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
• 2 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on My instruments:
Posted a new Comment on My instruments:
"Looks to be in perfect condition. Nice!"
@strumelia
• 2 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Question about the 6 1/2 fret":
Posted a response to "Question about the 6 1/2 fret":
"I guess a lot also depended on what tuning the person liked to use... as to whether a 3.5 fret would be useful? We can't just assume they tuned 1-5-8 or 1-5-5."
@andy-gleeson
• 2 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on My instruments:
Posted a new Comment on My instruments:
"Just got this one. 1980's Folk Roots D300 Cherry with spruce top. Strung as baritone AEA"
@wally-venable
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Question about the 6 1/2 fret":
Posted a response to "Question about the 6 1/2 fret":
"A 3+ fret might have been used to play ancient or Eastern European tunes which have different ascending and descending scales. I think I've run across tunes..."
@john-w-mckinstry
• 18 hours ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Angels We Have Heard on High:
Posted a new Comment on Angels We Have Heard on High:
"Thanks for your comment, James. Sometimes it is good to hear from angels on earth and not just on high!"
@davisjames
• 18 hours ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Angels We Have Heard on High:
Posted a new Comment on Angels We Have Heard on High:
"This reminds me of being in a choir as a youngster,singing this.It was glorious indeed both in sound and message"
@davisjames
• 18 hours ago
• comments: 5
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: Angels We Have Heard on High
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: Angels We Have Heard on High
@davisjames
• 18 hours ago
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @beth-t: Ymdeithdon Gwŷr Hirwaun
Liked a youtube item created by @beth-t: Ymdeithdon Gwŷr Hirwaun
@susie
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "McSpadden 26" VSL Walnut w/ Micarta Fretboard - Ex. Cond. ":
Posted a response to "McSpadden 26" VSL Walnut w/ Micarta Fretboard - Ex. Cond. ":
"Additional photos....
(Plus there's one more photo in My Photos under my user profile here.)"
@susie
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "McSpadden 26" VSL Walnut w/ Micarta Fretboard - Ex. Cond. ":
Created a new forum topic "McSpadden 26" VSL Walnut w/ Micarta Fretboard - Ex. Cond. ":
"I'm selling my beautiful McSpadden all walnut dulcimer!
I ordered it made new in 2018. It is in excellent condition (both the dulcimer and the case). It..."
@john-petry
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Newbie to Dulcimers / 1978 Yeoman":
Posted a response to "Newbie to Dulcimers / 1978 Yeoman":
"Everyone can SEE he's Sharp.......couldn't resist......"
@ccpastork
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Newbie to Dulcimers / 1978 Yeoman":
Posted a response to "Newbie to Dulcimers / 1978 Yeoman":
"Strumelia:
Looks like a nice purchase!
You should keep in mind that your 1970s dulcimer is diatonically fretted. Many modern dulcimers have an 'extra' fret..."
@ccpastork
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Newbie to Dulcimers / 1978 Yeoman":
Posted a response to "Newbie to Dulcimers / 1978 Yeoman":
"Richard Streib:
Regarding your possum board. Some members have used a piece of 3/4" shelf board cut to width and length. I have always preferred to use 1/4"..."
@ccpastork
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Newbie to Dulcimers / 1978 Yeoman":
Posted a response to "Newbie to Dulcimers / 1978 Yeoman":
"Dusty Turtle:
Good advice so far. I have always had good results with Howard Feed N Wax, especially with older wood that might have dried out a bit...."
@john-petry
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Question about the 6 1/2 fret":
Posted a response to "Question about the 6 1/2 fret":
"Hmmm...I was wondering if I should install a 6 1/5 before I offer it for sale. nah. Perhaps I'll just offer the option.
SO many options for such a simple..."
@dusty
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Newbie to Dulcimers / 1978 Yeoman":
Posted a response to "Newbie to Dulcimers / 1978 Yeoman":
"Good advice so far. I have always had good results with Howard Feed N Wax, especially with older wood that might have dried out a bit."
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Newbie to Dulcimers / 1978 Yeoman":
Posted a response to "Newbie to Dulcimers / 1978 Yeoman":
"John's suggestions for strings are good. Here is another string calculator...."
@dusty
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Question about the 6 1/2 fret":
Posted a response to "Question about the 6 1/2 fret":
"@john-petry, normally I would say that that would be a good question for the I Have Extra Frets Group , but I see that @jan-potts asked that question 13..."
