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
@strumelia
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Away with these self loving lads (John Dowland)
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Away with these self loving lads (John Dowland)
@strumelia
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Away with these self loving lads (John Dowland):
Posted a new Comment on Away with these self loving lads (John Dowland):
"Very pretty Dowland tune... love how it changes modes (keys?). Gotta love the tune title. "
@robin-thompson
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 1
Liked a photos item created by @carol-h: carol hatfield back to blackberry creek foldout
Liked a photos item created by @carol-h: carol hatfield back to blackberry creek foldout
@greatlakes73
• 17 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Plucked psaltries":
Posted a response to "Plucked psaltries":
"And I was wondering why I’d let Ron Ewing talk me into a 1.5 fret on the beautiful dulcimer he just made for me…now I know how to use it!"
@homer-ross
• 18 hours ago
• comments: 1
Liked a photos item created by @carol-h: carol hatfield back to blackberry creek foldout
Liked a photos item created by @carol-h: carol hatfield back to blackberry creek foldout
@ken-longfield
• 18 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Western North Carolina Dulcimer Collective - Website update":
Posted a response to "Western North Carolina Dulcimer Collective - Website update":
"Steve, thanks for the clarification. I wondered because I remembered re-subscribing recently due to the loss of your database. I appreciate all the work you..."
@steve-smith
• 18 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Western North Carolina Dulcimer Collective - Website update":
Posted a response to "Western North Carolina Dulcimer Collective - Website update":
"Ken Longfield:
Steve, I'm already a subscriber. Are you saying I should subscribe again?
Oh my, I copied and updated a previous post when we lost the..."
@ken-longfield
• 18 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Western North Carolina Dulcimer Collective - Website update":
Posted a response to "Western North Carolina Dulcimer Collective - Website update":
"Steve Smith:
If you would like to receive the free emailed newsletter (or start, if you never did), click on the "Our Newsletter" and "Click here to..."
@ken-longfield
• 18 hours ago
• comments: 1
Liked a photos item created by @carol-h: carol hatfield back to blackberry creek foldout
Liked a photos item created by @carol-h: carol hatfield back to blackberry creek foldout
@carol-h
• 19 hours ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on My dulcimer life:
Posted a new Comment on My dulcimer life:
"This is the foldout cover of my new album! Most of the songs and tunes are based on my memories of time spent in southeast Kentucky, as well as West..."
@davisjames
• 19 hours ago
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Away with these self loving lads (John Dowland)
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Away with these self loving lads (John Dowland)
@wally-venable
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Western North Carolina Dulcimer Collective - Website update":
Posted a response to "Western North Carolina Dulcimer Collective - Website update":
"I first encountered Steve Smith's TABs when someone passed one out in a dulcimer workshop. The Western NC Dulcimer Collective website lists too many to..."
@strumelia
• 2 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)
@banjostray
• 2 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)
@mark-gilston
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on A Stone Mountain Fears No Winds:
Posted a new Comment on A Stone Mountain Fears No Winds:
"Nate:
"No matter how the wind howls, the mountain cannot bow to it." Great stuff, Mark
"
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Away with these self loving lads (John Dowland)
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Away with these self loving lads (John Dowland)
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on A Stone Mountain Fears No Winds:
Posted a new Comment on A Stone Mountain Fears No Winds:
""No matter how the wind howls, the mountain cannot bow to it."Great stuff, Mark"
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 6
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: I've Got Peace Like a River
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: I've Got Peace Like a River
@richard-streib
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @chrisshannon:
Posted a new Comment on @chrisshannon:
"Glad you joined ChrisShannon. Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer from a fellow North Carolinian. This is a great forum with a lot of experience and..."
@homer-ross
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Western North Carolina Dulcimer Collective - Website update":
Posted a response to "Western North Carolina Dulcimer Collective - Website update":
"Thanks for the website update. I've been going to wncdn.org for years and I encourage everyone to check out this outstanding website."
@homer-ross
• 2 days ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Mary Young and Fair (trad. Scotland):
Posted a new Comment on Mary Young and Fair (trad. Scotland):
"Very nice...well done."
@homer-ross
• 2 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)
@dulcidom
• 2 days ago
• comments: 1
Posted new YouTube video(s):
Mary Young and Fair (trad. Scotland)
Mary Young and Fair (trad. Scotland)
@robin-thompson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Tiptoe Hornpipe.:
Posted a new Comment on Tiptoe Hornpipe.:
"Such a neat little dance tune, Jamie! "
@steve-smith
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Western North Carolina Dulcimer Collective - Website update":
Created a new forum topic "Western North Carolina Dulcimer Collective - Website update":
"The Western North Carolina Dulcimer Collective website Newsletter Request and More Information options are working once again. If you've tried to request..."
