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
@ken-longfield
• 2 hours ago
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on @greggep:
Posted a new Comment on @greggep:
"Strumelia has this on her blog: https://dulcimer-noter-drone.blogspot.com/2019/08/black-jack-davey.html
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@shopdad
• 19 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
"I just spent nearly an hour on Nina's site. I listened to most of the videos and viewed the photos. I am familiar with black Mountain. I have family in the..."
@greggep
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on @greggep:
Posted a new Comment on @greggep:
"Where can I find tabs for Black Jack Davey?
Thanks very much"
@nate
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "practicing app":
Posted a response to "practicing app":
"Very cool looks super easy to use ill definitely check that out later. Thanks for showing this"
@john-petry
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "practicing app":
Posted a response to "practicing app":
"Gave it a quick look.....Sounds Amazing.....Group jam session without the guilt! We'll have to give it a go, [me n' the Mrs]
Thanks for the tip!"
@damon
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
"I'm amazed at how finger style sounds so fluid."
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
"I don't play finger style, but my friend does Nina Zanetti does. Visit her website..."
@shopdad
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
"Nate, (and to anyone else that wishes to respond) I appears you have been playing the dulcimer for a while. I'm somewhat new at it. I have viewed several..."
@shopdad
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
"Thanks Nate, I have been working with wood projects since the 70s, but not until the past two years making dulcimers. I am a duck hunter and carved my own..."
@lilley-pad
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "practicing app":
Created a new forum topic "practicing app":
"Hi kids, yesterday when I was on the internet looking for information about a resonator I stumbled across this interesting app that looks like it has a lot..."
@robin-thompson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 1
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: Sharbot's Waltz.
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: Sharbot's Waltz.
@robin-thompson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Sharbot's Waltz.:
Posted a new Comment on Sharbot's Waltz.:
"Nice dance tune, Jamie!
P.S.- I think it adds variety to my music when I don't make the exact same mistakes as the first time through. "
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
"Welcome Paul!
The photos you have shared are super cool and i look forward to your input.
How long have you been building instruments? The work you did..."
@olddog75
• 2 days ago
• comments: 6
Liked a youtube item created by @steve-c: Fanny Power by O'Carolan
Liked a youtube item created by @steve-c: Fanny Power by O'Carolan
@nmarlowe062
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @nmarlowe062:
Posted a new Comment on @nmarlowe062:
"Thank you both for the welcome. Just finished building a stick dulcimer and am also working on a banjo. Hoping to get to the mountain dulcimer after I finish..."
@shopdad
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
"This is Shop Dad, I'm slowly catching on to the FOTMD system. My name is Paul Shutes, I have lived in Florida since 1942. I have several other interests..."
@msok
• 3 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on "Shenandoah" on Mountain Dulcimer:
Posted a new Comment on "Shenandoah" on Mountain Dulcimer:
"Dusty Turtle:
Nice job, Msok! Such a beautiful song.
Thank you, Dusty! I love this melody."
@shopdad
• 3 days ago
• comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on @john-petry:
Posted a new Comment on @john-petry:
"Thanks John, yes, I looked into that group a while back. I didn't get a reply, pretty sure it was an operator problem on my part. I'll try again and maybe..."
@ken-longfield
• 3 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @nmarlowe062:
Posted a new Comment on @nmarlowe062:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Nmarlow062. It's good to have you aboard. If you are planning to build a mountain dulcimer you will find a lot of good information here. We..."
@richard-streib
• 3 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @nmarlowe062:
Posted a new Comment on @nmarlowe062:
"Welcome Nmarlowe062 to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Glad you joined. This is a great resource for all things mountain dulcimer. Look around and see what..."
@richard-streib
• 3 days ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on @simon-bailes:
Posted a new Comment on @simon-bailes:
"Welcome Simon Bailes to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Glad you joined. It is wonderful that you have become so fond of mountain dulcimer music. Look..."
@shopdad
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
"I just joined a few months ago. I do have a question and wasn't sure where to post it. Can anyone tell me if there is a dulcimer or strings group in Central..."
@shopdad
• 3 days ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on @homer-ross:
Posted a new Comment on @homer-ross:
"Hello Homer, I'm sort of new to this site and just happen to see your comments about the Japanese saw. I have two of them. One is about 50 years old and like..."
@mark-gilston
• 3 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Carmen Carmella:
Posted a new Comment on Carmen Carmella:
"DavisJames:
Right up there with "Spanish is a loving tongue"....thanks.
"Spanish is the loving tongue" was my mother's favorite song. I'll add it to my..."
@homer-ross
• 3 days ago
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @msok: "Shenandoah" on Mountain Dulcimer
Liked a youtube item created by @msok: "Shenandoah" on Mountain Dulcimer
@davisjames
• 3 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Carmen Carmella:
Posted a new Comment on Carmen Carmella:
"Right up there with "Spanish is a loving tongue"....thanks."
@dusty
• 3 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on how to add extra beats in a crooked tune:
Posted a new Comment on how to add extra beats in a crooked tune:
"Well, to bring things full circle, attached is the tab I ended up with. You can see on the second line that I have one measure in 6/4 before going back to..."
@robin-thompson
• 3 days ago
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @msok: "Shenandoah" on Mountain Dulcimer
Liked a youtube item created by @msok: "Shenandoah" on Mountain Dulcimer
@davisjames
• 3 days ago
• comments: 6
Liked a group discussions item created by @dusty: how to add extra beats in a crooked tune
Liked a group discussions item created by @dusty: how to add extra beats in a crooked tune
@davisjames
• 3 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on how to add extra beats in a crooked tune:
Posted a new Comment on how to add extra beats in a crooked tune:
"Hi Dusty,thanks for the opportunity to hear a "new" Quebecois tune played by great players.I would put the initial phrase in 7/4,cause it's singable that way..."
