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
@davisjames
• 35 minutes ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Napoleon crossing the alps.:
Posted a new Comment on Napoleon crossing the alps.:
"Every time I listen to this I hear the crackle of muskets as in the Napoleonic wars...me hitting the body of the dulcimer with a pick."
@s11141827
• an hour ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Three Strings or Four ?":
Posted a response to "Three Strings or Four ?":
"Jumbo frets are taller than normal frets which effectively lowers the action"
@s11141827
• an hour ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Three Strings or Four ?":
Posted a response to "Three Strings or Four ?":
"Generally w/ 4 string dulcimers the strings are thinner to lower the tension"
@pierre-yves-donnio
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: Angels We Have Heard on High
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: Angels We Have Heard on High
@tonyg
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Shipping costs question":
Posted a response to "Shipping costs question":
"I'll check it out.....thanks. I live in the east, and don't want to overcharge or Take a beating either. It's gotten so expensive!"
@richard-streib
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Shipping costs question":
Posted a response to "Shipping costs question":
"Re shipping. Not exactly to answer the question posed. But a shipping suggestion.
I use a site called PirateShip. Free to join. They have discounted prices..."
@tonyg
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Shipping costs question":
Created a new forum topic "Shipping costs question":
"When listing a dulcimer for sale, and you get to the shipping costs part, can you simply put "actual shipping costs", and then let any interested buyer know..."
@ken-longfield
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 0
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: O Sanctissima
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: O Sanctissima
@strumelia
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on The Shortest Day:
Posted a new Comment on The Shortest Day:
"I know a lady banjo player who is known for actually falling asleep while playing in jams. She's a good player usually, but as she falls asleep her playing..."
@robin-thompson
• 9 hours ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on The Shortest Day:
Posted a new Comment on The Shortest Day:
"@nate , we're glad you liked it! Thanks so much for listening!
My tendency anymore is to make music which could put me to sleep, preferably not while..."
@nick-osullivan
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on reverie of a dragonfly:
Posted a new Comment on reverie of a dragonfly:
"Dusty Turtle:
dulcimer or sitar?
Dulcimer and lap steel guitar"
@nick-osullivan
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on reverie of a dragonfly:
Posted a new Comment on reverie of a dragonfly:
"Robin Thompson:
Hey, Nick-- are you using a metal or glass slide on a mountain dulcimer here?
I'm using a brass tonebar on my lap steel guitar for the..."
@john-c-knopf
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "dulcimer kit":
Posted a response to "dulcimer kit":
"You're entirely welcome, friends! I'm glad to be able to contribute to a discussion now and then."
@nate
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on The Shortest Day:
Posted a new Comment on The Shortest Day:
"It only makes me feel sleepy because it perfectly embodies the wistful, ethereal feeling that I only get in dreams :) This is really pleasant"
@nate
• yesterday
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on reverie of a dragonfly:
Posted a new Comment on reverie of a dragonfly:
"Love the stereo audio and the impression of 'call and response' from the two instruments. Super bluesy."
@nate
• yesterday
• comments: 5
Liked a music item created by @nick-osullivan: reverie of a dragonfly
Liked a music item created by @nick-osullivan: reverie of a dragonfly
@nate
• yesterday
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: Angels We Have Heard on High
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: Angels We Have Heard on High
@nate
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "dulcimer kit":
Posted a response to "dulcimer kit":
"Thanks for all these neat details @john-c-knopf"
@strumelia
• yesterday
• comments: 6
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: The Shortest Day
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: The Shortest Day
@robin-thompson
• yesterday
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on The Shortest Day:
Posted a new Comment on The Shortest Day:
"Hey, @randy-adams -- glad you got the dreamy ride. :) If our music causes drowsiness, we've done our job. haha"
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "dulcimer kit":
Posted a response to "dulcimer kit":
"Well, I wish I had paid closer attention to the details back in 1974 when I began my friendship with Lynn McSpadden. I didn't pay much attention to the kits..."
@randy-adams
• yesterday
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on The Shortest Day:
Posted a new Comment on The Shortest Day:
"Ha! Wake me up when it's over! : ) Huh-uh that's not what I got there Robin. I got got the dreamy ride tho. : )"
@marg
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "dulcimer kit":
Posted a response to "dulcimer kit":
"(non-completed f-holes)
They looked almost like complete ones, when I was taking the photos.
Interesting, information
Thanks, John"
@randy-adams
• yesterday
• comments: 6
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: The Shortest Day
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: The Shortest Day
@john-c-knopf
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "dulcimer kit":
Posted a response to "dulcimer kit":
"The reason I was so sure of the provenance of the dulcimer kit is that I used to study (and drool over) the brochures and catalogs that The Dulcimer Shoppe..."
@richard-streib
• yesterday
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @orvilina:
Posted a new Comment on @orvilina:
"Glad to have you join. Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. I really like your description of the voice of the dulcimer. It is so thoughtful and..."
@don-patrick
• yesterday
• comments: 11
Posted a new Comment on Virginia Dulcimer Players:
Posted a new Comment on Virginia Dulcimer Players:
"I just joined the Virginia Dulcimer players group. I’ve been playing for about 5 years and consider myself an advanced beginner. My wife will tell you (and..."
@don-patrick
• yesterday
• comments: 575
Posted a new Comment on @benjamin-w-barr-jr:
Posted a new Comment on @benjamin-w-barr-jr:
"Thanks, Ben."
