Location:
Location: Oregon
Country: United States
Country: United States
My Latest Followers:
Stats
Playlists: 1
youtube videos: 17
images: 48
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
• 4 days ago
• comments: 14
Posted a new Comment on Setting up for CGG:
Posted a new Comment on Setting up for CGG:
"Glad to hear that you found a setup you enjoy. If the dulcimer isnt comfortable you wont want to play it. Have fun!"
@nate
• 5 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Looking to buy a new dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Looking to buy a new dulcimer":
"Thanks Ken for clarifying. I should have been more explicit that the difference in a Daaa and Dadd bridge is VERY slight, and will likely equate to only a..."
@nate
• 5 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Looking to buy a new dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Looking to buy a new dulcimer":
"rdpugh:
The dulcimer I currently have is one I purchased back in the mid-1990s before we even had internet at my house. I walked into our local music store..."
@nate
• 6 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Silicone Free Furniture Polish ":
Posted a response to "Silicone Free Furniture Polish ":
"Thanks for the insight Ken. I have avoided lacquer on my finger boards, to try to avoid "sealing" them in rather than letting the wood "breathe." In general..."
@nate
• one week ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Silicone Free Furniture Polish ":
Created a new forum topic "Silicone Free Furniture Polish ":
"Hey folks I've heard before that furniture polish shouldnt be used on fingerboards. As best as I can tell, this is because they often contain silicone (like..."
@nate
• one week ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Appalachian Dulcimer Museum":
Posted a response to "Appalachian Dulcimer Museum":
"Ken I'm really grateful that you did; thank you very much. I was super curious, and I'll likely not have any chance to go there any time soon so I'm very..."
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 14
Posted a new Comment on Setting up for CGG:
Posted a new Comment on Setting up for CGG:
"When it comes to string physics, there are three factors to achieving a desired note: length of string, gauge of string, and tension of string. The length of..."
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 14
Posted a new Comment on Setting up for CGG:
Posted a new Comment on Setting up for CGG:
"In general, a lighter string (also called a lower gauge) will transmit less energy to the soundbox than a heavier string. (also called a higher gauge ) Light..."
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 14
Posted a new Comment on Setting up for CGG:
Posted a new Comment on Setting up for CGG:
"One thing to know is that dulcimer strings are VERY light gauge compared to a lot of other instruments. On a 26" VSL guitar with 30 pounds of tension per..."
@nate
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: I Kto Ego Znaet (Who Knows Him?)
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: I Kto Ego Znaet (Who Knows Him?)
@nate
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Judge Arthur Dixon Dulcimer Needs A Good Home!":
Posted a response to "Judge Arthur Dixon Dulcimer Needs A Good Home!":
"It's good to hear that it will be appreciated. It's a shame, though, that Steve wasnt able to find it a home where it will get to be played. It was a very..."
@nate
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Judge Arthur Dixon Dulcimer Needs A Good Home!":
Posted a response to "Judge Arthur Dixon Dulcimer Needs A Good Home!":
"That really breaks my heart."
@nate
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 10
Liked a youtube item created by @dusty: Fall in Cedar Falls (original)
Liked a youtube item created by @dusty: Fall in Cedar Falls (original)
@nate
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 4
Liked a youtube item created by @luigi: Dulcimer: Sam Carrell 1979 - Angeline the Baker
Liked a youtube item created by @luigi: Dulcimer: Sam Carrell 1979 - Angeline the Baker
@nate
• 4 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
"Wow that is seriously cool. How did you manage to get such intricate cuts into the plywood? That must have taken a lot of work to make.
"
@nate
• one month ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
"Sorry to hear that, i have noticed that sometimes having a "false bottom/galax board" or a built in "possum board" can dampen my sound. After several..."
@nate
• one month ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Differences between two dulcimers":
Posted a response to "Differences between two dulcimers":
"RevDave:
Ken Hulme:
RevDave -- I suggest investing $50 or so in a carboard dulcimer. The sound is good, the frets are dead on and intonation can be adjusted..."
@nate
• one month ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
"Wow, that's pretty cool Chris. What material is the dulcimer made from? Also, do you mean that it has an additional sound board on the inside of the instrument?"
@nate
• one month ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Differences between two dulcimers":
Posted a response to "Differences between two dulcimers":
"It seems to me that since both options are good quality, and you cant actually play or hear either one before buying, it might be best to pick whichever one..."
@nate
• one month ago
• comments: 6
Liked a music item created by @anne-bowman: Pavane 2 experiment.
Liked a music item created by @anne-bowman: Pavane 2 experiment.
@nate
• 2 months ago
• comments: 4
Liked a music item created by @beth-t: Gorhoffedd Owain Cyfeiliog (Owain Cyfeiliog's Delight)
Liked a music item created by @beth-t: Gorhoffedd Owain Cyfeiliog (Owain Cyfeiliog's Delight)
@nate
• 2 months ago
• comments: 29
Posted a new Comment on A scheitholt with no first fret:
Posted a new Comment on A scheitholt with no first fret:
"I personally really like the consistency of tone that comes from using a metal bar for a zero fret, in lieu of a nut. To me the underside of that "nut" looks..."
