Location:
Location: Oregon
Country: United States
Country: United States
My Latest Followers:
Stats
Playlists: 1
youtube videos: 10
images: 41
audio tracks: 3
I like playing pretty music and I like making my own stuff whenever I can, so I love the mountain dulcimer! As a hobby I make my own dulcimers using very modest techniques, tools, and materials. I've made some that turned out very unique. I'm a big fan of DIY, recycling materials, and 'redneck ingenuity.'
Latest Activity
All
@nate
• 16 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Traditional role of the mountain dulcimer.":
Posted a response to "Traditional role of the mountain dulcimer.":
"It is interesting to think that at a time when European antecedents were 'traditional,' at one point the dulcimer was probably considered an innovative new..."
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Fan Frets:
Posted a new Comment on Fan Frets:
"Really cool video. In general, am I correct in assuming that fan frets are intended to allow for longer VSL on lower bass strings? If so, then it makes sense..."
@nate
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a youtube item created by @daniel-crommie: Living in the Dark Ages
Liked a youtube item created by @daniel-crommie: Living in the Dark Ages
@nate
• 4 days ago
• comments: 2
Liked a group discussions item created by @randy-adams: Flowers of Edinburgh
Liked a group discussions item created by @randy-adams: Flowers of Edinburgh
@nate
• 4 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Flowers of Edinburgh :
Posted a new Comment on Flowers of Edinburgh :
"Really cool Randy. The way you use the noter as a 7.5 fret is so seamless. Thanks for sharing"
@nate
• 4 days ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Learning "Double Thumbing":
Posted a new Comment on Learning "Double Thumbing":
"That is interesting John. What you describe is a technique I use often. I like the subtler sound it gives the bass notes"
@nate
• one week ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @wally-venable: Liquid Electrical Tape
Liked a forum discussions item created by @wally-venable: Liquid Electrical Tape
@nate
• one week ago
• comments: 1
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: The Boatman[Fhir a Bhata].
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: The Boatman[Fhir a Bhata].
@nate
• one week ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Strings turned iridescent?":
Posted a response to "Strings turned iridescent?":
"Salt Springs:
You can test if it is sulfur based oxidation by doing this, (it works primarily on sterling but you can give it a try...........)
You..."
@nate
• one week ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Maple, and only maple, for a dulcimer?":
Posted a response to "Maple, and only maple, for a dulcimer?":
"Mary_Adelee:
Is a dulcimer with maple top, sides and back considered to be a good sounding, durable dulcimer?
Different species of maple have different..."
@nate
• one week ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @dulcimerbob: My music for free
Liked a forum discussions item created by @dulcimerbob: My music for free
@nate
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "I've Just Bought a BANJO !!!!":
Posted a response to "I've Just Bought a BANJO !!!!":
"Well Ken, I'd suppose that is 6 years of skill developed!"
@nate
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: Jesus Savior Pilot Me
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: Jesus Savior Pilot Me
@nate
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @granto: My first album is for sale!
Liked a forum discussions item created by @granto: My first album is for sale!
@nate
• 4 weeks ago
• comments: 8
Liked a youtube item created by @karel-votanek: I'll Tell Me Ma Dulcimer
Liked a youtube item created by @karel-votanek: I'll Tell Me Ma Dulcimer
@nate
• 4 weeks ago
• comments: 17
Posted a new Comment on false bottoms = added mass?:
Posted a new Comment on false bottoms = added mass?:
"Ken, you are right. I have a tendency to always want to try out 10 new features every time,which leads to dulcimers that are pretty hard to compare in any..."
@nate
• 4 weeks ago
• comments: 17
Posted a new Comment on false bottoms = added mass?:
Posted a new Comment on false bottoms = added mass?:
"Thank you cottage. It is not just the volume setting, that dulcimer is very loud for it's size. Thin aluminum is much more resonant than the plywood I used,..."
@nate
• one month ago
• comments: 15
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: Hard Times Come Again No More
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: Hard Times Come Again No More
@nate
• one month ago
• comments: 17
Posted a new Comment on false bottoms = added mass?:
Posted a new Comment on false bottoms = added mass?:
"Cottage Timbre:
I hope this discussion is not dead yet. Does the resonance of the back have to do with the specific sound frequencies, much like antennas..."
@nate
• one month ago
• comments: 0
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: What's the Life of a Man?
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: What's the Life of a Man?