@john-petry
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Question about the 6 1/2 fret":
Posted a response to "Question about the 6 1/2 fret":
"Kinda' related to the 6 1/2.... Pulled out what I think is an old Hughes kit dulcimer...it doesn't have a 6 1/2, but it DOES have a 3 1/2..Why?
Any..."
@john-petry
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Newbie to Dulcimers / 1978 Yeoman":
Posted a response to "Newbie to Dulcimers / 1978 Yeoman":
"..."
@ccpastork
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Newbie to Dulcimers / 1978 Yeoman":
Posted a response to "Newbie to Dulcimers / 1978 Yeoman":
"John Pettreemusic:
Great job! I assume you got the case too. Easily worth twice what you paid. Seems to be in fine shape as well.
Just about everything that..."
@dusty
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @beth-t: Y Pibydd Du/The Black Piper
Liked a youtube item created by @beth-t: Y Pibydd Du/The Black Piper
@ccpastork
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Newbie to Dulcimers / 1978 Yeoman":
Posted a response to "Newbie to Dulcimers / 1978 Yeoman":
"Thank you Ken for the information. I will report back here with updates as we make progress."
@ken-longfield
• 3 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @marla-weezer:
Posted a new Comment on @marla-weezer:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Marla. It's good to have you aboard. Listen to the audio tracks here and watch the videos. That should help your exposure to mountain..."
@ken-longfield
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Newbie to Dulcimers / 1978 Yeoman":
Posted a response to "Newbie to Dulcimers / 1978 Yeoman":
"There's really no need to post the VSL as you have learned from the builder what was on it to begin with. I would go with that. The configuration the builder..."
@robin-thompson
• 3 days ago
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on Alaw Elin (Elin's song):
Posted a new Comment on Alaw Elin (Elin's song):
"What a lovely way to honor your beloved friend, Beth. "
@davisjames
• 3 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on The Brink of the White Rock (trad. Ireland):
Posted a new Comment on The Brink of the White Rock (trad. Ireland):
"Love that! There's a great book called "The Islandman" that talks about life on the islands before the people re-settled on the mainland.Perhaps you've read..."
@davisjames
• 3 days ago
• comments: 5
Liked a youtube item created by @martin-oesterle: Farewell to Tarwahie
Liked a youtube item created by @martin-oesterle: Farewell to Tarwahie
@dulcidom
• 3 days ago
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @beth-t: Y Pibydd Du/The Black Piper
Liked a youtube item created by @beth-t: Y Pibydd Du/The Black Piper
@dulcidom
• 3 days ago
• comments: 3
Liked a youtube item created by @beth-t: Alaw Elin - Elin's Song
Liked a youtube item created by @beth-t: Alaw Elin - Elin's Song
@dulcidom
• 3 days ago
• comments: 5
Liked a youtube item created by @beth-t: Dyddiau Gwell - Better Days
Liked a youtube item created by @beth-t: Dyddiau Gwell - Better Days
@richard-streib
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Newbie to Dulcimers / 1978 Yeoman":
Posted a response to "Newbie to Dulcimers / 1978 Yeoman":
"Regarding your possum board. Some members have used a piece of 3/4" shelf board cut to width and length. I have always preferred to use 1/4" solid wood,..."
@richard-streib
• 3 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @marla-weezer:
Posted a new Comment on @marla-weezer:
"Welcome Marla Weezer to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. So glad you joined. Look around....there is a lot of information here. Let us know if you have..."
@jet3rry
• 3 days ago
• comments: 13
Posted a new Comment on Chord Practice:
Posted a new Comment on Chord Practice:
"Thank you, @Dusty, that helps! My dulcimer’s VSL is 25”, so not extra-long.
It’s reassuring to know that my fingers will likely stretch as I continue..."
@ccpastork
• 4 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @ccpastork:
Posted a new Comment on @ccpastork:
"Ken Longfield:
Welcome to FOTMD, Ccpastork. Could you be a pastor? The youth in our church's youth group always called me Pastor K. Well, it's good to have..."
@ccpastork
• 4 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @ccpastork:
Posted a new Comment on @ccpastork:
"Richard Streib:
Welcome Ccpastork to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Glad you joined. That is a nice looking dulcimer. It appears to be in fine shape. You..."
@ccpastork
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Newbie to Dulcimers / 1978 Yeoman":
Posted a response to "Newbie to Dulcimers / 1978 Yeoman":
"Thank you to each of you that replied.
Thank you for the information on tuning to DAA or CGG.
I checked my guitar cleaning stuff and I’ll have to pass on..."