@nate
• 2 months ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on New Dulcimer Sympathetic Demo:
Posted a new Comment on New Dulcimer Sympathetic Demo:
"DavisJames:
Wow!That is so cool!
Thank you Jamie. I find sympathetic resonance really fascinating but also hard to understand. It has been a lot of fun..."
@nate
• 2 months ago
• comments: 29
Posted a new Comment on A scheitholt with no first fret:
Posted a new Comment on A scheitholt with no first fret:
"It looks to me like the "nut" is actually a string spacer which has been flipped upside down. The underside of it appears to have grooves that would..."
@nate
• 2 months ago
• comments: 29
Posted a new Comment on A scheitholt with no first fret:
Posted a new Comment on A scheitholt with no first fret:
"Leo Kretzner:
Oh it's not playable on many grounds - the tuners are locked in place, would need pliars to turn at all, and risk cracking the wood!
Well i..."
@nate
• 2 months ago
• comments: 29
Posted a new Comment on A scheitholt with no first fret:
Posted a new Comment on A scheitholt with no first fret:
"I should say, as normally as one could expect from a home made scheitholt with very wonky frets that entails a very "whatever works" mindset xD Also if would..."
@nate
• 2 months ago
• comments: 29
Posted a new Comment on A scheitholt with no first fret:
Posted a new Comment on A scheitholt with no first fret:
"Leo Kretzner:
Nate I think that's basically it. I took more pics just to try and show it better. Indeed if the tuners were on the head, there'd be room for a..."
@nate
• 2 months ago
• comments: 29
Posted a new Comment on A scheitholt with no first fret:
Posted a new Comment on A scheitholt with no first fret:
"Dusty Turtle:
I can't help explain the scheitholt, @Leo-Kretzner, but I can help with the pictures. When you created a new discussion, you could have used..."
@nate
• 2 months ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "How Many Dulcimers Do You Own? ":
Posted a response to "How Many Dulcimers Do You Own? ":
"Thats a pretty cool instrument. I like the tin at the end and the bridge setup is clever. Thanks for sharing"
Latest Group Discussions
All
To What Extent Do You Plan Your Builds
Hello builders! Just wondering about y'all's mindset toward planning....
@NateBuildsToys 5 months ago - Comments: 18
History of Cigar Box Dulcimers
Hello folks I was wondering if anyone knows more about when cigar box...
@NateBuildsToys 11 months ago - Comments: 21
What are the tedious parts of dulcimer building?
Hello skilled craftsmen, I've heard some people say that it takes them...
@NateBuildsToys last year - Comments: 8
String physics question
Hey folks. Some of my dulcimers have a lot of string length that is...
@NateBuildsToys last year - Comments: 3
Gluing resonant objects inside soundbox?
Hey folks I was hoping someone might have some insight on a thought I...
@NateBuildsToys last year - Comments: 9
Choice of Wood for Fingerboard?
Hello craftsmen of FOTMD! I was hoping for some opinions on if the...
@NateBuildsToys last year - Comments: 8
What is a Galax Dulcimer
Hey folks Im just wondering what traits are associated with galax...
@NateBuildsToys last year - Comments: 26
How Much is my Weird Dulcimer Worth?
Hello craftsmen of FOTMD! I built a dulcimer from "upcycled" materials...
@NateBuildsToys last year - Comments: 5
An Upside Downcimer
I have built a very strange dulcimer. I would appreciate some input and...
@NateBuildsToys last year - Comments: 21
Your favorite noter
I would love some input on what your preferred noters are. Noters come...
@NateBuildsToys last year - Comments: 21
Saddle on Soundboard
Hello folks, I am getting ready to make a dulcimer for myself and would...
@NateBuildsToys last year - Comments: 5
Vertical vs Horizontal Quill?
I have heard it said a few times that holding a quill vertically, like a...
@NateBuildsToys last year - Comments: 4
false bottoms = added mass?
Hey folks I've been thinking lately about false bottoms. Mainly about...
@NateBuildsToys last year - Comments: 26
String Gauge and Intonation
Hello all. Am I correct in assuming that the reason for compensating...
@NateBuildsToys 3 years ago - Comments: 5
Building Dulcimers Cheap
Hey all, when I first started building dulcimers it was a very...
@NateBuildsToys 3 years ago - Comments: 5
Bridge Placement for Proper Intonation
Hello, this is always something I've had to relearn on every single...
@NateBuildsToys 3 years ago - Comments: 2
Added some half frets....now what?
Hello all I have been playing dulcimer for about a year on diatonic...
@NateBuildsToys 4 years ago - Comments: 16
Copyright law and dulcimer music
Hey all this has been something I've been struggling to understand and...
@NateBuildsToys 4 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 4 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 4 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: @NateBuildsToys
By: @NateBuildsToys
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: @NateBuildsToys
By: @NateBuildsToys
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: @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
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."
