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
@davisjames
• 37 minutes ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Emma´s Waltz:
Posted a new Comment on Emma´s Waltz:
"Great combination of strings.Over 100? Whatever,it sounds great."
@strumelia
• 19 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @elizabeth-young:
Posted a new Comment on @elizabeth-young:
"Welcome Elizabeth, i hope you'll enjoy the site. "
@ken-longfield
• 19 hours ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on @dave-casey:
Posted a new Comment on @dave-casey:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Dave. Ask your questions. If we don't know the answer we'll make up something that sounds plausible. Just kidding. We have many..."
@banjostray
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 4
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: Overwintering
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: Overwintering
@phil-myers
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 4
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: Overwintering
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: Overwintering
@robin-thompson
• yesterday
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Overwintering :
Posted a new Comment on Overwintering :
"Hey, @dan , @nate , and @alex-lubet Thanks for listening, friends-- we're glad you like the little tune! We appreciate your kind comments.
Nate, Mark..."
@nate
• yesterday
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Overwintering :
Posted a new Comment on Overwintering :
"Really great Robin. The song feels like an anticipation of winter.I just planted some garlic cloves in a flower bed on my porch.Thanks for sharing,
Nate"
@nate
• yesterday
• comments: 17
Posted a new Comment on MD as string percussion:
Posted a new Comment on MD as string percussion:
"Strumelia:
Ok Nate so the idea is to play a pipe with the other hand? (for example a tabor pipe which can be played with one hand)
Well im not sure, but..."
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on @sue-h:
Posted a new Comment on @sue-h:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Sue H. It's good to have you aboard. I'm glad that you decided to start playing your dulcimer. Play with as many people or groups as you..."
@ken-longfield
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Skin and Bones
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Skin and Bones
@john-w-mckinstry
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Signed @elizabeth-young's Guestbook:
Signed @elizabeth-young's Guestbook:
"Oh Elizabeth how excited I am that you and I can now share folk music and the mountain dulcimer. Welcome,friend!!!"
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @elizabeth-young:
Posted a new Comment on @elizabeth-young:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Elizabeth. It's good to have you aboard. I only John through his video posts here, but I certainly enjoy listening to him sing and play...."
@robin-thompson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on A Skift of Snow:
Posted a new Comment on A Skift of Snow:
"@jim-dickens Thank you for listening and for the nice comment! Still no snow here in
O-H-I-O. "
@jim-dickens
• 2 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on A Skift of Snow:
Posted a new Comment on A Skift of Snow:
"Fantastic! I really enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing "
@jim-dickens
• 2 days ago
• comments: 6
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: A Skift of Snow
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: A Skift of Snow
@richard-streib
• 3 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @sims-hill:
Posted a new Comment on @sims-hill:
"Glad you joined Sims Hill. Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. This is a great place to connect and to learn. We love to answer questions so let us..."
@ken-longfield
• 3 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @sims-hill:
Posted a new Comment on @sims-hill:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Sims Hill. You have joined a delightful community of mountain dulcimer enthusiasts. Have fun exploring this site. Let us know if you have..."
@rob-williams
• 3 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Black Walnut and Butternut (#120):
Posted a new Comment on Black Walnut and Butternut (#120):
"My wife has a TK O'Brien also with a walnut body and butternut soundboard. It's hers but I like the looks and the sound."
@pclars
• 3 days ago
• comments: 17
Posted a new Comment on MD as string percussion:
Posted a new Comment on MD as string percussion:
"Tin whistles and recorders require 2 hands; the 3-hole pipe is played with one hand leaving the other free for percussion, either a head drum or string drum,..."
