Group Discussions

Snark tuner fragility: has this ever happened to you?

Hi, I have a clip on red Snark tuner and love it, but I noticed yesterday that one of the little clasps is broken. The clasps hold the head of the...
@Ruth Lawrence started 12 years ago - replies: 20

Does painting a dulcimer alter the sound or tone?

I am going through the many photos of FOTMD members, there are so many very interesting dulcimers shown. There are also some that are painted. I...
@marg started 12 years ago - replies: 13

Playing DAA in DAD

I am tuned to DAD and need to play some DAA songs in a class I am taking. If I can play the middle string (that would be an A) would I strum out...
@marg started 12 years ago - replies: 18

Strap Button or Not

I have seen discussions on lap cloths and straps.My dulcimer; aJohn Naylor '96 - doesn't have a button on it now and like many others, I do not...
@marg started 12 years ago - replies: 10

Mc Spadden or Sweet Woods?

Hello, kind reader(s),I'm considering instruments to get back into playing dulcimer. A few years ago I played an all-walnut Mc Spadden teardrop...
@John Gribble started 12 years ago - replies: 2

Dulcimer Books

I received such a sweet gift today, several dulcimer books. I have now began a small collection of dulcimer books that let me to wonder: What is...
@marg started 12 years ago - replies: 23

How to find: .....

Members from a certain area, how would we find out who they are?I was looking on the Members section and first let me say, it was so nice to see so...
@marg started 12 years ago - replies: 3

Another source of free MD instructions

I found this archived site that has a few nuggets of instruction. It seems like the site is no longer in existence but has been saved by an...
@Frank Ross started 12 years ago - replies: 1

What are strings named after modes? - how do I know which to use?

Hi,I have 2 sets of McSpadden strings, but I'm confused as to which ones to use - one set is called Mixylodian, the other is called Ionian. The...
@Ruth Lawrence started 12 years ago - replies: 5

Dulcimer playing with arthritis

I am developing weakness (arthritis) in my wrist and fingers and am finding it difficult to hold the strings down without lifting ever so slightly...
@Sheri Poel started 13 years ago - replies: 21

Simple Christmas Music

Could anybody suggest some easy to play Christmas Music in the DAA tuning? I have just started playing again after a 3 month break due to sickness...
@Maggie Arnold started 13 years ago - replies: 4

Help With Overwhelming Bass Strings

Hi To AllI have two dulcimers both tuned to DAA, when I play them, the bass stringoverwhelms the sound of the melody strings. Is this normal? The...
@Ronald R Eaches started 13 years ago - replies: 5

Strum Direction Consistency

I really need to ask this, but am not sure if it's relevant to all styles of playing or just noter/drone. I'm currently stopping lessons as of...
@Lois Sprengnether Keel started 13 years ago - replies: 15

Books for a newbe

Hi Everyone!I know this has probably been ask before, but, here it goes. I have never played a dulcimer before, so Im looking for a book that...
@Ronald R Eaches started 13 years ago - replies: 8

By choppiness in strumming by a newbie does one mean--

I have been playing about 7 weeks now and thought I had some tunes sounding tolerable until I recorded them for self study. I recorded several...
@Frank Ross started 13 years ago - replies: 13

what flavor of the chord do you choose??

I have just started looking at playing chords, having just about learned where all the frets are. My question - looking at the chord charts it...
@Frank Ross started 13 years ago - replies: 12

Can you tell me a few good brands/luthiers for beginner dulcimers.

Hi All, I'm hoping to get involved with some volunteer work and teaching mountain dulcimer classes. Any suggestions of some good beginner dulcimers?
@Frances Light Molinengo started 13 years ago - replies: 4

Understanding Fingerpicking

I notice there is a fingerpicking forum here.I am a beginner so I wanted to check my understanding. Does fingerpicking refer to what the right hand...
@Garland Coulson started 13 years ago - replies: 7

fingers not working like they should - sometimes

I am having two problems learning the dulcimer. I am teaching myself from your wonderful collection of videos, Utube and a book. 1. Just upgraded...
@Frank Ross started 13 years ago - replies: 3

Student Dulcimer

For those considering purchasing a "student dulcimer" you might consider a cardboard dulcimer from backyardmusic.com. I have purchased six student...
@Terry Wilson started 13 years ago - replies: 3