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
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Posted a response to "Strings turned iridescent?":
Posted a response to "Maple, and only maple, for a dulcimer?":
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Posted a new Comment on false bottoms = added mass?:
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Latest Group Discussions
AllWhat 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
AllLatest Forum Discussions
AllStrings turned iridescent?
By: @shanonmilan
VSL Breakpoint Angles, Radiuses, and...
By: @Ken Hulme
The Joy of Sharing Dulcimer
By: @Wally Venable
A Test for Tone-Deafness!
By: @NateBuildsToys
Benefits of longer VSL?
By: @Bob Stephens
Connection Between Hammered and Mountain...
By: @Ken Longfield
How Old is This Dulcimer Kit/Stuff?
By: @John C. Knopf
Kora
By: @NateBuildsToys
How do I know what key I'm in?
By: @Strumelia
An Aquavina Update
By: @NateBuildsToys
What's the deal with Aquavinas?
By: @NateBuildsToys
Magnetic pickup vs Piezo vs Mic pointed at...
By: @Bill Robison
Why is it called a possum board?
By: @Jon W Harris
Making a dulcimer humidity resistant?
By: @Nathina
Choosing Strings
By: @Ken Hulme
Nylon strings on a steel string dulcimer
By: @Ken Longfield
Non-Metal Fret Material
By: @Ken Hulme
Choice of Wood: Pertinent or Purism?
By: @Lisa Golladay
Are there fretless dulcimers?
By: @NateBuildsToys
Glass Bottle Resonator Dulcimer
By: @NateBuildsToys
Size of Soundbox and Loudness
By: @Matt Berg
Truss Rods?
By: @Bob Stephens
Beer Bottle Bridge/Glass Resonator
By: @Strumelia
Is the strumhollow redundant?
By: @NateBuildsToys
Adding Extra Strings to Courses
By: @NateBuildsToys
Comments
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
"grow closer to the sharp iron and wood philosophy every day" is my way of describing my passion for tradition.
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.
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!
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
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.
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."