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
• 2 days ago
• comments: 2
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 days 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 days ago
• comments: 3
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 days ago
• comments: 3
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 days 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."
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 8
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):
"Looks and sounds great. I started on my dulcimer journey with cigar boxes. I built CBGs before I built dulcimers, and the dulcimer lends itself to cigar..."
@nate
• 4 days ago
• comments: 8
Liked a group discussions item created by @jimrex62: Homemade dulcimer from three cigar boxes (except fretboard)
Liked a group discussions item created by @jimrex62: Homemade dulcimer from three cigar boxes (except fretboard)
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Danville Girl.:
Posted a new Comment on Danville Girl.:
"DavisJames:
Everyone should hop a freight train at least once in their life! You get a view of the world different from that of driving down a highway..that..."
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 11
Posted a new Comment on What's your favorite finish ?:
Posted a new Comment on What's your favorite finish ?:
"I like oil best for tone and look, and polyurethane best for durability. I think that using oil allows the wood to stay hydrated rather than being sealed in,..."
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 17
Posted a new Comment on Do you have more trouble with your right hand, or left?:
Posted a new Comment on Do you have more trouble with your right hand, or left?:
"This old thread is very insightful. I've always had a much easier time with my strumming hand than my fretting hand. With about six years of practice, my..."
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"Talking about bones and harmonica, I thought you might enjoy this performance by Willi Carlisle, if you haven't seen it before."
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"barnjam:
Do you like the drop D drone? Does anyone else use a drop D string?
It sounds great. Am I understanding you correctly that the dulcimer has 4..."
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"Whoops, I did notice that they were bones and still typed spoons for some reason lol. Similar, but still quite different. Either way, sounds like a cool..."
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"Looks like a lot of fun. I see that you are playing harmonica and spoons at the same time, which is no small feat, and the result is great.Cool to see so..."
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"Skip, in his original post he said "I wish it were a tad longer so that I could get the best of DAA and DAD tuning, allowing me to walk down the fretboard on..."
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"It means you asked a good question that hits on interesting ideas. :)
It may be helpful to know: what exactly is the range of notes that you would like to..."
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"Dusty Turtle:
What this demonstrates, I think, is that the wideness of the fretboard and the distance between strings is an important variable, perhaps more..."
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"Dusty Turtle:A dulcimer with a long enough VSL could be configured for 3 full, usable octaves.
I personally would have no use for such a dulcimer, but it is..."
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"Strumelia:
Does that "Stringjoy" Tension Calculator tell you when one of its suggestions would likely result in a string that breaks, or a string that is too..."
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"Skip:
I'm a bit confused by all of this. Fourteen frets is two diatonic octaves, D to D or A to A or whatever, regardless of the VSL. A longer VSL..."
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"Strumelia could you please elaborate on that?
The "stringjoy string tension calculator" says that a 35" VSL tuned to D4 with a 0.007 gauge string (lowest Ive..."
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: All Things Are Quite Silent
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: All Things Are Quite Silent
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 6
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: The Haven of Rest
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: The Haven of Rest
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @barnjam: Click Old Hen (AAC Dulcimer Tuning)
Liked a youtube item created by @barnjam: Click Old Hen (AAC Dulcimer Tuning)
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Extended Range Dulcimer":
"I think an important question is: do you prefer to only play on the melody string, or would you prefer to be able to fret all three strings?If you're only..."
@nate
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Crawdad Song:
Posted a new Comment on Crawdad Song:
"Wow this really brought me a lot of joy. I haven't heard this sung and played on dulcimer since I was about 5 years old in Arkansas.Thank you for sharing..."
@nate
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 3
Liked a music item created by @marshall-goers: Planxty Seymour Cleland
Liked a music item created by @marshall-goers: Planxty Seymour Cleland
@nate
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 9
Posted a new Comment on Three or Four Strings, that is the question:
Posted a new Comment on Three or Four Strings, that is the question:
"Id say the most common is three courses with a pair of melody strings running in one course, for a total of 4 strings.
Having paired melody strings can give..."
@nate
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "A question about intonating a dulcimer":
Posted a response to "A question about intonating a dulcimer":
"Wally Venable:
You want to angle the slot so that the high point is on the bridge side to preserve the VSL.
Does this apply to a string spacer and a zero..."
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."
