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

Cindy Stammich
@cindy-stammich • an hour ago • comments: 12
Posted a new Comment on Nesting Season:
"You two have outdone yourselves again 😊❤️🎶. This is sooooo pretty!  "
Cindy Stammich
@cindy-stammich • an hour ago • comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on Downtown Eastside Blues.:
"So …..soothing, calming….. I could put this on a loop and just let it play!  Beautifully done!"
Cindy Stammich
@cindy-stammich • an hour ago • comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on Be Thou My Vision:
"Oh my!  This is one of my all-time favorite hymns, and this instrument takes it to a whole new level!  Thank you!"
Cindy Stammich
@cindy-stammich • an hour ago • comments: 11
Posted a new Comment on Restoration Of Vintage Arthur Dixon Mountain Dulcimer:
"Wow you sure made that look nice and shiny and new!  It is beautiful!  And sure sounds nice too!  You have to be happy with it!  Thank you for sharing the..."
Cindy Stammich
@cindy-stammich • an hour ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Lonesome Valley:
"This is beautiful and heartfelt!  Thank you for introducing me to another old hymn I was not familiar with!  I so appreciate all of the wonderful songs that..."
Cindy Stammich
@cindy-stammich • an hour ago • comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on Grimstock Dulcimerspielkreis Ludwigsburg:
"This is sooooo pretty!  I love to hear a group of dulcimers, and your group sounds wonderful!  Thank you for sharing..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • an hour ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Music Room:
"Always nice to have a place to put everything. You have a delightful collection of instruments. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
Strumelia
@strumelia • 3 hours ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Music Room:
"Looks like a wonderful collection, Phil! Tell me about the little (scheitholt?) and also about the dulcimer in the corner next to the guitars."
Strumelia
@strumelia • 3 hours ago • comments: 2
Liked a photos item created by @phil-myers: img 2486
DavisJames
@davisjames • 3 hours ago • comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on Downtown Eastside Blues.:
"I find the dulcimer wonderful because of the comfort level the drone strings provide when playing a melody....nevertheless I have found that the scheitholt..."
Richard Streib
@richard-streib • 3 hours ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @wanative07:
"Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer Wanative07. So glad you joined. Thanks for posting your discussion about your Jim Good dulcimer. If you have..."
DavisJames
@davisjames • 4 hours ago • comments: 9
Liked a youtube item created by @phil-myers: Be Thou My Vision
DavisJames
@davisjames • 4 hours ago • comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on Be Thou My Vision:
"It sounds wonderful.I did notice that the body is deeper and wider than my scheitholt.I'm going a different direction at the moment.I would like to play an..."
John Pettreemusic
@john-petry • 22 hours ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Jim Good dulcimer":
"er wait...I guess one of the images worked....go figure"
John Pettreemusic
@john-petry • 22 hours ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Jim Good dulcimer":
"Don't bother with the attachments...They didn't turn out... I did a quick look through E-bay and Reverb sites & completed sales..Selling on the high end..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • yesterday • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Jim Good dulcimer":
"I sent a link to a Facebook post about Jim Good. As you can see he made five string dulcimers; two melody strings, a middle string, and bass strings. He was..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • yesterday • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @wanative07:
"Maybe this link will help you to know something about Jim Good. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
wanative07
@wanative07 • yesterday • comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Jim Good dulcimer":
"Hello everybody! I am posting here to see if anyone has any information about Jim Good dulcimers. I recently inherited this one and it is dated from 1981...."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • yesterday • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @wanative07:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Wanative07. Go ahead and ask about your Jim Good dulcimer. We will try and answer the questions you have. Jim made good instruments. Ken..."
Mountainmender
@mountainmender • yesterday • comments: 343
Posted a new Comment on @richard-streib:
"Hello! I am just cruising around trying to be alright :)"
Mountainmender
@mountainmender • yesterday • comments: 507
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
"Hi! Thank you. Just poking around to start."
Frank Dudgeon
@frank-dudgeon • yesterday • comments: 2
Liked a photos item created by @phil-myers: img 2486
Richard Streib
@richard-streib • yesterday • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Things to consider with International shipping (2025)":
