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

Richard Streib
@richard-streib • 2 hours ago • comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on @reneesarah:
"Welcome Reneesarah to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Glad you joined. This is an active forum with a lot of knowledge and expertise here. Look around and..."
Alex_Lubet
@alex-lubet • 5 hours ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Lefties":
"Very interesting contributions, thanks so much. For the most part, we declare ourselves right or left handed depending on how we write.  The only other such..."
DavisJames
@davisjames • 13 hours ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Lefties":
"An interesting side effect of changing the roles of right and left hands is renewed facility on the original configuration...when I started playing button..."
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • yesterday • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Lefties":
"As a rightie who does everything rightie, I'm not sure what I can add here. In general, lefties are better with their right hands than righties are with..."
Alex_Lubet
@alex-lubet • yesterday • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Lefties":
"Thanks, Nate.  I couldn't agree more.  It's one of the things I love about the dulcimer world is a sense of choice that differs so much from the classical..."
Nate
@nate • yesterday • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Lefties":
"Alex, i think it definitely depends on what kind of music is being played. Personally, i dont play very complex rhythms or strum patterns, and to me it feels..."
Strumelia
@strumelia • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Apologies":
"No apologies needed, Alex!  "
Alex_Lubet
@alex-lubet • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Lefties":
"According to published research I've read, when the right hand plucks and/or bows, it's doing the more difficult task.  That may well seem counter-intuitive,..."
Alex_Lubet
@alex-lubet • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Apologies":
"Everyone, I think I now understand how to post to the General Forum.  My apologies for the confusion."
Alex_Lubet
@alex-lubet • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Lefties":
"Thanks.  Forgive me, but I'm fairly new to this group and confused about how to post on the General Forum.  Please advise, thanks."
Strumelia
@strumelia • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Lefties":
"Hi, I'm a leftie who plays musical instruments as right-handed. I knit right handed as well. It just makes everything easier, and both hands are doing..."
Phil Myers
@phil-myers • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Lefties":
"I'm also a leftie that plays right-handed and started on guitar as a teenager. I've always thought of it as an advantage since my most dexterous hand is the..."
Dan
@dan • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @alex-lubet: Lefties
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • 2 days ago • comments: 28
Posted a new Comment on Sleet & Freezing Rain:
"@david-pedersen & @annie-deeley Folks, I'm embarrassed to have missed replying to your nice comments way back in 2017-- my apology to each of you!  I was..."
Alex_Lubet
@alex-lubet • 2 days ago • comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Lefties":
"Hi All, I'm curious about folk who, like me, are lefties who play right handed.  Do you think it's affected your style?  Has it held you back in any way? I..."
Homer Ross
@homer-ross • 2 days ago • comments: 28
Posted a new Comment on Sleet & Freezing Rain:
"Love this!"
Richard Streib
@richard-streib • 2 days ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @rabbit90:
"Glad you joined. Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. You have found a good resource. There is a good bit of history and the culture of the dulcimer..."
DavisJames
@davisjames • 2 days ago • comments: 28
Posted a new Comment on Sleet & Freezing Rain:
"That is delightful!We've been experiencing record temps and humidity here in the annual July Niagara steambath and sauna.A little sleet and rain would be..."
Nate
@nate • 2 days ago • comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @randy-adams: Shortening Bread
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 2 days ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @rabbit90:
"Welcome to FOTMD, Rabbit90. It's good to have you aboard. This is a wonderful place to learn about the Appalachian dulcimer and the culture around it. Let us..."
Alex_Lubet
@alex-lubet • 2 days ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on 4 versus 3:
"I'm confident others will find this odd, but I like playing with four equidistant strings and tuning the bottom three to low D.  It enables me to play fast..."
Homer Ross
@homer-ross • 3 days ago • comments: 10
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: Our Foundling, a work-in-progress
Richard Streib
@richard-streib • 3 days ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @scotts:
"Glad you joined ScottS. Welcome. Kenl has given sage advice for selling your dulcimer here.  Best wishes on finding it a new home where it will be lovingly..."
