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: 2
Posted a new Comment on @art-robinson:
Posted a new Comment on @art-robinson:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Art. Moving from guitar building to mountain dulcimers should be not problem. Building mountain dulcimers is a lot less complicated; at..."
@mark-gilston
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 0
Updated a YouTube Video:
Bourree des Arpeges (an original tune by Mark Gilston)
Bourree des Arpeges (an original tune by Mark Gilston)
@mark-gilston
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted new YouTube video(s):
Bourree des Arpeges (an original tune by Mark Gilston)
Bourree des Arpeges (an original tune by Mark Gilston)
@david-bennett
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 14
Posted a new Comment on Today In Mountain Dulcimer History: May:
Posted a new Comment on Today In Mountain Dulcimer History: May:
"I'm a little behind this month...
Today In Mountain Dulcimer History: May..."
@richard-streib
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @art-robinson:
Posted a new Comment on @art-robinson:
"Welcome Art Robinson to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. This is a great community of great folks. Please ask when you have questions. Someone here will..."
@richard-streib
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @asenovex:
Posted a new Comment on @asenovex:
"Glad you joined Asenovex. Welcome to a very friendly and helpful community of great dulcimer people. There is a lot here about all aspects of the mountain..."
@anitafranklin
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 12
Posted a new Comment on Texas Dulcimer Enthusiasts:
Posted a new Comment on Texas Dulcimer Enthusiasts:
"Is there a central website that posts mountain dulcimer events by state? I know there are a number of music festivals in Texas each year and I am having..."
@anitafranklin
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Jam Groups near Waco:
Posted a new Comment on Jam Groups near Waco:
"We live between Corsicana and Waco off of I31. I'd love to find folks to jam with. I play noter drone style. I also like to play spoons if you need some rhythm!"
@anitafranklin
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 12
Posted a new Comment on Texas Dulcimer Enthusiasts:
Posted a new Comment on Texas Dulcimer Enthusiasts:
"Hey y'all! I'm looking for dulcimer and folk music events to attend in Texas. We live near Corsicana, about an hour south of Dallas and 45 min. east of..."
@davisjames
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on the Yoda Cakewalk This is:
Posted a new Comment on the Yoda Cakewalk This is:
"Hi Randy.Love this melody,it makes me laugh,the audacity of your performance...You inspired me to try using a noter."
@anitafranklin
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 532
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
"Thank you, Ken! It is great feeling to be back among the FOTMD Tribe! "
@davisjames
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 18
Liked a youtube item created by @guy-babusek: Andante by Fernando Sor - Fingerpicked Mountain Dulcimer
Liked a youtube item created by @guy-babusek: Andante by Fernando Sor - Fingerpicked Mountain Dulcimer
@anitafranklin
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 371
Posted a new Comment on @richard-streib:
Posted a new Comment on @richard-streib:
"Thank you, Richard. It feels good to be back!"
@anitafranklin
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 606
Posted a new Comment on @benjamin-w-barr-jr:
Posted a new Comment on @benjamin-w-barr-jr:
"Thank you,!Ben. It feels like coming home!"
@susie
• 12 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "6 String Baritone Dulcimers":
Posted a response to "6 String Baritone Dulcimers":
"Nate:
I have made some six string dulcimers that have three courses of two strings each, and I personally am not a huge fan, especially for chord playing. To..."
@nate
• 12 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "6 String Baritone Dulcimers":
Posted a response to "6 String Baritone Dulcimers":
"I have made some six string dulcimers that have three courses of two strings each, and I personally am not a huge fan, especially for chord playing. To me,..."
@ken-longfield
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @asenovex:
Posted a new Comment on @asenovex:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Asenovex. You can learn about mountain dulcimers by exploring this site. Use the search function to find answers to specific questions or..."
@susie
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "6 String Baritone Dulcimers":
Created a new forum topic "6 String Baritone Dulcimers":
"I know there's a Baritone Group here (I belong to), but I wanted to put this here in the General Forum Discussion, hoping it would get more views/responses...."
@melmuse
• 17 hours ago
• comments: 606
Posted a new Comment on @benjamin-w-barr-jr:
Posted a new Comment on @benjamin-w-barr-jr:
"Thank Ben! I am amazed with all the possibilities for learning. There are so many retreats and events, I don’t know where to begin. "
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 18 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @grampasam:
Posted a new Comment on @grampasam:
"Hi Sam, 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
• 18 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @jacquesollivier2:
Posted a new Comment on @jacquesollivier2:
"Hi Jacques, 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
• 18 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @anitafranklin:
Posted a new Comment on @anitafranklin:
"Hi Anita, 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..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 18 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @sid1866:
Posted a new Comment on @sid1866:
"Hi Sid, 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
• 18 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @melmuse:
Posted a new Comment on @melmuse:
"Hi Mel, 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
• 18 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @asenovex:
Posted a new Comment on @asenovex:
"Hi Asenovex, 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
• 18 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @lindaycat:
Posted a new Comment on @lindaycat:
"Hi Linday, 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
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Gary Gallier just passed away.":
Posted a response to "Gary Gallier just passed away.":
"I was at the Appalachian Dulcimer Heritage Day in Sperryville, VA when I learned of Gary's death. It is sad that another great builder and player is gone. I..."
