Location:
Location: Oregon
Country: United States
Country: United States
My Latest Followers:
Stats
youtube videos: 18
images: 54
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
• yesterday
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on The Old Oaks:
Posted a new Comment on The Old Oaks:
"When I saw the width of the stump, I jokingly said "that must have made a lot of matchsticks.""
@nate
• yesterday
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on The Old Oaks:
Posted a new Comment on The Old Oaks:
"It was big enough that I could lay on it with a few feet above my head as a 6'3 person. The tape measure said it was 10 feet between the most distant..."
@nate
• yesterday
• comments: 0
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Gabriel's Message (Basque Christmas Carol)
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Gabriel's Message (Basque Christmas Carol)
@nate
• yesterday
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on The Rosebud of Allenvale:
Posted a new Comment on The Rosebud of Allenvale:
"Jamie, I have always loved this song, and your rendition is incredible. Thank you very much for sharing this. I'd love to hear you sing this song! I know..."
@nate
• yesterday
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on The Old Oaks:
Posted a new Comment on The Old Oaks:
"I recently had the pleasure of seeing the stump of the largest oak tree in Oregon, just a few weeks ago. The tree had become a hazard after years of decay,..."
@nate
• yesterday
• comments: 2
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: "Drunk" with a pseudo pump organ.
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: "Drunk" with a pseudo pump organ.
@nate
• yesterday
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on drunk at night and dry in the morning:
Posted a new Comment on drunk at night and dry in the morning:
"Strumelia:
Pretty tune and well played, James!
(Robin, I'm kind of guessing that 'dry in the morning' refers to swearing off booze once waking up sober the..."
@nate
• yesterday
• comments: 4
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: drunk at night and dry in the morning
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: drunk at night and dry in the morning
@nate
• yesterday
• comments: 4
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: A Light in the Window
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: A Light in the Window
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 3
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Away with these self loving lads (John Dowland)
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Away with these self loving lads (John Dowland)
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on A Stone Mountain Fears No Winds:
Posted a new Comment on A Stone Mountain Fears No Winds:
""No matter how the wind howls, the mountain cannot bow to it."Great stuff, Mark"
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 6
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: I've Got Peace Like a River
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: I've Got Peace Like a River
@nate
• 2 months ago
• comments: 4
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: Awake Early - with Billy Boy in the room
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: Awake Early - with Billy Boy in the room
@nate
• 2 months ago
• comments: 3
Liked a youtube item created by @noah-cline: Amazing Grace on Mountain Dulcimer
Liked a youtube item created by @noah-cline: Amazing Grace on Mountain Dulcimer
@nate
• 2 months ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Overwintering :
Posted a new Comment on Overwintering :
"Really great Robin. The song feels like an anticipation of winter.I just planted some garlic cloves in a flower bed on my porch.Thanks for sharing,
Nate"
@nate
• 2 months ago
• comments: 17
Posted a new Comment on MD as string percussion:
Posted a new Comment on MD as string percussion:
"Strumelia:
Ok Nate so the idea is to play a pipe with the other hand? (for example a tabor pipe which can be played with one hand)
Well im not sure, but..."
@nate
• 2 months ago
• comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on Homemade dulcimer from three cigar boxes (except fretboard):
Posted a new Comment on Homemade dulcimer from three cigar boxes (except fretboard):
"jimrex62:
Thanks Nate - looks like you have been building for awhile!
Not that long compared to a lot of more skilled craftsmen on the forum, but I..."
@nate
• 2 months ago
• comments: 17
Posted a new Comment on MD as string percussion:
Posted a new Comment on MD as string percussion:
"Strumelia:
Kinda sounds like an autoharp.
I am a big fan of the autoharp, but it does require two hands to change chords. I was imagining a..."
@nate
• 2 months ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to " the bridge “saddle” ":
Posted a response to " the bridge “saddle” ":
"I change both string gauge and string layout pretty often on my dulcimers, and I prefer floating bridges for how adaptable they are.As Dusty mentioned, when..."
@nate
• 2 months ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "equal intonation versus just intonation":
Posted a response to "equal intonation versus just intonation":
"Ken that's a great visual reference, thanks."
@nate
• 2 months ago
• comments: 17
Posted a new Comment on MD as string percussion:
Posted a new Comment on MD as string percussion:
"I have a lot of fun beating on the strings with a striker while also fretting them! Personally, I like playing dulcimer chords with a striker as well as tin..."
