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
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "For our new members - The Chat":
Created a new forum topic "For our new members - The Chat":
"Well, this is really for everyone. There is a Chat feature on FOTMD and I'm not sure many people know about it. At one time we had a rather active group or..."
@richard-streib
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @worthywords:
Posted a new Comment on @worthywords:
"It's great to have you on board Worthywords. The culture and history, especially family history around the dulcimer is always exciting. There is a lot of..."
@homer-ross
• 9 hours ago
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @jack-ferguson: Amazing Grace on 8-string Standard-Bass Scheitholt
Liked a youtube item created by @jack-ferguson: Amazing Grace on 8-string Standard-Bass Scheitholt
@ken-longfield
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @worthywords:
Posted a new Comment on @worthywords:
"Thanks for your reply. Best wishes as you continue to explore your family tree. The sources you mention, newspapers and census data, have provided some..."
@worthywords
• 15 hours ago
• comments: 509
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
Posted a new Comment on @ken-longfield:
"Thanks, Ken - glad to be here.
We are just strictly speculating on our ancestors and dulcimers, but hope to find direct evidence and will share if/when we..."
@ken-longfield
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @worthywords:
Posted a new Comment on @worthywords:
"Welcome to FOTMD Worthywords. It's good to have you aboard. I'm curious to know whether you have genealogical evidence that your ancestors had experience..."
@ken-longfield
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @mountainmender: My happiness with Heinrich Dulcimers
Liked a forum discussions item created by @mountainmender: My happiness with Heinrich Dulcimers
@robin-thompson
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @mountainmender: My happiness with Heinrich Dulcimers
Liked a forum discussions item created by @mountainmender: My happiness with Heinrich Dulcimers
@mountainmender
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "My happiness with Heinrich Dulcimers":
Created a new forum topic "My happiness with Heinrich Dulcimers":
"I have, currently - in - my - lap, a Heinrich dulcimer numbered 144. This is his very first baritone, and she told me her name is Aster. I am currently..."
@paderau
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Which melody string to remove to make 3 equidistant?":
Posted a response to "Which melody string to remove to make 3 equidistant?":
"Thank you both!"
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Hello, Hi again!":
Posted a response to "Hello, Hi again!":
"Welcome back!
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Which melody string to remove to make 3 equidistant?":
Posted a response to "Which melody string to remove to make 3 equidistant?":
"What Dusty said. That' what I do.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@dusty
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Which melody string to remove to make 3 equidistant?":
Posted a response to "Which melody string to remove to make 3 equidistant?":
"Unless you are going to play with a noter, definitely remove the outer string so that the remaining three would be equidistant. That extra space on the..."
@paderau
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Which melody string to remove to make 3 equidistant?":
Created a new forum topic "Which melody string to remove to make 3 equidistant?":
"So, I'm back, as I forewarned you all. I got my walnut TK O'Brien yesterday and really like it... definitely sounds different from my traditional 1985 David..."
@susie
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Hello, Hi again!":
Posted a response to "Hello, Hi again!":
"Welcome back, with encouragement to get back to the dulcimer. "
@strumelia
• 3 days ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on The Shepherd's Wife:
Posted a new Comment on The Shepherd's Wife:
"Sometimes when my husband sneezes really hard in the living room, you can hear the strings of the banjos on the wall resonate. Also, once I was in my office..."
@notsothoreau
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Hello, Hi again!":
Created a new forum topic "Hello, Hi again!":
"Haven't posted much since 2018 when I was first here. I did move, but to Kansas, not Tennessee. I haven't been playing at all but since I did finally retire,..."
@davisjames
• 4 days ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on The Shepherd's Wife:
Posted a new Comment on The Shepherd's Wife:
"I'm glad that you mentioned the hammered dulcimer in the room...I swear,there is something going on there.The bowed psaltery,yes of course the open strings..."
@davisjames
• 4 days ago
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: The Leather-Winged Bat
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: The Leather-Winged Bat
@davisjames
• 4 days ago
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @jack-ferguson: Amazing Grace on 8-string Standard-Bass Scheitholt
Liked a youtube item created by @jack-ferguson: Amazing Grace on 8-string Standard-Bass Scheitholt
@robin-thompson
• 4 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on @paderau:
Posted a new Comment on @paderau:
"Welcome! Your Gary Mahoney instrument is beautiful, very elegant-looking. I hope you enjoy all your musical journeys! "
@ken-longfield
• 4 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on @paderau:
Posted a new Comment on @paderau:
"Danny, I've never hear of Gary Mahoney but the dulcimer you have of his surely looks nice. May your dulcimers continue to bring you joy.
