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
@michael-g
• 2 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Ray Hunley 2009 #260 Solid Cherry":
Posted a response to "Ray Hunley 2009 #260 Solid Cherry":
"Hello, Michael G here. I’m in your neighborhood—I’m in Tennessee just north of Killen. I’m not familiar with the luthier, but I am a serious player and..."
@michael-g
• 2 hours ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @margies: Ray Hunley 2009 #260 Solid Cherry
Liked a forum discussions item created by @margies: Ray Hunley 2009 #260 Solid Cherry
@strumelia
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "A Question about dulcimer popularity...":
Posted a response to "A Question about dulcimer popularity...":
"John, that's nice of you to recommend this site to new players. Thanks! "
@john-petry
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "A Question about dulcimer popularity...":
Posted a response to "A Question about dulcimer popularity...":
"Perhaps "coincidence"...But the last 2 out of three dulcimers I've sold have gone to folks looking to start learning to play., in part because of that little..."
@dusty
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "A Question about dulcimer popularity...":
Posted a response to "A Question about dulcimer popularity...":
"If you judge by the number of new members joining FOTMD, the MD community is strong."
@richard-streib
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @michael-g:
Posted a new Comment on @michael-g:
"Glad you joined Michael G. Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. I look forward to you sharing your knowledge and expertise with the members here. Let..."
@richard-streib
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @margies:
Posted a new Comment on @margies:
"Glad you joined MargieS. Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. That is a beautiful dulcimer you offer for sale.I hope it finds a good home."
@ken-longfield
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @michael-g:
Posted a new Comment on @michael-g:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Michael. We have a lot of dulcimer information here. Have fun exploring this site. Let us know if you have any questions. I look forward to..."
@ken-longfield
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @margies:
Posted a new Comment on @margies:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Margie. Sorry that you are unable to play your dulcimer. I hope you find a new home for it.
Ken
“The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@robin-thompson
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 1
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: The Princess Royal.
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: The Princess Royal.
@robin-thompson
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on The Princess Royal.:
Posted a new Comment on The Princess Royal.:
"Wonderfully evocative of a long-ago era, Jamie. So good! "
@davisjames
• 8 hours ago
• comments: 4
Liked a music item created by @studentofrhythm: Cuncti Simus Concanentes
Liked a music item created by @studentofrhythm: Cuncti Simus Concanentes
@margies
• 12 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Ray Hunley 2009 #260 Solid Cherry":
Created a new forum topic "Ray Hunley 2009 #260 Solid Cherry":
"Mr Ray custom made this dulcimer for me in March of 2009. It is a twin to his own personal dulcimer he played for many years. My hands are too small for a..."
@john-gribble
• 15 hours ago
• comments: 8
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: Lost Doggie - in honor of Billy Boy
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: Lost Doggie - in honor of Billy Boy
@john-gribble
• 15 hours ago
• comments: 4
Liked a music item created by @studentofrhythm: Cuncti Simus Concanentes
Liked a music item created by @studentofrhythm: Cuncti Simus Concanentes
@john-c-knopf
• yesterday
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Cuncti Simus Concanentes:
Posted a new Comment on Cuncti Simus Concanentes:
"Very nice indeed, friend! Thanks."
@strumelia
• yesterday
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Cuncti Simus Concanentes:
Posted a new Comment on Cuncti Simus Concanentes:
"This is really some of my favorite music. Beautifully done, thank you!! 🙌🏼"
@strumelia
• yesterday
• comments: 4
Liked a music item created by @studentofrhythm: Cuncti Simus Concanentes
Liked a music item created by @studentofrhythm: Cuncti Simus Concanentes
@studentofrhythm
• yesterday
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Seeds of Love:
Posted a new Comment on Seeds of Love:
"I've heard this performed by Loreena McKennitt, to a different tune. I like hearing the variation."
@studentofrhythm
• yesterday
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on I walk in beauty:
Posted a new Comment on I walk in beauty:
"That's nifty."
@robin-thompson
• yesterday
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Lost Doggie - in honor of Billy Boy:
Posted a new Comment on Lost Doggie - in honor of Billy Boy:
"@davisjames We don't do live performances. Though we have played 'out' some in the past, we haven't done so in quite awhile. We appreciate your listening..."
@robin-thompson
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
"This Saturday, 29 March, 2025-- the more countries which participate, the merrier! Love of the Appalachian dulcimer has spread around the world. "
@davisjames
• yesterday
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Lost Doggie - in honor of Billy Boy:
Posted a new Comment on Lost Doggie - in honor of Billy Boy:
"Do you guys ever do live performances?That'd be a treat."
@davisjames
• yesterday
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Emma´s Waltz:
Posted a new Comment on Emma´s Waltz:
"Love the sound of multiple strings hammering out a great melody(pun intended)."
@olddog75
• yesterday
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Cuncti Simus Concanentes:
Posted a new Comment on Cuncti Simus Concanentes:
"Really fine tune!"
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Liked a group discussions item created by @strumelia: Playing at a local care center
Liked a group discussions item created by @strumelia: Playing at a local care center
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Playing at a local care center:
Posted a new Comment on Playing at a local care center:
""While I was playing, I was imagining these people as they would be free from their age and ailments: playing to their souls, hoping to reach them beyond..."
