Location:
Location: Oregon
Country: United States
Country: United States
My Latest Followers:
Stats
Playlists: 1
youtube videos: 13
images: 46
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
• 19 hours ago
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @ethan-chastain: Oh! Susanna - Banjammer/Mtn. Dulcimer
Liked a youtube item created by @ethan-chastain: Oh! Susanna - Banjammer/Mtn. Dulcimer
@nate
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @jerry-posner: Question about the 6 1/2 fret
Liked a forum discussions item created by @jerry-posner: Question about the 6 1/2 fret
@nate
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Question about the 6 1/2 fret":
Posted a response to "Question about the 6 1/2 fret":
"This was a really cool learning opportunity
Thanks for suggesting this topic
Nate"
@nate
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Question about the 6 1/2 fret":
Posted a response to "Question about the 6 1/2 fret":
"Dusty, the link between using the 6.5 fret and also fretting on the middle string is exactly what I was thinking.
Ken, that is cool and informative I had..."
@nate
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Question about the 6 1/2 fret":
Posted a response to "Question about the 6 1/2 fret":
"A related question I have is: are there any historical examples of dulcimers with partial/staple frets that also include a 6.5 or 1.5? Also, was 1-5-8 in use..."
@nate
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a new YouTube video:
Sympathetic Drones from Excess String Length Part 2
Sympathetic Drones from Excess String Length Part 2
@nate
• 6 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Does soundbox tension affect volume and tone":
Posted a response to "Does soundbox tension affect volume and tone":
"Thank you Ken Dan Robin and Randy for the information, I suspect that investigating these designs will provide me with useful information"
@nate
• one week ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Does soundbox tension affect volume and tone":
Posted a response to "Does soundbox tension affect volume and tone":
"A while ago on here I saw a dulcimer that had gap under the tail end of the fingerboard, with the string tension pulling it up from the box. The idea was..."
@nate
• one week ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Pwt ar y Bys:
Posted a new Comment on Pwt ar y Bys:
"Very nicely played.Sounding it out phonetically as Buttered Peas is too funny. I wish I could think of some other song titles like that."
@nate
• one week ago
• comments: 5
Liked a music item created by @beth-t: She Moved Through the Fair
Liked a music item created by @beth-t: She Moved Through the Fair
@nate
• one week ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Does soundbox tension affect volume and tone":
Posted a response to "Does soundbox tension affect volume and tone":
"John Petry:
Having set up many violins & cellos etc over the years....You may want to explore using a sound post. Not really a "dulcimer" thing, but..."
@nate
• one week ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Does soundbox tension affect volume and tone":
Posted a response to "Does soundbox tension affect volume and tone":
"Ken Hulme:
I think if you had half of the string tension pulling up and half the string tension pushing down, the result is not increased tension but rather..."
@nate
• one week ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Does soundbox tension affect volume and tone":
Posted a response to "Does soundbox tension affect volume and tone":
"I am trying to ask about how to utilize the string tension to put the box under extra pressure, and if this can be good for tone or volume.
Here is a drawing..."
@nate
• one week ago
• comments: 0
Created a new forum topic "Does soundbox tension affect volume and tone":
Created a new forum topic "Does soundbox tension affect volume and tone":
"Hey folks, this question might be poorly asked but here goes.
Does a soundbox that is under more tension have any additional clarity or additional volume? Is..."
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 3
Liked a youtube item created by @gregg-schneeman: International Appalachian Dulcimer Day
Liked a youtube item created by @gregg-schneeman: International Appalachian Dulcimer Day
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: Wild Mountain Thyme sung by the McKinstry Clan
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: Wild Mountain Thyme sung by the McKinstry Clan
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 3
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: McKinstry Clan Jamming together
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: McKinstry Clan Jamming together
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 3
Liked a youtube item created by @randy-adams: Who Broke the Lock On the Henhouse Door
Liked a youtube item created by @randy-adams: Who Broke the Lock On the Henhouse Door
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Banjo Resonator Experimental Dulcimer:
Posted a new Comment on Banjo Resonator Experimental Dulcimer:
"Jim Dickens:
I think it has a very nice sound. Resonator/ Banjo describes it perfectly. Keep up the great work!
Thanks for the kind words and..."
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Banjo Resonator Experimental Dulcimer:
Posted a new Comment on Banjo Resonator Experimental Dulcimer:
"Dusty Turtle:
Cool! Not an aquavina, Nate, but that instrument has a clear and interesting tone, somewhere in between a banjo and a dobro. It makes me..."
@nate
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 20
Posted a new Comment on History of Women Players:
Posted a new Comment on History of Women Players:
"Some instruments certainly present more of a challenge to women than men, such as horns. Women on average not only are smaller in stature, but men have 15%..."
@nate
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 20
Posted a new Comment on History of Women Players:
Posted a new Comment on History of Women Players:
"Strumelia:
Always fun to read men's explanations about why women do or don't do stuff, and what it means to be feminine.
I would imagine most men and..."
@nate
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 20
Liked a group discussions item created by @ken-longfield: History of Women Players
Liked a group discussions item created by @ken-longfield: History of Women Players
@nate
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 20
Posted a new Comment on History of Women Players:
Posted a new Comment on History of Women Players:
"I look forward to hearing more about this. I have similarly heard in passing that Epinettes were more commonly played by women.
It makes sense to me that..."
@nate
• 4 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "What's the exact difference between a dulcimore and dulcimer":
Posted a response to "What's the exact difference between a dulcimore and dulcimer":
"Something I've wondered for a while is, if dulcimer is written in the Bible spelled 'dulcimer', are different spellings a stylization of the word done on..."
@nate
• 4 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "If you could have just one dulcimer...":
Posted a response to "If you could have just one dulcimer...":
"That's a fun question. I've always wanted a Homer Ledford dulcibro. The craftsmanship is gorgeous, I love the metal sound, and it's a piece of dulcimer..."
@nate
• 4 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @alegre1: Can anyone out there help me with a tuner question?
Liked a forum discussions item created by @alegre1: Can anyone out there help me with a tuner question?
Latest Group Discussions
All
History of Cigar Box Dulcimers
Hello folks I was wondering if anyone knows more about when cigar box...
@NateBuildsToys 3 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 6 months ago - Comments: 8
String physics question
Hey folks. Some of my dulcimers have a lot of string length that is...
@NateBuildsToys 7 months ago - Comments: 3
Gluing resonant objects inside soundbox?
Hey folks I was hoping someone might have some insight on a thought I...
@NateBuildsToys 7 months ago - Comments: 9
Choice of Wood for Fingerboard?
Hello craftsmen of FOTMD! I was hoping for some opinions on if the...
@NateBuildsToys 8 months ago - Comments: 8
What is a Galax Dulcimer
Hey folks Im just wondering what traits are associated with galax...
@NateBuildsToys 8 months ago - Comments: 9
How Much is my Weird Dulcimer Worth?
Hello craftsmen of FOTMD! I built a dulcimer from "upcycled" materials...
@NateBuildsToys 8 months ago - 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
a VERY strange hypothetical
Hello all a very bizarre idea came to my mind and I'd love some input. I...
@NateBuildsToys 4 years ago - Comments: 19
Latest Photos
All
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Latest Forum Discussions
AllDoes 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
Is the strumhollow redundant?
Posted: Thursday May 21 2020, 11:43 AM
By: @NateBuildsToys
By: @NateBuildsToys
Adding Extra Strings to Courses
Posted: Wednesday May 6 2020, 3:04 PM
By: @NateBuildsToys
By: @NateBuildsToys
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."