Ken
"The dulcimer..."
@paderau
• 4 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on @paderau:
Posted a new Comment on @paderau:
"Hello from Winfield! Thank you all for the warm welcome! It appears I've fallen for the MD. I'm 50, and after having been a nurse for 25 years, and catching..."
@nate
• 4 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Amazing Grace on 8-string Standard-Bass Scheitholt:
Posted a new Comment on Amazing Grace on 8-string Standard-Bass Scheitholt:
"This is awesome. The tone is so full."
@nate
• 4 days ago
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @jack-ferguson: Amazing Grace on 8-string Standard-Bass Scheitholt
Liked a youtube item created by @jack-ferguson: Amazing Grace on 8-string Standard-Bass Scheitholt
@richard-streib
• 4 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on @paderau:
Posted a new Comment on @paderau:
"Glad you joined, Paderau. Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. This is a wonderful community of folks who love the mountain dulcimer. Please ask if..."
@richard-streib
• 4 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @darksoulblueeye:
Posted a new Comment on @darksoulblueeye:
"Glad you joined DarkSoulBlueEye. Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. You have come to the right place to learn most anything about the mountain..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 4 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @darksoulblueeye:
Posted a new Comment on @darksoulblueeye:
"Hi Dark Soul, 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..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 4 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on @paderau:
Posted a new Comment on @paderau:
"Hi Padreau, 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..."
@alex-lubet
• 5 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Waves by Iris Shiraishi:
Posted a new Comment on Waves by Iris Shiraishi:
"Thanks, Robin, more to come."
@molly-mccurdy
• 5 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Price estimate on old dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Price estimate on old dulcimer":
"Thank you, gentlemen. I appreciate your input."
@nate
• 5 days ago
• comments: 2
Liked a group discussions item created by @strumelia: Waves by Iris Shiraishi
Liked a group discussions item created by @strumelia: Waves by Iris Shiraishi
@dusty
• 5 days ago
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: The Leather-Winged Bat
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: The Leather-Winged Bat
@cindy-stammich
• 5 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Deep Blue Sea:
Posted a new Comment on Deep Blue Sea:
"Sad but beautiful!"
@cindy-stammich
• 5 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Cascade:
Posted a new Comment on Cascade:
"Beautiful music and really neat photos!"
@cindy-stammich
• 5 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Amazing Grace on 8-string Standard-Bass Scheitholt:
Posted a new Comment on Amazing Grace on 8-string Standard-Bass Scheitholt:
"One of my all-time favorite hymns and it sounds wonderful on this instrument! Simply beautiful!"
@cindy-stammich
• 5 days ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on The Leather-Winged Bat:
Posted a new Comment on The Leather-Winged Bat:
"John what a fun song with plenty of fun illustrations! This is another song that I had not heard of, and it is so much fun hearing these old - new to me..."
@john-c-knopf
• 5 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Price estimate on old dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Price estimate on old dulcimer":
"Those prices seem fair. McSpadden does excellent quality work, and their dulcimers hold their value pretty well. I've owned a couple of all-walnut..."
@jack-ferguson
• 5 days ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Appflutes Dulcimers:
Posted a new Comment on Appflutes Dulcimers:
"Cherry top, walnut body, rosewood over walnut freboard and tuning head. Onboard electric with active Belcat UK-2000 preamp and piezo under bridge mic."
@ken-longfield
• 5 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Price estimate on old dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Price estimate on old dulcimer":
"Molly, I agree with Richard although if you put it on an auction site it could go for more. It could go for less, too.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@phil-myers
• 5 days ago
• comments: 13
Posted a new Comment on Be Thou My Vision:
Posted a new Comment on Be Thou My Vision:
"Thanks Homer and Dulcifiddler!"
@richard-streib
• 5 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Price estimate on old dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Price estimate on old dulcimer":
"Not seeing it and based on your description I would think in the neighborhood of $300 to $350. Over the years I have purchased two different McSpadens which..."
@molly-mccurdy
• 5 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Price estimate on old dulcimer":
Created a new forum topic "Price estimate on old dulcimer":
"Hi, my friends.
I’m trying to answer a question for which I don’t know the answer. How can I find out how much a McSpadden solid walnut hourglass dulcimer is..."
