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
@wally-venable
• 33 minutes ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Tuning down a half step":
Posted a response to "Tuning down a half step":
"If you are a "DAA" player, you tune the Bass string down the half note, then use the same "4th fret" on the Bass to get the others. (Relative tuning works..."
@david-bennett
• 2 hours ago
• comments: 11
Posted a new Comment on Today In Mountain Dulcimer History: JULY:
Posted a new Comment on Today In Mountain Dulcimer History: JULY:
"Bump
Today In Mountain Dulcimer History: July..."
@marko
• 2 hours ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on 4 versus 3:
Posted a new Comment on 4 versus 3:
"We're having an unusually early heat wave here in Germany. The temperature in my home office is about 90°F (just hooked up the AC), so I'll make this short...."
@strumelia
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Tuning down a half step":
Posted a response to "Tuning down a half step":
"Yes, that's correct. To sound good, you'll need to tune your other strings down the same amount (a half step, or a whole step).
Keep in mind that some note..."
@lilley-pad
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Tuning down a half step":
Created a new forum topic "Tuning down a half step":
"Hello kids. I know I know not Jon again. I have a tuning question. For example, let's say You want to tune your Bass string down a half step. Do you tune it..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on @paderau:
Posted a new Comment on @paderau:
"Hi Padreau, 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
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @worthywords:
Posted a new Comment on @worthywords:
"Hi Worthywords, 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
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @mikie:
Posted a new Comment on @mikie:
"Hi Mikie, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to spend some time, learn about the dulcimer, and to..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @elaine-p:
Posted a new Comment on @elaine-p:
"Hi Elaine, 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
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @rwsanders58:
Posted a new Comment on @rwsanders58:
"Hi R.W., 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
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @don-hinrichs:
Posted a new Comment on @don-hinrichs:
"Hi Don, 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,..."
@olddog75
• 15 hours ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Number 6_25 Jinny sound clip:
Posted a new Comment on Number 6_25 Jinny sound clip:
"A really fine-sounding instrument!!"
@john-petry
• 17 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Black Thomas replication":
Posted a response to "Black Thomas replication":
"But....but.....then it wouldn't be a dulcimer.....[or would it?] ..ahh, the circle continues....
no need for replies...just kill'n time between mowing in..."
@john-c-knopf
• 18 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Black Thomas replication":
Posted a response to "Black Thomas replication":
"Not to mention a table saw, bandsaw, jointer/planer, drill press, belt/disc sander, etc., etc... And electricity, of course."
@john-petry
• 18 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Black Thomas replication":
Posted a response to "Black Thomas replication":
"Thank you, Dan, for the bit of history and insight. "guarded secrets" reminds me of my old trapping days swapping recipes for beaver lure....
I know it's..."
@ken-longfield
• 18 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @don-hinrichs:
Posted a new Comment on @don-hinrichs:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Don. It's good to have you aboard. Wreck of the Old 97 is a favorite of mine too. Have fun exploring this site. I look forward to your..."
@richard-streib
• 19 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @don-hinrichs:
Posted a new Comment on @don-hinrichs:
"Welcome Don Hinrichs to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Glad you joined. This is a wonderful community of folks who love the mountain dulcimer. There is a..."
@alex-lubet
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Reasons NOT To Get a Chromatic":
Posted a response to "Reasons NOT To Get a Chromatic":
"I have looked at and joined groups, thanks, and I'll check out Joellen Lapidus.
I'm interested in the idea of "advantage" that Lapidus brings up. Igor..."
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @rwsanders58:
Posted a new Comment on @rwsanders58:
"Welcome to FOTMD, RW. It's good to have you aboard. Jeremy made very nice dulcimers. They are delightfully playable and pleasant sounding. I look forward to..."
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @dan: Black Thomas replication
Liked a forum discussions item created by @dan: Black Thomas replication
@robin-thompson
• yesterday
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Noter-Style Master Class (online, Zoom):
Posted a new Comment on Noter-Style Master Class (online, Zoom):
"Happy noter players!
Noters & picks are some of my favorite things! (My favorite noters are made by John Henry and my favorite picks are leather tabs..."
@strumelia
• yesterday
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Noter-Style Master Class (online, Zoom):
Posted a new Comment on Noter-Style Master Class (online, Zoom):
"Impressive, Steve! Looks like everyone had a notably good time."
@dan
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Black Thomas replication":
Posted a response to "Black Thomas replication":
"John Pettreemusic:
Very nice Dan! haven't heard the "dance" in quite a few years. Thanks for the trip.
A few questions if I may...
1. the fret spacing..."
@john-petry
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Black Thomas replication":
Posted a response to "Black Thomas replication":
"Very nice Dan! haven't heard the "dance" in quite a few years. Thanks for the trip.
A few questions if I may...
1. the fret spacing "seems" to wander back..."
@steve-eulberg
• 2 days ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Noter-Style Master Class (online, Zoom):
Posted a new Comment on Noter-Style Master Class (online, Zoom):
"This was a terrific day!