"Thanks. So good to know."
Strumelia
@strumelia • yesterday • comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Things to consider with International shipping (2025)":
"Here are some issues to consider when shipping items internationally. Personally, I can vouch for the fact that years ago I received a surprise bill from US..."
Phil Myers
@phil-myers • yesterday • comments: 2
Music Room
IMG_2486
Homer Ross
@homer-ross • yesterday • comments: 9
Liked a youtube item created by @phil-myers: Be Thou My Vision
Phil Myers
@phil-myers • yesterday • comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on Be Thou My Vision:
"Thanks Davisjames! Jack calls it a bass scheitholt. The 4 drone strings are wound bass strings tuned DDAD but an octave lower than the standard scheitholt.  "
DavisJames
@davisjames • yesterday • comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on Be Thou My Vision:
"That's lovely!Would you call that a baritone scheitholt?Or are the strings just tuned low?Sounds very different from my Jack Ferguson scheitholt."
DavisJames
@davisjames • yesterday • comments: 7
Liked a youtube item created by @martin-oesterle: Grimstock Dulcimerspielkreis Ludwigsburg
Nate
@nate • yesterday • comments: 6
Liked a group discussions item created by @strumelia: Electrified dulcimer with a live edge
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 2 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @thom:
"Welcome to FOTMD Thom. It's good to have you aboard. I look forward to your participation in these discussions. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 2 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @darylcrisp:
"Welcome to FOTMD Daryl. It's good to have you aboard. I look forward to your participation here. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • 2 days ago • comments: 6
Liked a group discussions item created by @strumelia: Electrified dulcimer with a live edge
Randy Adams
@randy-adams • 2 days ago • comments: 6
Liked a group discussions item created by @strumelia: Electrified dulcimer with a live edge
Valizzo
@valizzo • 2 days ago • comments: 507
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
"Thank you Ken! I have been taking it slow, but I am learning.  I know I can't expect much in the beginning, but with patience and persistence, I should..."
Valizzo
@valizzo • 2 days ago • comments: 343
Posted a new Comment on @richard-streib:
"Thank you Richard.  I am learning a little at a time.  I read something or watch a video several times, and it makes more sense each time I read or watch.  I..."
Valizzo
@valizzo • 2 days ago • comments: 585
Posted a new Comment on @benjamin-w-barr-jr:
"Thank you for the welcome Ben!  I am looking forward to learning more about my dulcimer."
Terry Jaye
@terry-jaye • 2 days ago • comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Electrified dulcimer with a live edge:
"I now have three finger boards that swap out easily. I cut a traditional finger boards with/without the 1.5 and others that have been added with newer..."
Martin Oesterle
@martin-oesterle • 2 days ago • comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on Grimstock Dulcimerspielkreis Ludwigsburg:
"@John @Salt-Springs @TeriThank you very much for your encouraging comments. It's so good to get positive feedback.Best wishes from Germany to America."
Frank Dudgeon
@frank-dudgeon • 2 days ago • comments: 7
Liked a youtube item created by @martin-oesterle: Grimstock Dulcimerspielkreis Ludwigsburg
Ben Barr Jr
@benjamin-w-barr-jr • 2 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @mountainmender:
"Hi Mountain, 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..."
Ben Barr Jr
@benjamin-w-barr-jr • 2 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @winstond:
"Hi Winston, 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..."
Ben Barr Jr
@benjamin-w-barr-jr • 2 days ago • comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on @roger-butler:
"Hi Roger, 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,..."
Ben Barr Jr
@benjamin-w-barr-jr • 2 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @valizzo:
"Hi Valizzo, 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..."
Ben Barr Jr
@benjamin-w-barr-jr • 2 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @connie-montgomery:
"Hi Connie, 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,..."
Ben Barr Jr
@benjamin-w-barr-jr • 2 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @dulcimered1:
"Hi Dulcimered, 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..."
Ben Barr Jr
@benjamin-w-barr-jr • 2 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @darylcrisp:
"Hi Daryl, 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,..."
Ben Barr Jr
@benjamin-w-barr-jr • 2 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @thom:
"Hi Thom, 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,..."
Phil Myers
@phil-myers • 2 days ago • comments: 7
Liked a youtube item created by @martin-oesterle: Grimstock Dulcimerspielkreis Ludwigsburg
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • 2 days ago • comments: 7
Liked a youtube item created by @martin-oesterle: Grimstock Dulcimerspielkreis Ludwigsburg

