Location:
Location: Oregon
Country: United States
Country: United States
My Latest Followers:
Stats
Playlists: 1
youtube videos: 15
images: 47
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
• 5 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @john-c-knopf: Tennessee music box just finished
Liked a forum discussions item created by @john-c-knopf: Tennessee music box just finished
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 6
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: Traveling Mercies - a work-in-progress, for PMOTPD
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: Traveling Mercies - a work-in-progress, for PMOTPD
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @david-bennett: Athens Dulcimers (Alabama) Play Music On The Porch Day
Liked a youtube item created by @david-bennett: Athens Dulcimers (Alabama) Play Music On The Porch Day
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Angry internet people, so hateful that it's funny to me":
Posted a response to "Angry internet people, so hateful that it's funny to me":
"WOW, that's all really terrible to hear. Really glad to hear that you persevered and kept a good spirit. Internet trolls definitely pale in comparison to the..."
@nate
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Angry internet people, so hateful that it's funny to me":
Posted a response to "Angry internet people, so hateful that it's funny to me":
"Strumelia:
They must be a total weirdo.
I am guessing that's probably an understatement LOL. I have to assume that when he looked up "nate dulcimer" my..."
@nate
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Angry internet people, so hateful that it's funny to me":
Posted a response to "Angry internet people, so hateful that it's funny to me":
"More than anything, I find it really funny that someone clicked on a bunch of my videos, and after seeing me a dozen times, still thought I was Nate..."
@nate
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Angry internet people, so hateful that it's funny to me":
Posted a response to "Angry internet people, so hateful that it's funny to me":
"Agreed, Strumelia! When I see someone that angry and vitriolic I have a lot of pity for them. I'm sorry to hear that someone was that vile to you. Luckily..."
@nate
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Angry internet people, so hateful that it's funny to me":
Posted a response to "Angry internet people, so hateful that it's funny to me":
"Thank you for your kind words Robin. I honestly have never received a mean comment on a video, so I was very shocked to see that someone had gone through my..."
@nate
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Angry internet people, so hateful that it's funny to me":
Posted a response to "Angry internet people, so hateful that it's funny to me":
"I really hope the guy who typed all these messages finds the Lord, and finds peace in their heart. However I couldn't help but to laugh at seeing that..."
@nate
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Angry internet people, so hateful that it's funny to me":
Created a new forum topic "Angry internet people, so hateful that it's funny to me":
"A very angry guy left a bunch of mean comments on tons of my YouTube videos, and after reading several, I realized that this disturbed man thought I was the..."
@nate
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Reasons NOT To Get a Chromatic":
Posted a response to "Reasons NOT To Get a Chromatic":
"granto:
However, alluding to Shakespeare, what we call the instrument doesn't change what it is, its value, or its place in the musical world.
A mere by..."
@nate
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "History of mountain dulcimer":
Posted a response to "History of mountain dulcimer":
"Wally Venable:
He proposes that the dulcimer was commonly used for dances and church services. I have seen no evidence that dulcimers from our area were ever..."
@nate
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 6
Liked a youtube item created by @mill-branch-dulcimores: Darlin' Corey on the Shoat Hogfiddle
Liked a youtube item created by @mill-branch-dulcimores: Darlin' Corey on the Shoat Hogfiddle
@nate
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Play Music On The Porch Day 2019":
Posted a response to "Play Music On The Porch Day 2019":
"Robin Thompson:
The 2024 edition of worldwide Play Music On The Porch Day is Saturday 31 August! Make music where you can when you can, friends! (Not..."
@nate
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @lilley-pad: History of mountain dulcimer
Liked a forum discussions item created by @lilley-pad: History of mountain dulcimer
@nate
• 4 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "How Many Dulcimers Do You Own? ":
Posted a response to "How Many Dulcimers Do You Own? ":
"Maddie Myers:
How come nobody ever comments on how much money it costs to keep all these babies in fresh strings !?!
Right? One thing I've been..."
@nate
• 4 weeks ago
• comments: 16
Posted a new Comment on Wooden Tuning Pegs - Grrrrrrr:
Posted a new Comment on Wooden Tuning Pegs - Grrrrrrr:
"For example if tuning pegs were made with hex heads or square heads that could fit into tuning keys/wrenches. Or a surface of the peg that has more grip."
