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
• 2 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @msbmusical:
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
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 3
Liked a youtube item created by @carol-h: December: Deer and the Moon
Liked a youtube item created by @carol-h: December: Deer and the Moon
@homer-ross
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on December: Deer and the Moon:
Posted a new Comment on December: Deer and the Moon:
"Beautifully peaceful. We all need more like this...thanks for sharing."
@ken-longfield
• 10 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @msbmusical:
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
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Wedge shaped floating bridge":
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
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Wedge shaped floating bridge":
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
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Liked a youtube item created by @carol-h: December: Deer and the Moon
Liked a youtube item created by @carol-h: December: Deer and the Moon
@mark-gilston
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Bonny at Morn:
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
• 2 days ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Homemade dulcimer from three cigar boxes (except fretboard):
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
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on December: Deer and the Moon:
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
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on My dulcimer life:
Posted a new Comment on My dulcimer life:
"Thank you!
Strumelia:
What a lovely photo, Carol!
"
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: When I First Came to this land
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: When I First Came to this land
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Bonny at Morn:
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
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on December: Deer and the Moon:
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
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Liked a youtube item created by @carol-h: December: Deer and the Moon
Liked a youtube item created by @carol-h: December: Deer and the Moon
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Peter’s song :
Posted a new Comment on Peter’s song :
"Really good Jim.I can feel the energy that you are channeling. God bless you."
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Homemade dulcimer from three cigar boxes (except fretboard):
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
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a photos item created by @carol-h: dexter with dulcimers couch 2025
Liked a photos item created by @carol-h: dexter with dulcimers couch 2025
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on My dulcimer life:
Posted a new Comment on My dulcimer life:
"What a lovely photo, Carol!"
@cheryl-james
• 2 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on @cheryl-james:
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
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on All Things Are Quite Silent:
Posted a new Comment on All Things Are Quite Silent:
"DavisJames:
What a great melody and story.Thanks."
@robin-thompson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on Sleep Tight (again):
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
• 2 days ago
• comments: 6
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: The Haven of Rest
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: The Haven of Rest
@davisjames
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on All Things Are Quite Silent:
Posted a new Comment on All Things Are Quite Silent:
"What a great melody and story.Thanks."
@davisjames
• 2 days ago
• comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on Sleep Tight (again):
Posted a new Comment on Sleep Tight (again):
"What a beautiful lullaby."
@richard-streib
• 3 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Eventide:
Posted a new Comment on Eventide:
"Thanks all. It is a beautiful hymn on the mountain dulcimer."
@homer-ross
• 3 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Eventide:
Posted a new Comment on Eventide:
"Good playing of a great hymn. Thanks for sharing."
@jimrex62
• 3 days ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Homemade dulcimer from three cigar boxes (except fretboard):
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!"
@robin-thompson
• 4 days ago
• comments: 8
Liked a group discussions item created by @jimrex62: Homemade dulcimer from three cigar boxes (except fretboard)
Liked a group discussions item created by @jimrex62: Homemade dulcimer from three cigar boxes (except fretboard)
@strumelia
• 4 days ago
• comments: 8
Liked a group discussions item created by @jimrex62: Homemade dulcimer from three cigar boxes (except fretboard)
Liked a group discussions item created by @jimrex62: Homemade dulcimer from three cigar boxes (except fretboard)
@strumelia
• 4 days ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Homemade dulcimer from three cigar boxes (except fretboard):
Posted a new Comment on Homemade dulcimer from three cigar boxes (except fretboard):
"That's impressive! Well done and what a creative project."
@minimejdh
• 4 days ago
• comments: 11
Posted a new Comment on Ken Hulme's "I Just Got a Dulcimer, Now What?" article:
Posted a new Comment on Ken Hulme's "I Just Got a Dulcimer, Now What?" article:
"What a nice intro. Thanks. "
@minimejdh
• 4 days ago
• comments: 1
Liked a Group Page item created by @strumelia: Ken Hulme's beginning dulcimer article
Liked a Group Page item created by @strumelia: Ken Hulme's beginning dulcimer article
@minimejdh
• 4 days ago
• comments: 597
Posted a new Comment on @benjamin-w-barr-jr:
Posted a new Comment on @benjamin-w-barr-jr:
"ThNK YOU FOR THE WELCOME. "
@jimrex62
• 4 days ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Homemade dulcimer from three cigar boxes (except fretboard):
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
• 4 days ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Homemade dulcimer from three cigar boxes (except fretboard):
Posted a new Comment on Homemade dulcimer from three cigar boxes (except fretboard):
"Dusty Turtle:
Nice job!
thanks Dusty!"
