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
@pierre-yves-donnio
• 33 minutes ago
• comments: 3
Liked a youtube item created by @dulcidom: The Armed Man/It will be fought for you (anon. 16th c.)
Liked a youtube item created by @dulcidom: The Armed Man/It will be fought for you (anon. 16th c.)
@mike59
• 2 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Warren May Special dulcimer for sale.":
Posted a response to "Warren May Special dulcimer for sale.":
"Hello Sandra, if you'd like, I can help with your photos. Please drop me a message so I can send you my email address to send them. The idea is that I'd..."
@nate
• 9 hours ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Makeover for Sally :
Posted a new Comment on Makeover for Sally :
"The first Bundt pan dulcimer I made was one of many experimental dulcimer ideas I had at the time, but its been my absolute favorite material ever since. I..."
@beth-t
• 9 hours ago
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @dulcidom: Bransle de Champaigne - Claude Gervaise (1555)
Liked a youtube item created by @dulcidom: Bransle de Champaigne - Claude Gervaise (1555)
@dulcidom
• 10 hours ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Alaw Elin - Elin's Song:
Posted a new Comment on Alaw Elin - Elin's Song:
"Beth T:
I would very much like to know how you create your videos - what software do you use?
Hello Beth I'm afraid my answer to this question is a bit..."
@ken-longfield
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on @dwyerjh:
Posted a new Comment on @dwyerjh:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Dwyerjh. It's good to have you aboard. You can do a search on baritone and bass dulcimers to see where they have been discussed here. If..."
@sam-edelston
• 18 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
"Just as a thought ... with all this discussion, you guys might want to do a Zoom and talk it all through in real time: More efficient, reaches better..."
@steve-c
• 19 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
"International also allows us to celebrate the Appalachian Dulcimer’s European roots."
@ken-longfield
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
"I, too, like the juxtaposition of international and Appalachian. When one looks at it geologically, the range begins in the southern United States and..."
@davisjames
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 6
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Skänklåt (Gift Giving Tune) after Hjort Anders
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Skänklåt (Gift Giving Tune) after Hjort Anders
@robin-thompson
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
"@dusty I, too, like that juxtaposition! Yes, all embraced the worldwide aspect wonderfully!"
@dusty
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
"We did all embrace the word "international." The reason it was even a discussion was because of my initial question, which stemmed from having learned of..."
@mark-gilston
• yesterday
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Skänklåt (Gift Giving Tune) after Hjort Anders:
Posted a new Comment on Skänklåt (Gift Giving Tune) after Hjort Anders:
"Nate:
The ability to combine expressive sounds with mechanical precision while seeming so relaxed and comfortable is as impressive as always. Definitely..."
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
"No apology necessary as I didn't think you were implying that anyone was against it. I thought we all embraced it enthusiastically.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a..."
@robin-thompson
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
"@ken-longfield My apologies-- I never meant to imply anyone was against "International". I just remember my thinking at the time was it would be helpful for..."
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
"Robin, I don't recall there being any objection to "international." It seems to me that we all embraced it. Marg had asked a question as to whether it would..."
@robin-thompson
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
"I haven't yet looked at the threads to refresh my memory. I recall when we were kicking around thoughts, I wanted all FOTMD members to feel welcomed to..."
@steve-c
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
"The conversation started, I think, in January and we launched in March. I made a flyer I think for that year, you can see it on the Positive thread, I tried..."
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
"Upon first glance at the positive thread, it seems the conversation started with Dusty suggesting that there ought to be a national dulcimer day, as there is..."
@robin-thompson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
"Here on FOTMD, Ireland and the US were represented this year. If there were other countries, please, someone point me to music I may have missed. On fb,..."
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @mom-clogs:
Posted a new Comment on @mom-clogs:
"Welcome to FOTMD Mom Clogs. It's good to have you aboard. Let us know if we can help you any way as you begin your dulcimer journey. We are happy to help. I..."
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @bglover:
Posted a new Comment on @bglover:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Bglover. It's good to have you aboard. You will find a great community of dulcimer enthusiasts here. Reading through these forums will..."
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
"I'm not a graphic artist, but maybe we could come up with logo for the day. I was thinking of something like a globe with an Appalachian dulcimer across it..."
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
"Dusty is correct in his explanation. The first event was year one. I have the sticker. I could use a few more to share with dulcimer friends to promote the..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @bglover:
Posted a new Comment on @bglover:
"Hi Bg, 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 dulcimer, and..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @mom-clogs:
Posted a new Comment on @mom-clogs:
"Hi Mom, 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 dulcimer,..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on The Rooster is Crowing:
Posted a new Comment on The Rooster is Crowing:
"Hey John, thanks for alerting me to this! Yes, I love it! Good Morning To You was also the basis for the popular song usually sung at the occasion of..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: The Rooster is Crowing
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: The Rooster is Crowing
@dusty
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
"@nate, the discussion did indeed start on the Positive Thread, but my memory is that once we decided on a date and a name, I started this discussion here...."
