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
@jost
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Question about the 6 1/2 fret":
Posted a response to "Question about the 6 1/2 fret":
"Great story of Richard Fariñas 6+ fret. I don't know anything about pre-revival dulcimers with extra frets. Some of it's European precedessors might have..."
@davisjames
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Cicada symphony.":
Created a new forum topic "Cicada symphony.":
"Apparently the U.S. is getting a a huge infestation of Cicadas this year,Canada less so.They drone like crazy.Once in a lifetime opportunity,play with the..."
@davisjames
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @ethan-chastain: Oh! Susanna - Banjammer/Mtn. Dulcimer
Liked a youtube item created by @ethan-chastain: Oh! Susanna - Banjammer/Mtn. Dulcimer
@strumelia
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Rare Kurt Simerman chromatic dulcimer for sale (SOLD)":
Posted a response to "Rare Kurt Simerman chromatic dulcimer for sale (SOLD)":
"Cliff, thank you for making a donation to FOTMD."
@davisjames
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 5
Liked a youtube item created by @nate: Banjo Resonator Experimental Dulcimer
Liked a youtube item created by @nate: Banjo Resonator Experimental Dulcimer
@davisjames
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Sympathetic Drones from Excess String Length Part 2:
Posted a new Comment on Sympathetic Drones from Excess String Length Part 2:
"That is SO interesting,Nate.I think hammered dulcimers(which I don't play)work on that principle,but by dividing string lengths somewhere in the middle.I..."
@steve-kenny
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Rare Kurt Simerman chromatic dulcimer for sale (SOLD)":
Posted a response to "Rare Kurt Simerman chromatic dulcimer for sale (SOLD)":
"Hi Jan! Yes, just got lucky to see this one when I did. Also lucky that Dave Shattuck didn't want chromatic! I'll measure the VSL when it arrives on..."
@cliff-cyphers
• 8 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Rare Kurt Simerman chromatic dulcimer for sale (SOLD)":
Posted a response to "Rare Kurt Simerman chromatic dulcimer for sale (SOLD)":
"I don't remember the VSL exactly, but I think it was about 25.5 inches, maybe when Steve get it he can measure it and let you know."
@alan-from-pa
• 8 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer by JR":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer by JR":
"Thanks everyone it is indeed a John Rawdon number 52. Your information really helped."
@jost
• 9 hours ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @jerry-posner: Question about the 6 1/2 fret
Liked a forum discussions item created by @jerry-posner: Question about the 6 1/2 fret
@ken-longfield
• 9 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer by JR":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer by JR":
"Here is a link to info on Dulcimers by JR. Once you reach the site, scroll down to June 7...."
@john-c-knopf
• 9 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Dulcimer by JR":
Posted a response to "Dulcimer by JR":
"It might be from Dulcimers By JR, 10068 Stonecreek Rd., Newcomerstown, OH 43832"
@alan-from-pa
• 10 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Dulcimer by JR":
Created a new forum topic "Dulcimer by JR":
"I got this dulcimer aboit 1982. It is a wonderful instrument but I don't know the maker. Inside is a stamp which has "Appalachian and Hammer Dulcimers by..."
@jan-potts
• 12 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Rare Kurt Simerman chromatic dulcimer for sale (SOLD)":
Posted a response to "Rare Kurt Simerman chromatic dulcimer for sale (SOLD)":
"I see Steve Kenny beat me to this one lol! What a treasure! I'm curious as to the VSL."
@ken-longfield
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @katie-s:
Posted a new Comment on @katie-s:
"Welcome to FOTMD Katie S. It's good to have you aboard. Have fun exploring this site. I look forward to your participation in these discussions. Let us know..."
@robin-thompson
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Something to watch":
Posted a response to "Something to watch":
"In the Ramblin' piece, it was nice to see how many were in the audience to see Jean Ritchie! "
@homer-ross
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 11
Liked a youtube item created by @gregg-schneeman: "Balance The Straw" Dulcimer & Octave Mandolin
Liked a youtube item created by @gregg-schneeman: "Balance The Straw" Dulcimer & Octave Mandolin
@homer-ross
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 11
Posted a new Comment on "Balance The Straw" Dulcimer & Octave Mandolin:
Posted a new Comment on "Balance The Straw" Dulcimer & Octave Mandolin:
"Well played and wonderful tune."
