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
@ken-longfield • 32 minutes ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @annestl:
"Welcome to FOTMD Anne. It’s good to have you aboard. You are diving in to a deep pool of information about mountain dulcimers here. Have fun exploring this..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 36 minutes ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @craig-ohmart:
"Welcome to FOTMD Craig. It’s good to have you aboard. Have fun exploring this site. You’ll find a lot of good information about dulcimer building and playing..."
Pierre-Yves Donnio
@pierre-yves-donnio • 8 hours ago • comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @pierre-lain: Le réveil des liserons
Pierre-Yves Donnio
@pierre-yves-donnio • 8 hours ago • comments: 6
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Dorozhen'ka
John W. McKinstry
@john-w-mckinstry • 8 hours ago • comments: 0
Posted a new YouTube video:
Sourwood Mountain
AnneSTL
@annestl • 11 hours ago • comments: 317
Posted a new Comment on @richard-streib:
"Thank you, Richard.  It's a new adventure!!  (BTW, it's Anne with an "e")  :)"
NateBuildsToys
@nate • yesterday • comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @john-c-knopf: Tennessee music box just finished
Richard Streib
@richard-streib • yesterday • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @annestl:
"Welcome Ann to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Glad you joined. The dulcimer is a beautiful sounding instrument that is quite captivating. There is a lot..."
Richard Streib
@richard-streib • yesterday • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @craig-ohmart:
"Welcome CraigOhmart to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It is good to have you with us. There is a lot of information on this site. Look around. Join in the..."
John C. Knopf
@john-c-knopf • yesterday • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Tennessee music box just finished":
"Wally, here's Lois' TMB with the handle attached to the player's side:"
Ben Barr Jr
@benjamin-w-barr-jr • yesterday • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @paula-trojahn:
"Hi Paula, 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 dulcimer,..."
Ben Barr Jr
@benjamin-w-barr-jr • yesterday • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @akituko:
"Hi Akituko, 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..."
Ben Barr Jr
@benjamin-w-barr-jr • yesterday • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @johncart:
"Hi John, 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 dulcimer,..."
Wally Venable
@wally-venable • yesterday • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Tennessee music box just finished":
"Here's a picture of the Walmart door handle I just installed on my TMB. Because I built it with traditional 1/2 inch thick faces, the TMB weighs about 11..."
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • yesterday • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Le réveil des liserons :
"Nice!"
Robin Thompson
@robin-thompson • yesterday • comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @pierre-lain: Le réveil des liserons
Strumelia
@strumelia • 2 days ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Le réveil des liserons :
"Very lovely to listen to!"
Strumelia
@strumelia • 2 days ago • comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @pierre-lain: Le réveil des liserons
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • 2 days ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on David Play Music On The Porch Day 2024:
"Nice, soothing hymn, David. Your steady right hand should be the envy of all aspiring dulcimer players."
Cindy Stammich
@cindy-stammich • 2 days ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on David Play Music On The Porch Day 2024:
"A beautiful old hymn - one of my favorites!  Thank you for playing it on the porch!"
Cindy Stammich
@cindy-stammich • 2 days ago • comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Athens Dulcimers (Alabama) Play Music On The Porch Day:
"I love to hear a large group of dulcimers!  This is definitely sweet music to the ears!"
Cindy Stammich
@cindy-stammich • 2 days ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on In the Garden:
"This is beautiful!  It is the whole package!  Thank you for the story about this wonderful hymn - it makes it personal thinking about the writer and then the..."
Pierre Lainé
@pierre-lain • 2 days ago • comments: 2
Posted a new YouTube video:
Le réveil des liserons
Richard Streib
@richard-streib • 2 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @johncart:
"Great to have you join, Johncart. Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. I can almost hear your passion about the dulcimer. Looking forward to your..."
Richard Streib
@richard-streib • 2 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @akituko:
"Welcome Akituko to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Glad you joined. Best wishes on your dulcimer journey."
Randy Adams
@randy-adams • 2 days ago • comments: 45
Posted a new Comment on @randy-adams:
