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
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
"I guess that makes our 5th anniversary March 28, 2026.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song""
@nate
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 0
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Skänklåt (Gift Giving Tune) after Hjort Anders
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Skänklåt (Gift Giving Tune) after Hjort Anders
@ken-longfield
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 6
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: The Garden Hymn
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: The Garden Hymn
@richard-streib
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on The Garden Hymn:
Posted a new Comment on The Garden Hymn:
"So beautiful. I had never heard that hymn. I sure would like to learn it ."
@beth-t
• 8 hours ago
• comments: 13
Posted a new Comment on Dadl Dau/Gwŷr Pendref/I Lawr â'r Ffrancwyr:
Posted a new Comment on Dadl Dau/Gwŷr Pendref/I Lawr â'r Ffrancwyr:
"Beth T:
Dusty Turtle:
@Beth-T, notice that the Blue Lion has a floating bridge. You might have to adjust it to get the intonation right. (If you need some..."
@beth-t
• 8 hours ago
• comments: 13
Posted a new Comment on Dadl Dau/Gwŷr Pendref/I Lawr â'r Ffrancwyr:
Posted a new Comment on Dadl Dau/Gwŷr Pendref/I Lawr â'r Ffrancwyr:
"Dusty Turtle:
@Beth-T, notice that the Blue Lion has a floating bridge. You might have to adjust it to get the intonation right. (If you need some tips on..."
@dusty
• 9 hours ago
• comments: 13
Posted a new Comment on Dadl Dau/Gwŷr Pendref/I Lawr â'r Ffrancwyr:
Posted a new Comment on Dadl Dau/Gwŷr Pendref/I Lawr â'r Ffrancwyr:
"@Beth-T, notice that the Blue Lion has a floating bridge. You might have to adjust it to get the intonation right. (If you need some tips on how to do that,..."
@beth-t
• 12 hours ago
• comments: 13
Posted a new Comment on Dadl Dau/Gwŷr Pendref/I Lawr â'r Ffrancwyr:
Posted a new Comment on Dadl Dau/Gwŷr Pendref/I Lawr â'r Ffrancwyr:
"Dusty Turtle:
Absolutely charming, Beth! Love it!
I have that exact dulcimer, by the way.
Thanks Dusty! How do you find the Blue Lion? I must admit I..."
@dusty
• 12 hours ago
• comments: 13
Posted a new Comment on Dadl Dau/Gwŷr Pendref/I Lawr â'r Ffrancwyr:
Posted a new Comment on Dadl Dau/Gwŷr Pendref/I Lawr â'r Ffrancwyr:
"Absolutely charming, Beth! Love it!
I have that exact dulcimer, by the way."
@dusty
• 12 hours ago
• comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on "La pluie de Najeanne", Cristian Huet at home:
Posted a new Comment on "La pluie de Najeanne", Cristian Huet at home:
"Très beau. I like how you convey the melody twice, once with the THT and once strumming. Lucky girl to have such a song written for her. Elle doit être..."
@dusty
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
"It's good to chronicle this stuff for the historical record. Thanks, @robin-thompson. So next year will be the 5th year! Maybe we can plan something..."
@robin-thompson
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
"We first celebrated in 2022. So, we just had our fourth International Appalachian Dulcimer Day. Here's the video I put on YT to announce the day to those..."
@beth-t
• 15 hours ago
• comments: 13
Posted a new Comment on Dadl Dau/Gwŷr Pendref/I Lawr â'r Ffrancwyr:
Posted a new Comment on Dadl Dau/Gwŷr Pendref/I Lawr â'r Ffrancwyr:
"Cindy Stammich:
Oh this is fun to listen to - makes my feet want to dance! 😊🎶👏
Glad it had the..."
@cristian-huet
• 18 hours ago
• comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on "La pluie de Najeanne", Cristian Huet at home:
Posted a new Comment on "La pluie de Najeanne", Cristian Huet at home:
"Cindy Stammich:
Wow! That was seriously beautiful and magical! She must have been quite a girl!
