Location:
Location: Oregon
Country: United States
Country: United States
My Latest Followers:
Stats
youtube videos: 18
images: 54
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
• 14 hours ago
• comments: 2
Liked a group discussions item created by @alex-lubet: Waves by Iris Shiraishi
Liked a group discussions item created by @alex-lubet: Waves by Iris Shiraishi
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "New to the group, several questions":
Posted a response to "New to the group, several questions":
"Very true Alex!
I find that many combinations of root notes tend to just make things more confusing, which is a fun opportunity to find something new.
Most..."
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 3
Liked a group discussions item created by @robin-thompson: Troublesome Creek Stringed Instruments dedication
Liked a group discussions item created by @robin-thompson: Troublesome Creek Stringed Instruments dedication
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "New to the group, several questions":
Posted a response to "New to the group, several questions":
"Personally, i have a massive pile of strings and quite a few dulcimers(8 at the moment), so I often experiment with different string gauge combinations, each..."
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "New to the group, several questions":
Posted a response to "New to the group, several questions":
"If each string can be tuned down 3 steps or up 2 steps, that is 6 possible notes per string, which I think amounts to 1200 possible combinations on a 4..."
@nate
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Are string breaks dangerous?":
Posted a response to "Are string breaks dangerous?":
"Richard, I am very paranoid when tuning a new instrument and I wear protective goggles when I do, but I have a lot of dulcimers with old strings and I am..."
@nate
• 4 days ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Gunung Singgalang:
Posted a new Comment on Gunung Singgalang:
"Really cool Alex, and well played. The tone from your dulcimer is also really interesting. "
@nate
• 4 days ago
• comments: 2
Liked a group discussions item created by @alex-lubet: Gunung Singgalang
Liked a group discussions item created by @alex-lubet: Gunung Singgalang
@nate
• 5 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "New to the group, several questions":
Posted a response to "New to the group, several questions":
"Welcome Alex, glad to have you here. I enjoyed the song you posted. To answer your questions 1: There are some players I've seen that don't seem to use..."
@nate
• 6 days ago
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: The Leather-Winged Bat
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: The Leather-Winged Bat
@nate
• one week ago
• comments: 2
Liked a group discussions item created by @alex-lubet: Alex Lubet At a Place Far Away
Liked a group discussions item created by @alex-lubet: Alex Lubet At a Place Far Away
@nate
• one week ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Are string breaks dangerous?":
Created a new forum topic "Are string breaks dangerous?":
"Hey folks. I use pretty heavy gauge strings on my dulcimers and don't change them very often. So far, I haven't had a string break while playing, but I've..."
@nate
• one week ago
• comments: 34
Posted a new Comment on Modern/Chord style Players:
Posted a new Comment on Modern/Chord style Players:
"Dusty Turtle:
@Nate comments that Blue Chip picks are a little muted. That might be an accurate assessment not of the material but the fact that they..."
@nate
• one week ago
• comments: 34
Posted a new Comment on Modern/Chord style Players:
Posted a new Comment on Modern/Chord style Players:
"Homer Ross:
Has anyone tried the Blue Chip picks?
I have tried a couple different thicknesses on guitar. They make almost no clicking or flapping..."
@nate
• one month ago
• comments: 11
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: All the Abandoned Mines
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: All the Abandoned Mines
@nate
• one month ago
• comments: 11
Posted a new Comment on All the Abandoned Mines:
Posted a new Comment on All the Abandoned Mines:
"What you might describe as "timing difficulty" I would describe as expression. Love the song Robin"
@nate
• one month ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Livi:
Posted a new Comment on Livi:
"DavisJames:
It also sounds like mandolin(doubled strings).Do you have percussion in the background?Whatever it is,it works.
Thank you jamie thats nice of..."
@nate
• one month ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "storing an instrument":
Posted a response to "storing an instrument":
"That makes sense wally, thanks.
It seems there are a lot of different aspects of the build that could affect how it handles tension. Bracing, full length..."
@nate
• one month ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "storing an instrument":
Posted a response to "storing an instrument":
""but, in my opinion, the minute aspects of wooden bodies' shapes are better preserved if string tension it maintained. "
Im curious to know more about this..."
@nate
• one month ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "storing an instrument":
Posted a response to "storing an instrument":
"Id say that detuning the strings by just a little bit is a good idea. While some instruments seem to hold up really well to warping over time...other fare..."
@nate
• one month ago
• comments: 6
Liked a group discussions item created by @terry-jaye: Electrified dulcimer with a live edge
Liked a group discussions item created by @terry-jaye: Electrified dulcimer with a live edge
@nate
• 2 months ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "tuning pegs":
Posted a response to "tuning pegs":
"That is the same impression I got, matt. On very simple instruments you often see these types of screws that are meant to hold the tension of the string, and..."
@nate
• 2 months ago
• comments: 3
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: Lonesome Valley
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: Lonesome Valley
@nate
• 2 months ago
• comments: 6
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..."
@nate
• 2 months 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..."
@nate
• 2 months 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. "
@nate
• 2 months 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"
@nate
• 2 months ago
• comments: 5
Liked a group discussions item created by @sam-edelston: Not normally a rock song, but...
Liked a group discussions item created by @sam-edelston: Not normally a rock song, but...
@nate
• 2 months 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...:
"Really terrific and also terrifying. I often see people who are gathering trash from the ocean and putting it into their dumpster as if the problem is..."