"Nashville Skyline Rag  Bob Dylan wrote this one I learned it from a Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs record I bought in the early 70's..."
Hobbyhorse
@hobbyhorse • 2 days ago • comments: 9
Liked a youtube item created by @elvensong: Waterswivel - by Robin & Mark Thompson
DavisJames
@davisjames • 2 days ago • comments: 4
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: In the Garden
David Bennett
@david-bennett • 3 days ago • comments: 0
Created a new Group discussion "1973: Multitude of Tunes Heard on ‘Bowers’ Music Box’":
"1973: Multitude of Tunes Heard on ‘Bowers’ Music Box’..."
Mountain Dulcimer History & Traditions
akituko
@akituko • 3 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Indoor House Plants":
"Strumelia:Going a bit stir crazy waiting for Spring... Some of the ones I have now have thrived and grown for years, while others eventually went to the Big..."
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 3 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @johncart:
"Welcome to FOTMD Johncart. It’s good to have you aboard. I look forward to your participation here. Ken “The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
DavisJames
@davisjames • 3 days ago • comments: 9
Liked a youtube item created by @elvensong: Waterswivel - by Robin & Mark Thompson
DavisJames
@davisjames • 3 days ago • comments: 14
Liked a youtube item created by @ariane: Gammal Norsk Mazurka
DavisJames
@davisjames • 3 days ago • comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Dorozhen'ka:
"Wow!Reminds me of the mando orchestra I used to play in...love that diminutive!"
Ken Longfield
@ken-longfield • 4 days ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @akituko:
"Welcome to FOTMD Akituko. I can't imagine Eminem on mountain dulcimer, but to each their own. Have fun exploring this site. Let us know if have any..."
Noah Cline
@noah-cline • 4 days ago • comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Highlander’s Farewell:
"Butch Ross: Well, I love this! Great tune, great playing and I'm a fan bagpipe tuning too.    Thanks, Butch!"
Richard Streib
@richard-streib • 4 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Tennessee music box just finished":
"That TMB looks mighty good John."
John C. Knopf
@john-c-knopf • 4 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Tennessee music box just finished":
"Thanks, Wally!  I actually DID put a metal door handle on one I built for one of our members here, Lois S Keel.  She gives presentations dressed as a..."
Wally Venable
@wally-venable • 4 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Tennessee music box just finished":
"I'll bet it sounds reel good! It looks almost authentic. Why don't these things have screen door handles on one side? They are heavy. I've been thinkin'..."
Jill Geary
@jill-geary • 4 days ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Chord charts for baritone tuning:
"baritone dulcimette to GDg, and to transpose you will count up 4 instead of 5. Thanks Dusty. I use several tunings on a standard (DAA/DAd) and retuning the..."
John C. Knopf
@john-c-knopf • 5 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Tennessee music box just finished":
"This music box is still available for purchase now.  It's a tribute to an older time in dulcimer history."
Dusty Turtle
@dusty • 5 days ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Chord charts for baritone tuning:
"I think you get this, Jill. You are basically transposing from D to A.  And you can use all the fingering you are already used to. Take a chord in DAd and..."
Jim Dickens
@jim-dickens • 5 days ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Drunken Captain.:
"Great job! I thoroughly enjoyed this "
Jim Dickens
@jim-dickens • 5 days ago • comments: 2
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: Drunken Captain.
Jill Geary
@jill-geary • 5 days ago • comments: 2
Created a new Group discussion "Chord charts for baritone tuning":
"This has been asked before no doubt - I'm going to be traveling and taking my Ron Ewing Baritone Dulcimette with me. It is tuned AEa (octave up from a..."
Baritone & Bass Dulcimer Players
Strumelia
@strumelia • 5 days ago • comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Dorozhen'ka:
"Ok this is wild. Mark I'm going to PM you to explore further.  "
Mark Gilston
@mark-gilston • 5 days ago • comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Dorozhen'ka:
"The Leadbelly connection definitely makes it possible that they were acquainted.  My dad certainly knew Leadbelly, and there is another family friend, Ruth..."
Strumelia
@strumelia • 5 days ago • comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Dorozhen'ka:
"Mark that is amazing! My parents and your parents may well have known each other in the 1940-50s in the NYC creative 'Bohemian' scene... there were often..."
Mark Gilston
@mark-gilston • 5 days ago • comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Dorozhen'ka:
"Strumelia: Very nicely played, Mark! A rather interesting and pleasing structure to that tune. You learned this as a child? You must have had a childhood..."
Bing Futch

