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
@jim-at-gcreek
• 17 minutes ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Farther Along:
Posted a new Comment on Farther Along:
"Great playing guys! One of my favorite old time songs. Nice acoustics in that building.
Jim Phillips"
@rich-h
• 12 hours ago
• comments: 479
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
"Thanks Ken. It's that sound that got me interested in Dulcimer playing.
Rich H"
@rich-h
• 12 hours ago
• comments: 324
Posted a new Comment on @richard-streib:
Posted a new Comment on @richard-streib:
"Thanks Richard. I'm making a dulcimer from a 30-year-old kit I bought from a neighbor. Interesting work.
Rich H"
@rich-h
• 12 hours ago
• comments: 573
Posted a new Comment on @benjamin-w-barr-jr:
Posted a new Comment on @benjamin-w-barr-jr:
"Thanks Ben, glad I found this site.
Rich H"
@robin-thompson
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @phil-myers: Farther Along
Liked a youtube item created by @phil-myers: Farther Along
@davisjames
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Night Eyes:
Posted a new Comment on Night Eyes:
"Just listened again to your marvellous piece of music.Are you still out there?"
@davisjames
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 10
Liked a youtube item created by @peter-w: German Christmas Carols (Mountain Dulcimer)
Liked a youtube item created by @peter-w: German Christmas Carols (Mountain Dulcimer)
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @lovemybass:
Posted a new Comment on @lovemybass:
"Hi Bass, 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
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @rkcharlton:
Posted a new Comment on @rkcharlton:
"Hi RK, 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, and..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @rene-radusky:
Posted a new Comment on @rene-radusky:
"Hi Rene, 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
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @ncstrongman:
Posted a new Comment on @ncstrongman:
"Hi Nc, 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, and..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @katahdin:
Posted a new Comment on @katahdin:
"Hi Katahdin, 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
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @rich-h:
Posted a new Comment on @rich-h:
"Hi Rich, 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,..."
@robin-thompson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Lost in the Woods:
Posted a new Comment on Lost in the Woods:
"@davisjames Hey, Jamie-- what a priceless memory from your childhood! We're grateful you listened and it warms our hearts to know this sparked the memories. "
@davisjames
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Lost in the Woods:
Posted a new Comment on Lost in the Woods:
"What an evocative title and music to match.I remember being lost in the woods when I was 9(not really- my grandparents would've found me),but at the..."
@richard-streib
• 3 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @rich-h:
Posted a new Comment on @rich-h:
"Welcome Rich H to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Glad to have you join. Lots of good information here. With your interest in building you may want to take..."
@strumelia
• 3 days ago
• comments: 10
Liked a youtube item created by @peter-w: German Christmas Carols (Mountain Dulcimer)
Liked a youtube item created by @peter-w: German Christmas Carols (Mountain Dulcimer)
@mark-gilston
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a new YouTube video:
Three Blind Mice (Ravenscroft version)
Three Blind Mice (Ravenscroft version)
@ken-longfield
• 4 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @rich-h:
Posted a new Comment on @rich-h:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Rich H. It's good to have you aboard. I look forward to your participation here.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@ken-longfield
• 4 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @katahdin:
Posted a new Comment on @katahdin:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Katahdin. With a handle like yours, you had to be from Maine. It's good to have you aboard. Yes, Woody Guthrie borrowed the tune from..."
@ken-longfield
• 4 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @ncstrongman:
Posted a new Comment on @ncstrongman:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Ncstrongman. As Richard mentioned, there are several of us here who specialize in mountain dulcimer history. It is an interesting area of..."
@ken-longfield
• 4 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @rene-radusky:
Posted a new Comment on @rene-radusky:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Rene. It's good to have you aboard. You will find this community a good resource as you begin your dulcimer journey. Let us know if you..."
@ken-longfield
• 4 days ago
• comments: 14
Posted a new Comment on Setting up for CGG:
Posted a new Comment on Setting up for CGG:
"Glad to hear that you've resolved your problems. You received good advice from Ken and Nate. We sometimes forget that wound strings have be around since the..."
@ken-longfield
• 4 days ago
• comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on German Christmas Carols (Mountain Dulcimer):
Posted a new Comment on German Christmas Carols (Mountain Dulcimer):
"Thanks for reminding us of this video, Salt. There are a lot of good Christmas tunes there.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@phil-myers
• 4 days ago
• comments: 2
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: Lost in the Woods
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: Lost in the Woods
@salt-springs
• 4 days ago
• comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on German Christmas Carols (Mountain Dulcimer):
Posted a new Comment on German Christmas Carols (Mountain Dulcimer):
"A great video to learn some traditional German tunes for Christmas.........."
