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
@robin-thompson
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Hangman's Waltz.:
Posted a new Comment on Hangman's Waltz.:
"I love unison A tuning-- I have an instrument in Bagpipe tuning (Aaaa). "
@davisjames
• 7 hours ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Hangman's Waltz.:
Posted a new Comment on Hangman's Waltz.:
"How much joy have I gotten out of the aaaa tuning?A lot! I ordered a giant Galax dulcimer from John Knopf a couple years back thinking "Galax" just means a..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 9 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @twanda:
Posted a new Comment on @twanda:
"Hi Twanda, 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 the..."
@benjamin-w-barr-jr
• 9 hours ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @terry-jaye:
Posted a new Comment on @terry-jaye:
"Hi Terry, 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,..."
@nate
• 10 hours ago
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: Lonesome Valley
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: Lonesome Valley
@ken-longfield
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on My new Bill Berg dulcimer!:
Posted a new Comment on My new Bill Berg dulcimer!:
"Thanks, Dusty, it does.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song.""
@dusty
• 13 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on My new Bill Berg dulcimer!:
Posted a new Comment on My new Bill Berg dulcimer!:
"Moderator edit: I adjusted the size of the photos. I hope that helps."
@ken-longfield
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on My new Bill Berg dulcimer!:
Posted a new Comment on My new Bill Berg dulcimer!:
"Hi great lakes73. You might try resizing your photos and then reposting them. That will allow us to see the entire photo. As to noters, they are a personal..."
@greatlakes73
• 15 hours ago
• comments: 3
Created a new Group discussion "My new Bill Berg dulcimer!":
Created a new Group discussion "My new Bill Berg dulcimer!":
"Received it a few days ago and love the sound, shape, wood. Has 5 strings which I expect will lend a fuller sound. My question is: I have 3 different notes,..."
OLD STYLE Drone & Noter players
OLD STYLE Drone & Noter players
@terry-jaye
• 18 hours ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Electrified dulcimer with a live edge:
Posted a new Comment on Electrified dulcimer with a live edge:
"All major steps are complete and its time for final finishing. The wood body was factory finished and I tried to preserve as best I could. However, some..."
@richard-streib
• yesterday
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Lonesome Valley:
Posted a new Comment on Lonesome Valley:
"Well done John. Thank you for sharing this hold hymn."
@frank-dudgeon
• yesterday
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: Lonesome Valley
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: Lonesome Valley
@david-bennett
• 2 days ago
• comments: 13
Posted a new Comment on Today In Mountain Dulcimer History: May:
Posted a new Comment on Today In Mountain Dulcimer History: May:
"bump
Today In Mountain Dulcimer History: May..."
@terry-jaye
• 2 days ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Electrified dulcimer with a live edge:
Posted a new Comment on Electrified dulcimer with a live edge:
"When the bridge position was determined, the rest of the elements were located. Receptacles were hollowed out on the top and bottom. I dislike using..."
@terry-jaye
• 2 days ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Electrified dulcimer with a live edge:
Posted a new Comment on Electrified dulcimer with a live edge:
"Nate:
idea to have removable fingerboards. Is the idea that you could switch between diatonic and chromatic fret setups?
That's the idea. I have another..."
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Electrified dulcimer with a live edge:
Posted a new Comment on Electrified dulcimer with a live edge:
"Looks great. Seems like a lot of time and energy went into this build, and id say it paid off. It's a very neat idea to have removable fingerboards. Is the..."
@richard-streib
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Any information about this dulcimer?":
Posted a response to "Any information about this dulcimer?":
"Such wise counsel from Strumelia. That is a very special dulcimer and one to treasure. Like her, I think it must have been meant for you. Play it and enjoy it."
@strumelia
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Any information about this dulcimer?":
Posted a response to "Any information about this dulcimer?":
"If it plays well (and i suspect it must), then if you intend to play dulcimer, even just a little for fun, why sell this at all? It's a hassle to sell and..."
@terry-jaye
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
"My brother pointed out in the video link I posted that the 2nd fret played sounded flat. Of course it did. I played the extra 1.5 fret that I installed...."
@terry-jaye
• 3 days ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Electrified dulcimer with a live edge:
Posted a new Comment on Electrified dulcimer with a live edge:
"I started the process of seeing where the various bits would fit.
Removal of the metal shelf bracket left two holes in the body. I had some cheap..."
@twanda
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Any information about this dulcimer?":
Posted a response to "Any information about this dulcimer?":
"I bought it at an estate sale because it was just too beautiful. However, I don't play! I am just a beginner and don't expect to get very advanced -- I..."
@john-c-knopf
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Any information about this dulcimer?":
Posted a response to "Any information about this dulcimer?":
"Very nice! One suggestion springs to mind, seeing all of that face carving: Ron Cook of Ron Cook Studios in California. Ron built many, many instruments..."
@richard-streib
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Any information about this dulcimer?":
Posted a response to "Any information about this dulcimer?":
"What a unique and impressive dulcimer. A treasure for sure."
