Welcome to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer!
Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer is the most active and extensive site for Appalachian Mountain Dulcimer players and builders on the internet. Welcome!
Join Groups and Forum discussions that interest you, connect with new music friends, share photos, music clips, and videos, explore resources for buying instruments, music, and learning materials. Ask your beginner questions and learn to play your favorite tunes! All who love the Appalachian dulcimer are welcome here no matter what your style, skill level, or musical tastes. Fear not!...beginner players are especially encouraged. Become a member of Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer (FOTMD) community -it's easy, friendly, and FREE!
After joining, please read the Site Rules before posting. You'll find your very own Member Profile Page by clicking on your name in the links navigation bar across the top of any page.. and you'll be all set to join in the fun. Click on different areas and links to get familiar with where things are. Questions about using the new site?- ask them HERE on our site questions forum. Don't be shy- you've come to exactly the right place to receive or give friendly 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
@lisavb
• an hour ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "How is the COVID-19 coronavirus affecting you?":
Posted a response to "How is the COVID-19 coronavirus affecting you?":
"Thank you, Robin..."
@ken-longfield
• an hour ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on portion of an interview about ballads:
Posted a new Comment on portion of an interview about ballads:
"Thanks, Robin."
@nathina
• an hour ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Can someone help Identify this dulcimer? Thanks.":
Created a new forum topic "Can someone help Identify this dulcimer? Thanks.":
"This is a solid wood walnut dulcimer, that uses silver nickel nut and bridge. Extremely thick waist, but still enough for an hourglass. It is 1970-1980..."
@ken-longfield
• an hour ago
• comments: 1
Liked a group discussions item created by @robin-thompson: portion of an interview about ballads
Liked a group discussions item created by @robin-thompson: portion of an interview about ballads
@robin-thompson
• an hour ago
• comments: 1
Created a new Group discussion "portion of an interview about ballads":
Created a new Group discussion "portion of an interview about ballads":
@robin-thompson
• an hour ago
• comments: 4
Liked an events item created by @lori-keddell: Mountain Dulcimer Music Fest 2021 - Virtual
Liked an events item created by @lori-keddell: Mountain Dulcimer Music Fest 2021 - Virtual
@dusty-turtle
• an hour ago
• comments: 4
Is attending an Event:
Mountain Dulcimer Music Fest 2021 - Virtual
Mountain Dulcimer Music Fest 2021 - Virtual
@dusty-turtle
• an hour ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Mountain Dulcimer Music Fest 2021 - Virtual:
Posted a new Comment on Mountain Dulcimer Music Fest 2021 - Virtual:
"Thanks, Lori!"
@robin-thompson
• 2 hours ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on My Old Kentucky Home:
Posted a new Comment on My Old Kentucky Home:
"A lovely, slow tune just right for this cold gray Sunday here at our house, Tom.
We understand about the recorder effect-- happens to us all the time!..."
@robin-thompson
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "How is the COVID-19 coronavirus affecting you?":
Posted a response to "How is the COVID-19 coronavirus affecting you?":
"@lisavb I offer my deepest sympathy on the death of your friend. And while I am sorry about your RAV4, it is good your house was spared.
I remind..."
@strumelia
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "FOTMD Chat Room!":
Posted a response to "FOTMD Chat Room!":
"Hi @Jost, two things you can try first:
1) in your screenshot, see that top wording that says "no room selected"?- try the little dropdown arrow at the right..."
@lisavb
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "How is the COVID-19 coronavirus affecting you?":
Posted a response to "How is the COVID-19 coronavirus affecting you?":
"I could use some bright-side thinking about now. Found out over the holidays that an old friend died of COVID out in Nebraska. And last week we had a storm..."
@jost
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "FOTMD Chat Room!":
Posted a response to "FOTMD Chat Room!":
"Are there any problems known with Firefox? I tried to open the chat window and got following error message:"
@jost
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 4
Liked an events item created by @lori-keddell: Mountain Dulcimer Music Fest 2021 - Virtual
Liked an events item created by @lori-keddell: Mountain Dulcimer Music Fest 2021 - Virtual
@jost
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 4
Is attending an Event:
Mountain Dulcimer Music Fest 2021 - Virtual
Mountain Dulcimer Music Fest 2021 - Virtual
@lori-keddell
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Mountain Dulcimer Music Fest 2021 - Virtual:
Posted a new Comment on Mountain Dulcimer Music Fest 2021 - Virtual:
"Ignore last comment - info is now updated."