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?
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...
Four-Equidistant Strings

Four-Equidistant Strings


A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
Help Me Learn this Song

Help Me Learn this Song


Need help learning to play a particular song? Let another...
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...
Early & Classical Music

Early & Classical Music


For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
Home Studio Recording

Home Studio Recording


Recording dulcimers, vocals and other instruments in the...
Dulcimer teachers

Dulcimer teachers


Do you teach dulcimer? Are you helping others to learn?
Dulcimer Ancestors

Dulcimer Ancestors


Looking at some of the ancestors of the Mountain...
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...
Box Dulcimers

Box Dulcimers


A group for those who play, make, or admire all types...
Chromatic Dulcimers

Chromatic Dulcimers


For players who enjoy playing dulcimers with ALL the frets!
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...
GIG TALK!

GIG TALK!


Do you play gigs? Tell us about your good and not-so-good...
Civil War era music

Civil War era music


For discussing music that was played around the time of...
Scrap/Recycled wood Dulcimer Challenge

Scrap/Recycled wood...


A group for those thrifty and creative folk who like to...
Challenged Players

Challenged Players


A meeting place for players dealing with disabilities.
Rosin the Bow!

Rosin the Bow!


Welcome to all who play music using a bow on any type of...
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
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...
North Carolinians Plus

North Carolinians Plus


The Three Sides of North Carolina: Mountains / Piedmont /...
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...

Showcase your music event or business here!

Showcase your music event or business here

Latest Audio

  All
Drunken Captain.
Traveling Mercies - a work-in-progress, for PMOTPD
Our Foundling, a work-in-progress
Valse Clog de Peribonka.
Pelargir
The Indian's Lament.
Brown Eyed Janie
On East Mill Street (a work-in-progress)
Misty Mountain Moon
Sweet Yellows and Pinks
She Moved Through the Fair
Ble'r wyt ti'n myned? (Where are you going?)
Pwt ar y Bys
Y Deryn Pur
Recessional
A song for Easter
Natchez Under The Hill
The Fledgling
The Pride of Petravore
Sleep Tight (again)
Napoleon crossing the alps.
Lost Doggie - in honor of Billy Boy
Louie's Schottische.
Road to Beech Grove
Strathspey and Reel.
Peonies in the Field
Weary Travelers
Welsh Medley
He is all you need
Sleep Tight

Coming Events   All

Appalachian Dulcimer Museum opening

Appalachian Dulcimer...


Sat Nov 9 2024

Latest gallery Photos   All

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Latest Forum Posts   All

Tennessee music box just...

Posted: Thursday September 12 2024, 3:10 PM
By: @John C. Knopf

Indoor House Plants

Posted: Wednesday September 11 2024, 5:25 AM
By: @akituko

Piglet Hogfiddle for sale...

Posted: Saturday September 7 2024, 7:40 PM
By: @Mill Branch Dulcimores

K&K pickup versus LR Baggs...

Posted: Saturday September 7 2024, 5:42 AM
By: @Lilley Pad

Angry internet people, so...

Posted: Wednesday September 4 2024, 9:49 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle

Play Music On The Porch Day...

Posted: Sunday September 1 2024, 3:48 PM
By: @Robin Thompson

RIP Happy Traum

Posted: Sunday September 1 2024, 2:34 PM
By: @robert schuler

History of mountain dulcimer

Posted: Saturday August 31 2024, 9:19 PM
By: @John C. Knopf

Reasons NOT To Get a Chromatic

Posted: Friday August 30 2024, 6:12 PM
By: @NateBuildsToys

Magic Mountain 469-H Dulcimer

Posted: Saturday August 24 2024, 9:20 PM
By: @Salt Springs

How Many Dulcimers Do You...

Posted: Friday August 23 2024, 1:56 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle

amps and dulcimers

Posted: Thursday August 22 2024, 7:07 AM
By: @Maddie Myers

String Action

Posted: Wednesday August 21 2024, 9:13 PM
By: @Lilley Pad

Dulcimer Early Original...

Posted: Monday August 19 2024, 4:44 PM
By: @John Petry

Hanging some dulcimers as a...

Posted: Wednesday August 14 2024, 12:36 PM
By: @varedschoolhouse

Understanding McSpadden...

Posted: Wednesday August 14 2024, 12:43 AM
By: @Silverstrings

Just 4 fun Tapping Techique

Posted: Sunday August 11 2024, 2:09 PM
By: @Lilley Pad

Choosing for bad weather..?

Posted: Friday August 9 2024, 11:47 AM
By: @Strumelia

Nut & saddle Material

Posted: Thursday August 8 2024, 10:04 PM
By: @Ken Hulme

A fun story with a...

Posted: Sunday August 4 2024, 8:24 AM
By: @Ken Longfield

Determining Origin and...

Posted: Friday August 2 2024, 6:36 PM
By: @Ken Longfield

Englewood, Florida dulcimer...

Posted: Wednesday July 31 2024, 5:07 PM
By: @john s

TablEdit help needed on...

Posted: Wednesday July 31 2024, 11:52 AM
By: @Redmando

squeakless nylon strings?

Posted: Tuesday July 30 2024, 7:31 PM
By: @Skip

violin uke

Posted: Tuesday July 30 2024, 8:32 AM
By: @Wally Venable

Any groups in Charlotte...

Posted: Monday July 29 2024, 2:36 PM
By: @john s

What's your current fave...

Posted: Monday July 29 2024, 10:57 AM
By: @Jerry Posner

Tabor Pipe and Drum

Posted: Monday July 29 2024, 3:16 AM
By: @shanonmilan

The Positive Thread...

Posted: Sunday July 28 2024, 11:15 PM
By: @IRENE

Looking fo a NH Pudge Pro

Posted: Friday July 26 2024, 11:47 PM
By: @jal

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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