Join a Group!   All

Beginner players

Beginner players


Are you a brand new player? Join this group and ask all...
OLD STYLE Drone & Noter players

OLD STYLE Drone & Noter...


If you are an avid fan of the older traditional mountain...
Dulcimer Making

Dulcimer Making


A group for those building dulcimers or interested in...
Modern/Chord style Players

Modern/Chord style Players


Do you play chords and fret across all strings? Then...
Fingerpicking

Fingerpicking


A place to discuss fingerpicking styles of dulcimer...
Hymn and Worship Song Players

Hymn and Worship Song Players


a place to share the hymns and worship songs we are playing.
The Music Theory Corner

The Music Theory Corner


A Group to talk about Music Theory!
Dulcimer Care & Maintenance

Dulcimer Care & Maintenance


Tips, tricks and techniques to help care for your dulcimer.
Rockin' in the Free World

Rockin' in the Free World


A group for those of you who like to play music not...
Mountain Dulcimer History & Traditions

Mountain Dulcimer History &...


Share historical information and resources on the...
Technology/Software/Amplifying

Technology/Software/Amplifying


to share info on all aspects of using tech: Amplifying,...
Singing with the Dulcimer

Singing with the Dulcimer


Here's a group for those of us who are interested in...
Arranging/composing for Dulcimers

Arranging/composing for...


A group to discuss creating arrangements of songs and...
Little Dulcimers

Little Dulcimers


Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
Baritone & Bass Dulcimer Players

Baritone & Bass Dulcimer...


A Group for discussing the unique aspects of playing...
Four-Equidistant Strings

Four-Equidistant Strings


A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
fans of Jean Ritchie

fans of Jean Ritchie


A group for those of us who have been inspired by...
Help Me Learn this Song

Help Me Learn this Song


Need help learning to play a particular song? Let another...
Early & Classical Music

Early & Classical Music


For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
I have extra frets.....

I have extra frets.....


This group is for those who have a 1 1/2 fret, an 8 1/2...
Public Domain... or Not?

Public Domain... or Not?


Ever wanted to record or post that tune, but you just...
Dulcimer Therapy

Dulcimer Therapy


This group is dedicated to those that visit, or have a...
Home Studio Recording

Home Studio Recording


Recording dulcimers, vocals and other instruments in the...
Dulcimer Ancestors

Dulcimer Ancestors


Looking at some of the ancestors of the Mountain...
Dulcimer teachers

Dulcimer teachers


Do you teach dulcimer? Are you helping others to learn?
Stick Dulcimers/Strumsticks

Stick Dulcimers/Strumsticks


Regardless of what name you favor, this group is a...
UK and European Mountain Dulcimers

UK and European Mountain...


A group which hopefully allows players/makers in this...
Chromatic Dulcimers

Chromatic Dulcimers


For players who enjoy playing dulcimers with ALL the frets!
Box Dulcimers

Box Dulcimers


A group for those who play, make, or admire all types...
Galax Dulcimer Lovers

Galax Dulcimer Lovers


Just a group to discuss all things Galax Dulcimer. Tips...
Call the Tune

Call the Tune


"Call the Tune" is a place to post audio and video...
Civil War era music

Civil War era music


For discussing music that was played around the time of...
GIG TALK!

GIG TALK!


Do you play gigs? Tell us about your good and not-so-good...
Scrap/Recycled wood Dulcimer Challenge

Scrap/Recycled wood...


A group for those thrifty and creative folk who like to...
Rosin the Bow!

Rosin the Bow!


Welcome to all who play music using a bow on any type of...
Challenged Players

Challenged Players


A meeting place for players dealing with disabilities.
NorthEastern U.S. dulcimer players

NorthEastern U.S. dulcimer...


For those of us who live in the northeastern United States.
Virginia Dulcimer Players

Virginia Dulcimer Players


Just thought it would be neet to know how many other...
Prayers, Hugs, and Kindness

Prayers, Hugs, and Kindness


A group for private sharing and support, whether you are...
California Dulcimer Dreamin'

California Dulcimer Dreamin'


For dulcimer players living in or just visiting California
6 string dulcimers

6 string dulcimers


Owning and playing a 6 string, regardless of tuning, and...
North Carolinians Plus

North Carolinians Plus


The Three Sides of North Carolina: Mountains / Piedmont /...
Texas Dulcimer Enthusiasts

Texas Dulcimer Enthusiasts


Howdy ya'll! Come on by for a cup o' joe and jammin....
Kentucky Dulcimer Players

Kentucky Dulcimer Players


A group for any players from Kentucky where we can meet...
West Virginia players

West Virginia players


A group just for dulcimer players in beautiful West...
Florida Sunshine Dulcimer Group

Florida Sunshine Dulcimer...


Florida Dulcimer Players
Pacific Northwest Players

Pacific Northwest Players


For players who live in or have strong connections to the...
FOTMD on the Road

FOTMD on the Road


Are your traveling, on vacation, on your way to a...
Missouri Dulcimer Players

Missouri Dulcimer Players


for all the Show Me State dulcimer players
Indiana Players

Indiana Players


Welcome all dulcimer players in the state of Indiana!...
North of the Lakes

North of the Lakes


for any MD players in Upper Canada (aka Ontario) and the...
Arkansas Mtn Dulcimer Players

Arkansas Mtn Dulcimer Players


For those who live in Arkansas and love playing the...
AussieTalk!

AussieTalk!


For dulcimer players in Australia.-Be sure to create...
Site Moderators Group

Site Moderators Group


A private group to allow FOTMD moderators to communicate...