@nate
• one month ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Basic Tuning Question":
Posted a response to "Basic Tuning Question":
"Brad Richard:
Dusty - Thank you! That works for me. Off to pick up a capo.
Hey Brad, don't forget that dulcimer capos work a bit differently than guitar..."
@nate
• one month ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "6 String Dulcimer Question":
Posted a response to "6 String Dulcimer Question":
"6 strings provide a fuller "choral" sound. In my opinion, if you are doing a lot of chording, it is much more comfortable with three strings. If you are..."
@nate
• one month ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Dulcimer:
Posted a new Comment on Dulcimer:
"Very nice dulcimer. 6 string dulcimers sound other worldly. Im sure it's a lot of funNate"
@nate
• one month ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Help with ID of recent thrift shop purchase":
Posted a response to "Help with ID of recent thrift shop purchase":
"What a cool resolution "
Latest Group Discussions
All
What are the tedious parts of dulcimer building?
Hello skilled craftsmen, I've heard some people say that it takes them...
@NateBuildsToys 2 months ago - Comments: 8
String physics question
Hey folks. Some of my dulcimers have a lot of string length that is...
@NateBuildsToys 3 months ago - Comments: 3
Gluing resonant objects inside soundbox?
Hey folks I was hoping someone might have some insight on a thought I...
@NateBuildsToys 3 months ago - Comments: 9
Choice of Wood for Fingerboard?
Hello craftsmen of FOTMD! I was hoping for some opinions on if the...
@NateBuildsToys 3 months ago - Comments: 8
What is a Galax Dulcimer
Hey folks Im just wondering what traits are associated with galax...
@NateBuildsToys 3 months ago - Comments: 9
How Much is my Weird Dulcimer Worth?
Hello craftsmen of FOTMD! I built a dulcimer from "upcycled" materials...
@NateBuildsToys 4 months ago - Comments: 5
An Upside Downcimer
I have built a very strange dulcimer. I would appreciate some input and...
@NateBuildsToys 8 months ago - Comments: 21
Your favorite noter
I would love some input on what your preferred noters are. Noters come...
@NateBuildsToys 8 months ago - Comments: 21
Saddle on Soundboard
Hello folks, I am getting ready to make a dulcimer for myself and would...
@NateBuildsToys 9 months ago - Comments: 5
Vertical vs Horizontal Quill?
I have heard it said a few times that holding a quill vertically, like a...
@NateBuildsToys 9 months ago - Comments: 4
false bottoms = added mass?
Hey folks I've been thinking lately about false bottoms. Mainly about...
@NateBuildsToys 9 months ago - Comments: 17
String Gauge and Intonation
Hello all. Am I correct in assuming that the reason for compensating...
@NateBuildsToys 2 years ago - Comments: 5
Building Dulcimers Cheap
Hey all, when I first started building dulcimers it was a very...
@NateBuildsToys 2 years ago - Comments: 5
Bridge Placement for Proper Intonation
Hello, this is always something I've had to relearn on every single...
@NateBuildsToys 2 years ago - Comments: 2
Added some half frets....now what?
Hello all I have been playing dulcimer for about a year on diatonic...
@NateBuildsToys 3 years ago - Comments: 16
Copyright law and dulcimer music
Hey all this has been something I've been struggling to understand and...
@NateBuildsToys 3 years ago - Comments: 34
Protecting the interior of a dulcimer
Hello all I was just wondering if it is common for builders to apply any...
@NateBuildsToys 3 years ago - Comments: 6
How I learned to build dulcimers
I thought y'all might find this silly. This is the page from a...
@NateBuildsToys 3 years ago - Comments: 9
a VERY strange hypothetical
Hello all a very bizarre idea came to my mind and I'd love some input. I...
@NateBuildsToys 3 years ago - Comments: 19
Where the fingerboard meets the soundboard
Hello all. I have started making my dulcimers with fingerboards that...
@NateBuildsToys 3 years ago - Comments: 23
Latest Photos
All
.jpg "1 (2).jpg")
Latest Forum Discussions
AllStrings turned iridescent?
Posted: Monday November 27 2023, 3:30 AM
By: @shanonmilan
By: @shanonmilan
VSL Breakpoint Angles, Radiuses, and...
Posted: Friday November 10 2023, 7:55 AM
By: @Ken Hulme
By: @Ken Hulme
The Joy of Sharing Dulcimer
Posted: Saturday September 2 2023, 9:58 AM
By: @Wally Venable
By: @Wally Venable
A Test for Tone-Deafness!