@nate
• 2 months ago
• comments: 8
Liked a youtube item created by @dulcidom: The Armed Man/It will be fought for you (anon. 15th c.)
Liked a youtube item created by @dulcidom: The Armed Man/It will be fought for you (anon. 15th c.)
Latest Group Discussions
All
To What Extent Do You Plan Your Builds
Hello builders! Just wondering about y'all's mindset toward planning....
@Nate last year - Comments: 18
History of Cigar Box Dulcimers
Hello folks I was wondering if anyone knows more about when cigar box...
@Nate last year - Comments: 21
What are the tedious parts of dulcimer building?
Hello skilled craftsmen, I've heard some people say that it takes them...
@Nate 2 years ago - Comments: 8
String physics question
Hey folks. Some of my dulcimers have a lot of string length that is...
@Nate 2 years ago - Comments: 3
Gluing resonant objects inside soundbox?
Hey folks I was hoping someone might have some insight on a thought I...
@Nate 2 years ago - Comments: 9
Choice of Wood for Fingerboard?
Hello craftsmen of FOTMD! I was hoping for some opinions on if the...
@Nate 2 years ago - Comments: 8
What is a Galax Dulcimer
Hey folks Im just wondering what traits are associated with galax...
@Nate 2 years ago - Comments: 26
How Much is my Weird Dulcimer Worth?
Hello craftsmen of FOTMD! I built a dulcimer from "upcycled" materials...
@Nate 2 years ago - Comments: 5
An Upside Downcimer
I have built a very strange dulcimer. I would appreciate some input and...
@Nate 2 years ago - Comments: 21
Your favorite noter
I would love some input on what your preferred noters are. Noters come...
@Nate 2 years ago - Comments: 21
Saddle on Soundboard
Hello folks, I am getting ready to make a dulcimer for myself and would...
@Nate 2 years ago - Comments: 5
Vertical vs Horizontal Quill?
I have heard it said a few times that holding a quill vertically, like a...
@Nate 2 years ago - Comments: 4
false bottoms = added mass?
Hey folks I've been thinking lately about false bottoms. Mainly about...
@Nate 2 years ago - Comments: 26
String Gauge and Intonation
Hello all. Am I correct in assuming that the reason for compensating...
@Nate 4 years ago - Comments: 5
Building Dulcimers Cheap
Hey all, when I first started building dulcimers it was a very...
@Nate 4 years ago - Comments: 5
Bridge Placement for Proper Intonation
Hello, this is always something I've had to relearn on every single...
@Nate 4 years ago - Comments: 2
Added some half frets....now what?
Hello all I have been playing dulcimer for about a year on diatonic...
@Nate 5 years ago - Comments: 16
Copyright law and dulcimer music
Hey all this has been something I've been struggling to understand and...
@Nate 5 years ago - Comments: 35
Protecting the interior of a dulcimer
Hello all I was just wondering if it is common for builders to apply any...
@Nate 5 years ago - Comments: 6
How I learned to build dulcimers
I thought y'all might find this silly. This is the page from a...
@Nate 5 years ago - Comments: 9
Latest Photos
All
.jpg "1 (2).jpg")
Latest Forum Discussions
AllAre string breaks dangerous?
Posted: Monday June 16 2025, 10:12 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Silicone Free Furniture Polish
Posted: Thursday March 20 2025, 11:11 PM
By: @Nate
By: @Nate
Angry internet people, so hateful that...
Posted: Wednesday September 4 2024, 9:49 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle
By: @Dusty Turtle
A fun story with a satisfying ending
Posted: Sunday August 4 2024, 8:24 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
Does soundbox tension affect volume and tone
Posted: Monday April 15 2024, 12:18 AM
By: @Dwain Wilder
By: @Dwain Wilder
Are two melody strings louder than one?
Posted: Tuesday March 19 2024, 10:13 AM
By: @Robin Thompson
By: @Robin Thompson
Connection Between Hammered and Mountain...
Posted: Tuesday March 19 2024, 4:25 AM
By: @shanonmilan
By: @shanonmilan
String gauge and intonation
Posted: Tuesday March 5 2024, 5:37 PM
By: @Dwain Wilder
By: @Dwain Wilder
Ergonomics and Wrist Strain
Posted: Friday February 16 2024, 12:08 AM
By: @Nate
By: @Nate
How precisely do you tune up?
Posted: Thursday February 8 2024, 1:22 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Kora
Posted: Sunday December 24 2023, 9:33 AM
By: @georgia k
By: @georgia k
Strings 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: @Nate
By: @Nate
Benefits of longer VSL?
Posted: Saturday April 29 2023, 12:04 AM
By: @Bob Stephens
By: @Bob Stephens
How Old is This Dulcimer Kit/Stuff?
Posted: Wednesday March 22 2023, 10:35 AM
By: @John C. Knopf
By: @John C. Knopf
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: @Nate
By: @Nate
What's the deal with Aquavinas?
Posted: Saturday February 25 2023, 3:32 PM
By: @Nate
By: @Nate
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: @Nate
By: @Nate
Glass Bottle Resonator Dulcimer
Posted: Tuesday September 1 2020, 11:14 PM
By: @Nate
By: @Nate
Size of Soundbox and Loudness
Posted: Friday August 14 2020, 8:14 AM
By: @Matt Berg
By: @Matt Berg
Comments
04/17/24 11:34:56AM @macaodha:
The air The Pride of Petravore was used by Percy French (1854-1920) for the song he wrote Eileen Og. It was recorded by many, the Dubliner's included.
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."