@nate
• 4 days ago
• comments: 14
Posted a new Comment on Setting up for CGG:
Posted a new Comment on Setting up for CGG:
"Glad to hear that you found a setup you enjoy. If the dulcimer isnt comfortable you wont want to play it. Have fun!"
@nate
• 5 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Looking to buy a new dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Looking to buy a new dulcimer":
"Thanks Ken for clarifying. I should have been more explicit that the difference in a Daaa and Dadd bridge is VERY slight, and will likely equate to only a..."
@jeannie
• 5 days ago
• comments: 14
Posted a new Comment on Setting up for CGG:
Posted a new Comment on Setting up for CGG:
"After all that helpful advice, I just have to report the results. :-) New strings did solve the problem with not being able to stay in tune. It holds much..."
@parker-buckley
• 5 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Mize Dulcimer For Sale":
Posted a response to "Mize Dulcimer For Sale":
"It uses ball end strings, almost identical to Warren May's dulcimers. Here's a quick photo."
@richard-streib
• 5 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @katahdin:
Posted a new Comment on @katahdin:
"Welcome Katahdin to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. So glad to have you. There is a lot of information here. Look around and see what is here. Be sure to..."
@richard-streib
• 5 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @ncstrongman:
Posted a new Comment on @ncstrongman:
"Welcome Ncstrongman from a fellow North Carolinian. Glad to have as part of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer Family. There is a lot on information here..."
@pmundy
• 5 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Mize Dulcimer For Sale":
Posted a response to "Mize Dulcimer For Sale":
"Parker, I'm interested. Does the dulcimer have loop end strings? I'm located in Hardy, VA 24101."
@richard-streib
• 5 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @rene-radusky:
Posted a new Comment on @rene-radusky:
"So glad you joined ReneRadusky. Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. There is a lot of information here and some great folks with knowledge and..."
@rdpugh
• 5 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Looking to buy a new dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Looking to buy a new dulcimer":
"Thank you both for the information. "
@ken-hulme
• 5 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Looking to buy a new dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Looking to buy a new dulcimer":
"Unless you have perfect pitch, for all intents and purposes, any ordinary dulcimer like a McSppaden can be played in either DAd or DAA without any issues,..."
@wally-venable
• 5 days ago
• comments: 0
Is attending an Event:
2025 Gardner Winter Music Festival -(WV)
2025 Gardner Winter Music Festival -(WV)
@wally-venable
• 5 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new Event:
2025 Gardner Winter Music Festival -(WV)
2025 Gardner Winter Music Festival -(WV)
@wally-venable
• 5 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Gardner Winter Music Festival:
Posted a new Comment on Gardner Winter Music Festival:
"2025 Gardner Winter Music Festival Traditional Appalachian acoustic music
February 21st and 22nd South Middle School in Morgantown, West Virginia..."
@robin-thompson
• 5 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Hindman Dulcimer Homecoming 2025 -(KY):
Posted a new Comment on Hindman Dulcimer Homecoming 2025 -(KY):
"Ken, I've enjoyed getting to pop into Hindman virtually and will enjoy doing so again. I greatly appreciate the fest being offered online!
"
@ken-longfield
• 5 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Hindman Dulcimer Homecoming 2025 -(KY):
Posted a new Comment on Hindman Dulcimer Homecoming 2025 -(KY):
"Robin, you will be able to attend online if you can't be there in person. Plus you'll be able to check in to the parts of the schedule which interest you and..."
@robin-thompson
• 5 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Hindman Dulcimer Homecoming 2025 -(KY):
Posted a new Comment on Hindman Dulcimer Homecoming 2025 -(KY):
"Oh, I wish I could go to the Homecoming! I know it will be a good gathering! "
@robin-thompson
• 5 days ago
• comments: 3
Liked an events item created by @ken-longfield: Hindman Dulcimer Homecoming 2025 -(KY)
Liked an events item created by @ken-longfield: Hindman Dulcimer Homecoming 2025 -(KY)
@nate
• 5 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Looking to buy a new dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Looking to buy a new dulcimer":
"rdpugh:
The dulcimer I currently have is one I purchased back in the mid-1990s before we even had internet at my house. I walked into our local music store..."
@rdpugh
• 5 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Looking to buy a new dulcimer":
Created a new forum topic "Looking to buy a new dulcimer":
"The dulcimer I currently have is one I purchased back in the mid-1990s before we even had internet at my house. I walked into our local music store that..."