@richard-streib
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Indoor House Plants":
Posted a response to "Indoor House Plants":
"What a wonderful swap. I know you will enjoy your new plants."
@strumelia
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Indoor House Plants":
Posted a response to "Indoor House Plants":
"I've grown bored with a few of my old houseplants. For some reason i had come to think i should be the caretaker forever of some of my older cactuses. But..."
@dusty
• yesterday
• comments: 16
Posted a new Comment on How to lower the action on a mountain dulcimer:
Posted a new Comment on How to lower the action on a mountain dulcimer:
"Joe, I would suggest that you take that dulcimer to a music store. Any kind where they have guitars and sell individual strings. Pay them to put new..."
@dan
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Gary Gallier just passed away.":
Posted a response to "Gary Gallier just passed away.":
"I met him in Lexington years ago. He made some very interesting pieces!"
@dan
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @lilley-pad: Gary Gallier just passed away.
Liked a forum discussions item created by @lilley-pad: Gary Gallier just passed away.
@jazzc
• yesterday
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Florida Sunshine Dulcimer Group:
Posted a new Comment on Florida Sunshine Dulcimer Group:
"I'm gonna try again: I'm a full time Englewood, Fl. resident who would like to put together a group of dulcimer players for informal gatherings during the..."
@robin-thompson
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Gary Gallier just passed away.":
Posted a response to "Gary Gallier just passed away.":
"I was fortunate to get to hear Gary in Lancaster OH some years ago. He was a great player and luthier. "
@randy-adams
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Gary Gallier just passed away.":
Posted a response to "Gary Gallier just passed away.":
"I played the tunes with Gary on one occasion. He played A & G tunes DAd tuning. Yeah like D tunes. Big tone, precise and clear picking. One the great..."
@dusty
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Gary Gallier just passed away.":
Posted a response to "Gary Gallier just passed away.":
"Thanks, Jon, for sharing that sad news.
I heard about this as well and was hoping to find an obituary before posting anything.
Gary was not just an amazingly..."
@lilley-pad
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Gary Gallier just passed away.":
Created a new forum topic "Gary Gallier just passed away.":
"Going by Bing's post, it looks like Gary Gallier just passed away. I loved his music and also the arrangements he and his brothers came up with. I just..."
@wally-venable
• 2 days ago
• comments: 16
Posted a new Comment on How to lower the action on a mountain dulcimer:
Posted a new Comment on How to lower the action on a mountain dulcimer:
"It certainly looks to me that you have an Applecreek Model 100 series dulcimer. I've owned or worked on about 20 of them. In any case, it is a "flat head"..."
@robin-thompson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @bridge: Dulcimer instruction in North Central Ohio? Clubs?
Liked a forum discussions item created by @bridge: Dulcimer instruction in North Central Ohio? Clubs?
@john-c-knopf
• 2 days ago
• comments: 16
Posted a new Comment on How to lower the action on a mountain dulcimer:
Posted a new Comment on How to lower the action on a mountain dulcimer:
"The hardware stores and car parts stores sell graphite dust "dry lube" in little plastic tubes."
@bridge
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Dulcimer instruction in North Central Ohio? Clubs?":
Created a new forum topic "Dulcimer instruction in North Central Ohio? Clubs?":
"Hi, I live on Lake Erie about 30 minutes west of Cleveland, Ohio. Is there anyone within a reasonable distance who would could meet with me for dulcimer..."
@john-petry
• 2 days ago
• comments: 16
Posted a new Comment on How to lower the action on a mountain dulcimer:
Posted a new Comment on How to lower the action on a mountain dulcimer:
"A little "dust" from a pencil lead can lubricate quite nicely too...{graphite}"
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 16
Posted a new Comment on Has anyone made a Scheitholt?:
Posted a new Comment on Has anyone made a Scheitholt?:
"That is truly awesome, Ken Longfield!"
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @lindaycat:
Posted a new Comment on @lindaycat:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Lindaycat. You've come to the right place to ask your question. Have fun exploring this site. I look forward to your participation here...."
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 16
Posted a new Comment on Has anyone made a Scheitholt?:
Posted a new Comment on Has anyone made a Scheitholt?:
"After a challenge from our daughter and son-in-law I built a Praetorius 1619 scheitholt; the one the original post in this thread references. It is 107 cm..."