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: The Rooster is Crowing
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: The Rooster is Crowing
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Skänklåt (Gift Giving Tune) after Hjort Anders:
Posted a new Comment on Skänklåt (Gift Giving Tune) after Hjort Anders:
"The ability to combine expressive sounds with mechanical precision while seeming so relaxed and comfortable is as impressive as always. Definitely..."
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
"Hey folks I'd love some clarity about the exact nature of the origins. It seems to me that the discussion in the positive thread started when @dusty brought..."
@robin-thompson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
"I'm typing this here so I'll remember: Dean Robinson and Dan Geddes both made nice graphics for posting on fb to promote the day. Dean's may have been..."
@richard-streib
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @mom-clogs:
Posted a new Comment on @mom-clogs:
"Welcome MomClogs to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. So glad you joined. If you have questions be sure to ask. We are here to support each other."
@richard-streib
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @bglover:
Posted a new Comment on @bglover:
"Welcome Bglover to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Glad you joined. There is a lot of information here so look around. Be sure to ask any questions you..."
@dusty
• 2 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Youghal Harbour:
Posted a new Comment on Youghal Harbour:
"Great playing, Val. You keep that charming melody rolling right along."
@davisjames
• 2 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Youghal Harbour:
Posted a new Comment on Youghal Harbour:
"There was a very good Canadian fiddler(George Wilson...Irish born) who recorded this in the late 60's.Lovely tune,good to hear."
@mark-gilston
• 2 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Skänklåt (Gift Giving Tune) after Hjort Anders:
Posted a new Comment on Skänklåt (Gift Giving Tune) after Hjort Anders:
"Strumelia:
Not easy to play, i imagine!
Definitely in the high level professional category"
@dulcidom
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on The Armed Man/It will be fought for you (anon. 16th c.):
Posted a new Comment on The Armed Man/It will be fought for you (anon. 16th c.):
"Thank you @strumelia for your kind comment.
The strange instrument is the WARBL (..."
@luigi
• 2 days ago
• comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on HEN FERCHETAN and DIFYRRWCH GWYR Y GOGLEDD:
Posted a new Comment on HEN FERCHETAN and DIFYRRWCH GWYR Y GOGLEDD:
"Strumelia:
Aeolian mode is the closest to my heart.
Thank you! Me too. Pieces in the aeolian mode always speak to me the most."
@steve-c
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
"Hard to believe we are turning five…if we are going to do a DPN article of the IADD history, we need to do it sooner than later. Our DPN editor has recently..."
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Skänklåt (Gift Giving Tune) after Hjort Anders:
Posted a new Comment on Skänklåt (Gift Giving Tune) after Hjort Anders:
"Not easy to play, i imagine!"
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on HEN FERCHETAN and DIFYRRWCH GWYR Y GOGLEDD:
Posted a new Comment on HEN FERCHETAN and DIFYRRWCH GWYR Y GOGLEDD:
"This is a wonderful recording and terrific playing. Aeolian mode is the closest to my heart."
@mark-gilston
• 2 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Skänklåt (Gift Giving Tune) after Hjort Anders:
Posted a new Comment on Skänklåt (Gift Giving Tune) after Hjort Anders:
"Strumelia:
This is really lovely, Mark! I especially like the quirky B part.
Thanks. Yes the B part in this tune is something special"
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on The Rooster is Crowing:
Posted a new Comment on The Rooster is Crowing:
"I second what Cindy said. This is very special! 🐣"
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: The Rooster is Crowing
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: The Rooster is Crowing
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Skänklåt (Gift Giving Tune) after Hjort Anders:
Posted a new Comment on Skänklåt (Gift Giving Tune) after Hjort Anders:
"This is really lovely, Mark! I especially like the quirky B part."
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 6
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Skänklåt (Gift Giving Tune) after Hjort Anders
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Skänklåt (Gift Giving Tune) after Hjort Anders
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Liked a youtube item created by @dulcidom: The Armed Man/It will be fought for you (anon. 16th c.)
Liked a youtube item created by @dulcidom: The Armed Man/It will be fought for you (anon. 16th c.)
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...
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 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
Warren May Special dulcimer...
Posted: Wednesday April 9 2025, 10:15 AM
By: @Mike59
By: @Mike59
International Appalachian...
Posted: Tuesday April 8 2025, 6:17 PM
By: @Sam Edelston
By: @Sam Edelston
Amplification of an...
Posted: Saturday April 5 2025, 12:42 PM
By: @Nate
By: @Nate
Mountain Dulcimer Picture...
Posted: Friday April 4 2025, 10:46 AM
By: @dulcidom
By: @dulcidom
Anyone Recognize This Builder
Posted: Wednesday April 2 2025, 10:51 AM
By: @msdeebee
By: @msdeebee
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
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
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
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