@nate
• 4 days ago
• comments: 8
Liked a group discussions item created by @jimrex62: Homemade dulcimer from three cigar boxes (except fretboard)
Liked a group discussions item created by @jimrex62: Homemade dulcimer from three cigar boxes (except fretboard)
@ken-longfield
• 4 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @earline-greer:
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
• 4 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @minimejdh:
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
• 4 days ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Homemade dulcimer from three cigar boxes (except fretboard):
Posted a new Comment on Homemade dulcimer from three cigar boxes (except fretboard):
"Nice job!"
@jimrex62
• 4 days ago
• comments: 8
Liked a group discussions item created by @jimrex62: Homemade dulcimer from three cigar boxes (except fretboard)
Liked a group discussions item created by @jimrex62: Homemade dulcimer from three cigar boxes (except fretboard)
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...
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
Wedge shaped floating bridge
Posted: Monday October 20 2025, 1:01 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
David Lynch Baritone
Posted: Friday October 17 2025, 4:16 PM
By: @todd metcalf
By: @todd metcalf
A review of my new album
Posted: Thursday October 16 2025, 4:06 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Folkcraft dulcimer,1993,...
Posted: Wednesday October 15 2025, 12:31 AM
By: @todd metcalf
By: @todd metcalf
Extended Range Dulcimer
Posted: Thursday October 9 2025, 9:56 AM
By: @Marko
By: @Marko
A question about intonating...
Posted: Monday October 6 2025, 11:06 AM
By: @Skip
By: @Skip
John Stockard Dulcimer For...
Posted: Friday October 3 2025, 1:54 PM
By: @Dave shattuck
By: @Dave shattuck
Listing A Dulcimer For Sale
Posted: Wednesday October 1 2025, 7:11 AM
By: @Old Dawg
By: @Old Dawg
Anybody familiar with...
Posted: Tuesday September 30 2025, 6:07 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
A track from my new album
Posted: Tuesday September 23 2025, 5:45 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
jubilee
Posted: Saturday September 20 2025, 1:53 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Amy Levy: Songs of Love...
Posted: Friday September 19 2025, 12:07 PM
By: @Alex_Lubet
By: @Alex_Lubet
Wanted: The “next” dulcimer
Posted: Thursday September 18 2025, 9:28 PM
By: @Steve Kenny
By: @Steve Kenny
More or less overtones
Posted: Thursday September 18 2025, 8:55 PM
By: @John Pettreemusic
By: @John Pettreemusic
Stringing a Cripple Creek...
Posted: Thursday September 18 2025, 8:02 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
A review of my new album
Posted: Tuesday September 16 2025, 2:25 PM
By: @Alex_Lubet
By: @Alex_Lubet
Want to buy Warren A. May...
Posted: Monday September 15 2025, 6:23 PM
By: @Jill Geary
By: @Jill Geary
Jean Ritchie and her ballad...
Posted: Monday September 15 2025, 12:47 PM
By: @DavisJames
By: @DavisJames
Hello friends, Does anyone...
Posted: Friday September 12 2025, 1:56 PM
By: @sandbar17
By: @sandbar17
How to tune a 22 vsl...
Posted: Sunday September 7 2025, 7:02 PM
By: @Misty
By: @Misty
Introduce Yourself!
Posted: Sunday September 7 2025, 4:03 PM
By: @Jack M
By: @Jack M
Jewish Music
Posted: Sunday August 31 2025, 10:59 AM
By: @Alex_Lubet
By: @Alex_Lubet
worldwide Play Music on the...
Posted: Sunday August 31 2025, 8:57 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Good dulcimer for busking?
Posted: Thursday August 28 2025, 12:08 PM
By: @DavisJames
By: @DavisJames
Play Music On The Porch Day...
Posted: Wednesday August 27 2025, 2:20 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
practicing app
Posted: Thursday August 21 2025, 4:50 PM
By: @Nate
By: @Nate
New to the group, several...
Posted: Monday August 18 2025, 5:43 AM
By: @Nate
By: @Nate
New album
Posted: Sunday August 17 2025, 12:52 PM
By: @Alex_Lubet
By: @Alex_Lubet
"Extra" frets and JI vs ET
Posted: Sunday August 17 2025, 10:34 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Pluck by Linda Paulus
Posted: Saturday August 16 2025, 9:02 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
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  |
Benjamin Barr  |
Richard Streib  |
Ken Longfield  |
Single Instructor Events / Classifieds
Help Keep FOTMD up and Running!
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:
NEW!- Would you like to become a Special Patron of FOTMD? All donations are 100% applied to paying for site maintenance. Your generosity makes a big difference in what we can do to improve FOTMD! Become a special 'Patron Member' simply by making a single donation of $35 or more.
In return, your patronage will be recognized for a year with a special Patron designation banner that will be displayed prominently under your member picture on your profile page. Your Patron ID will show others your generosity in supporting this special site! Above is what the Patron label looks like on member profile pages, right under your member picture.