@davisjames
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Liked a youtube item created by @ondrej: První Panenské Nanebevzetí (Baroque song)
Liked a youtube item created by @ondrej: První Panenské Nanebevzetí (Baroque song)
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "An Icelandic instrument - the langspil":
Posted a response to "An Icelandic instrument - the langspil":
"Thank you for the review of the program. I was at the Appalachian Dulcimer Appreciation Day in Sperryville, VA, so I did not have the opportunity to watch..."
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...
Four-Equidistant Strings
A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
Little Dulcimers
Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
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...
Early & Classical Music
For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
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...
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...
Chromatic Dulcimers
For players who enjoy playing dulcimers with ALL the frets!
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...
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...
6 string dulcimers
Owning and playing a 6 string, regardless of tuning, and...
Texas Dulcimer Enthusiasts
Howdy ya'll! Come on by for a cup o' joe and jammin....
California Dulcimer Dreamin'
For dulcimer players living in or just visiting California
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...
Florida Sunshine Dulcimer...
Florida Dulcimer Players
West Virginia players
A group just for dulcimer players in beautiful West...
Pacific Northwest Players
For players who live in or have strong connections to the...
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
.jpg "McSpaddenSycamore (1).jpg")
.jpg "me playing Mastertone-2-FC MAy 2025 (1).jpg")
Latest Forum Posts All
6 String Baritone Dulcimers
Posted: Tuesday May 5 2026, 1:24 PM
By: @Susie
By: @Susie
Gary Gallier just passed away.
Posted: Monday May 4 2026, 10:16 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Indoor House Plants
Posted: Monday May 4 2026, 6:59 PM
By: @Richard Streib
By: @Richard Streib
Dulcimer instruction in...
Posted: Monday May 4 2026, 1:05 AM
By: @Bridge
By: @Bridge
An Icelandic instrument -...
Posted: Sunday May 3 2026, 3:05 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Travel dulcimer/strumstick...
Posted: Friday May 1 2026, 6:46 AM
By: @Shopdad
By: @Shopdad
McSpadden 'Skunk Stripe'...
Posted: Thursday April 23 2026, 9:12 AM
By: @Mike the Beginner
By: @Mike the Beginner
Fret Rocker
Posted: Saturday April 18 2026, 8:21 AM
By: @Matt Berg
By: @Matt Berg
Changing from pegs to...
Posted: Saturday April 18 2026, 6:13 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
NGFDA's A Day with Dusty --...
Posted: Friday April 17 2026, 2:12 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Luthiers, Builder question...
Posted: Thursday April 16 2026, 7:56 AM
By: @Wally Venable
By: @Wally Venable
Hindman Homecoming 2026
Posted: Friday April 10 2026, 9:09 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
What Are You Working On?
Posted: Thursday April 9 2026, 10:27 PM
By: @Maddie Myers
By: @Maddie Myers
Book Miller's Song or...
Posted: Thursday April 9 2026, 5:12 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Troublesome Creek on PBS
Posted: Thursday April 9 2026, 9:20 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Happy Easter
Posted: Sunday April 5 2026, 7:25 AM
By: @Shopdad
By: @Shopdad
Here's a song I wrote. I...
Posted: Saturday April 4 2026, 1:57 AM
By: @Peter Losky
By: @Peter Losky
Hammered Dulcimer...
Posted: Friday April 3 2026, 5:51 PM
By: @Homer Ross
By: @Homer Ross
New Knopf Dulcimers website!
Posted: Tuesday March 31 2026, 1:10 AM
By: @Jill Geary
By: @Jill Geary
Freight Train Tab
Posted: Monday March 30 2026, 8:30 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Used Wolf Hill Woodworking...
Posted: Monday March 30 2026, 10:04 AM
By: @Joseph Besse
By: @Joseph Besse
International Appalachian...
Posted: Sunday March 29 2026, 9:30 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Equal temperamant V Just...
Posted: Saturday March 28 2026, 6:31 AM
By: @Shopdad
By: @Shopdad
Chord Book
Posted: Tuesday March 24 2026, 3:49 AM
By: @Lilley Pad
By: @Lilley Pad
Tuning question (Barley...
Posted: Wednesday March 18 2026, 9:30 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
recognize the sound holes?
Posted: Monday March 16 2026, 1:15 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
DPN Status
Posted: Monday March 16 2026, 12:50 AM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Where in the world are Ken...
Posted: Sunday March 15 2026, 10:34 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
RIP John Huron
Posted: Thursday March 12 2026, 6:42 PM
By: @Jerry Posner
By: @Jerry Posner
Fretboard Cleaner &...
Posted: Sunday March 1 2026, 7:04 AM
By: @Lilley Pad
By: @Lilley Pad
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.