Karen Lee to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Glad you joined. I know you will enjoy your new to you dulcimer. As Kenl said we are here to help; so..."
@ken-longfield
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @karen-lee:
Posted a new Comment on @karen-lee:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Karen. It's good to have you aboard. You are at the right place to find information about the mountain dulcimer. If you don't find what you..."
@ken-longfield
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
"Sam, that was a delightful video segment. You and the reporter did a fine job. Thanks for your help in promoting IADD.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@sam-edelston
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
"Hi, friends - Thanks for bringing up my TV appearance Friday! I'll admit that I'm normally not a big fan of "Hallmark holidays," but dulcimers are a cause..."
@luigi
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on HEN FERCHETAN and DIFYRRWCH GWYR Y GOGLEDD:
Posted a new Comment on HEN FERCHETAN and DIFYRRWCH GWYR Y GOGLEDD:
"Interestingly it reminds me of Breton music...
No wonder, they are all Celts."
@davisjames
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on HEN FERCHETAN and DIFYRRWCH GWYR Y GOGLEDD:
Posted a new Comment on HEN FERCHETAN and DIFYRRWCH GWYR Y GOGLEDD:
"That sounds mighty!Interestingly it reminds me of Breton music.(I once played in a band with 2 pipers who spent a year in Brittany,studying the music,just..."
@badger
• 10 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Bonnie Carol Number 6 1973":
Posted a response to "Bonnie Carol Number 6 1973":
"Ron Gibson:
I think Ken is correct that the fretboard overlay appears to be walnut. I believe the body and sides are ambrosia maple with a light (probably..."
@luigi
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on HEN FERCHETAN and DIFYRRWCH GWYR Y GOGLEDD:
Posted a new Comment on HEN FERCHETAN and DIFYRRWCH GWYR Y GOGLEDD:
"Here are sheet music and tabs for both pieces."
@luigi
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on HEN FERCHETAN and DIFYRRWCH GWYR Y GOGLEDD:
Posted a new Comment on HEN FERCHETAN and DIFYRRWCH GWYR Y GOGLEDD:
"Beth T:
Yay! Welsh tunes! Thank you Luigi :-) They sound great.
There are quite a few Welsh tunes/songs that work well in Em with the capo on the first fret..."
@mark-gilston
• 12 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Lute Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Lute Dulcimer":
"In the scientific discipline of organology, the study of musical instruements, the dulcimer is by definition a "plucked box zither" and therefore, by..."
@ron-gibson
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Bonnie Carol Number 6 1973":
Posted a response to "Bonnie Carol Number 6 1973":
"I think Ken is correct that the fretboard overlay appears to be walnut. I believe the body and sides are ambrosia maple with a light (probably oak) stain...."
@beth-t
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on HEN FERCHETAN and DIFYRRWCH GWYR Y GOGLEDD:
Posted a new Comment on HEN FERCHETAN and DIFYRRWCH GWYR Y GOGLEDD:
"Yay! Welsh tunes! Thank you Luigi :-) They sound great.
There are quite a few Welsh tunes/songs that work well in Em with the capo on the first fret of a..."
@beth-t
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Danville Girl.:
Posted a new Comment on Danville Girl.:
"Really enjoyed this Jamie. Good to hear you singing!"
@beth-t
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 4
Liked a music item created by @studentofrhythm: Cuncti Simus Concanentes
Liked a music item created by @studentofrhythm: Cuncti Simus Concanentes
@beth-t
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on The Princess Royal.:
Posted a new Comment on The Princess Royal.:
"Great harmonies!"
@robin-thompson
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Youghal Harbour:
Posted a new Comment on Youghal Harbour:
"Such a lovely tune! I appreciate your guidance with pronunciation-- I never would've pronounced it properly without help. "
@robin-thompson
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
"Happy day after IADD, y'all!
@dusty Thanks for the kind words! We made our usual put-someone-to-sleep type of tune only recorded with a camera. (We..."
