Nate

Location:

Location: Oregon
Country: United States

My Latest Followers:

Sarah-Miner RobMachin Sea Strings ceilidhdog Beth T DavisJames flossy rojo Cheryl W Hunterdude glowhazel granto Ariane IRENE Jim Phillips Dan Leo Kretzner Cynthia Wigington Steven Berger Stanley Adams Skip Ben Barr Jr Susie Bob Stephens MacAodha Randy Adams Robin Thompson Strumelia

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
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 43 minutes ago • comments: 0
Quick Bundt Dulcimer
1000003394
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 5 days ago • comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @john-c-knopf: Tennessee music box just finished
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 2 weeks ago • comments: 6
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: Traveling Mercies - a work-in-progress, for PMOTPD
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 2 weeks ago • comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @david-bennett: Athens Dulcimers (Alabama) Play Music On The Porch Day
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 2 weeks ago • comments: 0
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..."
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 3 weeks ago • comments: 0
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..."
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 3 weeks ago • comments: 0
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..."
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 3 weeks ago • comments: 0
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..."
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 3 weeks ago • comments: 0
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..."
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 3 weeks ago • comments: 0
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..."
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 3 weeks ago • comments: 0
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..."
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 3 weeks ago • comments: 0
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..."
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 3 weeks ago • comments: 0
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..."
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 3 weeks ago • comments: 6
Liked a youtube item created by @mill-branch-dulcimores: Darlin' Corey on the Shoat Hogfiddle
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 3 weeks ago • comments: 0
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..."
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 3 weeks ago • comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @lilley-pad: History of mountain dulcimer
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 4 weeks ago • comments: 0
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..."
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 4 weeks ago • comments: 16
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."
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 4 weeks ago • comments: 0
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Metsakukkia
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 4 weeks ago • comments: 16
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..."
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 4 weeks ago • comments: 0
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..."
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 4 weeks ago • comments: 0
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..."
NateBuildsToys
@nate • one month ago • comments: 2
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..."
NateBuildsToys
@nate • one month ago • comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Wild Mountain Thyme 3 cans and a Walnut 1x2 (reupload):
"Thanks everyone for the nice comments"
NateBuildsToys
@nate • one month ago • comments: 0
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..."
NateBuildsToys
@nate • one month ago • comments: 0
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..."
NateBuildsToys
@nate • one month ago • comments: 8
Liked a youtube item created by @noah-cline: Highlander’s Farewell
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 2 months ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "A fun story with a satisfying ending":
"The dulcimer "
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 2 months ago • comments: 0
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..."
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 2 months ago • comments: 11
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."
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 2 months ago • comments: 11
Liked a youtube item created by @mill-branch-dulcimores: I'm a soldier
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 2 months ago • comments: 0
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..."
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 2 months ago • comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @hester1950: Determining Origin and Value of Dulcimer
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 2 months ago • comments: 3
Liked a photos item created by @dan: front
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 2 months ago • comments: 0
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
NateBuildsToys

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
NateBuildsToys

History of Cigar Box Dulcimers


Hello folks I was wondering if anyone knows more about when cigar box...
@NateBuildsToys 8 months ago - Comments: 21
NateBuildsToys

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
NateBuildsToys

String physics question


Hey folks. Some of my dulcimers have a lot of string length that is...
@NateBuildsToys last year - Comments: 3
NateBuildsToys

Gluing resonant objects inside soundbox?


Hey folks I was hoping someone might have some insight on a thought I...
@NateBuildsToys last year - Comments: 9
NateBuildsToys

Choice of Wood for Fingerboard?


Hello craftsmen of FOTMD! I was hoping for some opinions on if the...
@NateBuildsToys last year - Comments: 8
NateBuildsToys

What is a Galax Dulcimer


Hey folks Im just wondering what traits are associated with galax...
@NateBuildsToys last year - Comments: 26
NateBuildsToys

How Much is my Weird Dulcimer Worth?


Hello craftsmen of FOTMD! I built a dulcimer from "upcycled" materials...
@NateBuildsToys last year - Comments: 5
NateBuildsToys

An Upside Downcimer


I have built a very strange dulcimer. I would appreciate some input and...
@NateBuildsToys last year - Comments: 21
NateBuildsToys

Your favorite noter


I would love some input on what your preferred noters are. Noters come...
@NateBuildsToys last year - Comments: 21
NateBuildsToys

Saddle on Soundboard


Hello folks, I am getting ready to make a dulcimer for myself and would...
@NateBuildsToys last year - Comments: 5
NateBuildsToys

Vertical vs Horizontal Quill?


I have heard it said a few times that holding a quill vertically, like a...
@NateBuildsToys last year - Comments: 4
NateBuildsToys

false bottoms = added mass?


