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
• 2 hours ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on @reneesarah:
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
• 5 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Lefties":
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
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Lefties":
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
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Lefties":
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
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Lefties":
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
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Lefties":
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
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Apologies":
Posted a response to "Apologies":
"No apologies needed, Alex! "
@alex-lubet
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Lefties":
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
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Apologies":
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
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Lefties":
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
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Lefties":
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
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Lefties":
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..."
@robin-thompson
• 2 days ago
• comments: 28
Posted a new Comment on Sleet & Freezing Rain:
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
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Lefties":
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..."
@richard-streib
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @rabbit90:
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
• 2 days ago
• comments: 28
Posted a new Comment on Sleet & Freezing Rain:
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..."
@ken-longfield
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @rabbit90:
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
• 2 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on 4 versus 3:
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
• 3 days ago
• comments: 10
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: Our Foundling, a work-in-progress
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: Our Foundling, a work-in-progress
@richard-streib
• 3 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @scotts:
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
• 3 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @4stringgirl:
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
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "No grooves on bridge revisited":
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
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "No grooves on bridge revisited":
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
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "No grooves on bridge revisited":
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
• 4 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @scotts:
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
• 4 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on @4stringgirl:
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
• 4 days ago
• comments: 18
Liked a group discussions item created by @flint-hill: Nathan Hicks playing "Pretty Polly" in 1939 - Alternative pre-revival tuning?
Liked a group discussions item created by @flint-hill: Nathan Hicks playing "Pretty Polly" in 1939 - Alternative pre-revival tuning?
@robin-thompson
• 4 days ago
• comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on Our Foundling, a work-in-progress :
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
• 4 days ago
• comments: 1
Liked a music item created by @dan: Number 6_25 Jinny sound clip
Liked a music item created by @dan: Number 6_25 Jinny sound clip
@homer-ross
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @dan: Black Thomas replication
Liked a forum discussions item created by @dan: Black Thomas replication
@davisjames
• 4 days ago
• comments: 10
Posted a new Comment on Our Foundling, a work-in-progress :
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
• 4 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on 4 versus 3:
Posted a new Comment on 4 versus 3:
"Very interesting, thanks. I'm especially intrigued by the 5 equidistant strings. "
@nate
• 4 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on 4 versus 3:
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
• 5 days ago
• comments: 18
Liked a group discussions item created by @flint-hill: Nathan Hicks playing "Pretty Polly" in 1939 - Alternative pre-revival tuning?
Liked a group discussions item created by @flint-hill: Nathan Hicks playing "Pretty Polly" in 1939 - Alternative pre-revival tuning?
@jost
• 5 days ago
• comments: 21
Liked a group discussions item created by @robin-clark: Working With Drones
Liked a group discussions item created by @robin-clark: Working With Drones
@richard-streib
• 5 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @kingtut:
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
• 5 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @kingtut:
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
• 5 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a group discussions item created by @robin-thompson: a Balinese gamelan ensemble from U of KY
Liked a group discussions item created by @robin-thompson: a Balinese gamelan ensemble from U of KY
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 6 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @kingtut:
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
• 6 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Black Thomas replication":
Posted a response to "Black Thomas replication":
"Thank you @kevin-r"
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 6 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @dan: Black Thomas replication
Liked a forum discussions item created by @dan: Black Thomas replication
@dan
• 6 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Black Thomas replication":
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
• 6 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @dan: Black Thomas replication
Liked a forum discussions item created by @dan: Black Thomas replication
@kevin-r
• 6 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Black Thomas replication":
Posted a response to "Black Thomas replication":
"Here is a link to another video of this instrument."
@phil-myers
• 6 days ago
• comments: 1
Liked a music item created by @dan: Number 6_25 Jinny sound clip
Liked a music item created by @dan: Number 6_25 Jinny sound clip
@frank-dudgeon
• 6 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a group discussions item created by @robin-thompson: a Balinese gamelan ensemble from U of KY
Liked a group discussions item created by @robin-thompson: a Balinese gamelan ensemble from U of KY
@richard-streib
• 6 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @dulsimmer:
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
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...