@nate
• 3 days ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Not normally a rock song, but...:
Posted a new Comment on Not normally a rock song, but...:
"Unfortunately, there is a pretty huge loophole that is still used. We send the garbage to other countries with less regulatory oversight and have them dump..."
@terry-jaye
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
"John Pettreemusic:
Probably easier to get out of the basement than the aircraft was.....
Nice build.....Will it fly?
Yes, not excavating and cutting..."
@terry-jaye
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
"Strumelia:
Nicely done, @terry-jaye . Have you tested it out yet? What starter tune are you experimenting with?
It's in testing mode right now. I need..."
@robin-thompson
• 4 days ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Not normally a rock song, but...:
Posted a new Comment on Not normally a rock song, but...:
"Sad & true, the essence of the song is even more relevant today than when first written. "
@robin-thompson
• 4 days ago
• comments: 1
Liked a group discussions item created by @sam-edelston: Cyndi Lauper to R&R Hall of Fame! So, True Colors
Liked a group discussions item created by @sam-edelston: Cyndi Lauper to R&R Hall of Fame! So, True Colors
@robin-thompson
• 4 days ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Cyndi Lauper to R&R Hall of Fame! So, True Colors:
Posted a new Comment on Cyndi Lauper to R&R Hall of Fame! So, True Colors:
"Sam, I'm a Cyndi Lauper fan and love this so much! Your play of it is almost meditative and suits just right. "
@sam-edelston
• 4 days ago
• comments: 1
Created a new Group discussion "Cyndi Lauper to R&R Hall of Fame! So, True Colors":
Created a new Group discussion "Cyndi Lauper to R&R Hall of Fame! So, True Colors":
"I didn't plan to post another video so soon, but Sunday night they announced this year's inductees for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and they finally..."
Rockin' in the Free World
Rockin' in the Free World
@sam-edelston
• 4 days ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Not normally a rock song, but...:
Posted a new Comment on Not normally a rock song, but...:
"Thanks, @nate & @robin-thompson !
Nate, FYI, when this song was written, industrial waste was allowed to be dumped in the ocean - a practice that's..."
@john-petry
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
"Probably easier to get out of the basement than the aircraft was.....
Nice build.....Will it fly?"
@strumelia
• 4 days ago
• comments: 21
Posted a new Comment on Hindman Dulcimer Homecoming 2025 -(KY):
Posted a new Comment on Hindman Dulcimer Homecoming 2025 -(KY):
"You could consider Galax players as well if looking for a teacher to hire. Kimberly Burnett, or is Phyllis Gaskins still teaching?Ken Longfield- I am sure..."
@strumelia
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Any information about this dulcimer?":
Posted a response to "Any information about this dulcimer?":
"What an absolute jewel of a dulcimer! Do you own it, and if so, where/how did you get it?
It's hard to believe that someone would put that much skilled work..."
@strumelia
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
"Nicely done, @terry-jaye . Have you tested it out yet? What starter tune are you experimenting with?"
@robin-thompson
• 4 days ago
• comments: 16
Posted a new Comment on Peonies in the Field:
Posted a new Comment on Peonies in the Field:
"You're most welcome, @steve-c ! Playing with a noter is all I know and it's fun to explore even after being at it for, nearly, a couple decades. "
@robin-thompson
• 4 days ago
• comments: 21
Posted a new Comment on Hindman Dulcimer Homecoming 2025 -(KY):
Posted a new Comment on Hindman Dulcimer Homecoming 2025 -(KY):
"Just a thought:
Noter play often seems presented as a singular style (and/or, primarily, for beginners) when there is plenty of variation with particular..."
@robin-thompson
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Any information about this dulcimer?":
Posted a response to "Any information about this dulcimer?":
"What a lovely instrument! Made by a very skilled woodworker, for sure. No 6.5 fret and not a reproduction build of some kind. It's very cool. "
@terry-jaye
• 4 days ago
• comments: 5
Created a new Group discussion "Electrified dulcimer with a live edge":
Created a new Group discussion "Electrified dulcimer with a live edge":
"I'd like to post the build process of my electric dulcimer. I have a number of photos and will post in segments. Please keep in mind that I'm not a..."
Dulcimer Making
Dulcimer Making
@terry-jaye
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
"Hello all. I've been aware of dulcimers for over 52 years, but never learned to play. I built one from plans in a 1973 Popular Science issue when I was age..."
@terry-jaye
• 4 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @terry-jaye:
Posted a new Comment on @terry-jaye:
"Thanks for the welcome. I'll introduce myself and journey in the appropriate spot. "
@nate
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Any information about this dulcimer?":
Posted a response to "Any information about this dulcimer?":
"That is such a neat dulcimer. The craftsmanship and detail is insane, and the woods are so beautiful. "
@dusty
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @twanda: Any information about this dulcimer?
Liked a forum discussions item created by @twanda: Any information about this dulcimer?