@robin-thompson
• 5 days ago
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @jack-ferguson: Amazing Grace on 8-string Standard-Bass Scheitholt
Liked a youtube item created by @jack-ferguson: Amazing Grace on 8-string Standard-Bass Scheitholt
@dan
• 5 days ago
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @jack-ferguson: Amazing Grace on 8-string Standard-Bass Scheitholt
Liked a youtube item created by @jack-ferguson: Amazing Grace on 8-string Standard-Bass Scheitholt
@jack-ferguson
• 5 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted new YouTube video(s):
Amazing Grace on 8-string Standard-Bass Scheitholt
Amazing Grace on 8-string Standard-Bass Scheitholt
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...
Little Dulcimers
Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
Four-Equidistant Strings
A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
Baritone & Bass Dulcimer...
A Group for discussing the unique aspects of playing...
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...
Early & Classical Music
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...
Dulcimer Ancestors
Looking at some of the ancestors of the Mountain...
Dulcimer teachers
Do you teach dulcimer? Are you helping others to learn?
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
For our new members - The Chat
Posted: Monday June 23 2025, 10:35 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
My happiness with Heinrich...
Posted: Sunday June 22 2025, 6:40 PM
By: @Mountainmender
By: @Mountainmender
Which melody string to...
Posted: Sunday June 22 2025, 5:58 PM
By: @Paderau
By: @Paderau
Hello, Hi again!
Posted: Sunday June 22 2025, 4:36 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Price estimate on old dulcimer
Posted: Thursday June 19 2025, 1:03 AM
By: @Molly McCurdy
By: @Molly McCurdy
New to the group, several...
Posted: Wednesday June 18 2025, 11:51 AM
By: @Alex_Lubet
By: @Alex_Lubet
Are string breaks dangerous?
Posted: Monday June 16 2025, 10:12 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Tuning my new Dulcimer
Posted: Saturday June 14 2025, 10:11 PM
By: @calvin
By: @calvin
Replacing wood tuners
Posted: Saturday June 14 2025, 7:04 AM
By: @Richard Streib
By: @Richard Streib
Brass instruments
Posted: Thursday June 12 2025, 6:00 PM
By: @ryan-carey
By: @ryan-carey
Introduce Yourself!
Posted: Thursday June 12 2025, 7:04 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
What to Look For When...
Posted: Friday June 6 2025, 4:31 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
larry Barringer
Posted: Thursday June 5 2025, 12:52 PM
By: @calvin
By: @calvin
WANTED: Blue Lion teardrop
Posted: Monday June 2 2025, 6:54 PM
By: @Jill Geary
By: @Jill Geary
Bar Cords
Posted: Sunday June 1 2025, 4:00 AM
By: @Lilley Pad
By: @Lilley Pad
Mountain Dulcimer on The...
Posted: Saturday May 24 2025, 12:38 PM
By: @Jim Yates
By: @Jim Yates
Just String info.
Posted: Thursday May 15 2025, 5:36 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
storing an instrument
Posted: Thursday May 15 2025, 11:51 AM
By: @Wally Venable
By: @Wally Venable
Jim Good dulcimer
Posted: Wednesday May 14 2025, 6:38 PM
By: @wanative07
By: @wanative07
Things to consider with...
Posted: Monday May 12 2025, 7:29 PM
By: @Richard Streib
By: @Richard Streib
Gary Gallier Dulcimer
Posted: Friday May 9 2025, 10:38 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
American old time music.
Posted: Thursday May 8 2025, 8:16 AM
By: @DavisJames
By: @DavisJames
Only 10 to go till 200 members
Posted: Wednesday May 7 2025, 11:37 PM
By: @John Pettreemusic
By: @John Pettreemusic
Mystery dulcimer from 1970
Posted: Wednesday May 7 2025, 10:43 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
tuning pegs
Posted: Tuesday May 6 2025, 9:46 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Any information about this...
Posted: Wednesday April 30 2025, 11:41 AM
By: @Richard Streib
By: @Richard Streib
The Positive Thread...
Posted: Monday April 28 2025, 11:22 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
McCafferty Desert Motif...
Posted: Sunday April 27 2025, 10:52 PM
By: @fromsfca
By: @fromsfca
WTB: glass noter
Posted: Sunday April 27 2025, 4:42 PM
By: @John Pettreemusic
By: @John Pettreemusic
six string Dulcimer
Posted: Friday April 25 2025, 2:34 PM
By: @Lilley Pad
By: @Lilley Pad
Read the Site Rules
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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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