Posted: Wednesday August 16 2023, 6:27 PM
By: @NateBuildsToys
By: @NateBuildsToys
Benefits of longer VSL?
Posted: Saturday April 29 2023, 12:04 AM
By: @Bob Stephens
By: @Bob Stephens
Connection Between Hammered and Mountain...
Posted: Wednesday April 12 2023, 11:15 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
How Old is This Dulcimer Kit/Stuff?
Posted: Wednesday March 22 2023, 10:35 AM
By: @John C. Knopf
By: @John C. Knopf
Kora
Posted: Wednesday March 15 2023, 3:07 PM
By: @NateBuildsToys
By: @NateBuildsToys
How do I know what key I'm in?
Posted: Sunday March 12 2023, 10:49 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
An Aquavina Update
Posted: Sunday February 26 2023, 6:55 PM
By: @NateBuildsToys
By: @NateBuildsToys
What's the deal with Aquavinas?
Posted: Saturday February 25 2023, 3:32 PM
By: @NateBuildsToys
By: @NateBuildsToys
Magnetic pickup vs Piezo vs Mic pointed at...
Posted: Saturday December 3 2022, 7:22 AM
By: @Bill Robison
By: @Bill Robison
Why is it called a possum board?
Posted: Tuesday January 18 2022, 8:04 PM
By: @Jon W Harris
By: @Jon W Harris
Making a dulcimer humidity resistant?
Posted: Monday May 31 2021, 2:36 PM
By: @Nathina
By: @Nathina
Choosing Strings
Posted: Sunday May 2 2021, 9:47 AM
By: @Ken Hulme
By: @Ken Hulme
Nylon strings on a steel string dulcimer
Posted: Friday March 26 2021, 9:01 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Non-Metal Fret Material
Posted: Thursday February 11 2021, 4:09 PM
By: @Ken Hulme
By: @Ken Hulme
Choice of Wood: Pertinent or Purism?
Posted: Friday September 4 2020, 8:25 PM
By: @Lisa Golladay
By: @Lisa Golladay
Are there fretless dulcimers?
Posted: Wednesday September 2 2020, 5:05 AM
By: @NateBuildsToys
By: @NateBuildsToys
Glass Bottle Resonator Dulcimer
Posted: Tuesday September 1 2020, 11:14 PM
By: @NateBuildsToys
By: @NateBuildsToys
Size of Soundbox and Loudness
Posted: Friday August 14 2020, 8:14 AM
By: @Matt Berg
By: @Matt Berg
Truss Rods?
Posted: Tuesday August 11 2020, 11:33 AM
By: @Bob Stephens
By: @Bob Stephens
Beer Bottle Bridge/Glass Resonator
Posted: Friday May 22 2020, 12:54 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Is the strumhollow redundant?
Posted: Thursday May 21 2020, 11:43 AM
By: @NateBuildsToys
By: @NateBuildsToys
Adding Extra Strings to Courses
Posted: Wednesday May 6 2020, 3:04 PM
By: @NateBuildsToys
By: @NateBuildsToys
Comments
10/06/23 10:12:09AM @irene:
I've not posted photos for a while here and I'll have to read up on it again. Yes, that teardrop dulcimer turned out very lovely, all out of woods mentioned in the Bible. I'm getting ready to make another hourglass dulcimer mostly out of Bible woods again. aloha, irene
09/25/23 07:01:20AM @dan:
"grow closer to the sharp iron and wood philosophy every day" is my way of describing my passion for tradition.
08/30/23 04:29:56PM @sea-strings:
After you left a comment on my discussion, I had to come over here and check out your profile, and hey! We have the same favorite song picked out! We're favorite-song siblings. 
03/06/20 06:24:47AM @strumelia:
Hi Nate. I hope you will post some photos soon of some of your instruments. The ones you describe and the one in your profile pic look amazing! 
02/29/20 09:12:01AM @benjamin-w-barr-jr:
Hi Nate, 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, and to meet some good people.
Ben
02/26/20 08:16:55PM @richard-streib:
Welcome NateBuildToys to Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. Glad you joined. You may want to consider joining the Dulcimer Making group. Best wishes on your dulcimer journey.
02/22/20 08:45:08PM @ken-longfield:
Welcome to FOTMD NateBuildsToys. It is good to have you aboard. I look forward to your participation in these discussions.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
