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

Ben Barr Jr
Ben Barr Jr
@benjamin-w-barr-jr • 5 hours ago • comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on @roger-casey:
"Hi Roger, 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,..."
Ben Barr Jr
@benjamin-w-barr-jr • 5 hours ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @czdolphy:
"Hi Czdolphy, 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..."
Ben Barr Jr
@benjamin-w-barr-jr • 6 hours ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @orvilina:
"Hi orvilina, 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..."
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 6 hours ago • comments: 0
Liked a photos item created by @steveh-2o: 1000001314
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 7 hours ago • comments: 3
Liked a youtube item created by @ethan-chastain: Beautiful Star Of Bethlehem- Mountain Dulcimer
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 7 hours ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Beautiful Star Of Bethlehem- Mountain Dulcimer:
"Well played, Ethan. Thanks for sharing it. Merry Christmas. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
Ethan Chastain
@ethan-chastain • 8 hours ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Beautiful Star Of Bethlehem- Mountain Dulcimer:
"@John-C-Knopf Thanks, John. Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas too! - Ethan John C. Knopf: Beautiful, Ethan! I've sung and played this..."
John C. Knopf
@john-c-knopf • 10 hours ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Beautiful Star Of Bethlehem- Mountain Dulcimer:
"Beautiful, Ethan! I've sung and played this beautiful song at church for Christmas, and it's always a hit.  Got the folks singing along, too.  Merry..."
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 11 hours ago • comments: 3
Liked a youtube item created by @ethan-chastain: Beautiful Star Of Bethlehem- Mountain Dulcimer
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 11 hours ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Three Strings or Four ?":
"s11141827: Jumbo frets are taller than normal frets which effectively lowers the action  As I explained in the other thread where you mentioned this, it is..."
Ethan Chastain
@ethan-chastain • yesterday • comments: 3
Posted new YouTube video(s):
Beautiful Star Of Bethlehem- Mountain Dulcimer
DavisJames
@davisjames • yesterday • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Napoleon crossing the alps.:
"Every time I listen to this I hear the crackle of muskets as in the Napoleonic wars...me hitting the body of the dulcimer with a pick."
s11141827
@s11141827 • yesterday • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Three Strings or Four ?":
"Jumbo frets are taller than normal frets which effectively lowers the action"
s11141827
@s11141827 • yesterday • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Three Strings or Four ?":
"Generally w/ 4 string dulcimers the strings are thinner to lower the tension"
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • yesterday • comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on The Shortest Day:
Pierre-Yves Donnio
@pierre-yves-donnio • yesterday • comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: Angels We Have Heard on High
tonyg
@tonyg • yesterday • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Shipping costs question":
"I'll check it out.....thanks.  I live in the east, and don't want to overcharge or Take a beating either.  It's gotten so expensive!"
Richard Streib
@richard-streib • yesterday • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Shipping costs question":
"Re shipping. Not exactly to answer the question posed. But a shipping suggestion. I use a site called PirateShip. Free  to join. They have discounted prices..."
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • yesterday • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Shipping costs question":
"Yes."
tonyg
@tonyg • yesterday • comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Shipping costs question":
"When listing a dulcimer for sale, and you get to the shipping costs part, can you simply put "actual shipping costs", and then let any interested buyer know..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • yesterday • comments: 0
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: O Sanctissima
Strumelia
@strumelia • yesterday • comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on The Shortest Day:
"I know a lady banjo player who is known for actually falling asleep while playing in jams. She's a good player usually, but as she falls asleep her playing..."
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • yesterday • comments: 0
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: O Sanctissima
olddog75
@olddog75 • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: O Sanctissima
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • 2 days ago • comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on The Shortest Day:
"@nate , we're glad you liked it!   Thanks so much for listening!   My tendency anymore is to make music which could put me to sleep, preferably not while..."
Mark Gilston
@mark-gilston • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Updated a YouTube Video:
O Sanctissima
Mark Gilston
@mark-gilston • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Posted new YouTube video(s):
O Sanctissima
nick o'sullivan
@nick-osullivan • 2 days ago • comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on reverie of a dragonfly:
"Dusty Turtle: dulcimer or sitar?   Dulcimer and lap steel guitar"
nick o'sullivan
@nick-osullivan • 2 days ago • comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on reverie of a dragonfly:
"Robin Thompson: Hey, Nick-- are you using a metal or glass slide on a mountain dulcimer here?   I'm using a brass tonebar on my lap steel guitar for the..."
John C. Knopf
@john-c-knopf • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "dulcimer kit":
"You're entirely welcome, friends!   I'm glad to be able to contribute to a discussion now and then."
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 2 days ago • comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on The Shortest Day:
"It only makes me feel sleepy because it perfectly embodies the wistful, ethereal feeling that I only get in dreams :) This is really pleasant"
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 2 days ago • comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on reverie of a dragonfly:
"Love the stereo audio and the impression of 'call and response' from the two instruments. Super bluesy."
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 2 days ago • comments: 5
Liked a music item created by @nick-osullivan: reverie of a dragonfly
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 2 days ago • comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: Angels We Have Heard on High
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "dulcimer kit":
"Thanks for all these neat details @john-c-knopf"
Strumelia
@strumelia • 2 days ago • comments: 6
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: The Shortest Day
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • 2 days ago • comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on The Shortest Day:
"Hey, @randy-adams -- glad you got the dreamy ride.  :)  If our music causes drowsiness, we've done our job.  haha"
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "dulcimer kit":
"Well, I wish I had paid closer attention to the details back in 1974 when I began my friendship with Lynn McSpadden. I didn't pay much attention to the kits..."
Randy Adams
@randy-adams • 2 days ago • comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on The Shortest Day:
"Ha! Wake me up when it's over! : ) Huh-uh that's not what I  got there Robin. I got got the dreamy ride tho. : )"
marg
@marg • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "dulcimer kit":
"(non-completed f-holes) They looked almost  like complete ones, when I was taking the photos. Interesting, information Thanks, John"
Randy Adams
@randy-adams • 2 days ago • comments: 6
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: The Shortest Day
John C. Knopf
@john-c-knopf • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "dulcimer kit":
"The reason I was so sure of the provenance of the dulcimer kit is that I used to study (and drool over) the brochures and catalogs that The Dulcimer Shoppe..."
Richard Streib
@richard-streib • 2 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @orvilina:
"Glad to have you join. Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. I really like your description of the voice of the dulcimer. It is so thoughtful and..."
Don Patrick
@don-patrick • 2 days ago • comments: 11
Posted a new Comment on Virginia Dulcimer Players:
"I just joined the Virginia Dulcimer players group.  I’ve been playing for about 5 years and consider myself an advanced beginner.  My wife will tell you (and..."
Don Patrick
@don-patrick • 2 days ago • comments: 575
Posted a new Comment on @benjamin-w-barr-jr:
"Thanks, Ben."
DavisJames
@davisjames • 2 days ago • comments: 6
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: The Shortest Day
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • 2 days ago • comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on reverie of a dragonfly:
"Hey, Nick-- are you using a metal or glass slide on a mountain dulcimer here?  "
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • 2 days ago • comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on reverie of a dragonfly:
"dulcimer or sitar?"
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 3 days ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @don-patrick:
"Hello again Don. I guess I misread your information and thought you were located in Carlisle, PA, but I see you are in Warrenton, VA. If you want to find..."