@nate
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Any information about this dulcimer?":
Posted a response to "Any information about this dulcimer?":
"Wow that is so cool"
@ken-longfield
• 4 days ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on @terry-jaye:
Posted a new Comment on @terry-jaye:
"Welcome to FOTMD Terry Jaye. I look forward to your participation in these discussions; especially the ones about dulcimer building. You are going back in..."
@ken-longfield
• 4 days ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on @twanda:
Posted a new Comment on @twanda:
"Welcome to FOTMD Twanda. One of the early catalogers of mountain dulcimers typed them by shape. Certain regions offered a particular shape. There is a good..."
@steve-c
• 4 days ago
• comments: 16
Posted a new Comment on Peonies in the Field:
Posted a new Comment on Peonies in the Field:
"Thanks so much Robin! Love this! You are an amazing player! Noter skills galore!"
@twanda
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Any information about this dulcimer?":
Created a new forum topic "Any information about this dulcimer?":
"There is no maker's mark on the inside that I can see."
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?
Baritone & Bass Dulcimer...
A Group for discussing the unique aspects of playing...
Four-Equidistant Strings
A place to share about 4-equidistant string playing, how...
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
Latest Forum Posts All
Any information about this...
Posted: Wednesday April 30 2025, 11:41 AM
By: @Richard Streib
By: @Richard Streib
Introduce Yourself!
Posted: Wednesday April 30 2025, 8:10 AM
By: @Terry Jaye
By: @Terry Jaye
The Positive Thread...
Posted: Monday April 28 2025, 11:22 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
McCafferty Desert Motif...
Posted: Sunday April 27 2025, 10:52 PM
By: @fromsfca
By: @fromsfca
WTB: glass noter
Posted: Sunday April 27 2025, 4:42 PM
By: @John Pettreemusic
By: @John Pettreemusic
six string Dulcimer
Posted: Friday April 25 2025, 2:34 PM
By: @Lilley Pad
By: @Lilley Pad
Amplification of an...
Posted: Thursday April 24 2025, 1:28 AM
By: @Pux0r3
By: @Pux0r3
Help with restoring a 1962...
Posted: Tuesday April 22 2025, 10:29 PM
By: @Robert Owens
By: @Robert Owens
Free Tab books, New (taken)
Posted: Tuesday April 22 2025, 10:27 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
New Harmony saddle?
Posted: Saturday April 19 2025, 4:31 PM
By: @Debi
By: @Debi
John Stockard Dulcimer
Posted: Saturday April 19 2025, 8:04 AM
By: @Old Dawg
By: @Old Dawg
recommendations for...
Posted: Friday April 18 2025, 12:12 PM
By: @John Pettreemusic
By: @John Pettreemusic
Good dulcimer for busking?
Posted: Friday April 18 2025, 3:12 AM
By: @Nate
By: @Nate
Chet Hines “dulcimore”
Posted: Friday April 18 2025, 2:48 AM
By: @John Pettreemusic
By: @John Pettreemusic
Mountain Dulcimer on The...
Posted: Thursday April 17 2025, 1:49 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
2 dulcimer dilemma
Posted: Tuesday April 15 2025, 9:33 PM
By: @John Pettreemusic
By: @John Pettreemusic
Don Neuhauser
Posted: Monday April 14 2025, 6:18 AM
By: @Lilley Pad
By: @Lilley Pad
International Appalachian...
Posted: Sunday April 13 2025, 9:33 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Mountain Dulcimer Picture...
Posted: Sunday April 13 2025, 6:09 AM
By: @dulcidom
By: @dulcidom
Tinny sounding strings
Posted: Friday April 11 2025, 10:02 AM
By: @Wally Venable
By: @Wally Venable
Gold Tone Dulciborn -...
Posted: Thursday April 10 2025, 5:35 PM
By: @
By: @
Anyone Recognize This Builder
Posted: Wednesday April 2 2025, 10:51 AM
By: @msdeebee
By: @msdeebee
Bonnie Carol Number 6 1973
Posted: Sunday March 30 2025, 12:59 PM
By: @Badger
By: @Badger
Lute Dulcimer
Posted: Sunday March 30 2025, 11:00 AM
By: @Mark Gilston
By: @Mark Gilston
Short scale dulcimer
Posted: Saturday March 29 2025, 2:42 PM
By: @Wally Venable
By: @Wally Venable
North Country Dulcimer
Posted: Saturday March 29 2025, 2:59 AM
By: @Nate
By: @Nate
Bowing a dulcimer
Posted: Friday March 28 2025, 5:57 PM
By: @
By: @
Ray Hunley 2009 #260 Solid...
Posted: Friday March 28 2025, 10:08 AM
By: @MargieS
By: @MargieS
A Question about dulcimer...
Posted: Thursday March 27 2025, 9:14 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
4 equidistant...
Posted: Wednesday March 26 2025, 11:14 AM
By: @
By: @
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