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
• an hour ago
• comments: 521
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
"Todd, it depends on which model it is. If it is one of his student dulcimers, I think that is rather high since they originally sold for $125. For one of his..."
@john-c-knopf
• an hour ago
• comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on What's your favorite finish ?:
Posted a new Comment on What's your favorite finish ?:
"I try to match the finish to the dulcimer. Historic finishes for historic instruments. When I build a modern dulcimer, I almost always use spray lacquer..."
@ken-longfield
• an hour ago
• comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on What's your favorite finish ?:
Posted a new Comment on What's your favorite finish ?:
"I base my choice on what I feel is appropriate for the instrument. I think the effect of finishes on sound is minimal. I find oil finishes are the easiest..."
@shopdad
• an hour ago
• comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on @shopdad:
Posted a new Comment on @shopdad:
"Still having vibration difficulties (noticeable loud humming). I changed the melody string, and lowered the bridge, I have a brass bridge, and thought that..."
@todd-metcalf
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 521
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
"Hi Ken, I had to be away for some time. I appreciated your help here. I noted a David Lynch 4 stringer on Ebay today for around 250.00 . Is that a decent..."
@nate
• 11 hours ago
• comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on What's your favorite finish ?:
Posted a new Comment on What's your favorite finish ?:
"I like oil best for tone and look, and polyurethane best for durability. I think that using oil allows the wood to stay hydrated rather than being sealed in,..."
@jack-m
• 12 hours ago
• comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on What's your favorite finish ?:
Posted a new Comment on What's your favorite finish ?:
"Ken Longfield:
I've made dulcimers and used lots of different finishes. I started out over 50 years ago using violin varnish. I used that on three or four..."
@jack-m
• 12 hours ago
• comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on What's your favorite finish ?:
Posted a new Comment on What's your favorite finish ?:
"Dusty Turtle:
Ken (and everyone else), when you express your preferences, are you basing that on how it is to work with the product, how it looks on the..."
@richard-streib
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @deniseelliott:
Posted a new Comment on @deniseelliott:
"Glad you joined Denise Elliott. Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Best wishes as you learn to play the dulcimer. Please let us know if you have..."
@richard-streib
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on What's your favorite finish ?:
Posted a new Comment on What's your favorite finish ?:
"Common sense indicates that a thick or more rigid type (plastic-like) of finish might could change the sound. But is the human ear able to detect such..."
@dusty
• 15 hours ago
• comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on What's your favorite finish ?:
Posted a new Comment on What's your favorite finish ?:
"Ken (and everyone else), when you express your preferences, are you basing that on how it is to work with the product, how it looks on the finished..."
@ken-longfield
• 15 hours ago
• comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on What's your favorite finish ?:
Posted a new Comment on What's your favorite finish ?:
"I've made dulcimers and used lots of different finishes. I started out over 50 years ago using violin varnish. I used that on three or four dulcimers. Next I..."
@richard-streib
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on What's your favorite finish ?:
Posted a new Comment on What's your favorite finish ?:
"I don't build dulcimers, but do some other wood working. I really like a hand rubbed oil finish. With as many coats of oil rubbed well into the wood as it..."
@homer-ross
• 18 hours ago
• comments: 15
Liked a youtube item created by @guy-babusek: Sean O'Dwyer of the Glen - Two Mountain Dulcimers (Celtic)
Liked a youtube item created by @guy-babusek: Sean O'Dwyer of the Glen - Two Mountain Dulcimers (Celtic)
@homer-ross
• 18 hours ago
• comments: 22
Liked a youtube item created by @guy-babusek: The Blackthorn (An Droighneán Donn) -- Fingerpicked Mountain Dulcimer
Liked a youtube item created by @guy-babusek: The Blackthorn (An Droighneán Donn) -- Fingerpicked Mountain Dulcimer
@jack-m
• 18 hours ago
• comments: 9
Created a new Group discussion "What's your favorite finish ?":
Created a new Group discussion "What's your favorite finish ?":
"Finishes are my latest concern and don't want to get into spray finishes if I can avoid it. The back and sides will be walnut with a Port Orford cedar top..."