Join a Group!   All

Beginner players

Beginner players


Are you a brand new player? Join this group and ask all...
OLD STYLE Drone & Noter players

OLD STYLE Drone & Noter...


If you are an avid fan of the older traditional mountain...
Dulcimer Making

Dulcimer Making


A group for those building dulcimers or interested in...
Modern/Chord style Players

Modern/Chord style Players


Do you play chords and fret across all strings? Then...
Fingerpicking

Fingerpicking


A place to discuss fingerpicking styles of dulcimer...
Hymn and Worship Song Players

Hymn and Worship Song Players


a place to share the hymns and worship songs we are playing.
The Music Theory Corner

The Music Theory Corner


A Group to talk about Music Theory!
Dulcimer Care & Maintenance

Dulcimer Care & Maintenance


Tips, tricks and techniques to help care for your dulcimer.
Rockin' in the Free World

Rockin' in the Free World


A group for those of you who like to play music not...
Mountain Dulcimer History & Traditions

Mountain Dulcimer History &...


Share historical information and resources on the...
Technology/Software/Amplifying

Technology/Software/Amplifying


to share info on all aspects of using tech: Amplifying,...
Singing with the Dulcimer

Singing with the Dulcimer


Here's a group for those of us who are interested in...
Arranging/composing for Dulcimers

Arranging/composing for...


A group to discuss creating arrangements of songs and...
Baritone & Bass Dulcimer Players

Baritone & Bass Dulcimer...


A Group for discussing the unique aspects of playing...
Little Dulcimers

Little Dulcimers


Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
fans of Jean Ritchie

fans of Jean Ritchie


A group for those of us who have been inspired by...
Four-Equidistant Strings

Four-Equidistant Strings


A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
Help Me Learn this Song

Help Me Learn this Song


Need help learning to play a particular song? Let another...
I have extra frets.....