@macaodha
• 18 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Youghal Harbour:
Posted a new Comment on Youghal Harbour:
"Robin thanks for your comments, YH. is a traditional tune. Pronounced Y'all as ye might say over there."
@dusty
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
"@sam-edelston is a rock star, for sure!
I like the title they give him on TV: "musician and dulcimer expert." I want that on my business card."
@steve-c
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
"Sam reposted a better link.Here's a better link for it: https://www.wtnh.com/video/celebrating-international-appalachian-dulcimer-day/10580088/"
@steve-c
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
"Sorry it must have been live..let me check."
@aditi
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 584
Posted a new Comment on @benjamin-w-barr-jr:
Posted a new Comment on @benjamin-w-barr-jr:
"Ben, thanks for your welcoming words! Glad to be here with you all."
@strumelia
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
"Nope I don't see anything there about Sam or dulcimers... just a general news station."
@john-c-knopf
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
"I don't see it here."
@steve-c
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
"Sam Edelston on tv for International Appalachian Dulcimer Day! https://www.wtnh.com/video/celebrating-international-appalachian-dulcimer-day/105800"
@dusty
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
"Robin Thompson: It's IADD!..."
@dusty
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
"Well I was able to make a video using Clipchamp for the first time, but YouTube only let me upload it as a short. If it ain't one thing . . ...."
@robin-thompson
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
"Many thanks, @katiewaller! I hope you've had a chance to join in on the celebration of IADD!
@dusty That's just cool you were the mystery guest for Send in..."
@robin-thompson
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on John O'Connor.:
Posted a new Comment on John O'Connor.:
"This sounds like a great dance tune! As always, beautifully played, Val.
I'm so glad Jean Ritchie introduced the Appalachian dulcimer to Ireland! "
@robin-thompson
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Youghal Harbour:
Posted a new Comment on Youghal Harbour:
"Is this is another of your original tunes, Val? It's wonderful in every way! "
@dusty
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
"Happy IADD, everyone. I tried to record a video last night using OBS studio, but the audio came out distorted. I'll try again using different software a..."
@katiewaller
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
"Robin Thompson:
It's IADD!..."
@wally-venable
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Short scale dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Short scale dulcimer":
"The lower instrument in my photo on the left is one I made a few years ago. The VSL is about 15 inches and it has a standard string set. It is tuned to DAA,..."
@steven-stroot
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Short scale dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Short scale dulcimer":
"Apologies. My wife and I are not tech savvy and can't seem to attach photos. But, your comments have been very helpful. Thanks again for your kind..."
@davisjames
• yesterday
• comments: 12
Posted a new Comment on Paid â Deud (Don't tell):
Posted a new Comment on Paid â Deud (Don't tell):
"Funny internet moment:I listened to your "paid a deud",not the first time.Decided to listen to the Cowbois version(which I love)...Well,it made me laugh-it..."
@strumelia
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Mountain Dulcimer Picture in Mathematics Magazine":
Posted a response to "Mountain Dulcimer Picture in Mathematics Magazine":
"@johnr , that is 'too cool for school'! Something very much to be proud about.
And thank you for supporting FOTMD as well... so kind of you! "
@jim-dickens
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on John O'Connor.:
Posted a new Comment on John O'Connor.:
"Great playing! Wonderful technique "
@jim-dickens
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on The Princess Royal.:
Posted a new Comment on The Princess Royal.:
"Thank you for sharing this! Great job. I really enjoyed it "
@jim-dickens
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: The Princess Royal.
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: The Princess Royal.
@mike59
• 2 days ago
• comments: 341
Posted a new Comment on @richard-streib:
Posted a new Comment on @richard-streib:
"Thank you very much for the welcome message Richard, I appreciate it! Looking forward to my second adventure with the dulcimer!"
@mike59
• 2 days ago
• comments: 584
Posted a new Comment on @benjamin-w-barr-jr:
Posted a new Comment on @benjamin-w-barr-jr:
"Thanks very much Ben, I appreciate the welcome! I know I'll enjoy the forum, and my second adventure with dulcimer."