@lori-keddell
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Mountain Dulcimer Music Fest 2021 - Virtual:
Posted a new Comment on Mountain Dulcimer Music Fest 2021 - Virtual:
"I am trying to update the listing for our festival, but it won't finish the process - the circular arrows just keep going round and round. Any suggestions on..."
@strumelia
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @strumelia: FOTMD Chat Room!
Liked a forum discussions item created by @strumelia: FOTMD Chat Room!
@strumelia
• 4 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Hungarian Citera played with a noter":
Posted a response to "Hungarian Citera played with a noter":
"Awesome, Dave! I'm going to watch this video. Such tips can be applied to many dulcimer, scheitholt, epinette, and hummel playing techniques."
@dave-ismay
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Hungarian Citera played with a noter":
Posted a response to "Hungarian Citera played with a noter":
"At the risk of being boring here is a howto video teaching strumming fingering and all sorts which although in Hungarian is mostly understandable as music is..."
@dulcinina
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Drifting Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Drifting Thread...":
"I wonder if the sea shanty craze was triggered by the film Fisherman' Friends. It's based on a true story and has lots of good shanty songs in it. We..."
@dave-ismay
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Hungarian Citera played with a noter":
Posted a response to "Hungarian Citera played with a noter":
"The one in the video appears to be a traditional design and for any interested here is another video which shows how citera are played using a noter and..."
@robin-thompson
• 6 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "IMRAMA contrabass & Appalachian dulcimer":
Created a new forum topic "IMRAMA contrabass & Appalachian dulcimer":
"I like this a lot! "
@robin-thompson
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Hungarian Citera played with a noter":
Posted a response to "Hungarian Citera played with a noter":
"Dave, thanks a million for the links to other photos of your citera-- it's wonderful! It'd sure be fun to play around with. There was a sizable Hungarian..."
@robin-thompson
• 8 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on St James Infirmary:
Posted a new Comment on St James Infirmary:
"Tom, this is a song I have told Mark we need to learn yet we never have. I like what you do with it on mountain dulcimer and think this is one of those..."
@robin-thompson
• 8 hours ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Tahoe Winter Waltz:
Posted a new Comment on Tahoe Winter Waltz:
"Ya gotta know I like your tune, Dusty-- wonderfully composed and played! "
@ken-longfield
• 9 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Hungarian Citera played with a noter":
Posted a response to "Hungarian Citera played with a noter":
"Dave, I hadn't considered ash, but that is certainly a possibility. Thank for sharing all those photos. We supported a Hungarian refuge family years ago and..."
@dave-ismay
• 10 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Hungarian Citera played with a noter":
Posted a response to "Hungarian Citera played with a noter":
"For anyone interested here is a link to my citera pictures on public access stored on "Tinterweb"..."
@dave-ismay
• 10 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Hungarian Citera played with a noter":
Posted a response to "Hungarian Citera played with a noter":
"The factory was a furniture factory apparently so they would have a variety of local timbers available.I have myself pondered the same question and suspect..."
@tom-mcdonald
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on St James Infirmary:
Posted a new Comment on St James Infirmary:
"I have a drum loop running through earbuds in an unsuccessful attempt to stay right on the beat."
@tom-mcdonald
• 15 hours ago
• comments: 0
Created a new Group discussion "The Post War Dream - Pink Floyd cover":
Created a new Group discussion "The Post War Dream - Pink Floyd cover":
@dusty-turtle
• 15 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Mountain Dulcimer Music Fest 2021 - Virtual:
Posted a new Comment on Mountain Dulcimer Music Fest 2021 - Virtual:
"Lori, could you post here when you have information about when registration will open? You guys are offering a range of interesting workshops."
@dusty-turtle
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "How is the COVID-19 coronavirus affecting you?":
Posted a response to "How is the COVID-19 coronavirus affecting you?":
"A major bright side for me is extra time with my teenage daughter. In normal times the last thing she would want to do is hang out with her parents,..."
@dusty-turtle
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Drifting Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Drifting Thread...":
"I read about the sea shanties craze a few days ago. It's nice to see some young folks interested in trad music, but it's still just plain weird."
@strumelia
• 18 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "The Drifting Thread...":
Posted a response to "The Drifting Thread...":
"Suddenly, getting creative with sea shanties (of all things!) is the newest thing online during the weirdness which is the pandemic......"
