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
@studentofrhythm
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 0
https://fotmd.com/studentofrhythm/uploaded_audio/1310/stout-staves-sure-feet
https://fotmd.com/studentofrhythm/uploaded_audio/1310/stout-staves-sure-feet
@studentofrhythm
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
"Damon:
Oh, I love "Four Organs"!
I've been listening to Steve Reich for over 20 years. Recently I did a piece with lyre and psaltery inspired by his..."
@phil-myers
• 12 hours ago
• comments: 5
Liked a music item created by @jim-dickens: Fairytale/ Forever love
Liked a music item created by @jim-dickens: Fairytale/ Forever love
@phil-myers
• 12 hours ago
• comments: 7
Liked a music item created by @beth-t: Alaw Elin (Elin's song)
Liked a music item created by @beth-t: Alaw Elin (Elin's song)
@s11141827
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Shortest scale length to help with playing on 4 strings":
Posted a response to "Shortest scale length to help with playing on 4 strings":
"Strumelia:
With a 23" scale, you'd have to use somewhat heavy strings to keep the DAd tuning from being too floppy (especially for the middle A string). What..."
@robert-schuler
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Shortest scale length to help with playing on 4 strings":
Posted a response to "Shortest scale length to help with playing on 4 strings":
"The shortest scale dulcimer I make is 24". I use 12 12 14 22 strings without any problems. The nice thing about short scale dulcimers is tuning to pitches..."
@john-petry
• 15 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "A Question about dulcimer popularity...":
Posted a response to "A Question about dulcimer popularity...":
"Gett'n ready for the revival.........."
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Shortest scale length to help with playing on 4 strings":
Posted a response to "Shortest scale length to help with playing on 4 strings":
"If you want to go to lighter strings on a 23 inch VSL, I suggest 0.011 for the melody strings, a 0.015 for the middle, and 0.023 for the bass. You could..."
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @cherylg:
Posted a new Comment on @cherylg:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Cheryl. It's good to have you aboard. I'm glad to hear that you are beginning a dulcimer journey. If we can help you along the way, let us..."
@strumelia
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Shortest scale length to help with playing on 4 strings":
Posted a response to "Shortest scale length to help with playing on 4 strings":
"With a 23" scale, you'd have to use somewhat heavy strings to keep the DAd tuning from being too floppy (especially for the middle A string). What gauge..."
@cherylg
• yesterday
• comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on North Carolinians Plus:
Posted a new Comment on North Carolinians Plus:
"Hello from Pine Knoll Shores, NC. I am a beginner with the MD and would love to find others nearby to learn with.
i will be spending 2 weeks near Blowing..."
@s11141827
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Shortest scale length to help with playing on 4 strings":
Created a new forum topic "Shortest scale length to help with playing on 4 strings":
"I have a 4 string Chromatic Mountain Dulcimer in DAD Tuning with the Doubled Melody String (the bridge & nut are cut to also allow for 4 equidistant..."
@cherylg
• yesterday
• comments: 336
Posted a new Comment on @richard-streib:
Posted a new Comment on @richard-streib:
"Thanks for the welcome!"
@richard-streib
• yesterday
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @cherylg:
Posted a new Comment on @cherylg:
"Welcome CherylG to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer from a fellow North Carolinian. So glad you joined. There is a group on this forum for NC players. You..."
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Updated a Group discussion "":
Updated a Group discussion "":
"I am selling my dulcimer that I have had for more than 30 years as I have never given it my full attention. The instrument is in excellent condition.
Here..."
UK and European Mountain Dulcimers
UK and European Mountain Dulcimers
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Dulcimer for sale:
Posted a new Comment on Dulcimer for sale:
"Hello, please copy this post into our For Sale forum instead: https://fotmd.com/forums/forum/for-saleinstruments-music-items-cds-wanted-to-buy All sales..."
@jonnyd
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Dulcimer for sale:
Posted a new Comment on Dulcimer for sale:
"Here are some photos of the dulcimer"
@jonnyd
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Created a new Group discussion "Dulcimer for sale":
Created a new Group discussion "Dulcimer for sale":
"I am selling my dulcimer that I have had for more than 30 years as I have never given it my full attention. The instrument is in excellent condition.
Here..."
UK and European Mountain Dulcimers
UK and European Mountain Dulcimers
@strumelia
• 2 days ago
• comments: 28
Liked a group discussions item created by @strumelia: Suggestions please for buying a first dulcimer
Liked a group discussions item created by @strumelia: Suggestions please for buying a first dulcimer
@joe
• 2 days ago
• comments: 495
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
"Thank you for the welcome Ken!"
