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
@jill-geary
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "For Sale: Possum Board for Ginger Like new":
Created a new forum topic "For Sale: Possum Board for Ginger Like new":
"Like new. Possum board, cherry, for a McSpadden Ginger (short scale) mountain dulcimer. Has a chrome strap button on each end. I never used it. New they sell..."
@nate
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Action/ nickel under the 7th":
Posted a response to "Action/ nickel under the 7th":
"Hello Art. The nickel should be on top of the 7th fret and the dime should be sitting on the fretboard in the space between the nut and the first fret, flush..."
@davisjames
• 10 hours ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Y Deryn Pur:
Posted a new Comment on Y Deryn Pur:
"That melody really plucks the heartstrings! "
@art-s
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Action/ nickel under the 7th":
Posted a response to "Action/ nickel under the 7th":
"Sorry for the dead links. That should have been @ken-hulme and @ken-longfield"
@art-s
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Action/ nickel under the 7th":
Posted a response to "Action/ nickel under the 7th":
"Can someone clarify the dime/nickel process. @ken_hulme said a nickle above the fretboard at the first fret, and a dime above the fret at the 7th. But..."
@david-bennett
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Today In Mountain Dulcimer History: February:
Posted a new Comment on Today In Mountain Dulcimer History: February:
"Today In Mountain Dulcimer History: February..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 15 hours ago
• comments: 24
Posted a new Comment on If you could buy your first dulcimer over again.....?:
Posted a new Comment on If you could buy your first dulcimer over again.....?:
"While I am sure that years ago when I first joined FOTMD that I explained how I came about my first dulcimer; but will reiterate that venture, and also..."
@nate
• yesterday
• comments: 35
Posted a new Comment on Copyright law and dulcimer music:
Posted a new Comment on Copyright law and dulcimer music:
"I like to reflect on this thread. Not only was it very useful at the time, but since then it has shed light on other topics. I really value how @corvus takes..."
@john-c-knopf
• yesterday
• comments: 24
Posted a new Comment on If you could buy your first dulcimer over again.....?:
Posted a new Comment on If you could buy your first dulcimer over again.....?:
"Ken, you did a wonderful job on both the dulcimer and the case! The proportions look like those of a Black Mountain or such.
My first dulcimer was an M8-W..."
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 24
Posted a new Comment on If you could buy your first dulcimer over again.....?:
Posted a new Comment on If you could buy your first dulcimer over again.....?:
"Don't know how I missed this thread the first time through. The first dulcimer I ever bought (at least all the pieces and parts) was one I made. It is a four..."
@richard-streib
• yesterday
• comments: 24
Posted a new Comment on If you could buy your first dulcimer over again.....?:
Posted a new Comment on If you could buy your first dulcimer over again.....?:
"The very first dulcimer I bought was from Walnut Valley Dulcimer Co in Kansas. Knowing what I know now, I would have found someone to sell me an "old style"..."
@nate
• yesterday
• comments: 24
Posted a new Comment on If you could buy your first dulcimer over again.....?:
Posted a new Comment on If you could buy your first dulcimer over again.....?:
"This was fun to read. I still haven't bought any dulcimers. The great thing about building dulcimers is that if I make one and it has a feature I don't..."
@strumelia
• yesterday
• comments: 22
Liked a group discussions item created by @ellen-rice: How do I play with guitar players at a folk song/60's night?
Liked a group discussions item created by @ellen-rice: How do I play with guitar players at a folk song/60's night?
@strumelia
• yesterday
• comments: 24
Posted a new Comment on If you could buy your first dulcimer over again.....?:
Posted a new Comment on If you could buy your first dulcimer over again.....?:
"Bumping up this older thread which i find interesting. :)"
@cindy-stammich
• 3 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on My Lord, what a morning :
Posted a new Comment on My Lord, what a morning :
"Peter, this is so beautiful! I could put this on repeat and listen to it all day! Thank you for sharing!"
@cindy-stammich
• 3 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on His Eye is on the Sparrow:
Posted a new Comment on His Eye is on the Sparrow:
"John, what a wonderful hymn! The illustrations are perfect! Thank you for the introduction as it gives life to the story behind the song. This one makes..."
@cindy-stammich
• 3 days ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Farther Along:
Posted a new Comment on Farther Along:
"This is so so beautiful! This is such a great song and wonderful setting!My mom and I visited that church in the late 90’s. We were blessed by several..."
@damon
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
"Oh, I love "Four Organs"!"