@ken-hulme
• 17 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Something to watch":
Posted a response to "Something to watch":
"The Ritchie video called Mountain Born is different from the one on the series Ramblin'"
@wally-venable
• 17 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Something to watch":
Posted a response to "Something to watch":
"I managed to find and stream the show on West Virginia Public Broadcasting's Passport listings last night. My route was a search for "Ritchie" and it was..."
@shanonmilan
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 11
Posted a new Comment on "Balance The Straw" Dulcimer & Octave Mandolin:
Posted a new Comment on "Balance The Straw" Dulcimer & Octave Mandolin:
"I kinda love your because the two instruments blended beautifully. Its not like the mandolin is drowning out the dulcimer as what commonly happens."
@beth-t
• 23 hours ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Ble'r wyt ti'n myned? (Where are you going?):
Posted a new Comment on Ble'r wyt ti'n myned? (Where are you going?):
"Jim Dickens:
Great job and a very nice sounding dulcimer
Thanks Jim. I chose Engelmann spruce for the soundboard because I read it had good sustain, and..."
@richard-streib
• yesterday
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @katie-s:
Posted a new Comment on @katie-s:
"Welcome Katie-s to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. So glad you joined. Join in the discussions. Ask questions as you have them. We are here to support one..."
@robin-thompson
• yesterday
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @ethan-chastain: Shady Grove - Mountain Dulcimer
Liked a youtube item created by @ethan-chastain: Shady Grove - Mountain Dulcimer
@randy-adams
• yesterday
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Oh! Susanna - Banjammer/Mtn. Dulcimer:
Posted a new Comment on Oh! Susanna - Banjammer/Mtn. Dulcimer:
"You have a light touch & getting some good tone outa that noise machine. : ) Nice!"
@robin-thompson
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @bdurham: John Stockard Dulcimer Banjo For Sale
Liked a forum discussions item created by @bdurham: John Stockard Dulcimer Banjo For Sale
@davisjames
• yesterday
• comments: 5
Liked a music item created by @beth-t: She Moved Through the Fair
Liked a music item created by @beth-t: She Moved Through the Fair
@bdurham
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "John Stockard Dulcimer Banjo For Sale":
Created a new forum topic "John Stockard Dulcimer Banjo For Sale":
"For Sale: Banjo Dulcimer. This rare dulcimer banjo hybrid is an amazing instrument built by John Stockard, a well-regarded dulcimer builder from Georgia who..."
@robin-thompson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Rare Kurt Simerman chromatic dulcimer for sale (SOLD)":
Posted a response to "Rare Kurt Simerman chromatic dulcimer for sale (SOLD)":
"Glad to hear! You made lots of good mountain dulcimer videos! Happy strumming! "
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @ethan-chastain: Oh! Susanna - Banjammer/Mtn. Dulcimer
Liked a youtube item created by @ethan-chastain: Oh! Susanna - Banjammer/Mtn. Dulcimer
@randy-adams
• 2 days ago
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @ethan-chastain: Oh! Susanna - Banjammer/Mtn. Dulcimer
Liked a youtube item created by @ethan-chastain: Oh! Susanna - Banjammer/Mtn. Dulcimer
@cliff-cyphers
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Rare Kurt Simerman chromatic dulcimer for sale (SOLD)":
Posted a response to "Rare Kurt Simerman chromatic dulcimer for sale (SOLD)":
"Yes, I'm still making music, mostly play the ukulele now."