@joe
• 2 days ago
• comments: 336
Posted a new Comment on @richard-streib:
Posted a new Comment on @richard-streib:
"Thank you for the welcome!"
@richard-streib
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @joe:
Posted a new Comment on @joe:
"Great to have you join us, Joe. Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. You are so right--the dulcimer is the sweetest music for many of us. Let us know..."
@richard-streib
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @katiewaller:
Posted a new Comment on @katiewaller:
"Great to have you with us. Welcome Katiewaller to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. There is a lot of experience and knowledge represented here. Please ask..."
@richard-streib
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @mikeluster:
Posted a new Comment on @mikeluster:
"Glad you joined Mikeluster. Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Great to have you on board. There is lots of information here. Let us know if you..."
@davisjames
• 2 days ago
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: Jesus Won't You Come by Here?
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: Jesus Won't You Come by Here?
@ken-longfield
• 3 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @joe:
Posted a new Comment on @joe:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Joe. It's good to have you aboard. Have fun exploring this site. I look forward to your participation here.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet..."
@ken-longfield
• 3 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @katiewaller:
Posted a new Comment on @katiewaller:
"Katie, welcome to FOTMD. It's good to have you aboard. Let us know if we can help you as you begin your dulcimer journey. You will find many resources and..."
@ken-longfield
• 3 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @mikeluster:
Posted a new Comment on @mikeluster:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Mike. It's good to have you aboard. This is a good place to learn more about the mountain dulcimer. If you have any questions, just ask. We..."
@jost
• 3 days ago
• comments: 28
Liked a group discussions item created by @strumelia: Suggestions please for buying a first dulcimer
Liked a group discussions item created by @strumelia: Suggestions please for buying a first dulcimer
@davisjames
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @paula: Chet Hines “dulcimore”
Liked a forum discussions item created by @paula: Chet Hines “dulcimore”
@steve-c
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Chet Hines “dulcimore” ":
Posted a response to "Chet Hines “dulcimore” ":
"You have a piece of Dulcimer history for sure."
@paula
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Chet Hines “dulcimore” ":
Posted a response to "Chet Hines “dulcimore” ":
"Ken, that’s wonderful. What a great article! I’ll be sure to contact Ron and see if he can give me any more information. I’m starting to feel I have a real..."
@ken-longfield
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Chet Hines “dulcimore” ":
Posted a response to "Chet Hines “dulcimore” ":
"Here is a link to the Ron Ewing article in DPN...."
@paula
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Chet Hines “dulcimore” ":
Posted a response to "Chet Hines “dulcimore” ":
"So Steve, I see a picture of that on The Mountain Dulcimer Lore FB page. Very nice!"
@paula
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Chet Hines “dulcimore” ":
Posted a response to "Chet Hines “dulcimore” ":
"Wow, thanks Steve! I’m really excited to actually lay hands on the dulcimer. From the looks of the photos I’ve got, I think it had been strung..."
@steve-c
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Chet Hines “dulcimore” ":
Posted a response to "Chet Hines “dulcimore” ":
"I would guess your instrument is from the 1960's the lack of an area code on the card might indicate that."
@steve-c
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Chet Hines “dulcimore” ":
Posted a response to "Chet Hines “dulcimore” ":
"Paula, I am a member of the Mountain Dulcimer Society of Dayton so don't be surprised if they refer you to me. I own Chet's Hogfiddle pictured in Jean..."
@steve-c
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Chet Hines “dulcimore” ":
Posted a response to "Chet Hines “dulcimore” ":
"Thanks Strumelia. "
@strumelia
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Chet Hines “dulcimore” ":
Posted a response to "Chet Hines “dulcimore” ":
"cairney:
I have photos but can’t seem to figure out how to post them here.
Try looking at these threads... (it depends on if you are trying to add a..."
@paula
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Chet Hines “dulcimore” ":
Posted a response to "Chet Hines “dulcimore” ":
"It looks like to Mountain Dulcimore Society was founded in 1965 I assume the card included in the case with my dulcimer would date my dulcimer to being from..."
@paula
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Chet Hines “dulcimore” ":
Posted a response to "Chet Hines “dulcimore” ":
"Wow. So young. Thank you so much Steve for this additional information. I’ll be curious to see if I can determine a date for my dulcimer. I’ve reached out to..."
@steve-c
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Chet Hines “dulcimore” ":
Posted a response to "Chet Hines “dulcimore” ":
"I have photos but can’t seem to figure out how to post them here."