@robin-thompson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Cuncti Simus Concanentes:
Posted a new Comment on Cuncti Simus Concanentes:
"Wonderfully played & sung, @studentofrhythm ! "
@robin-thompson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Liked a music item created by @studentofrhythm: Cuncti Simus Concanentes
Liked a music item created by @studentofrhythm: Cuncti Simus Concanentes
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Playing at a local care center:
Posted a new Comment on Playing at a local care center:
"Playing in hospitals, nursing homes, extended care facilities, etc. is a rewarding experience and means a lot to those whose health is failing. Playing in a..."
@studentofrhythm
• 2 days ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on HEN FERCHETAN and DIFYRRWCH GWYR Y GOGLEDD:
Posted a new Comment on HEN FERCHETAN and DIFYRRWCH GWYR Y GOGLEDD:
"Yes, more Welsh tunes!"
@studentofrhythm
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Created a new Group discussion "Playing at a local care center":
Created a new Group discussion "Playing at a local care center":
@aditi
• 2 days ago
• comments: 497
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
"Many thanks to you for the warm welcome, Ken! Port Washington is indeed on LI and I love it there—I didn't know Jean Ritchie lived there for quite some time,..."
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @aditi:
Posted a new Comment on @aditi:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Aditi. It's good to have you aboard. Jean Richie who is credited with introducing the Appalachian dulcimer to wider world lived in Port..."
@aditi
• 2 days ago
• comments: 340
Posted a new Comment on @richard-streib:
Posted a new Comment on @richard-streib:
"Richard! I appreciate the warm welcome. This community has been so kind and encouraging so far and I look forward to engaging more! All best, Aditi"
@richard-streib
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @aditi:
Posted a new Comment on @aditi:
"Welcome Aditi to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. So glad you joined. This is a very friendly and informative forum. For many of us the wonder of the..."
@john-c-knopf
• 3 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on The Garden Hymn:
Posted a new Comment on The Garden Hymn:
"John, you're an inspiration to so many here. Thank you for this wonderful hymn, and all of the others you have shared. God bless you and your music!"
@strumelia
• 3 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on The Garden Hymn:
Posted a new Comment on The Garden Hymn:
"I always enjoy your playing, singing, and paintings combos, John. As a knitter, I especially like that painting with the sheep! 🧶..."
@ken-longfield
• 3 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @dawn-t:
Posted a new Comment on @dawn-t:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Dawn. It's good to have you aboard. I look forward to your participation here.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@richard-streib
• 3 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @dawn-t:
Posted a new Comment on @dawn-t:
"Welcome Dawn T to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer from a fellow North Carolinian. So glad you joined. This is a wonderful community of folks who love the..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 4 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @thymos:
Posted a new Comment on @thymos:
"Hi Thymos, 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
• 4 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @dawn-t:
Posted a new Comment on @dawn-t:
"Hi Dawn, 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,..."
@ken-longfield
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "limberjack":
Posted a response to "limberjack":
"That is a very nice gift that Glen gave you Jim. Enjoy it.
Dusty, that limberjill is delightful. I'm sure you've had fun playing it.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings..."
@dusty
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "limberjack":
Posted a response to "limberjack":
"That's such a nice gesture on Glen's part, Jim. I love the vest!
Several years ago I lent a stranger a dulcimer at a dulcimer festival. The next year at that..."
@jim-yates
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "limberjack":
Posted a response to "limberjack":
"I was admiring my friend Glen's limberjack at a festival and a few months later, he showed up with one he'd made for me."
@md-swede
• 4 days ago
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @luigi: HEN FERCHETAN and DIFYRRWCH GWYR Y GOGLEDD
Liked a youtube item created by @luigi: HEN FERCHETAN and DIFYRRWCH GWYR Y GOGLEDD
@md-swede
• 4 days ago
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: I walk in beauty
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: I walk in beauty
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?
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...
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...
Early & Classical Music
For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
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
Ray Hunley 2009 #260 Solid...
Posted: Thursday March 27 2025, 11:12 PM
By: @Michael G
By: @Michael G
A Question about dulcimer...
Posted: Thursday March 27 2025, 9:14 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
International Appalachian...
Posted: Wednesday March 26 2025, 4:24 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
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
Lute Dulcimer
Posted: Thursday March 20 2025, 3:24 PM
By: @Nate
By: @Nate
Jerry Rockwell Short Scale...
Posted: Monday March 17 2025, 6:36 PM
By: @Cheryl James
By: @Cheryl James
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
Optimum spacing for the two...
Posted: Sunday February 23 2025, 11:27 AM
By: @Cristian Huet
By: @Cristian Huet
to get chromatic or not
Posted: Sunday February 23 2025, 9:44 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Newbie to Dulcimers / 1978...
Posted: Friday February 21 2025, 12:21 PM
By: @John Pettreemusic
By: @John Pettreemusic
Tunings you like to use on...
Posted: Monday February 17 2025, 8:37 PM
By: @
By: @
CD listening Help
Posted: Monday February 17 2025, 5:36 PM
By: @Lilley Pad
By: @Lilley Pad
Three Strings or Four ?
Posted: Monday February 17 2025, 5:32 PM
By: @
By: @
1976 Sunhearth #266
Posted: Friday February 14 2025, 3:36 PM
By: @MacDonald001
By: @MacDonald001
Read the Site Rules
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Richard Streib  |
Ken Longfield  |
Single Instructor Events / Classifieds
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