Richard Streib
@richard-streib • 3 days ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @4stringgirl:
"Glad you joined 4stringGirl. Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. There is a lot of information here. Look around and see what all is here. Let us..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 3 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "No grooves on bridge revisited":
"I'm glad that was helpful. Often it takes it a little experimenting to get right action for your playing style. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
Wally Venable
@wally-venable • 3 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "No grooves on bridge revisited":
"If a bridge is simply too high, you can lower it by taking it out and sanding or filing the bottom a bit. Do it a little at a time and tune and play it after..."
notsothoreau
@notsothoreau • 3 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "No grooves on bridge revisited":
"Okay.  I replaced the bridge and thanks for telling me where to find those. I've put new strings on it. I'll play it awhile and see if I like it. I'm going..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 4 days ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @scotts:
"Welcome to FOTMD ScottS. It's good to have you aboard. It sounds like you are looking for a new home for your dulcimer. If you advertise it for sale here be..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 4 days ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @4stringgirl:
"Welcome to FOTMD, 4stringGirl. It's good to have you aboard. I look forward to your participation here. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
Strumelia
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • 4 days ago • comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on Our Foundling, a work-in-progress :
"Hey, Jamie @davisjames -- thanks a bunch!  We're happy you like it!  Also, thank you for pulling me back to this tune because I've changed how I play it and..."
Homer Ross
@homer-ross • 4 days ago • comments: 1
Liked a music item created by @dan: Number 6_25 Jinny sound clip
Homer Ross
@homer-ross • 4 days ago • comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @dan: Black Thomas replication
DavisJames
@davisjames • 4 days ago • comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on Our Foundling, a work-in-progress :
"Hi guys.That is so good.Love the space between melody notes."
Alex_Lubet
@alex-lubet • 4 days ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on 4 versus 3:
"Very interesting, thanks.  I'm especially intrigued by the 5 equidistant strings.  "
Nate
@nate • 4 days ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on 4 versus 3:
"I personally prefer the sound of two drones, rather than more. I only prefer 4 strings when i am actually using all 4. If three or more are just ringing out..."
jost
jost
@jost • 5 days ago • comments: 21
Liked a group discussions item created by @robin-clark: Working With Drones
Richard Streib
@richard-streib • 5 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @kingtut:
"Glad you joined Kingtut! Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Please list your dulcimers for sale in the section under FOR SALE in the "forums" tab..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 5 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @kingtut:
"Welcome to FOTMD Kingtut. It will be interesting to see what you have for sale. In the meantime I encourage you to look through this site to learn more about..."
Nate
@nate • 5 days ago • comments: 0
Liked a group discussions item created by @robin-thompson: a Balinese gamelan ensemble from U of KY
Ben Barr Jr
@benjamin-w-barr-jr • 6 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @kingtut:
"Hi Kingtut, 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..."
Dan
@dan • 6 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Black Thomas replication":
"Thank you @kevin-r"
Ben Barr Jr
@benjamin-w-barr-jr • 6 days ago • comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @dan: Black Thomas replication
Dan
@dan • 6 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Black Thomas replication":
"John Pettreemusic: Thank you, Dan, for the bit of history and insight. "guarded secrets" reminds me of my old trapping days swapping recipes for beaver..."
Randy Adams
@randy-adams • 6 days ago • comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @dan: Black Thomas replication
Kevin R.
@kevin-r • 6 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Black Thomas replication":
"Here is a link to another video of this instrument."
Phil Myers
@phil-myers • 6 days ago • comments: 1
Liked a music item created by @dan: Number 6_25 Jinny sound clip
Frank Dudgeon
@frank-dudgeon • 6 days ago • comments: 0
Liked a group discussions item created by @robin-thompson: a Balinese gamelan ensemble from U of KY
Richard Streib
@richard-streib • 6 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @dulsimmer:
"Glad you joined Dulsimmer. Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. I was born not too far from St. Mary's in Darke County. We moved away in 1960 when I..."