Thanks a lot.she still is !:-)"
@cindy-stammich
• yesterday
• comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on "La pluie de Najeanne", Cristian Huet at home:
Posted a new Comment on "La pluie de Najeanne", Cristian Huet at home:
"Wow! That was seriously beautiful and magical! She must have been quite a girl!"
@cindy-stammich
• yesterday
• comments: 13
Posted a new Comment on Dadl Dau/Gwŷr Pendref/I Lawr â'r Ffrancwyr:
Posted a new Comment on Dadl Dau/Gwŷr Pendref/I Lawr â'r Ffrancwyr:
"Oh this is fun to listen to - makes my feet want to dance! 😊🎶👏"
@cindy-stammich
• yesterday
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on The Rooster is Crowing:
Posted a new Comment on The Rooster is Crowing:
"John, this is wonderful! For a dulcimer loving, chicken loving, midwest girl, this song is really special! The rooster paintings are perfect! This song is..."
@cindy-stammich
• yesterday
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on The Garden Hymn:
Posted a new Comment on The Garden Hymn:
"This beautiful hymn is one I was not familiar with, so thank you for sharing the music as well as the beautiful paintings and the reminder that spring indeed..."
@cindy-stammich
• yesterday
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on HEN FERCHETAN and DIFYRRWCH GWYR Y GOGLEDD:
Posted a new Comment on HEN FERCHETAN and DIFYRRWCH GWYR Y GOGLEDD:
"Sweet! Beautiful music and I love your style!"
@cindy-stammich
• yesterday
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Waltz from Orsa (duet):
Posted a new Comment on Waltz from Orsa (duet):
"I love this tune, and you two did a beautiful job! Thank you for sharing!"
@steve-c
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
"It has been the third year of International Appalachian Dulcimer Day. A five year celebration could be a great idea. Might give us all enough time to share..."
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
"After reading some of the recent posts here, I went back and read the posts in The Positive Thread. Steve, I think you should go ahead and write up something..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @pux0r3:
Posted a new Comment on @pux0r3:
"Hi PuxOr3, 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
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
"I made a video announcement back in 2022 and it got quite a few views on YT-- I'd shared it to FB. I started hash-tagging posts that same year, I believe...."
@steve-c
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
"cairney:
I think we should not rush to take credit, it might slow momentum. A mystery is far more interesting and people are running with it. I belong to a..."
@steve-c
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
"I think we should not rush to take credit, it might slow momentum. A mystery is far more interesting and people are running with it. I belong to a large..."
@nate
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
"Personally Dusty, as someone who has struggled from a lack of definitive information on many dulcimer topics, I'd love for you to put it in black letters"
@dusty
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
"Well, everybody, it appears our efforts to create International Appalachian Dulcimer Day has been a success, if we define success as the growing awareness of..."
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Hindman Dulcimer Homecoming 2025 -(KY):
Posted a new Comment on Hindman Dulcimer Homecoming 2025 -(KY):
"I'll be in the audience, so you won't see me. Thank you for the donation. I know they can use it.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@nate
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
"Unfortunately, my IADD video has been postponed too long to matter :(. Lesson learned, and next year i will make a point to prepare a video ahead of time so..."
@robin-thompson
• yesterday
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Hindman Dulcimer Homecoming 2025 -(KY):
Posted a new Comment on Hindman Dulcimer Homecoming 2025 -(KY):
"Thanks, @ken-longfield! Looking forward to watching some events online and will donate to Troublesome Creek! "
@nate
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Amplification of an acoustic dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Amplification of an acoustic dulcimer":
"For what its worth, I have used one of those under bridge pickups that i took off an electric acoustic guitar and put it on a dulcimer, and did not trim the..."
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Hindman Dulcimer Homecoming 2025 -(KY):
Posted a new Comment on Hindman Dulcimer Homecoming 2025 -(KY):
"Here is the link for the 2025 Hindman Dulcimer Homecoming. It has the link for joining the Homecoming online and information for attending in person...."