@steve-c
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Chet Hines “dulcimore” ":
Posted a response to "Chet Hines “dulcimore” ":
"November 26, 1977 dulcimore maker and historian Chester “Chet Hines” (1921-1977) died of a heart attack while on vacation in Florida at age 56. Chet was born..."
@robin-thompson
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Chet Hines “dulcimore” ":
Posted a response to "Chet Hines “dulcimore” ":
"What a lovely instrument! "
@dan
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Chet Hines “dulcimore” ":
Posted a response to "Chet Hines “dulcimore” ":
"Don't now how I missed this but, SWEET!!!"
@sfy
• 4 days ago
• comments: 495
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
"Thanks for the kind welcome. Just starting to navigate my way around.
Cheers...Shane"
@sfy
• 4 days ago
• comments: 336
Posted a new Comment on @richard-streib:
Posted a new Comment on @richard-streib:
"Thanks for the welcome. Glad to be here. Lots to learn."
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?
Four-Equidistant Strings
A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
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...
I have extra frets.....
This group is for those who have a 1 1/2 fret, an 8 1/2...
Early & Classical Music
For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
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 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...
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
Latest Forum Posts All
Introduce Yourself!
Posted: Wednesday March 5 2025, 11:15 PM
By: @StudentofRhythm
By: @StudentofRhythm
Shortest scale length to...
Posted: Wednesday March 5 2025, 11:40 AM
By: @s11141827
By: @s11141827
A Question about dulcimer...
Posted: Wednesday March 5 2025, 11:32 AM
By: @John Pettreemusic
By: @John Pettreemusic
Chet Hines “dulcimore”
Posted: Sunday March 2 2025, 5:03 PM
By: @cairney
By: @cairney
International Appalachian...
Posted: Saturday March 1 2025, 12:25 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Understanding McSpadden...
Posted: Saturday March 1 2025, 10:26 AM
By: @Janis Lewman
By: @Janis Lewman
Music for Kalimba, Dulcimer...
Posted: Friday February 28 2025, 9:00 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
McSpadden 26" VSL Walnut w/...
Posted: Tuesday February 25 2025, 11:19 AM
By: @Susie
By: @Susie
Question about the 6 1/2 fret
Posted: Sunday February 23 2025, 2:22 PM
By: @Skip
By: @Skip
Optimum spacing for the two...
Posted: Sunday February 23 2025, 11:27 AM
By: @Cristian Huet
By: @Cristian Huet
to get chromatic or not
Posted: Sunday February 23 2025, 9:44 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Newbie to Dulcimers / 1978...
Posted: Friday February 21 2025, 12:21 PM
By: @John Pettreemusic
By: @John Pettreemusic
Tunings you like to use on...
Posted: Monday February 17 2025, 8:37 PM
By: @s11141827
By: @s11141827
CD listening Help
Posted: Monday February 17 2025, 5:36 PM
By: @Lilley Pad
By: @Lilley Pad
Three Strings or Four ?
Posted: Monday February 17 2025, 5:32 PM
By: @s11141827
By: @s11141827
1976 Sunhearth #266
Posted: Friday February 14 2025, 3:36 PM
By: @MacDonald001
By: @MacDonald001
DAD........but no chords
Posted: Friday February 14 2025, 10:14 AM
By: @Malcolm
By: @Malcolm
Embellishments
Posted: Saturday February 8 2025, 7:52 PM
By: @jet3rry
By: @jet3rry
RIP to our good fotmd...
Posted: Saturday February 8 2025, 11:08 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Dda tuning
Posted: Friday February 7 2025, 12:11 PM
By: @Skip
By: @Skip
Backing tracks
Posted: Thursday February 6 2025, 8:51 AM
By: @Lilley Pad
By: @Lilley Pad
Mountain dulcimer players...
Posted: Tuesday February 4 2025, 9:45 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
For Sale: Possum Board for...
Posted: Saturday February 1 2025, 7:22 PM
By: @Jill Geary
By: @Jill Geary
Action/ nickel under the 7th
Posted: Saturday February 1 2025, 6:59 PM
By: @Nate
By: @Nate
McSpadden FM12W care and...
Posted: Tuesday January 28 2025, 1:06 AM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
playing along in a...
Posted: Wednesday January 22 2025, 11:16 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Worth Woodworking Dulcimers
Posted: Monday January 20 2025, 8:58 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Anyone here from UK?
Posted: Sunday January 19 2025, 5:11 AM
By: @Beth T
By: @Beth T
Wanted: David Beede 3...
Posted: Thursday January 16 2025, 5:54 PM
By: @Uncle Malc
By: @Uncle Malc
Read the Site Rules
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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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