@jerry-posner
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
"I used “Four Organs” as an opening theme on a radio show I hosted on the Emerson College radio station, WERS, in the 70’s.
Strumelia:
I remember as a..."
@robin-thompson
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a photos item created by @carla-maxwell: 2023 Juke Joint Festival poster
Liked a photos item created by @carla-maxwell: 2023 Juke Joint Festival poster
@robin-thompson
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a photos item created by @carla-maxwell: Adrian Kosky and Carla Maxwell Performing
Liked a photos item created by @carla-maxwell: Adrian Kosky and Carla Maxwell Performing
@robin-thompson
• 4 days ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on New Photos:
Posted a new Comment on New Photos:
"Would love to have heard y'all!"
@robin-thompson
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a photos item created by @carla-maxwell: Sofie Reed
Liked a photos item created by @carla-maxwell: Sofie Reed
@robin-thompson
• 4 days ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on New Photos:
Posted a new Comment on New Photos:
"Way cool. I wish this had sound. "
@robin-thompson
• 4 days ago
• comments: 1
Liked a photos item created by @carla-maxwell: Sofie Reed
Liked a photos item created by @carla-maxwell: Sofie Reed
@robin-thompson
• 4 days ago
• comments: 1
Liked a photos item created by @carla-maxwell: Carla Maxwell and Adrian Kosky
Liked a photos item created by @carla-maxwell: Carla Maxwell and Adrian Kosky
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 4 days ago
• comments: 2
Liked a photos item created by @anne-bowman: dulcimer wedding 2
Liked a photos item created by @anne-bowman: dulcimer wedding 2
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 4 days ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on @hayland:
Posted a new Comment on @hayland:
"Hi Hayland, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 4 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @bonnieannie:
Posted a new Comment on @bonnieannie:
"Hi Bonnie Annie, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the..."
@carla-maxwell
• 4 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Playing at an outdoor wedding in the wind.:
Posted a new Comment on Playing at an outdoor wedding in the wind.:
"I love this photo, Anne!"
@carla-maxwell
• 4 days ago
• comments: 2
Liked a photos item created by @anne-bowman: dulcimer wedding 2
Liked a photos item created by @anne-bowman: dulcimer wedding 2
@bob-n-mo
• 4 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on My Lord, what a morning :
Posted a new Comment on My Lord, what a morning :
"Your performance makes me yearn for a warm summer's morning. Very nice, thank-you Peter."
@davisjames
• 4 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Ghost Riders :
Posted a new Comment on Ghost Riders :
"Once again...love the playing,the sound and the song itself."
@dusty
• 4 days ago
• comments: 6
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: His Eye is on the Sparrow
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: His Eye is on the Sparrow
@davisjames
• 5 days ago
• comments: 40
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
"Hi again,Nate.It's the change in brightness that made me think of a wah wah...the pedal when you rocked it either diminished or accentuated the brightness..."
@nate
• 5 days ago
• comments: 40
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
"Wally Venable:
As to perceptions of dulcimer sounds, I'm more concerned with what listeners in front or around me hear, rather than what I hear.
That's a..."
@jim-at-gcreek
• 5 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on His Eye is on the Sparrow:
Posted a new Comment on His Eye is on the Sparrow:
"John,
Thank you for posting your inspiring rendition of this great old hymn. It has always been one of my absolute favorites!
You did a fine job of singing..."
@strumelia
• 5 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on My Lord, what a morning :
Posted a new Comment on My Lord, what a morning :
"Beautifully played, Peter."
@strumelia
• 5 days ago
• comments: 4
Liked a youtube item created by @peter-w: My Lord, what a morning
Liked a youtube item created by @peter-w: My Lord, what a morning
@strumelia
• 5 days ago
• comments: 40
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
"Great video, and great discussion!"
@strumelia
• 5 days ago
• comments: 40
Liked a youtube item created by @nate: How do Possum Boards REALLY work?
Liked a youtube item created by @nate: How do Possum Boards REALLY work?
@damon
• 5 days ago
• comments: 15
Posted a new Comment on John C. Knopf:
Posted a new Comment on John C. Knopf:
"Wow, that's a nice electric dulcimer!"
@dusty
• 5 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "McSpadden FM12W care and feeding":
Posted a response to "McSpadden FM12W care and feeding":
"Enjoy your newly rejuvenated dulcimer, @roue!"