I have extra frets.....


This group is for those who have a 1 1/2 fret, an 8 1/2...
Public Domain... or Not?

Public Domain... or Not?


Ever wanted to record or post that tune, but you just...
Early & Classical Music

Early & Classical Music


For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
Dulcimer Therapy

Dulcimer Therapy


This group is dedicated to those that visit, or have a...
Home Studio Recording

Home Studio Recording


Recording dulcimers, vocals and other instruments in the...
Dulcimer teachers

Dulcimer teachers


Do you teach dulcimer? Are you helping others to learn?
Dulcimer Ancestors

Dulcimer Ancestors


Looking at some of the ancestors of the Mountain...
Stick Dulcimers/Strumsticks

Stick Dulcimers/Strumsticks


Regardless of what name you favor, this group is a...
UK and European Mountain Dulcimers

UK and European Mountain...


A group which hopefully allows players/makers in this...
Box Dulcimers

Box Dulcimers


A group for those who play, make, or admire all types...
Chromatic Dulcimers

Chromatic Dulcimers


For players who enjoy playing dulcimers with ALL the frets!
Galax Dulcimer Lovers

Galax Dulcimer Lovers


Just a group to discuss all things Galax Dulcimer. Tips...
Call the Tune

Call the Tune


"Call the Tune" is a place to post audio and video...
GIG TALK!

GIG TALK!


Do you play gigs? Tell us about your good and not-so-good...
Civil War era music

Civil War era music


For discussing music that was played around the time of...
Scrap/Recycled wood Dulcimer Challenge

Scrap/Recycled wood...


A group for those thrifty and creative folk who like to...
Challenged Players

Challenged Players


A meeting place for players dealing with disabilities.
Rosin the Bow!

Rosin the Bow!


Welcome to all who play music using a bow on any type of...
NorthEastern U.S. dulcimer players

NorthEastern U.S. dulcimer...


For those of us who live in the northeastern United States.
Virginia Dulcimer Players

Virginia Dulcimer Players


Just thought it would be neet to know how many other...
Prayers, Hugs, and Kindness

Prayers, Hugs, and Kindness


A group for private sharing and support, whether you are...
California Dulcimer Dreamin'

California Dulcimer Dreamin'


For dulcimer players living in or just visiting California
Texas Dulcimer Enthusiasts

Texas Dulcimer Enthusiasts


Howdy ya'll! Come on by for a cup o' joe and jammin....
6 string dulcimers

6 string dulcimers


Owning and playing a 6 string, regardless of tuning, and...
North Carolinians Plus

North Carolinians Plus


The Three Sides of North Carolina: Mountains / Piedmont /...
Kentucky Dulcimer Players

Kentucky Dulcimer Players


A group for any players from Kentucky where we can meet...
West Virginia players

West Virginia players


A group just for dulcimer players in beautiful West...
Florida Sunshine Dulcimer Group

Florida Sunshine Dulcimer...


Florida Dulcimer Players
Pacific Northwest Players

Pacific Northwest Players


For players who live in or have strong connections to the...
FOTMD on the Road

FOTMD on the Road


Are your traveling, on vacation, on your way to a...
Missouri Dulcimer Players

Missouri Dulcimer Players


for all the Show Me State dulcimer players
Indiana Players

Indiana Players


Welcome all dulcimer players in the state of Indiana!...
North of the Lakes

North of the Lakes


for any MD players in Upper Canada (aka Ontario) and the...
Arkansas Mtn Dulcimer Players

Arkansas Mtn Dulcimer Players


For those who live in Arkansas and love playing the...
AussieTalk!

AussieTalk!


For dulcimer players in Australia.-Be sure to create...
Site Moderators Group

Site Moderators Group


A private group to allow FOTMD moderators to communicate...

Latest Audio

  All
The Shortest Day
The 4 poster bed.
Champagne Waltz.
Emma´s Waltz
Elephant in the room.
Lost in the Woods
Mediaeval Noodle with Metronome
Jet's Piece
Departure
Minor Waltz
Pavane 2 experiment.
Deer at Dusk, a work-in-progress
Gorhoffedd Owain Cyfeiliog (Owain Cyfeiliog's Delight)
Malltraeth
Y Lili (The Lilly)
Belle Isle March
Drunken Captain.
Traveling Mercies - a work-in-progress, for PMOTPD
Our Foundling, a work-in-progress
Valse Clog de Peribonka.
Pelargir
The Indian's Lament.
Brown Eyed Janie
On East Mill Street (a work-in-progress)
Misty Mountain Moon
Sweet Yellows and Pinks
She Moved Through the Fair
Ble'r wyt ti'n myned? (Where are you going?)
Pwt ar y Bys
Y Deryn Pur

Coming Events   All

Hindman Dulcimer Homecoming 2025 -(KY)

Hindman Dulcimer...