@john-petry
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Plucked psaltries":
Posted a response to "Plucked psaltries":
""You can use a straightened out paper clip for the extra fret if you don't have one. Back in the stone age, before I had 6 1/2 and 1 1/2 frets I used to use..."
@ken-longfield
• 3 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @chrisshannon:
Posted a new Comment on @chrisshannon:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Chris. The is a very supportive community of mountain dulcimer enthusiasts. We are here to help each other. Let us know if you have any..."
@ken-longfield
• 3 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @martay6:
Posted a new Comment on @martay6:
"Welcome to FOTMD, MarTay6. It's good to have you aboard. I look forward to your participation here. I, too, have a Blue Lion dulcimer in my collection. Let..."
@richard-streib
• 3 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @martay6:
Posted a new Comment on @martay6:
"Welcome MarTay6 to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. So glad you joined. There is a lot of information here about learning to play. We are glad to support..."
@ritaj540
• 3 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @ritaj540:
Posted a new Comment on @ritaj540:
"Thank you, Richard, for the welcome!"
@ritaj540
• 3 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @ritaj540:
Posted a new Comment on @ritaj540:
"Thanks for the welcome, Ken!
Yes, the MBDC is still alive! I believe this marks 35 years, and the founders are still very active. We've had as many as 27..."
@ken-longfield
• 4 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @ritaj540:
Posted a new Comment on @ritaj540:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Rita. It's good to have another Pennsylvania on board. Is the Misery Bay Dulcimer Club still going? I remember meeting some of the members..."
@richard-streib
• 4 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @ritaj540:
Posted a new Comment on @ritaj540:
"Welcome Ritaj540 to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. So glad you have joined. This is a great community of dulcimer enthusiasts and the forum has lots of..."
@davisjames
• 4 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on The wandering fiddler.:
Posted a new Comment on The wandering fiddler.:
"Thanks for the positive comments.Busking was a great way to keep my repertoire alive in Toronto and Vancouver in the absence of any cultural continuity with..."
@mark-gilston
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Plucked psaltries":
Posted a response to "Plucked psaltries":
"GreatLakes73:
Thanks for sharing! Sounds fantastic.
I’m very interested in early music. I know this sounds silly, but I feel somehow “wrong” playing it on my..."
@greatlakes73
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Plucked psaltries":
Posted a response to "Plucked psaltries":
"Thanks for sharing! Sounds fantastic.
I’m very interested in early music. I know this sounds silly, but I feel somehow “wrong” playing it on my mountain..."
@mark-gilston
• 4 days ago
• comments: 1
Posted new YouTube video(s):
Away with these self loving lads (John Dowland)
Away with these self loving lads (John Dowland)
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 4 days ago
• comments: 8
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: A Skift of Snow
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: A Skift of Snow
@davisjames
• 5 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Tiptoe Hornpipe.:
Posted a new Comment on Tiptoe Hornpipe.:
"Hornpipes and clogs are definitely not at the top of the list in the "Celtic music revival" thing.I love them because I've seen how skilled and inspirational..."
@davisjames
• 5 days ago
• comments: 13
Posted a new Comment on Belle Isle March:
Posted a new Comment on Belle Isle March:
"Love the way this chugs along!"
@robin-thompson
• 5 days ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on A Skift of Snow:
Posted a new Comment on A Skift of Snow:
"@macaodha We have several inches of snow in the forecast-- how I wish it were just a skift of snow for which they are calling!
Thank you for listening! A..."
@macaodha
• 5 days ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on A Skift of Snow:
Posted a new Comment on A Skift of Snow:
"Beautiful again Robin. No snow here, or any sign of it."
@macaodha
• 5 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on The wandering fiddler.:
Posted a new Comment on The wandering fiddler.:
"Great vocals, playing and arrangement, love it."
@banjostray
• 5 days ago
• comments: 4
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: The wandering fiddler.
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: The wandering fiddler.
@davisjames
• 6 days ago
• comments: 8
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: A Skift of Snow
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: A Skift of Snow
@strumelia
• 6 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Plucked psaltries":
Posted a response to "Plucked psaltries":
"I have never tried playing Gaudete (16th century), but it's pretty syncopated, so you'll have to be nimble. Plus there are two parts, which are significantly..."
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
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![Maggie Darling[tearjerker on the teardrop].](https://fotmd.com/uploaded_audio/image/audio_image/1323/large/crop=auto)
Latest Forum Posts All
Plucked psaltries
Posted: Tuesday December 16 2025, 4:37 PM
By: @GreatLakes73
By: @GreatLakes73
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
How Many Dulcimers Do You...
Posted: Saturday December 6 2025, 5:27 PM
By: @Susie
By: @Susie
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
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
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