@davisjames
• yesterday
• comments: 6
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: The Shortest Day
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: The Shortest Day
@robin-thompson
• yesterday
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on reverie of a dragonfly:
Posted a new Comment on reverie of a dragonfly:
"Hey, Nick-- are you using a metal or glass slide on a mountain dulcimer here? "
@dusty
• yesterday
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on reverie of a dragonfly:
Posted a new Comment on reverie of a dragonfly:
"dulcimer or sitar?"
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @don-patrick:
Posted a new Comment on @don-patrick:
"Hello again Don. I guess I misread your information and thought you were located in Carlisle, PA, but I see you are in Warrenton, VA. If you want to find..."
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @orvilina:
Posted a new Comment on @orvilina:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Orvilina. It's good to have you aboard. This is a wonderful place to share our love of the mountain dulcimer. I look forward to your..."
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Angels We Have Heard on High:
Posted a new Comment on Angels We Have Heard on High:
"When you are playing this Christmas carol so prettily, I think the sound holes look like holly and berries!I love that you are not rushing it, using that..."
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: Angels We Have Heard on High
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: Angels We Have Heard on High
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @randy-adams: Psalmodicon Noter City
Liked a youtube item created by @randy-adams: Psalmodicon Noter City
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Psalmodicon Noter City:
Posted a new Comment on Psalmodicon Noter City:
"Looks like a rippin' good time was had! "
@don-patrick
• 2 days ago
• comments: 326
Posted a new Comment on @richard-streib:
Posted a new Comment on @richard-streib:
"Thanks for the warm welcome. Wayne Henderson from Carlisle, PA, got me hooked on the mountain dulcimer several years ago (after my wife had repeatedly..."
@davisjames
• 2 days ago
• comments: 5
Liked a music item created by @nick-osullivan: reverie of a dragonfly
Liked a music item created by @nick-osullivan: reverie of a dragonfly
@davisjames
• 2 days ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Bwlch Llanberis:
Posted a new Comment on Bwlch Llanberis:
"That is so interesting!Your melody takes a few different turns but it's "Calon Lon",a Welsh hymn.Variation is the spice of life!"
@davisjames
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Liked a music item created by @strumelia: Param & strumelia, yoga w/harmonium_1
Liked a music item created by @strumelia: Param & strumelia, yoga w/harmonium_1
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
Three Strings or Four ?
Posted: Saturday December 21 2024, 7:20 PM
By: @s11141827
By: @s11141827
Shipping costs question
Posted: Saturday December 21 2024, 4:57 PM
By: @tonyg
By: @tonyg
dulcimer kit
Posted: Friday December 20 2024, 9:37 PM
By: @John C. Knopf
By: @John C. Knopf
What Are You Working On?
Posted: Thursday December 19 2024, 1:39 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Recent acquisitions...
Posted: Tuesday December 17 2024, 10:26 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Optimum spacing for the two...
Posted: Monday December 16 2024, 4:21 PM
By: @ggray
By: @ggray
(SOLD) Bonnie Carol - 2001...
Posted: Thursday December 12 2024, 8:40 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
1981 Jeremy Seeger Dulcimer
Posted: Thursday December 12 2024, 9:15 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Confused about strings...
Posted: Monday December 9 2024, 7:51 PM
By: @Jeannie
By: @Jeannie
Jerry Rockwell Short Scale...
Posted: Monday December 9 2024, 1:03 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
WNCDC Free Emailed...
Posted: Sunday December 8 2024, 10:44 PM
By: @Steve Smith
By: @Steve Smith
Bowed Psaltery
Posted: Sunday December 8 2024, 2:57 PM
By: @Susie
By: @Susie
Question about my Dulcimer Kit
Posted: Saturday December 7 2024, 11:11 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Disappointed with customer...
Posted: Friday December 6 2024, 7:03 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Dick Van Dyke.. at 99 years...
Posted: Friday December 6 2024, 5:44 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
How do I create a new forum...
Posted: Friday December 6 2024, 1:24 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Wanted Original Clifford...
Posted: Tuesday December 3 2024, 7:25 PM
By: @John Petry
By: @John Petry
Custom James Jones Dulcimer...
Posted: Tuesday December 3 2024, 7:05 PM
By: @John Petry
By: @John Petry
Dulcimer Factory With Case...
Posted: Tuesday December 3 2024, 6:11 PM
By: @John Petry
By: @John Petry
Appalachian Dulcimer Museum
Posted: Saturday November 30 2024, 8:16 AM
By: @Jerry Posner
By: @Jerry Posner
Chromatic Dulcimer is still...
Posted: Friday November 29 2024, 6:08 PM
By: @NateBuildsToys
By: @NateBuildsToys
Roller Wound Strings on...
Posted: Thursday November 28 2024, 8:05 PM
By: @s11141827
By: @s11141827
Inner melody string flat by...
Posted: Wednesday November 27 2024, 6:28 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Lil' Willie Dulcimer
Posted: Monday November 25 2024, 8:54 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Pete Seeger
Posted: Monday November 25 2024, 9:37 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Introduce Yourself!
Posted: Friday November 22 2024, 11:15 PM
By: @NateBuildsToys
By: @NateBuildsToys
Looking to buy a new dulcimer
Posted: Saturday November 16 2024, 7:23 PM
By: @NateBuildsToys
By: @NateBuildsToys
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
Healthy Living- healthy...
Posted: Tuesday November 12 2024, 10:51 AM
By: @robert schuler
By: @robert schuler
Read the Site Rules
Our Welcome Wagon!
3 CHEERS to our Volunteer Greeters ...for making new members feel right at home :
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Benjamin Barr  |
Richard Streib  |
Ken Longfield  |
Single Instructor Events / Classifieds
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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.