@randy-adams
• 3 days ago
• comments: 9
Liked a group discussions item created by @jimrex62: Homemade dulcimer from three cigar boxes (except fretboard)
Liked a group discussions item created by @jimrex62: Homemade dulcimer from three cigar boxes (except fretboard)
@robin-thompson
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @dusty: Child ballads playlist on Smithsonian/Folkways
Liked a forum discussions item created by @dusty: Child ballads playlist on Smithsonian/Folkways
@strumelia
• 3 days ago
• comments: 4
Liked a music item created by @richard-streib: I Am a Poor Wayfaring Stranger
Liked a music item created by @richard-streib: I Am a Poor Wayfaring Stranger
@robin-thompson
• 3 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on God, You are lik a Wildflower:
Posted a new Comment on God, You are lik a Wildflower:
"Such a lovely tribute to your beloved Anne, John. "
@ken-longfield
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @dusty: Child ballads playlist on Smithsonian/Folkways
Liked a forum discussions item created by @dusty: Child ballads playlist on Smithsonian/Folkways
@john-w-mckinstry
• 4 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on God, You are lik a Wildflower:
Posted a new Comment on God, You are lik a Wildflower:
"Thank you Stumelia for seeing the beauty of what I said and did."
@robin-thompson
• 4 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on A Skift of Snow:
Posted a new Comment on A Skift of Snow:
"@davisjames Quite a few leaves still on trees here and the hills haven't shown much spectacular Autumn color due to very dry weather conditions over the past..."
@strumelia
• 4 days ago
• comments: 4
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: God, You are lik a Wildflower
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: God, You are lik a Wildflower
@strumelia
• 4 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on God, You are lik a Wildflower:
Posted a new Comment on God, You are lik a Wildflower:
"What a lovely dedication of this sweet hymn to your dear wife Anne.And that painting of yours is one of most beautiful of your paintings i have seen. The..."
@dusty
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Child ballads playlist on Smithsonian/Folkways":
Created a new forum topic "Child ballads playlist on Smithsonian/Folkways":
"A lot of dulcimer players have a natural interest in and fondness for the Child ballads, the narrative songs collected and categorized by Francis James..."
@homer-ross
• 4 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on "LA LAVANDERA" on Dulcimer:
Posted a new Comment on "LA LAVANDERA" on Dulcimer:
"Well played enjoyable tune. I need to learn this tune. Thanks for sharing."
@homer-ross
• 4 days ago
• comments: 4
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: God, You are lik a Wildflower
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: God, You are lik a Wildflower
@nate
• 4 days ago
• comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on Homemade dulcimer from three cigar boxes (except fretboard):
Posted a new Comment on Homemade dulcimer from three cigar boxes (except fretboard):
"jimrex62:
Thanks Nate - looks like you have been building for awhile!
Not that long compared to a lot of more skilled craftsmen on the forum, but I..."
@strumelia
• 4 days ago
• comments: 17
Posted a new Comment on MD as string percussion:
Posted a new Comment on MD as string percussion:
"Ok Nate so the idea is to play a pipe with the other hand? (for example a tabor pipe which can be played with one hand)"
@nate
• 4 days ago
• comments: 4
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: God, You are lik a Wildflower
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: God, You are lik a Wildflower
@nate
• 4 days ago
• comments: 17
Posted a new Comment on MD as string percussion:
Posted a new Comment on MD as string percussion:
"Strumelia:
Kinda sounds like an autoharp.
I am a big fan of the autoharp, but it does require two hands to change chords. I was imagining a..."
@john-w-mckinstry
• 4 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on God, You are lik a Wildflower:
Posted a new Comment on God, You are lik a Wildflower:
"Hi Everyone, Tomorrow, Nov. 1st is All Saints Day. I would like to dedicate this video to the memory of my dear wife of 65 years, Anne, who passed away..."
@ken-longfield
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "equal intonation versus just intonation":
Posted a response to "equal intonation versus just intonation":
"Nate, you're welcome. I like having a visual reference.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@ken-longfield
• 4 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on May vs Mcspadden:
Posted a new Comment on May vs Mcspadden:
"Although I've never owned a McSpadden dulcimer, I've played plenty of them. Lynn tried as much as possible to achieve a consistent sound throughout the whole..."
@nate
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to " the bridge “saddle” ":
Posted a response to " the bridge “saddle” ":
"I change both string gauge and string layout pretty often on my dulcimers, and I prefer floating bridges for how adaptable they are.As Dusty mentioned, when..."