@strumelia
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "How is the COVID-19 coronavirus affecting you?":
Posted a response to "How is the COVID-19 coronavirus affecting you?":
"Looking on the bright side- I'm guessing we have all become better cooks this year! Also maybe more knowledgeable and reading more? Perhaps started a garden,..."
@b-ross-ashley
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "How is the COVID-19 coronavirus affecting you?":
Posted a response to "How is the COVID-19 coronavirus affecting you?":
"Hi, all, up here in Ontario we are locked down again. We are finding that deliveries of the Pfizer version of the vaccine are going to be delayed a bit..."
@nathina
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "How is the COVID-19 coronavirus affecting you?":
Posted a response to "How is the COVID-19 coronavirus affecting you?":
"In Arizona the governor checked on when the reserve vaccines that were released by the Government were going to arrive and how many. He found out that there..."
@nateprentice
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
"Dusty Turtle:
Welcome to FOTMD, @nateprentice. You might try using a strap on your dulcimer. If you keep the strap tight enough, you have a lot more..."
@betty-bj-jordan
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "How is the COVID-19 coronavirus affecting you?":
Posted a response to "How is the COVID-19 coronavirus affecting you?":
"Well, here in Kentucky it is spitting snow and cloudy. I'm envious of those who get fresh fruit out of their yards. We are in the roughest and poorest part..."
@betty-bj-jordan
• yesterday
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on "Mc PHEARSON'S LAMENT" - Hummel:
Posted a new Comment on "Mc PHEARSON'S LAMENT" - Hummel:
"This definitely one of my favorite tunes and love the story that goes along with it. I understand McPhearson was a sort of Robin Hood fellow, depending on..."
@betty-bj-jordan
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on HMS Folk Strings: Sugar Hill:
Posted a new Comment on HMS Folk Strings: Sugar Hill:
"It's great to see kids enjoying this and learning about dulcimer. Thanks for getting them involved and sharing.
BJ"
@john-w-mckinstry
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "What Are You Working On?":
Posted a response to "What Are You Working On?":
"Thanks Strumelia for seeing my cleverness. All joking aside, I wanted to share this with others for it took me a long time to discover how to do this. For..."
@betty-bj-jordan
• yesterday
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Black is the Color:
Posted a new Comment on Black is the Color:
"Just lovely. Thank you for sharing this beautiful arrangement.
BJ"
@betty-bj-jordan
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Auld Lang Syne (original Scottish melody):
Posted a new Comment on Auld Lang Syne (original Scottish melody):
"I loved it. Thank you for sharing.
BJ"
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...
Fingerpicking
A place to discuss fingerpicking styles of dulcimer...
Modern/Chord style Players
Do you play chords and fret across all strings? Then...
Hymn and Worship Song Players
a place to share the hymns and worship songs we are playing.
Rockin' in the Free World
A group for those of you who like to play music not...
The Music Theory Corner
A Group to talk about Music Theory!
Dulcimer Care & Maintenance
Tips, tricks and techniques to help care for your dulcimer.
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...
fans of Jean Ritchie
A group for those of us who have been inspired by...
Arranging/composing for...
A group to discuss creating arrangements of songs and...
Help Me Learn this Song
Need help learning to play a particular song? Let...
Little Dulcimers
Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
Dulcimer Therapy
This group is dedicated to those that visit, or have a...
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...
Public Domain... or Not?
Ever wanted to record or post that tune, but you just...
Dulcimer teachers
Do you teach dulcimer? Are you helping others to learn?
Baritone Dulcimer Players
A Group for discussing the unique aspects of playing...
UK and European Mountain...
A group which hopefully allows players/makers in this...
Stick Dulcimers/Strumsticks
Regardless of what name you favor, this group is a...
Home Studio Recording
Recording dulcimers, vocals and other instruments in the...
Early & Classical Music
For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
Collector's Corner
A group where collectors of antique, vintage, or rare...
Dulcimer Ancestors
Looking at some of the ancestors of the Mountain...
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...
Box Dulcimers
A group for those who play, make, or admire all types of...
Galax Dulcimer Lovers
Just a group to discuss all things Galax Dulcimer. Tips...
Chromatic Dulcimers
For players who enjoy playing dulcimers with ALL the frets!
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...
Challenged Players
A meeting place for players dealing with disabilities.
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
Virginia Dulcimer Players
Just thought it would be neet to know how many other...
