Location:
Location: Oregon
Country: United States
Country: United States
My Latest Followers:
Stats
youtube videos: 18
images: 52
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
• 22 minutes ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
"Very cool Damon. I dont know anything about synthesizers so i look forward to hearing what kinds of unique sounds you can get from the dulcimer.
Ive been..."
@nate
• 20 hours ago
• comments: 24
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
"Thanks for confirming, that is what I thought John. "
@nate
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on My Lord, what a morning :
Posted a new Comment on My Lord, what a morning :
"Very gentle and peaceful. Also love the look and sound of that dulcimer. Thanks for sharing"
@nate
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @peter-w: My Lord, what a morning
Liked a youtube item created by @peter-w: My Lord, what a morning
@nate
• 21 hours ago
• comments: 24
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
"Bob_n_MO:
When I think about it, it's something how an instrument that on the surface seems so simple, but the more I hear from yourself and others, I find..."
@nate
• 22 hours ago
• comments: 24
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
"Out of curiosity could someone from that area let me know how they pronounce "galax" there? I have heard it a few different ways at this point and I don't..."
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 24
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
"Dusty Turtle:
That "double- back" or "false bottom" is also called a Galax back because Galax-style dulcimers have them as part of the design. Lots of..."
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 24
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
"Bob_n_MO:
It seems possum boards are all about improving sound quality. I was thinking about that and how the possum board works by protecting the backboard..."
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 24
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
"Bob_n_MO:
I hear what you're saying, but try this. Take your dulcimer and place it on your lap and tap the soundboard with your finger. Now tip your..."
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 24
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
"Bob_n_MO:
The soundboard gets all the vibration from the strings then the bridge. The bottom board and sideboards amplify the soundboard vibrations blowing..."
@nate
• 3 days ago
• comments: 24
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
"Strumelia:
From what I've read and old photos, French epinettes, Norwegian langeleiks, and german/swedish hummels seem to have been most often played upon a..."
@nate
• 3 days ago
• comments: 24
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
"Richard Streib:
Nate:
Dan:
That's why a dulcimore has feet!
It's funny how those little feet are actually quite a bit more convenient than a modern possum..."
@nate
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: His Eye is on the Sparrow
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: His Eye is on the Sparrow
@nate
• 4 days ago
• comments: 24
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
"Dan:
That's why a dulcimore has feet!
It's funny how those little feet are actually quite a bit more convenient than a modern possum board. Rather than..."
@nate
• 4 days ago
• comments: 24
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
"Strumelia:
It's kind of like how when you place a music box on a wooden table, it suddenly becomes twice and resonant and twice the volume... the tabletop..."
@nate
• 6 days ago
• comments: 12
Posted a new Comment on Zero Fret:
Posted a new Comment on Zero Fret:
"I hadnt thought about that Dusty, but it makes sense that the more space between the zero fret and the spacer, the more you'd be able to bend the string..."
@nate
• 6 days ago
• comments: 12
Posted a new Comment on Zero Fret:
Posted a new Comment on Zero Fret:
"In my opinion the time difference is pretty negligible, since you still have to make, dress, and install an extra fret as well as making slot for the..."
@nate
• one week ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "to get chromatic or not":
Posted a response to "to get chromatic or not":
"Thank you very much Sam, that's really kind of you to say and I'm glad that you find it cool."
@nate
• one week ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "to get chromatic or not":
Posted a response to "to get chromatic or not":
"@mark-gilston
That is a lot of food for thought and i have a ton of respect for your opinion, so thank you very much for taking the time to share it.
The..."
@nate
• one week ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "to get chromatic or not":
Posted a response to "to get chromatic or not":
"I hear that Gale! I build aquavina dulcimers, which have only existed for a couple decades and I know of less than 5 people that have built them. What i..."
@nate
• one week ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "to get chromatic or not":
Posted a response to "to get chromatic or not":
"The chromatic dulcimer is one of the most contentious topics ive noticed surrounding dulcimer. The traditional significance and cultural value are some of..."
@nate
• one week ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Current Set:
Posted a new Comment on Current Set:
"Thank you very much for the kind words Robin and Ken"
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Hammered Dulcimer EXR":
Posted a response to "Hammered Dulcimer EXR":
"That's an awesome story Jim. Thanks for taking the time to share it."
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Tuner help please:
Posted a new Comment on Tuner help please:
"There are too many words for tuning pegs lol. Pegs, machines, gears, tuners, heads, tensioners, knobs, etc. Meanwhile, "pegs" could also mean anchoring..."
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Tuner help please:
Posted a new Comment on Tuner help please:
"Bernadette:
The good news is that you can play with three strings. I have a three string dulcimer. I use a clip on KLIQ Uber Tuner on using the chromatic..."
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Any body have an idea what this is ?":
Posted a response to "Any body have an idea what this is ?":
"Mick McLaughlin:
I was never convinced about any heritage as a mountain dulcimer. I believe to was better related to some of the dulcimers European cousins..."
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Any body have an idea what this is ?":
Posted a response to "Any body have an idea what this is ?":
"I have heard, and tend to generally accept similar things. I almost never play in the second octave unless it's with a noter, and the frets have to be so..."
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Any body have an idea what this is ?":
Posted a response to "Any body have an idea what this is ?":
"Kind of funny to see the 1.5 and 3.5 on the first octave, but no 1.5 fret on the second octave (8.5 fret). It makes me wonder if the extra frets were added..."
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "String vibrates":
Posted a response to "String vibrates":
"Im really glad you mentioned camera and light source angle Ken. That is definitely what i was failing to consider. I guess if the camera and light source..."
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "String vibrates":
Posted a response to "String vibrates":
"Id really love to know more about this. I've seen Bing do it in a few videos and I just can't wrap my head around it. I believe it is due to the interaction..."
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Jello mold 2.0:
Posted a new Comment on Jello mold 2.0:
"DavisJames:
Looks pretty.How do they sound or are they made to be eaten?
lol. So far jello molds have been my favorite material that I've added to a..."
Latest Group Discussions
All
To What Extent Do You Plan Your Builds
Hello builders! Just wondering about y'all's mindset toward planning....
@Nate 7 months ago - 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: 34
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
AllSilicone Free Furniture Polish
Posted: Friday November 15 2024, 9:47 PM
By: @robert schuler
By: @robert schuler
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
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
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."