Latest Audio

  All
Nesting Season
After the Flood
John O'Connor.
Youghal Harbour
The Princess Royal.
Cuncti Simus Concanentes
Danville Girl.
Eventide
Stout Staves, Sure Feet
Alaw Elin (Elin's song)
Fairytale/ Forever love
The Shortest Day
The 4 poster bed.
Champagne Waltz.
Emma´s Waltz
Lost in the Woods
Mediaeval Noodle with Metronome
Jet's Piece
Departure
Minor Waltz
Pavane 2 experiment.
Deer at Dusk, a work-in-progress
Gorhoffedd Owain Cyfeiliog (Owain Cyfeiliog's Delight)
Malltraeth
Y Lili (The Lilly)
Belle Isle March
Drunken Captain.
Traveling Mercies - a work-in-progress, for PMOTPD
Our Foundling, a work-in-progress
Valse Clog de Peribonka.

Coming Events   All

Berkeley Dulcimer Gathering

Berkeley Dulcimer Gathering


Sat May 31 2025

Latest gallery Photos   All

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chromatic-diatonic frets.jpg
McSpadden chromatic small.jpg
McSpadden and LotR maps small.jpg
JJF2024poster.jpg
JJF2023Poster.jpeg
Adrian&CarlaNickPic_4741.jpeg
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Latest Forum Posts   All

Jim Good dulcimer

Posted: Tuesday May 13 2025, 12:57 AM
By: @John Pettreemusic

Things to consider with...

Posted: Monday May 12 2025, 7:29 PM
By: @Richard Streib

Gary Gallier Dulcimer

Posted: Friday May 9 2025, 10:38 AM
By: @Robin Thompson

American old time music.

Posted: Thursday May 8 2025, 8:16 AM
By: @DavisJames

Only 10 to go till 200 members

Posted: Wednesday May 7 2025, 11:37 PM
By: @John Pettreemusic

Mystery dulcimer from 1970

Posted: Wednesday May 7 2025, 10:43 AM
By: @Ken Longfield

tuning pegs

Posted: Tuesday May 6 2025, 9:46 AM
By: @Ken Longfield

Any information about this...

Posted: Wednesday April 30 2025, 11:41 AM
By: @Richard Streib

Introduce Yourself!

Posted: Wednesday April 30 2025, 8:10 AM
By: @Terry Jaye

The Positive Thread...

Posted: Monday April 28 2025, 11:22 AM
By: @Robin Thompson

McCafferty Desert Motif...

Posted: Sunday April 27 2025, 10:52 PM
By: @fromsfca

WTB: glass noter

Posted: Sunday April 27 2025, 4:42 PM
By: @John Pettreemusic

six string Dulcimer

Posted: Friday April 25 2025, 2:34 PM
By: @Lilley Pad

Amplification of an...

Posted: Thursday April 24 2025, 1:28 AM
By: @Pux0r3

Help with restoring a 1962...

Posted: Tuesday April 22 2025, 10:29 PM
By: @Robert Owens

New Harmony saddle?

Posted: Saturday April 19 2025, 4:31 PM
By: @Debi

John Stockard Dulcimer

Posted: Saturday April 19 2025, 8:04 AM
By: @Old Dawg

recommendations for...

Posted: Friday April 18 2025, 12:12 PM
By: @John Pettreemusic

Good dulcimer for busking?

Posted: Friday April 18 2025, 3:12 AM
By: @Nate

Chet Hines “dulcimore”

Posted: Friday April 18 2025, 2:48 AM
By: @John Pettreemusic

Mountain Dulcimer on The...

Posted: Thursday April 17 2025, 1:49 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle

2 dulcimer dilemma

Posted: Tuesday April 15 2025, 9:33 PM
By: @John Pettreemusic

Don Neuhauser

Posted: Monday April 14 2025, 6:18 AM
By: @Lilley Pad

International Appalachian...

Posted: Sunday April 13 2025, 9:33 AM
By: @Strumelia

Mountain Dulcimer Picture...

Posted: Sunday April 13 2025, 6:09 AM
By: @dulcidom

Tinny sounding strings

Posted: Friday April 11 2025, 10:02 AM
By: @Wally Venable

Gold Tone Dulciborn -...

Posted: Thursday April 10 2025, 5:35 PM
By: @

Anyone Recognize This Builder

Posted: Wednesday April 2 2025, 10:51 AM
By: @msdeebee

Bonnie Carol Number 6 1973

Posted: Sunday March 30 2025, 12:59 PM
By: @Badger

Lute Dulcimer

Posted: Sunday March 30 2025, 11:00 AM
By: @Mark Gilston

Read the Site Rules

Our Welcome Wagon!

3 CHEERS to our Volunteer Greeters ...for making new members feel right at home :

Jim Fawcett greeterjim.jpg Benjamin Barr greeterben.jpg
  Richard Streib RStreibwithdulcimer_2017_200px.jpg Ken Longfield greeterken.jpg
 

Single Instructor Events / Classifieds

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