@bob-n-mo
• 5 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on His Eye is on the Sparrow:
Posted a new Comment on His Eye is on the Sparrow:
"That sure warms the heart. Thank-you, John."
@strumelia
• 5 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on His Eye is on the Sparrow:
Posted a new Comment on His Eye is on the Sparrow:
"Lovely as always, John."
@strumelia
• 5 days ago
• comments: 6
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: His Eye is on the Sparrow
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: His Eye is on the Sparrow
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...
Baritone & Bass Dulcimer...
A Group for discussing the unique aspects of playing...
Little Dulcimers
Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
fans of Jean Ritchie
A group for those of us who have been inspired by...
Four-Equidistant Strings
A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
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...
Early & Classical Music
For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
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 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...
Box Dulcimers
A group for those who play, make, or admire all types...
Chromatic Dulcimers
For players who enjoy playing dulcimers with ALL the frets!
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...
GIG TALK!
Do you play gigs? Tell us about your good and not-so-good...
Civil War era music
For discussing music that was played around the time of...
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
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...
North Carolinians Plus
The Three Sides of North Carolina: Mountains / Piedmont /...
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
For Sale: Possum Board for...
Posted: Saturday February 1 2025, 7:22 PM
By: @Jill Geary
By: @Jill Geary
Action/ nickel under the 7th
Posted: Saturday February 1 2025, 6:59 PM
By: @Nate
By: @Nate
Introduce Yourself!
Posted: Wednesday January 29 2025, 7:42 AM
By: @Damon
By: @Damon
McSpadden FM12W care and...
Posted: Tuesday January 28 2025, 1:06 AM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
McSpadden 3-String Walnut...
Posted: Saturday January 25 2025, 3:25 PM
By: @tonyg
By: @tonyg
playing along in a...
Posted: Wednesday January 22 2025, 11:16 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Worth Woodworking Dulcimers
Posted: Monday January 20 2025, 8:58 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Anyone here from UK?
Posted: Sunday January 19 2025, 5:11 AM
By: @Beth T
By: @Beth T
Wanted: David Beede 3...
Posted: Thursday January 16 2025, 5:54 PM
By: @Uncle Malc
By: @Uncle Malc
Randy Wilkinson tab book...
Posted: Thursday January 16 2025, 11:03 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
String Gauge Combination...
Posted: Wednesday January 15 2025, 10:20 AM
By: @ggray
By: @ggray
Back to the Bowed Psaltery
Posted: Wednesday January 15 2025, 7:49 AM
By: @Susie
By: @Susie
to get chromatic or not
Posted: Wednesday January 15 2025, 2:57 AM
By: @Nate
By: @Nate
Dulcimer music tab for rounds
Posted: Monday January 13 2025, 7:47 PM
By: @Jim Yates
By: @Jim Yates
The Drifting Thread...
Posted: Monday January 13 2025, 5:00 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
2024 Folkroots dulcimer...
Posted: Saturday January 11 2025, 10:25 AM
By: @gerardo1000
By: @gerardo1000
Any body have an idea what...
Posted: Saturday January 11 2025, 7:11 AM
By: @Mick McLaughlin
By: @Mick McLaughlin
Hammered Dulcimer EXR
Posted: Saturday January 11 2025, 2:46 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Balalaika, the most...
Posted: Friday January 10 2025, 9:54 PM
By: @Jim Yates
By: @Jim Yates
Wanted: info on my dulcimer
Posted: Friday January 10 2025, 8:12 AM
By: @cairney
By: @cairney
String vibrates
Posted: Wednesday January 8 2025, 8:35 PM
By: @Nate
By: @Nate
Hello! Anyone know about...
Posted: Monday January 6 2025, 6:04 PM
By: @Nate
By: @Nate
What Are You Working On?
Posted: Sunday January 5 2025, 2:16 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
FOTMD needs your support
Posted: Wednesday January 1 2025, 12:43 AM
By: @Maddie Myers
By: @Maddie Myers
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL FOMTD...
Posted: Tuesday December 31 2024, 7:02 PM
By: @Richard Streib
By: @Richard Streib
instrument question-...
Posted: Tuesday December 31 2024, 3:38 PM
By: @Nate
By: @Nate
Question for newbie on a...
Posted: Sunday December 29 2024, 12:34 AM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
One other question '78...
Posted: Friday December 27 2024, 11:11 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Warren May Special dulcimer...
Posted: Friday December 27 2024, 12:02 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Read the Site Rules
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Single Instructor Events / Classifieds
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