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...
Four-Equidistant Strings
A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
Little Dulcimers
Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
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...
Early & Classical Music
For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
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...
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...
Chromatic Dulcimers
For players who enjoy playing dulcimers with ALL the frets!
UK and European Mountain...
A group which hopefully allows players/makers in this...
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
![Maggie Darling[tearjerker on the teardrop].](https://fotmd.com/uploaded_audio/image/audio_image/1323/large/crop=auto)
Latest Forum Posts All
Child ballads playlist on...
Posted: Friday October 31 2025, 7:26 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
equal intonation versus...
Posted: Friday October 31 2025, 5:30 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
the bridge “saddle”
Posted: Friday October 31 2025, 5:05 PM
By: @Nate
By: @Nate
TK O'Brien Walnut Creek...
Posted: Friday October 31 2025, 10:40 AM
By: @BJ Jordan
By: @BJ Jordan
Listing A Dulcimer For Sale
Posted: Tuesday October 28 2025, 5:57 PM
By: @Old Dawg
By: @Old Dawg
Blue Lion model IIRS; Style...
Posted: Tuesday October 28 2025, 3:51 PM
By: @Jill Geary
By: @Jill Geary
Approximate age/info about...
Posted: Saturday October 25 2025, 10:59 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
How Many Dulcimers Do You...
Posted: Wednesday October 22 2025, 11:03 AM
By: @ryanpryor
By: @ryanpryor
Wedge shaped floating bridge
Posted: Monday October 20 2025, 1:01 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
David Lynch Baritone
Posted: Friday October 17 2025, 4:16 PM
By: @todd metcalf
By: @todd metcalf
A review of my new album
Posted: Thursday October 16 2025, 4:06 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Folkcraft dulcimer,1993,...
Posted: Wednesday October 15 2025, 12:31 AM
By: @todd metcalf
By: @todd metcalf
Extended Range Dulcimer
Posted: Thursday October 9 2025, 9:56 AM
By: @Marko
By: @Marko
A question about intonating...
Posted: Monday October 6 2025, 11:06 AM
By: @Skip
By: @Skip
Anybody familiar with...
Posted: Tuesday September 30 2025, 6:07 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
A track from my new album
Posted: Tuesday September 23 2025, 5:45 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
jubilee
Posted: Saturday September 20 2025, 1:53 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Amy Levy: Songs of Love...
Posted: Friday September 19 2025, 12:07 PM
By: @Alex_Lubet
By: @Alex_Lubet
Wanted: The “next” dulcimer
Posted: Thursday September 18 2025, 9:28 PM
By: @Steve Kenny
By: @Steve Kenny
More or less overtones
Posted: Thursday September 18 2025, 8:55 PM
By: @John Pettreemusic
By: @John Pettreemusic
Stringing a Cripple Creek...
Posted: Thursday September 18 2025, 8:02 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
A review of my new album
Posted: Tuesday September 16 2025, 2:25 PM
By: @Alex_Lubet
By: @Alex_Lubet
Want to buy Warren A. May...
Posted: Monday September 15 2025, 6:23 PM
By: @Jill Geary
By: @Jill Geary
Jean Ritchie and her ballad...
Posted: Monday September 15 2025, 12:47 PM
By: @DavisJames
By: @DavisJames
Hello friends, Does anyone...
Posted: Friday September 12 2025, 1:56 PM
By: @sandbar17
By: @sandbar17
How to tune a 22 vsl...
Posted: Sunday September 7 2025, 7:02 PM
By: @Misty
By: @Misty
Introduce Yourself!
Posted: Sunday September 7 2025, 4:03 PM
By: @Jack M
By: @Jack M
Jewish Music
Posted: Sunday August 31 2025, 10:59 AM
By: @Alex_Lubet
By: @Alex_Lubet
worldwide Play Music on the...
Posted: Sunday August 31 2025, 8:57 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Good dulcimer for busking?
Posted: Thursday August 28 2025, 12:08 PM
By: @DavisJames
By: @DavisJames
Read the Site Rules
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