Here is a photo we took of participants all showing their noters and picks!"
@richard-streib
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @rwsanders58:
Posted a new Comment on @rwsanders58:
"Welcome RWSanders58 to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Glad you joined. This is an active forum with lots of knowledge and expertise represented here. I..."
@richard-streib
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Black Thomas replication":
Posted a response to "Black Thomas replication":
"That is awesome Dan. Great sound"
@robin-thompson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Black Thomas replication":
Posted a response to "Black Thomas replication":
"Way cool, Dan. I like the KY hourglass shape lots. "
@robin-thompson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @dan: Black Thomas replication
Liked a forum discussions item created by @dan: Black Thomas replication
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Black Thomas replication":
Posted a response to "Black Thomas replication":
"What an understated beauty, Dan!"
@notsothoreau
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "No grooves on bridge revisited":
Posted a response to "No grooves on bridge revisited":
"I think I will try and put grooves on that bridge. I can look at my Ron Gibson and get an idea of what they should look like. Managed to snap the bass string..."
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "No grooves on bridge revisited":
Posted a response to "No grooves on bridge revisited":
"I really can’t tell much from the photos and am not sure what you want to know. Folkcraft kits came in two shapes; hourglass and teardrop. From the scroll in..."
@wally-venable
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "No grooves on bridge revisited":
Posted a response to "No grooves on bridge revisited":
""Kit" can mean a lot of things. For example, an fine instrument plus case plus a ukulele pick, a 3 inch "noter" plus a CD and book can be described as a kit...."
@dan
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Black Thomas replication":
Created a new forum topic "Black Thomas replication":
"Thomas using traditional hide glue, galvanized wire and hand made milk paint."
@davisjames
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Maggie Darling[tearjerker on the teardrop].:
Posted a new Comment on Maggie Darling[tearjerker on the teardrop].:
"Thanks,Robin.I've never been able to decide if I like the sailor or despise him...but I've been singing it for 50 years,laugh."
@brudar
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Reasons NOT To Get a Chromatic":
Posted a response to "Reasons NOT To Get a Chromatic":
"I am going to put in a gratuitous plug for one of my favorite dulcimer authorities (I almost said “elders”, but she’s only a few years ahead of me!) -..."
@brudar
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Reasons NOT To Get a Chromatic":
Posted a response to "Reasons NOT To Get a Chromatic":
"Alex_Lubet:
Happy Sunday, all.
May I respectfully and in friendship request more posts on chromatic vs. not chromatic? There has been a great deal of..."
@notsothoreau
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "No grooves on bridge revisited":
Posted a response to "No grooves on bridge revisited":
"I am thinking it might have been sold noter style just because of the accessories. My Dulcimer Shoppe dulcimer has a label that said it is a kit...."
@brudar
• 2 days ago
• comments: 16
Posted a new Comment on key signature for modal music:
Posted a new Comment on key signature for modal music:
"I know I’m replying to a 4-year old dead thread, but hope someone may find this useful.
A key signature identifies the collection of 7 notes used in the..."
@alex-lubet
• 2 days ago
• comments: 1
Created a new Group discussion "4 versus 3":
Created a new Group discussion "4 versus 3":
"Hi All,
I hope you are well and I wish you a good week.
For about the past year, I've been playing almost exclusively on four equidistant strings. I have..."
Four-Equidistant Strings
Four-Equidistant Strings
@alex-lubet
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Reasons NOT To Get a Chromatic":
Posted a response to "Reasons NOT To Get a Chromatic":
"Happy Sunday, all.
May I respectfully and in friendship request more posts on chromatic vs. not chromatic? There has been a great deal of interesting..."
@wally-venable
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "No grooves on bridge revisited":
Posted a response to "No grooves on bridge revisited":
"If you have not studied the Folkcraft website, a visit is in order...."
@john-petry
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "No grooves on bridge revisited":
Posted a response to "No grooves on bridge revisited":
"I managed to delete the entire thread while trying to delete a draft......
One of the reasons I still have a land line....
Because of the way your strings..."
@notsothoreau
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "No grooves on bridge revisited":
Created a new forum topic "No grooves on bridge revisited":
"I managed to delete the entire thread while trying to delete a draft. Will try again with pictures.
This is a 1987 Folkcraft dulcimer. It was made in..."
@robin-thompson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Maggie Darling[tearjerker on the teardrop].:
Posted a new Comment on Maggie Darling[tearjerker on the teardrop].:
"You play and sing this just right, Jamie. It's good to hear the sailor was truly sorry and wished to confess his betrayal of Maggie. "
@robin-thompson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: Maggie Darling[tearjerker on the teardrop].
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: Maggie Darling[tearjerker on the teardrop].
@strumelia
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Reasons NOT To Get a Chromatic":
Posted a response to "Reasons NOT To Get a Chromatic":
"I'd be willing to bet though, that there are thousands more currently active mtn dulcimer players today than there were at any particular time between 1880..."
