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
@ken-longfield
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on @hayland:
Posted a new Comment on @hayland:
"Welcome to FOTMD as a member rather than a lurker, Hayland. This is a good place to start looking for new homes for some of your dulcimers. Many members here..."
@nate
• 10 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
"Very cool Damon. I dont know anything about synthesizers so i look forward to hearing what kinds of unique sounds you can get from the dulcimer.
Ive been..."
@robin-thompson
• 12 hours ago
• comments: 15
Posted a new Comment on In Knee-Deep Snow :
Posted a new Comment on In Knee-Deep Snow :
"Hey, @davisjames -- we have snow and bitter cold here now. Thanks for listening to our stuff (music) again! I hope you're indoors and warm & cozy where..."
@davisjames
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 15
Posted a new Comment on In Knee-Deep Snow :
Posted a new Comment on In Knee-Deep Snow :
"Hi Guys.Listening to your stuff(music)yet again.I always a treat.
..."
@damon
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 329
Posted a new Comment on @richard-streib:
Posted a new Comment on @richard-streib:
"Thank you! I feel quite welcome."
@richard-streib
• 15 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @damon:
Posted a new Comment on @damon:
"Glad you joined Damon. Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Hope you enjoy it here. It's great to see you are already posting a discussion."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 15 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @uncle-malc:
Posted a new Comment on @uncle-malc:
"Hi Uncle Malc, 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
• 15 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @bob-n-mo:
Posted a new Comment on @bob-n-mo:
"Hi Bob-N-Mo, 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..."
@andy-gleeson
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Ones I made:
Posted a new Comment on Ones I made:
"Ken Longfield:
That's a very nice build, Andy. What is the tuning used on the Langspil?
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
I think it varies quite a..."
@damon
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
"Quote: A solid body electric is fine, but probably expensive, and will have to be custom built with a considerable wait time.
Great point. I don't have any..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @roue:
Posted a new Comment on @roue:
"Hi Roue, 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
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @qgolden:
Posted a new Comment on @qgolden:
"Hi Golden, and welcome back to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the..."
@wally-venable
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
"My knowledge is in two streams.
I use and arrange in MIDI for a crank organ with multiple voices controlled by solenoids, as well as a small MIDI synthesizer..."
@damon
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 487
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
"Yeah, thanks for the welcome."
@damon
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 579
Posted a new Comment on @benjamin-w-barr-jr:
Posted a new Comment on @benjamin-w-barr-jr:
"Thanks! Been trying to read as much as I can. I'm certain tat I want diatonic dulcimer. I really don't feel like dealing with tons of accidentals like I did..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @damon:
Posted a new Comment on @damon:
"Hi Damon, 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
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
"Damon, I enjoyed your video. It was a great way to get to know you. I have no idea of how electronic music is produced, so I can't help you with how that..."
@damon
• 17 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
"Well, this is an analog synthesizer . There is no MIDI. It is not a computer. Think Apollo era technology.
What's more is this is also a modular..."
@wally-venable
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
"It's not clear to me exactly what you propose to do.
In general, control of a synthesizer requires that the controller generate a digital signal, which is..."
@damon
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
"Hi, I'm Damon. I'm a fisherman, tackle maker, filmmaker and composer. Totally new to the dulcimer world. The thing is I compose all the music for my YouTube..."
@nate
• yesterday
• comments: 24
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
"Thanks for confirming, that is what I thought John. "
@john-c-knopf
• yesterday
• comments: 24
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
"Galax is pronounced "GAY-lax" by everyone I've heard say it."
@nate
• yesterday
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on My Lord, what a morning :
Posted a new Comment on My Lord, what a morning :
"Very gentle and peaceful. Also love the look and sound of that dulcimer. Thanks for sharing"
@nate
• yesterday
• comments: 24
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
"Bob_n_MO:
When I think about it, it's something how an instrument that on the surface seems so simple, but the more I hear from yourself and others, I find..."
@nate
• yesterday
• comments: 24
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
"Out of curiosity could someone from that area let me know how they pronounce "galax" there? I have heard it a few different ways at this point and I don't..."
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Worth Woodworking Dulcimers":
Posted a response to "Worth Woodworking Dulcimers":
"This is a link to his Facebook page where he plays his latest dulcimer. I don't know if all his dulcimers sound like this one...."