@robin-thompson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Rare Kurt Simerman chromatic dulcimer for sale (SOLD)":
Posted a response to "Rare Kurt Simerman chromatic dulcimer for sale (SOLD)":
"Hey, Cliff-- such a nice instrument! I hope you're still making music! "
@ethan-chastain
• 2 days ago
• comments: 11
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: The Fledgling
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: The Fledgling
@robmachin
• 2 days ago
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @ethan-chastain: Oh! Susanna - Banjammer/Mtn. Dulcimer
Liked a youtube item created by @ethan-chastain: Oh! Susanna - Banjammer/Mtn. Dulcimer
@robmachin
• 2 days ago
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @ethan-chastain: Shady Grove - Mountain Dulcimer
Liked a youtube item created by @ethan-chastain: Shady Grove - Mountain Dulcimer
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Hindman Boys (and Gal)":
Posted a response to "Hindman Boys (and Gal)":
"I agree with Robin. Can't wait to see the show.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@robin-thompson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Hindman Boys (and Gal)":
Posted a response to "Hindman Boys (and Gal)":
"Thanks, Dan-- the trailer looks really good! "
@robin-thompson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @dan: Hindman Boys (and Gal)
Liked a forum discussions item created by @dan: Hindman Boys (and Gal)
@dan
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Hindman Boys (and Gal)":
Posted a response to "Hindman Boys (and Gal)":
"THE EXPRESS WAY WITH DULÉ HILL
Appalachia
Will air again:
Wednesday, May 01
01:00 am ET"
@dan
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Hindman Boys (and Gal)":
Created a new forum topic "Hindman Boys (and Gal)":
"...will be in a PBS program Tuesday night the 30th...."
@jim-dickens
• 2 days ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Shady Grove - Mountain Dulcimer:
Posted a new Comment on Shady Grove - Mountain Dulcimer:
"Very nice. Looking to the next video!"
@jim-dickens
• 2 days ago
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @ethan-chastain: Shady Grove - Mountain Dulcimer
Liked a youtube item created by @ethan-chastain: Shady Grove - Mountain Dulcimer
@jim-dickens
• 2 days ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Ble'r wyt ti'n myned? (Where are you going?):
Posted a new Comment on Ble'r wyt ti'n myned? (Where are you going?):
"Great job and a very nice sounding dulcimer "
@jim-dickens
• 2 days ago
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @ethan-chastain: Oh! Susanna - Banjammer/Mtn. Dulcimer
Liked a youtube item created by @ethan-chastain: Oh! Susanna - Banjammer/Mtn. Dulcimer
@dusty
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Question about the 6 1/2 fret":
Posted a response to "Question about the 6 1/2 fret":
"Supposedly, so the story goes, Richard Fariña had a luthier install a 6+ fret in a car on the way to a gig so that he could perform a song he had just..."
@steve-kenny
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Rare Kurt Simerman chromatic dulcimer for sale (SOLD)":
Posted a response to "Rare Kurt Simerman chromatic dulcimer for sale (SOLD)":
"Hi Cliff, I just sent you a message. I'll take the dulcimer. Please contact me via my email or cell phone or via chat here in FOTMD.
Thanks,
Steve"
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...
fans of Jean Ritchie
A group for those of us who have been inspired by...
Little Dulcimers
Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
Baritone & Bass Dulcimer...
A Group for discussing the unique aspects of playing...
Help Me Learn this Song
Need help learning to play a particular song? Let another...
Four-Equidistant Strings
A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
I have extra frets.....
This group is for those who have a 1 1/2 fret, an 8 1/2...
Dulcimer Therapy
This group is dedicated to those that visit, or have a...
Public Domain... or Not?
Ever wanted to record or post that tune, but you just...
Early & Classical Music
For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
Home Studio Recording
Recording dulcimers, vocals and other instruments in the...
Dulcimer teachers
Do you teach dulcimer? Are you helping others to learn?
Dulcimer Ancestors
Looking at some of the ancestors of the Mountain...
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...
Box Dulcimers
A group for those who play, make, or admire all types...
Chromatic Dulcimers
For players who enjoy playing dulcimers with ALL the frets!
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...
GIG TALK!
Do you play gigs? Tell us about your good and not-so-good...
Civil War era music
For discussing music that was played around the time of...