@dan
• 3 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Shortening Bread:
Posted a new Comment on Shortening Bread:
"What you'ins can't see just out of screen shot is the glass of ice water he dips his noter in to cool it off!"
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?
Four-Equidistant Strings
A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
Baritone & Bass Dulcimer...
A Group for discussing the unique aspects of playing...
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 Ancestors
Looking at some of the ancestors of the Mountain...
Dulcimer teachers
Do you teach dulcimer? Are you helping others to learn?
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
![Maggie Darling[tearjerker on the teardrop].](https://fotmd.com/uploaded_audio/image/audio_image/1323/large/crop=auto)
Latest Forum Posts All
Tuning down a half step
Posted: Tuesday July 1 2025, 12:22 PM
By: @Wally Venable
By: @Wally Venable
Black Thomas replication
Posted: Monday June 30 2025, 6:58 PM
By: @John Pettreemusic
By: @John Pettreemusic
Reasons NOT To Get a Chromatic
Posted: Monday June 30 2025, 4:33 PM
By: @Alex_Lubet
By: @Alex_Lubet
No grooves on bridge revisited
Posted: Sunday June 29 2025, 5:18 PM
By: @notsothoreau
By: @notsothoreau
Guitar strap (Straplok)
Posted: Saturday June 28 2025, 6:35 PM
By: @Lilley Pad
By: @Lilley Pad
When to replace tuners
Posted: Thursday June 26 2025, 10:46 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Value of a Mize Dulcimer
Posted: Tuesday June 24 2025, 11:35 AM
By: @John Pettreemusic
By: @John Pettreemusic
For our new members - The Chat
Posted: Tuesday June 24 2025, 9:45 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
My happiness with Heinrich...
Posted: Sunday June 22 2025, 6:40 PM
By: @Mountainmender
By: @Mountainmender
Which melody string to...
Posted: Sunday June 22 2025, 5:58 PM
By: @Paderau
By: @Paderau
Hello, Hi again!
Posted: Sunday June 22 2025, 4:36 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Price estimate on old dulcimer
Posted: Thursday June 19 2025, 1:03 AM
By: @Molly McCurdy
By: @Molly McCurdy
New to the group, several...
Posted: Wednesday June 18 2025, 11:51 AM
By: @Alex_Lubet
By: @Alex_Lubet
Are string breaks dangerous?
Posted: Monday June 16 2025, 10:12 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Tuning my new Dulcimer
Posted: Saturday June 14 2025, 10:11 PM
By: @calvin
By: @calvin
Replacing wood tuners
Posted: Saturday June 14 2025, 7:04 AM
By: @Richard Streib
By: @Richard Streib
Brass instruments
Posted: Thursday June 12 2025, 6:00 PM
By: @ryan-carey
By: @ryan-carey
Introduce Yourself!
Posted: Thursday June 12 2025, 7:04 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
What to Look For When...
Posted: Friday June 6 2025, 4:31 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
larry Barringer
Posted: Thursday June 5 2025, 12:52 PM
By: @calvin
By: @calvin
WANTED: Blue Lion teardrop
Posted: Monday June 2 2025, 6:54 PM
By: @Jill Geary
By: @Jill Geary
Bar Cords
Posted: Sunday June 1 2025, 4:00 AM
By: @Lilley Pad
By: @Lilley Pad
Mountain Dulcimer on The...
Posted: Saturday May 24 2025, 12:38 PM
By: @Jim Yates
By: @Jim Yates
Just String info.
Posted: Thursday May 15 2025, 5:36 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
storing an instrument
Posted: Thursday May 15 2025, 11:51 AM
By: @Wally Venable
By: @Wally Venable
Jim Good dulcimer
Posted: Wednesday May 14 2025, 6:38 PM
By: @wanative07
By: @wanative07
Things to consider with...
Posted: Monday May 12 2025, 7:29 PM
By: @Richard Streib
By: @Richard Streib
Gary Gallier Dulcimer
Posted: Friday May 9 2025, 10:38 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
American old time music.
Posted: Thursday May 8 2025, 8:16 AM
By: @DavisJames
By: @DavisJames
Only 10 to go till 200 members
Posted: Wednesday May 7 2025, 11:37 PM
By: @John Pettreemusic
By: @John Pettreemusic
Read the Site Rules
Our Welcome Wagon!
3 CHEERS to our Volunteer Greeters ...for making new members feel right at home :
Jim Fawcett  |
Benjamin Barr  |
Richard Streib  |
Ken Longfield  |
Single Instructor Events / Classifieds
Help Keep FOTMD up and Running!
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:
NEW!- Would you like to become a Special Patron of FOTMD? All donations are 100% applied to paying for site maintenance. Your generosity makes a big difference in what we can do to improve FOTMD! Become a special 'Patron Member' simply by making a single donation of $35 or more.
In return, your patronage will be recognized for a year with a special Patron designation banner that will be displayed prominently under your member picture on your profile page. Your Patron ID will show others your generosity in supporting this special site! Above is what the Patron label looks like on member profile pages, right under your member picture.