@dusty
• 4 days ago
• comments: 13
Posted a new Comment on Chord Practice:
Posted a new Comment on Chord Practice:
"@Jet3rry, the first thing to know is that over time the muscles in your fingers will stretch, so that chords that seem impossible now will slowly get more..."
@cindy-stammich
• 4 days ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Dyddiau Gwell - Better Days:
Posted a new Comment on Dyddiau Gwell - Better Days:
"I could listen to this all day long!
Simply beautiful!"
@cindy-stammich
• 4 days ago
• comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on @beth-t:
Posted a new Comment on @beth-t:
"Beth, after reading about your interest in the mountain dulcimer and your dulcimer acquisition disorder - I just have one question for you -
How many..."
@cindy-stammich
• 4 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Alaw Elin - Elin's Song:
Posted a new Comment on Alaw Elin - Elin's Song:
"This is such a pretty tune and I sure hope your friend enjoys it. What a sweet friend you are! I didn’t know you could do cool stuff like a duet with..."
@ken-longfield
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Newbie to Dulcimers / 1978 Yeoman":
Posted a response to "Newbie to Dulcimers / 1978 Yeoman":
"I am not familiar with Ellen Yeoman or the Mixolydian Musical Woodworks. That probably because I live on the opposite side of the country. It looks to be a..."
@ken-longfield
• 4 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @ccpastork:
Posted a new Comment on @ccpastork:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Ccpastork. Could you be a pastor? The youth in our church's youth group always called me Pastor K. Well, it's good to have you aboard. I..."
@strumelia
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Newbie to Dulcimers / 1978 Yeoman":
Posted a response to "Newbie to Dulcimers / 1978 Yeoman":
"Looks like a nice purchase!
You should keep in mind that your 1970s dulcimer is diatonically fretted. Many modern dulcimers have an 'extra' fret or two......"
@robin-thompson
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @ccpastork: Newbie to Dulcimers / 1978 Yeoman
Liked a forum discussions item created by @ccpastork: Newbie to Dulcimers / 1978 Yeoman
@richard-streib
• 4 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @ccpastork:
Posted a new Comment on @ccpastork:
"Welcome Ccpastork to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Glad you joined. That is a nice looking dulcimer. It appears to be in fine shape. You got it at a good..."
@richard-streib
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Newbie to Dulcimers / 1978 Yeoman":
Posted a response to "Newbie to Dulcimers / 1978 Yeoman":
"Congrats on your new to you dulcimer. It is interesting to note that it has feet on the back. That was somewhat standard in Appalachia long ago. Many people..."
@john-petry
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Newbie to Dulcimers / 1978 Yeoman":
Posted a response to "Newbie to Dulcimers / 1978 Yeoman":
"Great job! I assume you got the case too. Easily worth twice what you paid. Seems to be in fine shape as well.
Just about everything that goes out my door is..."
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
Question about the 6 1/2 fret
Posted: Saturday February 22 2025, 8:14 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
McSpadden 26" VSL Walnut w/...
Posted: Friday February 21 2025, 1:55 PM
By: @Susie
By: @Susie
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: @s11141827
By: @s11141827
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: @s11141827
By: @s11141827
1976 Sunhearth #266
Posted: Friday February 14 2025, 3:36 PM
By: @MacDonald001
By: @MacDonald001
DAD........but no chords
Posted: Friday February 14 2025, 10:14 AM
By: @Malcolm
By: @Malcolm
A Question about dulcimer...
Posted: Thursday February 13 2025, 8:17 AM
By: @Jerry Posner
By: @Jerry Posner
Introduce Yourself!
Posted: Tuesday February 11 2025, 10:48 AM
By: @MerlinPicker101
By: @MerlinPicker101
Embellishments
Posted: Saturday February 8 2025, 7:52 PM
By: @jet3rry
By: @jet3rry
RIP to our good fotmd...
Posted: Saturday February 8 2025, 11:08 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Dda tuning
Posted: Friday February 7 2025, 12:11 PM
By: @Skip
By: @Skip
Backing tracks
Posted: Thursday February 6 2025, 8:51 AM
By: @Lilley Pad
By: @Lilley Pad
International Appalachian...
Posted: Wednesday February 5 2025, 7:18 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Mountain dulcimer players...
Posted: Tuesday February 4 2025, 9:45 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
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
McSpadden FM12W care and...
Posted: Tuesday January 28 2025, 1:06 AM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
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
Read the Site Rules
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