Dulcimer Making
Dulcimer Making
@davisjames
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 2
Liked a music item created by @marshall-goers: Crawdad Song
Liked a music item created by @marshall-goers: Crawdad Song
@carol-h
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 22
Liked a youtube item created by @guy-babusek: The Blackthorn (An Droighneán Donn) -- Fingerpicked Mountain Dulcimer
Liked a youtube item created by @guy-babusek: The Blackthorn (An Droighneán Donn) -- Fingerpicked Mountain Dulcimer
@carol-h
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 15
Liked a youtube item created by @guy-babusek: Sean O'Dwyer of the Glen - Two Mountain Dulcimers (Celtic)
Liked a youtube item created by @guy-babusek: Sean O'Dwyer of the Glen - Two Mountain Dulcimers (Celtic)
@marko
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"Nate:
I do like adding strings to the low end of my dulcimers and recently have been having a lot of fun with D2 A2 D3 A3 D4, but on a 4 string dulcimer I..."
@wally-venable
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"My 6-string conversion of an old Korean dulcimer has a "dropped" A on the middle set and a "raised" D on the base set. Otherwise it has the common, original,..."
@barnjam
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"@nate Thanks! Yes, that is correct on the string configuration. I'm hooked on that drop D for droning...really reminds me of a bagpipe.
I'm not familiar with..."
@nate
• yesterday
• comments: 17
Posted a new Comment on Do you have more trouble with your right hand, or left?:
Posted a new Comment on Do you have more trouble with your right hand, or left?:
"This old thread is very insightful. I've always had a much easier time with my strumming hand than my fretting hand. With about six years of practice, my..."
@nate
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"Talking about bones and harmonica, I thought you might enjoy this performance by Willi Carlisle, if you haven't seen it before."
@nate
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"barnjam:
Do you like the drop D drone? Does anyone else use a drop D string?
It sounds great. Am I understanding you correctly that the dulcimer has 4..."
@john-petry
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Signed @deniseelliott's Guestbook:
Signed @deniseelliott's Guestbook:
"John Petry aka Barnshopper aka HarpsNThings aka Pet Tree Music"
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @deniseelliott:
Posted a new Comment on @deniseelliott:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Denise. It's good to have you aboard. I'm glad you want to learn to play the mountain dulcimer. It is a wonderful instrument. Let know if..."
@barnjam
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"I'd like to thank each of you for your great ideas, tips and advice. Rather than purchase another dulcimer, I decided to experiment with my 8-String Milford..."
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"Whoops, I did notice that they were bones and still typed spoons for some reason lol. Similar, but still quite different. Either way, sounds like a cool..."
@barnjam
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"@nate Thank you. It’s a wonderful group of folks and we have a great time playing together. The famous Dom Flemons, The American Songster, is from Phoenix..."
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"Looks like a lot of fun. I see that you are playing harmonica and spoons at the same time, which is no small feat, and the result is great.Cool to see so..."
@barnjam
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"I learned Sal’s from the Phoenix Old Time Music Society. Here are three recordings we’ve done with various instruments and tempos, if you’re interested in..."
@barnjam
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"Yes, that is exactly right. That makes sense that the open D string would sound “better” than the fretted D on the A string. I like low action on the melody..."
@strumelia
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"Are you saying that you like the tone of the melody string when it plays the tonic D note on the open string?... as opposed to the melody string tuned to A..."
@barnjam
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"@strumelia Thanks for that tip. I can see how the noter would fit more easily between close frets. I like the speed and tactile feel I get from my bare..."
@strumelia
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"@barnjam ... just from my personal viewpoint- when playing oldtime tunes up high in the second octave solely on the melody string, -because i play with a..."
@barnjam
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"I refreshed my memory on playing melody jn DAA, and the results are as follows. I truly enjoy the rich tonal quality of playing on the lower octave. The..."
@strumelia
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"barnjam:
Richard Ash at Folkcraft has a great write up on the subject of hands, fingers, and VSLs...."
@nate
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"Skip, in his original post he said "I wish it were a tad longer so that I could get the best of DAA and DAD tuning, allowing me to walk down the fretboard on..."
@barnjam
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"Thanks for moving this to the proper category. Interestingly, Richard Ash at Folkcraft has a great write up on the subject of hands, fingers, and VSLs...."
@skip
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"As an example; Standard, 28.5" VSL McSpadden tuned DAA will do exactly what you just described. Any dulcimer with the same fret layout will also meet that..."
@homer-ross
• 3 days ago
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @barnjam: Click Old Hen (AAC Dulcimer Tuning)
Liked a youtube item created by @barnjam: Click Old Hen (AAC Dulcimer Tuning)
@homer-ross
• 3 days ago
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @barnjam: Willafjord Reel (Milford Blevins 8-String Dulcimer)
Liked a youtube item created by @barnjam: Willafjord Reel (Milford Blevins 8-String Dulcimer)
@nate
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"It means you asked a good question that hits on interesting ideas. :)
It may be helpful to know: what exactly is the range of notes that you would like to..."