@nate
• 2 months ago
• comments: 3
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: When I First Came to this land
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: When I First Came to this land
@nate
• 2 months ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Bonny at Morn:
Posted a new Comment on Bonny at Morn:
"Masterful as always, Mark. The way you play historical tunes on the dulcimer is like a time capsule. "
@nate
• 2 months ago
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on December: Deer and the Moon:
Posted a new Comment on December: Deer and the Moon:
"Really soulful and enjoyable Carol. I love seeing the tempo move with the emotion of the piece. Thanks for sharing,Nate"
@nate
• 2 months ago
• comments: 7
Liked a youtube item created by @carol-h: December: Deer and the Moon
Liked a youtube item created by @carol-h: December: Deer and the Moon
@nate
• 2 months ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Peter’s song :
Posted a new Comment on Peter’s song :
"Really good Jim.I can feel the energy that you are channeling. God bless you."
Latest Group Discussions
All
To What Extent Do You Plan Your Builds
Hello builders! Just wondering about y'all's mindset toward planning....
@Nate last year - Comments: 18
History of Cigar Box Dulcimers
Hello folks I was wondering if anyone knows more about when cigar box...
@Nate last year - Comments: 21
What are the tedious parts of dulcimer building?
Hello skilled craftsmen, I've heard some people say that it takes them...
@Nate 2 years ago - Comments: 8
String physics question
Hey folks. Some of my dulcimers have a lot of string length that is...
@Nate 2 years ago - Comments: 3
Gluing resonant objects inside soundbox?
Hey folks I was hoping someone might have some insight on a thought I...
@Nate 2 years ago - Comments: 9
Choice of Wood for Fingerboard?
Hello craftsmen of FOTMD! I was hoping for some opinions on if the...
@Nate 2 years ago - Comments: 8
What is a Galax Dulcimer
Hey folks Im just wondering what traits are associated with galax...
@Nate 2 years ago - Comments: 26
How Much is my Weird Dulcimer Worth?
Hello craftsmen of FOTMD! I built a dulcimer from "upcycled" materials...
@Nate 2 years ago - Comments: 5
An Upside Downcimer
I have built a very strange dulcimer. I would appreciate some input and...
@Nate 2 years ago - Comments: 21
Your favorite noter
I would love some input on what your preferred noters are. Noters come...
@Nate 2 years ago - Comments: 21
Saddle on Soundboard
Hello folks, I am getting ready to make a dulcimer for myself and would...
@Nate 2 years ago - Comments: 5
Vertical vs Horizontal Quill?
I have heard it said a few times that holding a quill vertically, like a...
@Nate 2 years ago - Comments: 4
false bottoms = added mass?
Hey folks I've been thinking lately about false bottoms. Mainly about...
@Nate 2 years ago - Comments: 26
String Gauge and Intonation
Hello all. Am I correct in assuming that the reason for compensating...
@Nate 4 years ago - Comments: 5
Building Dulcimers Cheap
Hey all, when I first started building dulcimers it was a very...
@Nate 4 years ago - Comments: 5
Bridge Placement for Proper Intonation
Hello, this is always something I've had to relearn on every single...
@Nate 4 years ago - Comments: 2
Added some half frets....now what?
Hello all I have been playing dulcimer for about a year on diatonic...
@Nate 5 years ago - Comments: 16
Copyright law and dulcimer music
Hey all this has been something I've been struggling to understand and...
@Nate 5 years ago - Comments: 35
Protecting the interior of a dulcimer
Hello all I was just wondering if it is common for builders to apply any...
@Nate 5 years ago - Comments: 6
How I learned to build dulcimers
I thought y'all might find this silly. This is the page from a...
@Nate 5 years ago - Comments: 9
Latest Photos
All
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Latest Forum Discussions
AllMore or less overtones
Posted: Thursday September 18 2025, 8:55 PM
By: @John Pettreemusic
By: @John Pettreemusic
Are string breaks dangerous?
Posted: Monday June 16 2025, 10:12 AM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Silicone Free Furniture Polish
Posted: Thursday March 20 2025, 11:11 PM
By: @Nate
By: @Nate
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: @Nate
By: @Nate
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: @Nate
By: @Nate
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: @Nate
By: @Nate
What's the deal with Aquavinas?
Posted: Saturday February 25 2023, 3:32 PM
By: @Nate
By: @Nate
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: @Nate
By: @Nate
Glass Bottle Resonator Dulcimer
Posted: Tuesday September 1 2020, 11:14 PM
By: @Nate
By: @Nate
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."