Little Dulcimers
Do you play an octave, mini, or traveling dulcimer?
Four-Equidistant Strings
A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
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...
Help Me Learn this Song
Need help learning to play a particular song? Let another...
Early & Classical Music
For discussing music from earlier eras: Ancient,...
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...
UK and European Mountain...
A group which hopefully allows players/makers in this...
Chromatic Dulcimers
For players who enjoy playing dulcimers with ALL the frets!
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
Lefties
Posted: Thursday July 10 2025, 5:07 PM
By: @Alex_Lubet
By: @Alex_Lubet
Apologies
Posted: Wednesday July 9 2025, 7:41 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
No grooves on bridge revisited
Posted: Monday July 7 2025, 5:56 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Black Thomas replication
Posted: Saturday July 5 2025, 8:35 AM
By: @Dan
By: @Dan
Tuning down a half step
Posted: Friday July 4 2025, 11:15 AM
By: @Lorilee
By: @Lorilee
Pluck by Linda Paulus
Posted: Wednesday July 2 2025, 7:50 PM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Reasons NOT To Get a Chromatic
Posted: Monday June 30 2025, 4:33 PM
By: @Alex_Lubet
By: @Alex_Lubet
Guitar strap (Straplok)
Posted: Saturday June 28 2025, 6:35 PM
By: @Lilley Pad
By: @Lilley Pad
When to replace tuners
Posted: Thursday June 26 2025, 10:46 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Value of a Mize Dulcimer
Posted: Tuesday June 24 2025, 11:35 AM
By: @John Pettreemusic
By: @John Pettreemusic
For our new members - The Chat
Posted: Tuesday June 24 2025, 9:45 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
My happiness with Heinrich...
Posted: Sunday June 22 2025, 6:40 PM
By: @Mountainmender
By: @Mountainmender
Which melody string to...
Posted: Sunday June 22 2025, 5:58 PM
By: @Paderau
By: @Paderau
Hello, Hi again!
Posted: Sunday June 22 2025, 4:36 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Price estimate on old dulcimer
Posted: Thursday June 19 2025, 1:03 AM
By: @Molly McCurdy
By: @Molly McCurdy
New to the group, several...
Posted: Wednesday June 18 2025, 11:51 AM
By: @Alex_Lubet
By: @Alex_Lubet
Are string breaks dangerous?
Posted: Monday June 16 2025, 10:12 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Tuning my new Dulcimer
Posted: Saturday June 14 2025, 10:11 PM
By: @calvin
By: @calvin
Replacing wood tuners
Posted: Saturday June 14 2025, 7:04 AM
By: @Richard Streib
By: @Richard Streib
Brass instruments
Posted: Thursday June 12 2025, 6:00 PM
By: @ryan-carey
By: @ryan-carey
Introduce Yourself!
Posted: Thursday June 12 2025, 7:04 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
What to Look For When...
Posted: Friday June 6 2025, 4:31 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
larry Barringer
Posted: Thursday June 5 2025, 12:52 PM
By: @calvin
By: @calvin
WANTED: Blue Lion teardrop
Posted: Monday June 2 2025, 6:54 PM
By: @Jill Geary
By: @Jill Geary
Bar Cords
Posted: Sunday June 1 2025, 4:00 AM
By: @Lilley Pad
By: @Lilley Pad
Mountain Dulcimer on The...
Posted: Saturday May 24 2025, 12:38 PM
By: @Jim Yates
By: @Jim Yates
Just String info.
Posted: Thursday May 15 2025, 5:36 PM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
storing an instrument
Posted: Thursday May 15 2025, 11:51 AM
By: @Wally Venable
By: @Wally Venable
Jim Good dulcimer
Posted: Wednesday May 14 2025, 6:38 PM
By: @wanative07
By: @wanative07
Things to consider with...
Posted: Monday May 12 2025, 7:29 PM
By: @Richard Streib
By: @Richard Streib
Read the Site Rules
Our Welcome Wagon!
3 CHEERS to our Volunteer Greeters ...for making new members feel right at home :
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Benjamin Barr  |
Richard Streib  |
Ken Longfield  |
Single Instructor Events / Classifieds
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