@barnjam
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"I never expected my question to make the rounds, but a lot of great information and ideas are being shared. John Knopf to had some great ideas as well. One..."
@nate
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"Dusty Turtle:
What this demonstrates, I think, is that the wideness of the fretboard and the distance between strings is an important variable, perhaps more..."
@nate
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"Dusty Turtle:A dulcimer with a long enough VSL could be configured for 3 full, usable octaves.
I personally would have no use for such a dulcimer, but it is..."
@dusty
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"Well let me close the circle. @Barnjam started this thread because he found it difficult to fret the middle string, so he sought a longer dulcimer with..."
@nate
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"Strumelia:
Does that "Stringjoy" Tension Calculator tell you when one of its suggestions would likely result in a string that breaks, or a string that is too..."
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...
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
Extended Range Dulcimer
Posted: Thursday October 9 2025, 9:56 AM
By: @Marko
By: @Marko
A question about intonating...
Posted: Monday October 6 2025, 11:06 AM
By: @Skip
By: @Skip
John Stockard Dulcimer For...
Posted: Friday October 3 2025, 1:54 PM
By: @Dave shattuck
By: @Dave shattuck
Listing A Dulcimer For Sale
Posted: Wednesday October 1 2025, 7:11 AM
By: @Old Dawg
By: @Old Dawg
Anybody familiar with...
Posted: Tuesday September 30 2025, 6:07 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
A track from my new album
Posted: Tuesday September 23 2025, 5:45 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
jubilee
Posted: Saturday September 20 2025, 1:53 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Amy Levy: Songs of Love...
Posted: Friday September 19 2025, 12:07 PM
By: @Alex_Lubet
By: @Alex_Lubet
Wanted: The “next” dulcimer
Posted: Thursday September 18 2025, 9:28 PM
By: @Steve Kenny
By: @Steve Kenny
More or less overtones
Posted: Thursday September 18 2025, 8:55 PM
By: @John Pettreemusic
By: @John Pettreemusic
Stringing a Cripple Creek...
Posted: Thursday September 18 2025, 8:02 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
A review of my new album
Posted: Tuesday September 16 2025, 2:25 PM
By: @Alex_Lubet
By: @Alex_Lubet
Want to buy Warren A. May...
Posted: Monday September 15 2025, 6:23 PM
By: @Jill Geary
By: @Jill Geary
Jean Ritchie and her ballad...
Posted: Monday September 15 2025, 12:47 PM
By: @DavisJames
By: @DavisJames
Hello friends, Does anyone...
Posted: Friday September 12 2025, 1:56 PM
By: @sandbar17
By: @sandbar17
David Lynch Baritone
Posted: Tuesday September 9 2025, 2:40 PM
By: @Nate
By: @Nate
How to tune a 22 vsl...
Posted: Sunday September 7 2025, 7:02 PM
By: @Misty
By: @Misty
Introduce Yourself!
Posted: Sunday September 7 2025, 4:03 PM
By: @Jack M
By: @Jack M
Wedge shaped floating bridge
Posted: Sunday September 7 2025, 10:18 AM
By: @Nate
By: @Nate
Jewish Music
Posted: Sunday August 31 2025, 10:59 AM
By: @Alex_Lubet
By: @Alex_Lubet
worldwide Play Music on the...
Posted: Sunday August 31 2025, 8:57 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Good dulcimer for busking?
Posted: Thursday August 28 2025, 12:08 PM
By: @DavisJames
By: @DavisJames
Play Music On The Porch Day...
Posted: Wednesday August 27 2025, 2:20 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
practicing app
Posted: Thursday August 21 2025, 4:50 PM
By: @Nate
By: @Nate
New to the group, several...
Posted: Monday August 18 2025, 5:43 AM
By: @Nate
By: @Nate
New album
Posted: Sunday August 17 2025, 12:52 PM
By: @Alex_Lubet
By: @Alex_Lubet
"Extra" frets and JI vs ET
Posted: Sunday August 17 2025, 10:34 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Pluck by Linda Paulus
Posted: Saturday August 16 2025, 9:02 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
A Review of my album
Posted: Friday August 15 2025, 6:33 PM
By: @Alex_Lubet
By: @Alex_Lubet
Minnesota
Posted: Friday August 15 2025, 2:39 PM
By: @Alex_Lubet
By: @Alex_Lubet
Read the Site Rules
Our Welcome Wagon!
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Richard Streib  |
Ken Longfield  |
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