NorthEastern U.S. dulcimer...
For those of us who live in the northeastern United States.
Texas Dulcimer Enthusiasts
Howdy ya'll! Come on by for a cup o' joe and jammin....
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...
6 string dulcimers
Owning and playing a 6 string, regardless of tuning, and...
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...
Missouri Dulcimer Players
for all the Show Me State dulcimer players
FOTMD on the Road
Are your traveling, on vacation, on your way to a...
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!...
AussieTalk!
For dulcimer players in Australia. -Be sure to create...
Arkansas Mtn Dulcimer Players
For those who live in Arkansas and love playing the...
Site Moderators Group
A private group to allow FOTMD moderators to communicate...
Latest Videos
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Showcase your music event or business here!
Showcase your music event or business here
Latest Forum Posts All
How is the COVID-19...
Posted: Sunday January 17 2021, 3:37 PM
By: @LisavB
By: @LisavB
Can someone help Identify...
Posted: Sunday January 17 2021, 3:25 PM
By: @Nathina
By: @Nathina
FOTMD Chat Room!
Posted: Sunday January 17 2021, 1:07 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Hungarian Citera played...
Posted: Sunday January 17 2021, 12:00 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
The Drifting Thread...
Posted: Sunday January 17 2021, 10:43 AM
By: @dulcinina
By: @dulcinina
IMRAMA contrabass &...
Posted: Sunday January 17 2021, 9:45 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Introduce Yourself!
Posted: Saturday January 16 2021, 1:43 PM
By: @nateprentice
By: @nateprentice
What Are You Working On?
Posted: Saturday January 16 2021, 1:15 PM
By: @John W. McKinstry
By: @John W. McKinstry
A Luthier who used pegs to...
Posted: Saturday January 16 2021, 11:03 AM
By: @Nathina
By: @Nathina
article about world globes...
Posted: Friday January 15 2021, 7:28 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Translating tab to printed...
Posted: Monday January 11 2021, 11:43 AM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
My voyage to the lute...
Posted: Sunday January 10 2021, 3:45 PM
By: @jost
By: @jost
Hollow or solid fret boards
Posted: Sunday January 10 2021, 12:28 PM
By: @Dan
By: @Dan
Spambots on soundcloud
Posted: Sunday January 10 2021, 9:43 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
A moment of reflection
Posted: Friday January 8 2021, 12:39 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
I got a new ukulele
Posted: Friday January 8 2021, 9:34 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Short film on luthier...
Posted: Wednesday January 6 2021, 6:17 PM
By: @dulcinina
By: @dulcinina
"Floating" Fretboards
Posted: Tuesday January 5 2021, 6:05 PM
By: @robert schuler
By: @robert schuler
Recommendations on capos
Posted: Monday January 4 2021, 8:47 PM
By: @Art S
By: @Art S
Blue Lion Dulcimers why so...
Posted: Monday January 4 2021, 7:13 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Fret Markers
Posted: Monday January 4 2021, 10:58 AM
By: @Nathina
By: @Nathina
Hearts Of The Dulcimer...
Posted: Saturday January 2 2021, 4:27 PM
By: @Patricia Delich
By: @Patricia Delich
Cigar Box Guitar
Posted: Saturday January 2 2021, 7:32 AM
By: @Jim Fawcett
By: @Jim Fawcett
Sad News -- RIP Ralph Lee...
Posted: Thursday December 31 2020, 3:05 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
DIY? building a dulcimer...
Posted: Tuesday December 29 2020, 3:50 PM
By: @Don Grundy
By: @Don Grundy
You know your dulcimer has...
Posted: Saturday December 26 2020, 12:22 AM
By: @banjelele
By: @banjelele
A Very Merry Christmas to...
Posted: Friday December 25 2020, 1:33 PM
By: @traildad
By: @traildad
Action is too low
Posted: Friday December 25 2020, 1:31 PM
By: @traildad
By: @traildad
Restoring the Delser, I...
Posted: Friday December 25 2020, 10:55 AM
By: @Nathina
By: @Nathina
What do you think of this...
Posted: Friday December 25 2020, 8:57 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Read the Site Rules
Our Welcome Wagon!
3 CHEERS to our Volunteer Greeters ...for making new members feel right at home :
Jim Fawcett 
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Rob Lackey 
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Richard Streib 
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Ken Longfield 
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Benjamin Barr 
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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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