@dawn-t
• 2 days ago
• comments: 498
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
"Thanks for the welcome message!
Nice to be back!"
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...
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...
Early & Classical Music
For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
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 teachers
Do you teach dulcimer? Are you helping others to learn?
Dulcimer Ancestors
Looking at some of the ancestors of the Mountain...
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
International Appalachian...
Posted: Sunday March 30 2025, 7:55 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Bonnie Carol Number 6 1973
Posted: Sunday March 30 2025, 12:59 PM
By: @Badger
By: @Badger
Lute Dulcimer
Posted: Sunday March 30 2025, 11:00 AM
By: @Mark Gilston
By: @Mark Gilston
Short scale dulcimer
Posted: Saturday March 29 2025, 2:42 PM
By: @Wally Venable
By: @Wally Venable
Mountain Dulcimer Picture...
Posted: Saturday March 29 2025, 12:03 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
North Country Dulcimer
Posted: Saturday March 29 2025, 2:59 AM
By: @Nate
By: @Nate
Bowing a dulcimer
Posted: Friday March 28 2025, 5:57 PM
By: @
By: @
Ray Hunley 2009 #260 Solid...
Posted: Friday March 28 2025, 10:08 AM
By: @MargieS
By: @MargieS
A Question about dulcimer...
Posted: Thursday March 27 2025, 9:14 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
4 equidistant...
Posted: Wednesday March 26 2025, 11:14 AM
By: @
By: @
limberjack
Posted: Monday March 24 2025, 10:05 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Silicone Free Furniture...
Posted: Thursday March 20 2025, 11:11 PM
By: @Nate
By: @Nate
Jerry Rockwell Short Scale...
Posted: Monday March 17 2025, 6:36 PM
By: @Cheryl James
By: @Cheryl James
RIP to our good fotmd...
Posted: Sunday March 16 2025, 4:18 AM
By: @Jan Potts
By: @Jan Potts
Hearts of the Dulcimer.
Posted: Thursday March 13 2025, 9:52 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Scale length
Posted: Thursday March 13 2025, 11:34 AM
By: @Dan
By: @Dan
Introduce Yourself!
Posted: Thursday March 13 2025, 3:38 AM
By: @Nate
By: @Nate
Dulcimer for sale in London UK
Posted: Tuesday March 11 2025, 5:46 AM
By: @jonnyd
By: @jonnyd
Hair line crack bottom back...
Posted: Monday March 10 2025, 2:26 PM
By: @John Pettreemusic
By: @John Pettreemusic
Tuning for a 4 Equidistant...
Posted: Monday March 10 2025, 9:27 AM
By: @
By: @
McSpadden v. Folkcraft?
Posted: Sunday March 9 2025, 10:47 PM
By: @
By: @
Reasons NOT To Get a Chromatic
Posted: Sunday March 9 2025, 8:58 PM
By: @
By: @
Mr Moses Scrivner
Posted: Sunday March 9 2025, 12:13 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Chet Hines “dulcimore”
Posted: Sunday March 2 2025, 5:03 PM
By: @cairney
By: @cairney
Understanding McSpadden...
Posted: Saturday March 1 2025, 10:26 AM
By: @Janis Lewman
By: @Janis Lewman
Music for Kalimba, Dulcimer...
Posted: Friday February 28 2025, 9:00 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
McSpadden 26" VSL Walnut w/...
Posted: Tuesday February 25 2025, 11:19 AM
By: @Susie
By: @Susie
Question about the 6 1/2 fret
Posted: Sunday February 23 2025, 2:22 PM
By: @Skip
By: @Skip
Optimum spacing for the two...
Posted: Sunday February 23 2025, 11:27 AM
By: @Cristian Huet
By: @Cristian Huet
to get chromatic or not
Posted: Sunday February 23 2025, 9:44 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
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