@robert-schuler
• 5 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Silicone Free Furniture Polish ":
Posted a response to "Silicone Free Furniture Polish ":
"Tung oil works well when applied really thin on fingerboards. I go to great pains to keep all things silicone away from my work benches. If in doubt rub any..."
@ken-longfield
• 5 days ago
• comments: 3
Created a new Event:
Hindman Dulcimer Homecoming 2025 -(KY)
Hindman Dulcimer Homecoming 2025 -(KY)
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...
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...
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...
Challenged Players
A meeting place for players dealing with disabilities.
Rosin the Bow!
Welcome to all who play music using a bow on any type of...
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
Looking to buy a new dulcimer
Posted: Saturday November 16 2024, 7:23 PM
By: @NateBuildsToys
By: @NateBuildsToys
Mize Dulcimer For Sale
Posted: Saturday November 16 2024, 4:47 PM
By: @Parker Buckley
By: @Parker Buckley
Silicone Free Furniture...
Posted: Friday November 15 2024, 9:47 PM
By: @robert schuler
By: @robert schuler
Showing support for FOTMD ?
Posted: Friday November 15 2024, 1:57 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Appalachian Dulcimer Museum
Posted: Thursday November 14 2024, 9:42 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
James Jones Custom Burly...
Posted: Wednesday November 13 2024, 6:55 PM
By: @John Petry
By: @John Petry
Healthy Living- healthy...
Posted: Tuesday November 12 2024, 10:51 AM
By: @robert schuler
By: @robert schuler
Peterson Strobo Clip tuner...
Posted: Sunday November 10 2024, 9:12 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Looking fo a NH Pudge Pro
Posted: Wednesday November 6 2024, 6:19 PM
By: @jal
By: @jal
Nylon String Dulcimer,...
Posted: Wednesday November 6 2024, 6:03 PM
By: @dplake
By: @dplake
String guages for slide...
Posted: Monday November 4 2024, 3:31 PM
By: @pattyfromor
By: @pattyfromor
Warren May Dulcimer For Sale
Posted: Sunday November 3 2024, 1:23 PM
By: @Parker Buckley
By: @Parker Buckley
Folkcraft dulcimer,1993,...
Posted: Sunday November 3 2024, 2:43 AM
By: @gerardo1000
By: @gerardo1000
Judge Arthur Dixon Dulcimer...
Posted: Thursday October 31 2024, 3:26 PM
By: @John C. Knopf
By: @John C. Knopf
A stolen Rolling Stones...
Posted: Sunday October 27 2024, 11:10 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Larry Shore Dulcimer
Posted: Saturday October 26 2024, 1:56 AM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Introduce Yourself!
Posted: Thursday October 24 2024, 8:50 AM
By: @chris hornby
By: @chris hornby
Differences between two...
Posted: Tuesday October 22 2024, 8:23 AM
By: @Wally Venable
By: @Wally Venable
ONLINE: Halloween Ceili...
Posted: Saturday October 19 2024, 7:54 PM
By: @Jessica Comeau
By: @Jessica Comeau
four string equidistant set-up
Posted: Thursday October 17 2024, 7:21 PM
By: @John Petry
By: @John Petry
OPINION ON BUILDER
Posted: Sunday October 13 2024, 5:01 PM
By: @RevDave
By: @RevDave
Ashokan Farewell Tabs
Posted: Sunday October 13 2024, 2:54 PM
By: @uppitywomanstill
By: @uppitywomanstill
Barbry Ellen Tab Experiment
Posted: Saturday October 12 2024, 4:48 PM
By: @Talia
By: @Talia
Help in choosing...
Posted: Friday October 11 2024, 2:27 PM
By: @TMBL
By: @TMBL
Pick noise
Posted: Friday October 11 2024, 2:10 PM
By: @Cristian Huet
By: @Cristian Huet
Cleaning a 1992 Angell...
Posted: Friday October 11 2024, 11:50 AM
By: @ShirinSam
By: @ShirinSam
Hurricane Helene news?
Posted: Friday October 11 2024, 9:30 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Can anyone identify this...
Posted: Thursday October 10 2024, 8:33 PM
By: @TMBL
By: @TMBL
Determining Origin and...
Posted: Thursday October 10 2024, 8:17 PM
By: @ShirinSam
By: @ShirinSam
If you could have just one...
Posted: Thursday October 10 2024, 4:15 PM
By: @steve104c
By: @steve104c
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:
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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.