@mark-gilston
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted new YouTube video(s):
Skänklåt (Gift Giving Tune) after Hjort Anders
Skänklåt (Gift Giving Tune) after Hjort Anders
@robin-thompson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
"International Appalachian Dulcimer Day (with all its "nicknames") is, indeed, an unofficial holiday of obscure origin. "
@pux0r3
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Amplification of an acoustic dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Amplification of an acoustic dulcimer":
"> but also anything that touches your dulcimer like your hands, picks hitting the fret board, and the sound waves hitting it from nearby instruments
Yeah,..."
@wally-venable
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Amplification of an acoustic dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Amplification of an acoustic dulcimer":
"Ukulele fret boards are essentially the same width as those on dulcimers- about 1 1/2 inches. Guitar pickups are wider, but they say they can be cut. That's..."
@steve-c
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
"I laughed out loud when I read this post from Buttermilk Junction, some of it is AI I think. At least it is being noticed. Though all of us are “of obscure..."
@davisjames
• 2 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on The Indian's Lament.:
Posted a new Comment on The Indian's Lament.:
"I found out that the lyricist (in th 1830's) was a teacher in a residential school in the east for displaced native children from the west-thus,"let me go..."
@davisjames
• 2 days ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on John O'Connor.:
Posted a new Comment on John O'Connor.:
"I'm enjoying listening to this so much.A real "windy" tune.Wind as in winding your watch."
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Amplification of an acoustic dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Amplification of an acoustic dulcimer":
"The problem with a stick-on pickup is that it will not only amplify the strings, but also anything that touches your dulcimer like your hands, picks hitting..."
@pux0r3
• 2 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Dulcimer for Travelling:
Posted a new Comment on Dulcimer for Travelling:
"I've been chatting with Ron Ewing via email given the discussion below, he's mentioned a bunch of the same considerations (size and even using the zither..."
@wally-venable
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Amplification of an acoustic dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Amplification of an acoustic dulcimer":
"Since you have a serious need for a pickup, I would not suggest a stick-on mounted on the face of the dulcimer. Particularly since you say you feel sounds..."
@dulcidom
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Mountain Dulcimer Picture in Mathematics Magazine":
Posted a response to "Mountain Dulcimer Picture in Mathematics Magazine":
"To put it simply and summarize my previous post, it seems that the sound in the middle of the string is "warmer" and "mellow" because it is energetically..."
@wally-venable
• 3 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Dulcimer for Travelling:
Posted a new Comment on Dulcimer for Travelling:
""...The answer to, What size is a carry-on suitcase?, depends on whether you're flying domestically or internationally. Standard, domestic, carry-on luggage..."
@dulcidom
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Mountain Dulcimer Picture in Mathematics Magazine":
Posted a response to "Mountain Dulcimer Picture in Mathematics Magazine":
"Thank you for this very interesting discussion.
Excited by the question,I took some measurements on the melody string of one of my dulcimers with an..."
@pux0r3
• 3 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Dulcimer for Travelling:
Posted a new Comment on Dulcimer for Travelling:
"Now that's a fun design I'd like to find a current maker for!"
@ken-longfield
• 3 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Dulcimer for Travelling:
Posted a new Comment on Dulcimer for Travelling:
"Unfortunately Dave Lynch died a few years ago. He made a very unique travel dulcimer. Here is a link which shows you what it looks like...."
@nate
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Mountain Dulcimer Picture in Mathematics Magazine":
Posted a response to "Mountain Dulcimer Picture in Mathematics Magazine":
"Really well said John. I commend and thank you for contributing to the scientific understanding of string physics. The words may be subjective, but this..."
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...
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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!
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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,...
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Here's a group for those of us who are interested in...
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A group to discuss creating arrangements of songs and...
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Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
Baritone & Bass Dulcimer...
A Group for discussing the unique aspects of playing...
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...
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For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
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...