@debi
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Worth Woodworking Dulcimers":
Created a new forum topic "Worth Woodworking Dulcimers":
"I have seen a few posts of instruments built by Robert Worth. I get the impression that he has been a woodworker/builder for quite a while. Does anyone have..."
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @damon:
Posted a new Comment on @damon:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Damon. If you let your desire for a solid body electric known, I'm sure you will find one. We have some folks on here who make them. I..."
@bob-n-mo
• yesterday
• comments: 24
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
"Nate:
Almost all of my dulcimers have "double backs" or "galax bottoms" and i definitely believe that they are improving the sound. The problem i have is..."
@john-c-knopf
• 2 days ago
• comments: 24
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
"The two families most associated with the propagation of Galax dulcimers near that location are the Melton family and the Russell family. Their instruments..."
@wally-venable
• 2 days ago
• comments: 24
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
"Some here might be wondering why there is a " GALAX DULCIMER ." Who was the Mr. Galax who made it?
From WIKIPEDIA: Galax /ˈɡeɪlæks/ is an independent city..."
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 24
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
"Dusty Turtle:
That "double- back" or "false bottom" is also called a Galax back because Galax-style dulcimers have them as part of the design. Lots of..."
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 24
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
"Bob_n_MO:
It seems possum boards are all about improving sound quality. I was thinking about that and how the possum board works by protecting the backboard..."
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 24
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
"Bob_n_MO:
I hear what you're saying, but try this. Take your dulcimer and place it on your lap and tap the soundboard with your finger. Now tip your..."
@john-c-knopf
• 3 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Ones I made:
Posted a new Comment on Ones I made:
"That's a sharp dulcimer, Andy! Nice clean lines."
@john-c-knopf
• 3 days ago
• comments: 24
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
"Yes, Bob, and most (not all) Galax dulcimores have them. Seems to me John Huron in Bristol, TN used to make hourglass dulcimers with double backs as well...."
@bob-n-mo
• 3 days ago
• comments: 24
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
"It seems possum boards are all about improving sound quality. I was thinking about that and how the possum board works by protecting the backboard from..."
@bob-n-mo
• 3 days ago
• comments: 24
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
"I hear what you're saying, but try this. Take your dulcimer and place it on your lap and tap the soundboard with your finger. Now tip your dulcimer on it's..."
@qgolden
• 3 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @qgolden:
Posted a new Comment on @qgolden:
"Thank you kindly, I’m sort of recycled back here. I was a member in the old Ning <?> days. I transferred here when the switch was made, but life..."
@richard-streib
• 3 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @qgolden:
Posted a new Comment on @qgolden:
"Glad you joined. QGolden. Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. This is a great group of mountain dulcimer enthusiasts. There is a lot to learn here...."
@ken-longfield
• 3 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @qgolden:
Posted a new Comment on @qgolden:
"Welcome to FOTMD, QGolden. It's good to have you aboard. I look forward to your participation here. That's how one develops camaraderie. Jump in to some of..."
@ken-longfield
• 3 days ago
• comments: 1
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
@ken-longfield
• 3 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Ones I made:
Posted a new Comment on Ones I made:
"I agree with Robin. Thanks for sharing this Andy.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@ken-longfield
• 3 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Ones I made:
Posted a new Comment on Ones I made:
"That's a very nice build, Andy. What is the tuning used on the Langspil?
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@robin-thompson
• 3 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Ones I made:
Posted a new Comment on Ones I made:
"I love the clean look of it! Nicely done! "
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
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Latest Forum Posts All
Introduce Yourself!
Posted: Tuesday January 21 2025, 6:42 PM
By: @Nate
By: @Nate
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
McSpadden FM12W care and...
Posted: Saturday January 18 2025, 5:23 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
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
Scallops between the frets
Posted: Wednesday December 25 2024, 1:48 PM
By: @Dwain Wilder
By: @Dwain Wilder
Happy Christmas to ya!!!
Posted: Tuesday December 24 2024, 8:24 AM
By: @Dan
By: @Dan
Three Strings or Four ?
Posted: Sunday December 22 2024, 12:52 PM
By: @Nate
By: @Nate
Shipping costs question
Posted: Saturday December 21 2024, 4:57 PM
By: @tonyg
By: @tonyg
Read the Site Rules
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