Nate

Location:

Location: Oregon
Country: United States

My Latest Followers:

Sea Strings ceilidhdog DavisJames flossy rojo Cheryl W Hunterdude glowhazel granto Ariane IRENE Dan Leo Kretzner Cynthia Wigington Steven Berger Stanley Adams Skip Ben Barr Jr Susie Bob Stephens MacAodha Randy Adams Robin Thompson Strumelia

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
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 16 hours ago • comments: 0
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..."
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 2 days ago • comments: 6
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..."
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 3 days ago • comments: 0
Liked a youtube item created by @daniel-crommie: Living in the Dark Ages
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 4 days ago • comments: 2
Liked a group discussions item created by @randy-adams: Flowers of Edinburgh
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 4 days ago • comments: 2
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"
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 4 days ago • comments: 5
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"
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 6 days ago • comments: 0
Liked a photos item created by @dan: purfling a
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 6 days ago • comments: 0
Liked a photos item created by @tukanu: dsci0007
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 6 days ago • comments: 2
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: Back to the sugar camp.
NateBuildsToys
@nate • one week ago • comments: 3
Liked a music item created by @dulcimerbob: Ghost Riders
NateBuildsToys
@nate • one week ago • comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @wally-venable: Liquid Electrical Tape
NateBuildsToys
@nate • one week ago • comments: 1
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: The Boatman[Fhir a Bhata].
NateBuildsToys
@nate • one week ago • comments: 1
Liked a music item created by @richard-streib: Over the River
NateBuildsToys
@nate • one week ago • comments: 0
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..."
NateBuildsToys
@nate • one week ago • comments: 0
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..."
NateBuildsToys
@nate • one week ago • comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @dulcimerbob: My music for free
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 2 weeks ago • comments: 0
Liked a youtube item created by @randy-adams: Skip to My Lou
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 3 weeks ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "I've Just Bought a BANJO !!!!":
"Well Ken, I'd suppose that is 6 years of skill developed!"
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 3 weeks ago • comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: Jesus Savior Pilot Me
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 3 weeks ago • comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @granto: My first album is for sale!
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 3 weeks ago • comments: 2
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: If I only knew.
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 4 weeks ago • comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @robert-worth: The Unquiet Grave
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 4 weeks ago • comments: 4
Liked a youtube item created by @noah-aikens: The Unquiet Grave
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 4 weeks ago • comments: 8
Liked a youtube item created by @karel-votanek: I'll Tell Me Ma Dulcimer
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 4 weeks ago • comments: 1
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: Reel de St.Martin.
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 4 weeks ago • comments: 17
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..."
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 4 weeks ago • comments: 17
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,..."
NateBuildsToys
@nate • one month ago • comments: 15
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: Hard Times Come Again No More
NateBuildsToys
@nate • one month ago • comments: 17
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..."
NateBuildsToys
@nate • one month ago • comments: 0
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: What's the Life of a Man?
NateBuildsToys
@nate • one month ago • comments: 0
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..."
NateBuildsToys
@nate • one month ago • comments: 0
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..."
NateBuildsToys
@nate • one month ago • comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Dulcimer:
"Very nice dulcimer. 6 string dulcimers sound other worldly. Im sure it's a lot of funNate"
NateBuildsToys
@nate • one month ago • comments: 1
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: Cuckoo's Nest.
NateBuildsToys
@nate • one month ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Help with ID of recent thrift shop purchase":
"What a cool resolution "

Latest Group Discussions

  All
NateBuildsToys

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
NateBuildsToys

String physics question


Hey folks. Some of my dulcimers have a lot of string length that is...
@NateBuildsToys 3 months ago - Comments: 3
NateBuildsToys

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
NateBuildsToys

Choice of Wood for Fingerboard?


Hello craftsmen of FOTMD! I was hoping for some opinions on if the...
@NateBuildsToys 3 months ago - Comments: 8
NateBuildsToys

What is a Galax Dulcimer


Hey folks Im just wondering what traits are associated with galax...
@NateBuildsToys 3 months ago - Comments: 9
NateBuildsToys

How Much is my Weird Dulcimer Worth?


Hello craftsmen of FOTMD! I built a dulcimer from "upcycled" materials...
@NateBuildsToys 4 months ago - Comments: 5
NateBuildsToys

An Upside Downcimer


I have built a very strange dulcimer. I would appreciate some input and...
@NateBuildsToys 8 months ago - Comments: 21
NateBuildsToys

Your favorite noter


I would love some input on what your preferred noters are. Noters come...
@NateBuildsToys 8 months ago - Comments: 21
NateBuildsToys

Saddle on Soundboard


Hello folks, I am getting ready to make a dulcimer for myself and would...
@NateBuildsToys 9 months ago - Comments: 5
NateBuildsToys

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
NateBuildsToys

false bottoms = added mass?