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Do you teach dulcimer? Are you helping others to learn?
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Looking at some of the ancestors of the Mountain...
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Regardless of what name you favor, this group is a...
UK and European Mountain...
A group which hopefully allows players/makers in this...
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For players who enjoy playing dulcimers with ALL the frets!
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A group for those who play, make, or admire all types...
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Just a group to discuss all things Galax Dulcimer. Tips...
Call the Tune
"Call the Tune" is a place to post audio and video...
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For discussing music that was played around the time of...
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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...
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A meeting place for players dealing with disabilities.
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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...
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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...
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A group for any players from Kentucky where we can meet...
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A group just for dulcimer players in beautiful West...
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Florida Dulcimer Players
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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...
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for all the Show Me State dulcimer players
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Welcome all dulcimer players in the state of Indiana!...
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for any MD players in Upper Canada (aka Ontario) and the...
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For those who live in Arkansas and love playing the...
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For dulcimer players in Australia.-Be sure to create...
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Latest Videos
All
Latest Forum Posts All
International Appalachian...
Posted: Sunday April 6 2025, 5:21 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Amplification of an...
Posted: Saturday April 5 2025, 12:42 PM
By: @Nate
By: @Nate
Mountain Dulcimer Picture...
Posted: Friday April 4 2025, 10:46 AM
By: @dulcidom
By: @dulcidom
Anyone Recognize This Builder
Posted: Wednesday April 2 2025, 10:51 AM
By: @msdeebee
By: @msdeebee
Bonnie Carol Number 6 1973
Posted: Sunday March 30 2025, 12:59 PM
By: @Badger
By: @Badger
Lute Dulcimer
Posted: Sunday March 30 2025, 11:00 AM
By: @Mark Gilston
By: @Mark Gilston
Short scale dulcimer
Posted: Saturday March 29 2025, 2:42 PM
By: @Wally Venable
By: @Wally Venable
North Country Dulcimer
Posted: Saturday March 29 2025, 2:59 AM
By: @Nate
By: @Nate
Bowing a dulcimer
Posted: Friday March 28 2025, 5:57 PM
By: @
By: @
Ray Hunley 2009 #260 Solid...
Posted: Friday March 28 2025, 10:08 AM
By: @MargieS
By: @MargieS
A Question about dulcimer...
Posted: Thursday March 27 2025, 9:14 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
4 equidistant...
Posted: Wednesday March 26 2025, 11:14 AM
By: @
By: @
limberjack
Posted: Monday March 24 2025, 10:05 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Silicone Free Furniture...
Posted: Thursday March 20 2025, 11:11 PM
By: @Nate
By: @Nate
RIP to our good fotmd...
Posted: Sunday March 16 2025, 4:18 AM
By: @Jan Potts
By: @Jan Potts
Hearts of the Dulcimer.
Posted: Thursday March 13 2025, 9:52 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
Scale length
Posted: Thursday March 13 2025, 11:34 AM
By: @Dan
By: @Dan
Introduce Yourself!
Posted: Thursday March 13 2025, 3:38 AM
By: @Nate
By: @Nate
Dulcimer for sale in London UK
Posted: Tuesday March 11 2025, 5:46 AM
By: @jonnyd
By: @jonnyd
Hair line crack bottom back...
Posted: Monday March 10 2025, 2:26 PM
By: @John Pettreemusic
By: @John Pettreemusic
Tuning for a 4 Equidistant...
Posted: Monday March 10 2025, 9:27 AM
By: @
By: @
McSpadden v. Folkcraft?
Posted: Sunday March 9 2025, 10:47 PM
By: @
By: @
Reasons NOT To Get a Chromatic
Posted: Sunday March 9 2025, 8:58 PM
By: @
By: @
Mr Moses Scrivner
Posted: Sunday March 9 2025, 12:13 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Chet Hines “dulcimore”
Posted: Sunday March 2 2025, 5:03 PM
By: @cairney
By: @cairney
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
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