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
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...
North Carolinians Plus
The Three Sides of North Carolina: Mountains / Piedmont /...
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
North of the Lakes
for any MD players in Upper Canada (aka Ontario) and the...
Indiana Players
Welcome all dulcimer players in the state of Indiana!...
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
Showcase your music event or business here!
Showcase your music event or business here
Latest Forum Posts All
Question about the 6 1/2 fret
Posted: Friday April 19 2024, 8:32 PM
By: @jost
By: @jost
Cicada symphony.
Posted: Friday April 19 2024, 8:02 PM
By: @DavisJames
By: @DavisJames
Rare Kurt Simerman...
Posted: Friday April 19 2024, 7:20 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Dulcimer by JR
Posted: Friday April 19 2024, 6:15 PM
By: @Alan from PA
By: @Alan from PA
Something to watch
Posted: Friday April 19 2024, 11:42 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
John Stockard Dulcimer...
Posted: Thursday April 18 2024, 2:32 PM
By: @bdurham
By: @bdurham
Hindman Boys (and Gal)
Posted: Thursday April 18 2024, 9:28 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Concert Ukulele
Posted: Tuesday April 16 2024, 1:00 AM
By: @Jim Yates
By: @Jim Yates
Nickel allergy--nylon...
Posted: Monday April 15 2024, 6:36 AM
By: @shanonmilan
By: @shanonmilan
Does soundbox tension...
Posted: Monday April 15 2024, 12:18 AM
By: @Dwain Wilder
By: @Dwain Wilder
Introduce Yourself!
Posted: Sunday April 14 2024, 7:17 AM
By: @Beth T
By: @Beth T
Loran Harmon dulcimer
Posted: Saturday April 13 2024, 10:43 AM
By: @Jessica Comeau
By: @Jessica Comeau
Chapman Stick
Posted: Saturday April 13 2024, 7:53 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Music Go Round
Posted: Monday April 8 2024, 1:58 PM
By: @Lorilee
By: @Lorilee
Geoffrey R. Johnson Dulcimer?
Posted: Monday April 8 2024, 8:51 AM
By: @Ken Hulme
By: @Ken Hulme
Tab Nonesuch on dulcimer
Posted: Saturday April 6 2024, 5:21 PM
By: @Mark Gilston
By: @Mark Gilston
WANTED Looking for DVD...
Posted: Friday April 5 2024, 10:13 PM
By: @John Petry
By: @John Petry
What's the exact difference...
Posted: Thursday April 4 2024, 7:49 PM
By: @Richard Streib
By: @Richard Streib
John Calkin Dulcimer
Posted: Thursday April 4 2024, 3:52 AM
By: @shanonmilan
By: @shanonmilan
Bodhran (Irish Drum)
Posted: Tuesday April 2 2024, 11:53 PM
By: @StudentofRhythm
By: @StudentofRhythm
International Appalachian...
Posted: Tuesday April 2 2024, 7:17 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
If you could have just one...
Posted: Monday April 1 2024, 9:03 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Can anyone out there help...
Posted: Sunday March 24 2024, 1:39 PM
By: @Alegre1
By: @Alegre1
Fred Martin dulcimer help,...
Posted: Sunday March 24 2024, 1:25 AM
By: @shanonmilan
By: @shanonmilan
Vintage dulcimer...
Posted: Friday March 22 2024, 11:30 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Best instruction material?
Posted: Friday March 22 2024, 3:23 AM
By: @shanonmilan
By: @shanonmilan
Crack in the soundboard, by...
Posted: Thursday March 21 2024, 12:58 AM
By: @Dwain Wilder
By: @Dwain Wilder
Rest in Peace, Larkin Bryant
Posted: Wednesday March 20 2024, 9:49 AM
By: @dulcimerbob
By: @dulcimerbob
Margaret & Harold Winters...
Posted: Wednesday March 20 2024, 8:06 AM
By: @jazzc
By: @jazzc
Are two melody strings...
Posted: Tuesday March 19 2024, 10:13 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
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