Hey folks  I've been thinking lately about false bottoms. Mainly about...
@NateBuildsToys 9 months ago - Comments: 17
NateBuildsToys

String Gauge and Intonation


Hello all. Am I correct in assuming that the reason for compensating...
@NateBuildsToys 2 years ago - Comments: 5
NateBuildsToys

Building Dulcimers Cheap


Hey all, when I first started building dulcimers it was a very...
@NateBuildsToys 2 years ago - Comments: 5
NateBuildsToys

Bridge Placement for Proper Intonation


Hello, this is always something I've had to relearn on every single...
@NateBuildsToys 2 years ago - Comments: 2
NateBuildsToys

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
NateBuildsToys

Copyright law and dulcimer music


Hey all this has been something I've been struggling to understand and...
@NateBuildsToys 3 years ago - Comments: 34
NateBuildsToys

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
NateBuildsToys

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
NateBuildsToys

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
NateBuildsToys

Where the fingerboard meets the soundboard


Hello all. I have started making my dulcimers with fingerboards that...
@NateBuildsToys 3 years ago - Comments: 23

Latest Audio

  All
I Don't Believe You

I Don't Believe You


@Nate
4 months ago - Comments: 5
Livi

Livi


@Nate
4 months ago - Comments: 1
You Lead The Way

You Lead The Way


@Nate
4 months ago - Comments: 4

Latest Videos

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Plywood Dulcimer w 3 Coffee Cans Inside

Plywood Dulcimer w 3 Coffee Cans Inside


@Nate
2 months ago - Comments: 7
The Moorlough Shore

The Moorlough Shore


@Nate
8 months ago - Comments: 3
Happy IADD

Happy IADD


@Nate
8 months ago - Comments: 3
Captain Kidd/Jack or Sam Hall

Captain Kidd/Jack or Sam Hall


@Nate
9 months ago - Comments: 4
Get Out of the Kitchen While I Cook

Get Out of the Kitchen While I Cook


@Nate
9 months ago - Comments: 4
The Nate Visiting Song

The Nate Visiting Song


@Nate
9 months ago - Comments: 2
My First Cardboard Dulcimer Build

My First Cardboard Dulcimer Build


@Nate
2 years ago - Comments: 5

Latest Photos

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d2.JPG
d1.JPG
mim 3.jpg
mim 2.jpg
mim1.jpg
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Latest Forum Discussions

  All

Strings turned iridescent?

Posted: Monday November 27 2023, 3:30 AM
By: @shanonmilan

VSL Breakpoint Angles, Radiuses, and...

Posted: Friday November 10 2023, 7:55 AM
By: @Ken Hulme

The Joy of Sharing Dulcimer

Posted: Saturday September 2 2023, 9:58 AM
By: @Wally Venable

A Test for Tone-Deafness!

Posted: Wednesday August 16 2023, 6:27 PM
By: @NateBuildsToys

Benefits of longer VSL?

Posted: Saturday April 29 2023, 12:04 AM
By: @Bob Stephens

Connection Between Hammered and Mountain...

Posted: Wednesday April 12 2023, 11:15 AM
By: @Ken Longfield

How Old is This Dulcimer Kit/Stuff?

Posted: Wednesday March 22 2023, 10:35 AM
By: @John C. Knopf

Kora

Posted: Wednesday March 15 2023, 3:07 PM
By: @NateBuildsToys

How do I know what key I'm in?

Posted: Sunday March 12 2023, 10:49 PM
By: @Strumelia

An Aquavina Update

Posted: Sunday February 26 2023, 6:55 PM
By: @NateBuildsToys

What's the deal with Aquavinas?

Posted: Saturday February 25 2023, 3:32 PM
By: @NateBuildsToys

Magnetic pickup vs Piezo vs Mic pointed at...

Posted: Saturday December 3 2022, 7:22 AM
By: @Bill Robison

Why is it called a possum board?

Posted: Tuesday January 18 2022, 8:04 PM
By: @Jon W Harris

Making a dulcimer humidity resistant?

Posted: Monday May 31 2021, 2:36 PM
By: @Nathina

Choosing Strings

Posted: Sunday May 2 2021, 9:47 AM
By: @Ken Hulme

Nylon strings on a steel string dulcimer

Posted: Friday March 26 2021, 9:01 AM
By: @Ken Longfield

Non-Metal Fret Material

Posted: Thursday February 11 2021, 4:09 PM
By: @Ken Hulme

Choice of Wood: Pertinent or Purism?

Posted: Friday September 4 2020, 8:25 PM
By: @Lisa Golladay

Are there fretless dulcimers?

Posted: Wednesday September 2 2020, 5:05 AM
By: @NateBuildsToys

Glass Bottle Resonator Dulcimer

Posted: Tuesday September 1 2020, 11:14 PM
By: @NateBuildsToys

Size of Soundbox and Loudness

Posted: Friday August 14 2020, 8:14 AM
By: @Matt Berg

Truss Rods?

Posted: Tuesday August 11 2020, 11:33 AM
By: @Bob Stephens

Beer Bottle Bridge/Glass Resonator

Posted: Friday May 22 2020, 12:54 PM
By: @Strumelia

Is the strumhollow redundant?

Posted: Thursday May 21 2020, 11:43 AM
By: @NateBuildsToys

Adding Extra Strings to Courses

Posted: Wednesday May 6 2020, 3:04 PM
By: @NateBuildsToys

Comments

IRENE
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


Dan
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.


Sea Strings
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. Laugh


Strumelia
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!  sun


Ben Barr Jr
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


Richard Streib
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.


Jim Fawcett
02/23/20 07:53:08AM @jim-fawcett:

Hey Nate, welcome aboard. Glad ya found us.


Ken Longfield
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."