Location:
Location: Oregon
Country: United States
Country: United States
My Latest Followers:
Stats
youtube videos: 18
images: 51
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
• 3 days ago
• comments: 5
Liked a youtube item created by @beth-t: Dyddiau Gwell - Better Days
Liked a youtube item created by @beth-t: Dyddiau Gwell - Better Days
@nate
• one week ago
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: Jesus Won't You Come by Here?
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: Jesus Won't You Come by Here?
@nate
• one week ago
• comments: 24
Posted a new Comment on Tell us your reason for choosing a chromatic dulcimer!:
Posted a new Comment on Tell us your reason for choosing a chromatic dulcimer!:
"Very true skip, although the sheer quantity of dulcimer tabs available makes them a useful resource in addition to sheet music.
Also very good advice to..."
@nate
• one week ago
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @dulcidom: The Brink of the White Rock (trad. Ireland)
Liked a youtube item created by @dulcidom: The Brink of the White Rock (trad. Ireland)
@nate
• one week ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "DAD........but no chords":
Posted a response to "DAD........but no chords":
"I am not a traditional player and my dulcimers all have a 6.5 fret, but I definitely enjoy playing melody drone with a noter or my thumb in Dad. If I didn't..."
@nate
• one week ago
• comments: 24
Posted a new Comment on Tell us your reason for choosing a chromatic dulcimer!:
Posted a new Comment on Tell us your reason for choosing a chromatic dulcimer!:
"I agree with Dusty that it might benefit you to refer to the extra frets as "half frets" rather than tabbing it like a guitar. It will help when you are..."
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "A Question about dulcimer popularity...":
Posted a response to "A Question about dulcimer popularity...":
"Hey now Dusty, the Nate fanclub may be small, but it has a quality few members. xD It's a very true point though. Popular artists of the 70s played a huge..."
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @tonyg: A Question about dulcimer popularity...
Liked a forum discussions item created by @tonyg: A Question about dulcimer popularity...
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "A Question about dulcimer popularity...":
Posted a response to "A Question about dulcimer popularity...":
"While I totally agree with you Wally, I think that dulcimer has recently rediscovered it's place as an instrument that is great for amateur builders to make..."
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 41
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
"DavisJames:
Hi again,Nate.It's the change in brightness that made me think of a wah wah...the pedal when you rocked it either diminished or accentuated the..."
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "A Question about dulcimer popularity...":
Posted a response to "A Question about dulcimer popularity...":
"Certainly not my interest! I really want to know what folks who have been playing for decades think about this.I am a young person and have not played for..."
@nate
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 6
Liked a youtube item created by @beth-t: Dadl Dau/Gwŷr Pendref/I Lawr â'r Ffrancwyr
Liked a youtube item created by @beth-t: Dadl Dau/Gwŷr Pendref/I Lawr â'r Ffrancwyr
@nate
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @beth-t: Y Pibydd Du/The Black Piper
Liked a youtube item created by @beth-t: Y Pibydd Du/The Black Piper
@nate
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Action/ nickel under the 7th":
Posted a response to "Action/ nickel under the 7th":
"Hello Art. The nickel should be on top of the 7th fret and the dime should be sitting on the fretboard in the space between the nut and the first fret, flush..."
@nate
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 35
Posted a new Comment on Copyright law and dulcimer music:
Posted a new Comment on Copyright law and dulcimer music:
"I like to reflect on this thread. Not only was it very useful at the time, but since then it has shed light on other topics. I really value how @corvus takes..."
@nate
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 24
Posted a new Comment on If you could buy your first dulcimer over again.....?:
Posted a new Comment on If you could buy your first dulcimer over again.....?:
"This was fun to read. I still haven't bought any dulcimers. The great thing about building dulcimers is that if I make one and it has a feature I don't..."
@nate
• 4 weeks ago
• comments: 41
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
"Wally Venable:
As to perceptions of dulcimer sounds, I'm more concerned with what listeners in front or around me hear, rather than what I hear.
That's a..."
@nate
• 4 weeks ago
• comments: 41
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
"Jamie, are you referring to the tone of me lifting it up and setting it down, or just the contrast of possum board vs none?
When i think of the Wah wah..."
@nate
• 4 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
"Well i hope that character uploads again, because it was very cool ambient dulcimer music."
@nate
• 4 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Tuners":
Posted a response to "Tuners":
"Interestingly Jim, leaving the clip on tuner on the instrument has become a symbol of proud naivete in some genres. The idea that a player needs regular..."
@nate
• 4 weeks ago
• comments: 41
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
"Wally Venable:
Listening to a dulcimer with and without a possum board isn't a scientific test. What YOU hear when playing is also affected by changes in..."
@nate
• 4 weeks ago
• comments: 41
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
"@Randy-Adams Hahaha! Right after I typed that out, I opened youtube and it recommended me your newest video"
@nate
• 4 weeks ago
• comments: 41
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
"I can definitely understand that Randy. I like making my dulcimers really loud with a lot of projection, so even though I do prefer the tone of a dulcimer..."
@nate
• 4 weeks ago
• comments: 41
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
"Randy Adams:
When you guys talk about "improving sound quality" do you mean improving the volume? Do you hear an improvement, or perhaps a detriment, in..."
@nate
• 4 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
"There is one guy @glowhazel that used to upload really neat ambient stuff. Sadly i dont think hes posted anything recently."
@nate
• one month ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "playing along in a bluegrass jam":
Posted a response to "playing along in a bluegrass jam":
"Hello Jon. In my opinion, even when playing with louder instruments the dulcimer still fits nicely into the blend and adds a lot to the overall sound...."
@nate
• one month ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
"Very cool Damon. I dont know anything about synthesizers so i look forward to hearing what kinds of unique sounds you can get from the dulcimer.
Ive been..."
@nate
• one month ago
• comments: 41
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
"Thanks for confirming, that is what I thought John. "
@nate
• one month ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on My Lord, what a morning :
Posted a new Comment on My Lord, what a morning :
"Very gentle and peaceful. Also love the look and sound of that dulcimer. Thanks for sharing"
@nate
• one month ago
• comments: 4
Liked a youtube item created by @peter-w: My Lord, what a morning
Liked a youtube item created by @peter-w: My Lord, what a morning
@nate
• one month ago
• comments: 41
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
"Bob_n_MO:
When I think about it, it's something how an instrument that on the surface seems so simple, but the more I hear from yourself and others, I find..."
Latest Group Discussions
All
To What Extent Do You Plan Your Builds
Hello builders! Just wondering about y'all's mindset toward planning....
@Nate 8 months ago - 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
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Latest Forum Discussions
AllSilicone Free Furniture Polish
Posted: Friday November 15 2024, 9:47 PM
By: @robert schuler
By: @robert schuler
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
Truss Rods?
Posted: Tuesday August 11 2020, 11:33 AM
By: @Bob Stephens
By: @Bob Stephens
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."