@nate
• 4 weeks ago
• comments: 16
Posted a new Comment on Wooden Tuning Pegs - Grrrrrrr:
Posted a new Comment on Wooden Tuning Pegs - Grrrrrrr:
"Has anyone heard of any modern styles of wooden pegs that are better engineered to avoid slipping? One thing I appreciate about wooden pegs is how simple and..."
@nate
• 4 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "String Action":
Posted a response to "String Action":
"I am not sure about the "one size" anecdote, but dramatically changing string size will dramatically change intonation. In the past, when I have already..."
@nate
• 4 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "String Action":
Posted a response to "String Action":
"I would recommend checking the frets with a tuner before making any alterations. It may be the case that the strings are set at different heights to..."
@nate
• one month ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Frying Pan Dulcimer (old video):
Posted a new Comment on Frying Pan Dulcimer (old video):
"Dusty Turtle:
One of my favorite Irish tunes, Nate. Nice job. When you finish playing, could you fry me up some eggs?
Sure thing, as long as you..."
@nate
• one month ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Wild Mountain Thyme 3 cans and a Walnut 1x2 (reupload):
Posted a new Comment on Wild Mountain Thyme 3 cans and a Walnut 1x2 (reupload):
"Thanks everyone for the nice comments"
@nate
• one month ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Choosing for bad weather..?":
Posted a response to "Choosing for bad weather..?":
"Ken Longfield:
My strategy when facing adverse conditions as far as playing outside is simple. I cancel any plans to play outside.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a..."
@nate
• one month ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Choosing for bad weather..?":
Posted a response to "Choosing for bad weather..?":
"A lot of my dulcimers are plywood, and I very often use a few layers of polyurethane on them. (for solid wood dulcimers i much prefer oil) I am aware that..."
@nate
• one month ago
• comments: 8
Liked a youtube item created by @noah-cline: Highlander’s Farewell
Liked a youtube item created by @noah-cline: Highlander’s Farewell
@nate
• 2 months ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "A fun story with a satisfying ending":
Posted a response to "A fun story with a satisfying ending":
"The dulcimer "
@nate
• 2 months ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "A fun story with a satisfying ending":
Created a new forum topic "A fun story with a satisfying ending":
"I gave away one of the first bundt pan dulcimers that I built to an older gentleman who is homeless and had a precarious lifestyle. Shortly thereafter he got..."
@nate
• 2 months ago
• comments: 11
Posted a new Comment on I'm a soldier :
Posted a new Comment on I'm a soldier :
"Great performance of a lovely song, and on a very cool dulcimer. Thanks for sharing this."
@nate
• 2 months ago
• comments: 11
Liked a youtube item created by @mill-branch-dulcimores: I'm a soldier
Liked a youtube item created by @mill-branch-dulcimores: I'm a soldier
@nate
• 2 months ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Nut & saddle Material":
Posted a response to "Nut & saddle Material":
"In my opinion, any stiff and dense material transmits the energy well. Metal, plastic, bone, dense hardwoods, etc. Each will slightly alter the tone of the..."
@nate
• 2 months ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @hester1950: Determining Origin and Value of Dulcimer
Liked a forum discussions item created by @hester1950: Determining Origin and Value of Dulcimer
@nate
• 2 months ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "squeakless nylon strings?":
Posted a response to "squeakless nylon strings?":
"Those string lubricant products are very strange. The feel is totally different. I think a lot of them are mainly just mineral oil. Personally, I like it,..."
Latest Group Discussions
All
To What Extent Do You Plan Your Builds
Hello builders! Just wondering about y'all's mindset toward planning....
@NateBuildsToys 3 months ago - Comments: 18
History of Cigar Box Dulcimers
Hello folks I was wondering if anyone knows more about when cigar box...
@NateBuildsToys 8 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
.jpg "1 (2).jpg")
Latest Forum Discussions
AllAngry 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
Beer Bottle Bridge/Glass Resonator
Posted: Friday May 22 2020, 12:54 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
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."