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?
Four-Equidistant Strings

Four-Equidistant Strings


A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
Baritone & Bass Dulcimer Players

Baritone & Bass Dulcimer...


A Group for discussing the unique aspects of playing...
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
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....
6 string dulcimers

6 string dulcimers


Owning and playing a 6 string, regardless of tuning, and...
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
Number 6_25 Jinny sound clip
Maggie Darling[tearjerker on the teardrop].
Brian Boru's March
Prairie Medley.
Old Motel
All the Abandoned Mines
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

Coming Events   All


Latest gallery Photos   All

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Latest Forum Posts   All

Lefties

Posted: Thursday July 10 2025, 5:07 PM
By: @Alex_Lubet

Apologies

Posted: Wednesday July 9 2025, 7:41 AM
By: @Strumelia

No grooves on bridge revisited

Posted: Monday July 7 2025, 5:56 PM
By: @Ken Longfield

Black Thomas replication

Posted: Saturday July 5 2025, 8:35 AM
By: @Dan

Tuning down a half step

Posted: Friday July 4 2025, 11:15 AM
By: @Lorilee

Pluck by Linda Paulus

Posted: Wednesday July 2 2025, 7:50 PM
By: @Robin Thompson

Reasons NOT To Get a Chromatic

Posted: Monday June 30 2025, 4:33 PM
By: @Alex_Lubet

Guitar strap (Straplok)

Posted: Saturday June 28 2025, 6:35 PM
By: @Lilley Pad

When to replace tuners

Posted: Thursday June 26 2025, 10:46 PM
By: @Ken Longfield

Value of a Mize Dulcimer

Posted: Tuesday June 24 2025, 11:35 AM
By: @John Pettreemusic

For our new members - The Chat

Posted: Tuesday June 24 2025, 9:45 AM
By: @Strumelia

My happiness with Heinrich...

Posted: Sunday June 22 2025, 6:40 PM
By: @Mountainmender

Which melody string to...

Posted: Sunday June 22 2025, 5:58 PM
By: @Paderau

Hello, Hi again!

Posted: Sunday June 22 2025, 4:36 PM
By: @Ken Longfield

Price estimate on old dulcimer

Posted: Thursday June 19 2025, 1:03 AM
By: @Molly McCurdy

New to the group, several...

Posted: Wednesday June 18 2025, 11:51 AM
By: @Alex_Lubet

Are string breaks dangerous?

Posted: Monday June 16 2025, 10:12 AM
By: @Strumelia

Tuning my new Dulcimer

Posted: Saturday June 14 2025, 10:11 PM
By: @calvin

Replacing wood tuners

Posted: Saturday June 14 2025, 7:04 AM
By: @Richard Streib

Brass instruments

Posted: Thursday June 12 2025, 6:00 PM
By: @ryan-carey

Introduce Yourself!

Posted: Thursday June 12 2025, 7:04 AM
By: @Robin Thompson

What to Look For When...

Posted: Friday June 6 2025, 4:31 PM
By: @Ken Longfield

larry Barringer

Posted: Thursday June 5 2025, 12:52 PM
By: @calvin

WANTED: Blue Lion teardrop

Posted: Monday June 2 2025, 6:54 PM
By: @Jill Geary

Bar Cords

Posted: Sunday June 1 2025, 4:00 AM
By: @Lilley Pad

Mountain Dulcimer on The...

Posted: Saturday May 24 2025, 12:38 PM
By: @Jim Yates

Just String info.

Posted: Thursday May 15 2025, 5:36 PM
By: @Ken Longfield

storing an instrument

Posted: Thursday May 15 2025, 11:51 AM
By: @Wally Venable

Jim Good dulcimer

Posted: Wednesday May 14 2025, 6:38 PM
By: @wanative07

Things to consider with...

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

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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Membership in Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer is FREE to all.  We gratefully accept donations towards the costs of maintaining this site- which includes hundreds of dollars annually in server and software costs. (you don't have to have a Paypal account to donate- Paypal accepts simple credit card payments as well.) A minimum donation of $5 please.  Read HERE  about FOUR different ways you can help support FOTMD. Questions? email contact@fotmd.com  Together we can keep FOTMD up and running!     Click the Paypal button below to make a quick site donation:

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