@olddog75
• 3 days ago
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @msok: "Shenandoah" on Mountain Dulcimer
Liked a youtube item created by @msok: "Shenandoah" on Mountain Dulcimer
@dusty
• 3 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on "Shenandoah" on Mountain Dulcimer:
Posted a new Comment on "Shenandoah" on Mountain Dulcimer:
"Nice job, Msok! Such a beautiful song."
@joseph-besse
• 3 days ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Hard Time Killin' Floor Blues, capoed 4th fret key of A:
Posted a new Comment on Hard Time Killin' Floor Blues, capoed 4th fret key of A:
"Sounds great. Love it."
@ken-longfield
• 3 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Just wondering........:
Posted a new Comment on Just wondering........:
"Thanks for your post Wally. You said some things I was thinking but didn't put in to words. Your comment about cultural connections is spot on.
Ken
"The..."
@wally-venable
• 3 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Just wondering........:
Posted a new Comment on Just wondering........:
"Before the Civil War, things were rather different, but by the time of Ed Thomas ....
It is far too easy to write off the cultural connections of "folks..."
@salt-springs
• 3 days ago
• comments: 4
Liked a group discussions item created by @tonyg: Just wondering........
Liked a group discussions item created by @tonyg: Just wondering........
@nate
• 3 days ago
• comments: 4
Liked a group discussions item created by @tonyg: Just wondering........
Liked a group discussions item created by @tonyg: Just wondering........
@ken-longfield
• 4 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Just wondering........:
Posted a new Comment on Just wondering........:
"I think the answer to your curiosity depends upon the region or area. Since you mention Uncle Ed Thomas, I will limit my reply to the eastern Kentucky..."
@homer-ross
• 4 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Just wondering........:
Posted a new Comment on Just wondering........:
"Very good questions and thoughts. I'm sure many here will respond with historical knowledge. By the way there is another forum that focuses on historical..."
@tonyg
• 4 days ago
• comments: 4
Created a new Group discussion "Just wondering........":
Created a new Group discussion "Just wondering........":
"I have a question, the answer to which would probably just be speculation, but that's fine. If Uncle Ed Thomas was born in 1850, and started making and..."
Mountain Dulcimer History & Traditions
Mountain Dulcimer History & Traditions
@pierre-yves-donnio
• 4 days ago
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @steve-c: Hard Time Killin' Floor Blues, capoed 4th fret key of A
Liked a youtube item created by @steve-c: Hard Time Killin' Floor Blues, capoed 4th fret key of A
@nate
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "New to the group, several questions":
Posted a response to "New to the group, several questions":
"Alex_Lubet:
Thanks, Nate. With only one exception, all the tunings I've used go low to high, which would eliminate some of those possibilities. The only..."
@davisjames
• 5 days ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on New Year Carol (Benjamin Britten):
Posted a new Comment on New Year Carol (Benjamin Britten):
"I find Cynthia's comment about there not being a single accidental very interesting.There's a real integrity to the melody...it doesn't need modulations or..."
@alex-lubet
• 5 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "New album":
Posted a response to "New album":
"Thanks so much, Robin, again!
At the risk of hubris, there's not a whole lot in the classical world that's written for mountain dulcimer, beyond what I've..."
@robin-thompson
• 5 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "New album":
Posted a response to "New album":
"I have this album and like it ever-so-much! If you are musically curious about mountain dulcimer as a primary instrument in the world of classical music..."
@strumelia
• 5 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to ""Extra" frets and JI vs ET":
Posted a response to ""Extra" frets and JI vs ET":
"I would add that the 1.5 and 8.5 frets come in handy if you play a lot of very old music, such as medieval and renaissance music. I have found that those..."
@robin-thompson
• 5 days ago
• comments: 11
Posted a new Comment on Redwood Dulcimer Day 2025 (ONLINE!):
Posted a new Comment on Redwood Dulcimer Day 2025 (ONLINE!):
"Dusty, I'm happy all went well! Ah, sitting in front of a computer for an extended time is tiring and I'm glad all your efforts were appreciated. I..."
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?
Four-Equidistant Strings
A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
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...
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
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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
Introduce Yourself!
Posted: Thursday August 21 2025, 7:20 PM
By: @Shopdad
By: @Shopdad
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
Play Music On The Porch Day...
Posted: Saturday August 16 2025, 8:58 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
A Review of my album
Posted: Friday August 15 2025, 6:33 PM
By: @Alex_Lubet
By: @Alex_Lubet
Minnesota
Posted: Friday August 15 2025, 2:39 PM
By: @Alex_Lubet
By: @Alex_Lubet
Listing A Dulcimer For Sale
Posted: Friday August 15 2025, 10:03 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Playing A Longer VSL
Posted: Tuesday August 12 2025, 12:51 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
New Knopf Dulcimers website!
Posted: Sunday August 10 2025, 8:05 PM
By: @Richard Streib
By: @Richard Streib
dulcimer music books for sale
Posted: Sunday August 10 2025, 6:02 PM
By: @Jim Cadorette
By: @Jim Cadorette
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
Want to buy Warren A. May...
Posted: Tuesday August 5 2025, 10:57 PM
By: @Jill Geary
By: @Jill Geary
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
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
Read the Site Rules
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3 CHEERS to our Volunteer Greeters ...for making new members feel right at home :
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Benjamin Barr  |
Richard Streib  |
Ken Longfield  |
Single Instructor Events / Classifieds
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