Thu Apr 24 2025

Latest gallery Photos   All

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Latest Forum Posts   All

Three Strings or Four ?

Posted: Sunday December 22 2024, 12:52 PM
By: @NateBuildsToys

Shipping costs question

Posted: Saturday December 21 2024, 4:57 PM
By: @tonyg

dulcimer kit

Posted: Friday December 20 2024, 9:37 PM
By: @John C. Knopf

What Are You Working On?

Posted: Thursday December 19 2024, 1:39 PM
By: @Robin Thompson

Recent acquisitions...

Posted: Tuesday December 17 2024, 10:26 AM
By: @Ken Longfield

Optimum spacing for the two...

Posted: Monday December 16 2024, 4:21 PM
By: @ggray

1981 Jeremy Seeger Dulcimer

Posted: Thursday December 12 2024, 9:15 AM
By: @Strumelia

Confused about strings...

Posted: Monday December 9 2024, 7:51 PM
By: @Jeannie

Jerry Rockwell Short Scale...

Posted: Monday December 9 2024, 1:03 PM
By: @Robin Thompson

WNCDC Free Emailed...

Posted: Sunday December 8 2024, 10:44 PM
By: @Steve Smith

Bowed Psaltery

Posted: Sunday December 8 2024, 2:57 PM
By: @Susie

Question about my Dulcimer Kit

Posted: Saturday December 7 2024, 11:11 PM
By: @Ken Longfield

Disappointed with customer...

Posted: Friday December 6 2024, 7:03 PM
By: @Strumelia

Dick Van Dyke.. at 99 years...

Posted: Friday December 6 2024, 5:44 PM
By: @Robin Thompson

How do I create a new forum...

Posted: Friday December 6 2024, 1:24 PM
By: @Ken Longfield

Wanted Original Clifford...

Posted: Tuesday December 3 2024, 7:25 PM
By: @John Petry

Dulcimer Factory With Case...

Posted: Tuesday December 3 2024, 6:11 PM
By: @John Petry

Appalachian Dulcimer Museum

Posted: Saturday November 30 2024, 8:16 AM
By: @Jerry Posner

Chromatic Dulcimer is still...

Posted: Friday November 29 2024, 6:08 PM
By: @NateBuildsToys

Roller Wound Strings on...

Posted: Thursday November 28 2024, 8:05 PM
By: @s11141827

Inner melody string flat by...

Posted: Wednesday November 27 2024, 6:28 PM
By: @Ken Longfield

Lil' Willie Dulcimer

Posted: Monday November 25 2024, 8:54 PM
By: @Strumelia

Pete Seeger

Posted: Monday November 25 2024, 9:37 AM
By: @Robin Thompson

Introduce Yourself!

Posted: Friday November 22 2024, 11:15 PM
By: @NateBuildsToys

Looking to buy a new dulcimer

Posted: Saturday November 16 2024, 7:23 PM
By: @NateBuildsToys

Silicone Free Furniture...

Posted: Friday November 15 2024, 9:47 PM
By: @robert schuler

Showing support for FOTMD ?

Posted: Friday November 15 2024, 1:57 PM
By: @Strumelia

Healthy Living- healthy...

Posted: Tuesday November 12 2024, 10:51 AM
By: @robert schuler

Peterson Strobo Clip tuner...

Posted: Sunday November 10 2024, 9:12 AM
By: @Robin Thompson

Looking fo a NH Pudge Pro

Posted: Wednesday November 6 2024, 6:19 PM
By: @jal

Read the Site Rules

Our Welcome Wagon!

3 CHEERS to our Volunteer Greeters ...for making new members feel right at home :

Jim Fawcett greeterjim.jpg Benjamin Barr greeterben.jpg
  Richard Streib RStreibwithdulcimer_2017_200px.jpg Ken Longfield greeterken.jpg
 

Single Instructor Events / Classifieds

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Membership in Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer is FREE to all.  We gratefully accept donations towards the costs of maintaining this site- which includes hundreds of dollars annually in server and software costs. (you don't have to have a Paypal account to donate- Paypal accepts simple credit card payments as well.) A minimum donation of $5 please.  Read HERE  about FOUR different ways you can help support FOTMD. Questions? email contact@fotmd.com  Together we can keep FOTMD up and running!     Click the Paypal button below to make a quick site donation:

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