Hey folks  I've been thinking lately about false bottoms. Mainly about...
@NateBuildsToys last year - Comments: 26
NateBuildsToys

String Gauge and Intonation


Hello all. Am I correct in assuming that the reason for compensating...
@NateBuildsToys 3 years ago - Comments: 5
NateBuildsToys

Building Dulcimers Cheap


Hey all, when I first started building dulcimers it was a very...
@NateBuildsToys 3 years ago - Comments: 5
NateBuildsToys

Bridge Placement for Proper Intonation


Hello, this is always something I've had to relearn on every single...
@NateBuildsToys 3 years ago - Comments: 2
NateBuildsToys

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
NateBuildsToys

Copyright law and dulcimer music


Hey all this has been something I've been struggling to understand and...
@NateBuildsToys 4 years ago - Comments: 34
NateBuildsToys

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
NateBuildsToys

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 Audio

  All
I Don't Believe You

I Don't Believe You


@Nate
last year - Comments: 4
Livi

Livi


@Nate
last year - Comments: 3
You Lead The Way

You Lead The Way


@Nate
last year - Comments: 7

Latest Videos

  All
Frying Pan Dulcimer (old video)

Frying Pan Dulcimer (old video)


@Nate
2 months ago - Comments: 2
Banjo Resonator Experimental Dulcimer

Banjo Resonator Experimental Dulcimer


@Nate
6 months ago - Comments: 5
Jock Stuart

Jock Stuart


@Nate
7 months ago - Comments: 7
The Moorlough Shore

The Moorlough Shore


@Nate
last year - Comments: 3
Happy IADD

Happy IADD


@Nate
last year - Comments: 3
Captain Kidd/Jack or Sam Hall

Captain Kidd/Jack or Sam Hall


@Nate
last year - Comments: 4
Get Out of the Kitchen While I Cook

Get Out of the Kitchen While I Cook


@Nate
last year - Comments: 4
The Nate Visiting Song

The Nate Visiting Song


@Nate
last year - Comments: 2
My First Cardboard Dulcimer Build

My First Cardboard Dulcimer Build


@Nate
3 years ago - Comments: 5

Latest Photos

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Latest Forum Discussions

  All

Angry internet people, so hateful that...

Posted: Wednesday September 4 2024, 9:49 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle

A fun story with a satisfying ending

Posted: Sunday August 4 2024, 8:24 AM
By: @Ken Longfield

Does soundbox tension affect volume and tone

Posted: Monday April 15 2024, 12:18 AM
By: @Dwain Wilder

Are two melody strings louder than one?

Posted: Tuesday March 19 2024, 10:13 AM
By: @Robin Thompson

Connection Between Hammered and Mountain...

Posted: Tuesday March 19 2024, 4:25 AM
By: @shanonmilan

String gauge and intonation

Posted: Tuesday March 5 2024, 5:37 PM
By: @Dwain Wilder

Ergonomics and Wrist Strain

Posted: Friday February 16 2024, 12:08 AM
By: @NateBuildsToys

How precisely do you tune up?

Posted: Thursday February 8 2024, 1:22 PM
By: @Strumelia

Kora

Posted: Sunday December 24 2023, 9:33 AM
By: @georgia k

Strings turned iridescent?

Posted: Monday November 27 2023, 3:30 AM
By: @shanonmilan

VSL Breakpoint Angles, Radiuses, and...

Posted: Friday November 10 2023, 7:55 AM
By: @Ken Hulme

The Joy of Sharing Dulcimer

Posted: Saturday September 2 2023, 9:58 AM
By: @Wally Venable

A Test for Tone-Deafness!

Posted: Wednesday August 16 2023, 6:27 PM
By: @NateBuildsToys

Benefits of longer VSL?

Posted: Saturday April 29 2023, 12:04 AM
By: @Bob Stephens

How Old is This Dulcimer Kit/Stuff?

Posted: Wednesday March 22 2023, 10:35 AM
By: @John C. Knopf

How do I know what key I'm in?

Posted: Sunday March 12 2023, 10:49 PM
By: @Strumelia

An Aquavina Update

Posted: Sunday February 26 2023, 6:55 PM
By: @NateBuildsToys

What's the deal with Aquavinas?

Posted: Saturday February 25 2023, 3:32 PM
By: @NateBuildsToys

Magnetic pickup vs Piezo vs Mic pointed at...

Posted: Saturday December 3 2022, 7:22 AM
By: @Bill Robison

Why is it called a possum board?

Posted: Tuesday January 18 2022, 8:04 PM
By: @Jon W Harris

Making a dulcimer humidity resistant?

Posted: Monday May 31 2021, 2:36 PM
By: @Nathina

Choosing Strings

Posted: Sunday May 2 2021, 9:47 AM
By: @Ken Hulme

Nylon strings on a steel string dulcimer

Posted: Friday March 26 2021, 9:01 AM
By: @Ken Longfield

Non-Metal Fret Material

Posted: Thursday February 11 2021, 4:09 PM
By: @Ken Hulme

Choice of Wood: Pertinent or Purism?

Posted: Friday September 4 2020, 8:25 PM
By: @Lisa Golladay

Are there fretless dulcimers?

Posted: Wednesday September 2 2020, 5:05 AM
By: @NateBuildsToys

Glass Bottle Resonator Dulcimer

Posted: Tuesday September 1 2020, 11:14 PM
By: @NateBuildsToys

Size of Soundbox and Loudness

Posted: Friday August 14 2020, 8:14 AM
By: @Matt Berg

Truss Rods?

Posted: Tuesday August 11 2020, 11:33 AM
By: @Bob Stephens

Beer Bottle Bridge/Glass Resonator

Posted: Friday May 22 2020, 12:54 PM
By: @Strumelia

Comments

MacAodha
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.


IRENE
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


Dan
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.


Sea Strings
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. Laugh


Strumelia
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!  sun


Ben Barr Jr
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


Richard Streib
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.


Jim Fawcett
02/23/20 07:53:08AM @jim-fawcett:

Hey Nate, welcome aboard. Glad ya found us.


Ken Longfield
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."