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: 31
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
"While I understand that the traditional instrument may be defined more specifically, the featured photo on the Wikipedia article for "scheitholt" shows an..."
@nate
• yesterday
• comments: 31
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
"I dont know very much about the actual development of these instruments over time, so I can only speak to the ones I have seen in museums or photos on the..."
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 31
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
"I would be curious to hear from others if they use kerfing. I'm sure plenty of folks prefer to, and there may be other benefits that I'm not considering. I..."
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 31
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
"Jack M:
Do you use kerfing or lining? I am thinking of using 1/8"X1/4" thick lining just to provide gluing surface for top/bottom.
In my opinion that is..."
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 31
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
"I agree with Wally that the instrument in the video is very high quality and might not be a realistic goal for a new builder. With that said, it's very..."
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 31
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
"One key difference between an instrument like an ukulele and the dulcimer you have shown is where the strings are anchored at. Ukulele strings being mounted..."
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 43
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
Posted a new Comment on How do Possum Boards REALLY work?:
"Jack M:
I found this video interesting because I was wondering how a possum board worked. In a YouTube video about the history of dulcimers, early dulcimers..."
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "David Lynch Baritone":
Posted a response to "David Lynch Baritone":
"If the bridge is being held in place by string pressure, rather than being glued down or in a slot, then intonation could be almost completely fixed by..."
@nate
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "David Lynch Baritone":
Posted a response to "David Lynch Baritone":
"Karen B:
I have a beautiful David Lynch baritone dulcimer that doesn’t get much use. Can I restring as a standard without affecting intonation? Thanks!..."
@nate
• 3 days ago
• comments: 31
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
Posted a new Comment on Short fretboard dulcimer?:
"If you make a very large bridge like the one shown in the video, you may not need any bracing at all, since the bridge itself distributes the force over such..."
@nate
• 5 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Wedge shaped floating bridge":
Posted a response to "Wedge shaped floating bridge":
"I would suspect that the taller end goes under the bass string as well, for the reason Wally mentioned. A lot of times, I've found that the bass string has..."
@nate
• 5 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "How to tune a 22 vsl mountain dulcimer ":
Posted a response to "How to tune a 22 vsl mountain dulcimer ":
"Your current set up has about 19-23 lb of tension per string. Strings that would give you a similar amount of tension at 22" would be ~0.030, ~ 0.019, and..."
@nate
• one week ago
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on Children’s Songs Medley (4 tunes):
Posted a new Comment on Children’s Songs Medley (4 tunes):
"msok:
Thank you, @ken-longfield
I'm strumming with a turkey quill.
Nice playing! Turkey quills are a lot of fun. "
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on All the Abandoned Mines :
Posted a new Comment on All the Abandoned Mines :
"This has been one of my favorites by you guys since i first heard it!"
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 4
Liked a youtube item created by @robin-thompson: All the Abandoned Mines
Liked a youtube item created by @robin-thompson: All the Abandoned Mines
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 2
Liked a vimeo item created by @ken-longfield: Play Music On The Porch Day 2025 - Country Gardens
Liked a vimeo item created by @ken-longfield: Play Music On The Porch Day 2025 - Country Gardens
@nate
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "practicing app":
Posted a response to "practicing app":
"Very cool looks super easy to use ill definitely check that out later. Thanks for showing this"
@nate
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
"Welcome Paul!
The photos you have shared are super cool and i look forward to your input.
How long have you been building instruments? The work you did..."
@nate
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 4
Liked a group discussions item created by @tonyg: Just wondering........
Liked a group discussions item created by @tonyg: Just wondering........
@nate
• 4 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "New to the group, several questions":
Posted a response to "New to the group, several questions":
"Alex_Lubet:
Thanks, Nate. With only one exception, all the tunings I've used go low to high, which would eliminate some of those possibilities. The only..."
@nate
• 4 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to ""Extra" frets and JI vs ET":
Posted a response to ""Extra" frets and JI vs ET":
" A 6.5 is pretty much essential for Dad and other 1-5-8 tunings, but not needed for DAA tuning, and other 1-5-5 tunings.In Dad tuning, the 6.5 fret..."
@nate
• one month ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Seven Years.:
Posted a new Comment on Seven Years.:
"What youre saying about characters coming to life through their songs, i find especially true with maritime ballads. The melodies and very straightforward..."
@nate
• one month ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Microtonal Fretboard:
Posted a new Comment on Microtonal Fretboard:
"Years ago I made a dulcimer with tie on frets that could slip up and down the fingerboard to affect intonation. I learned about the idea of movable frets on..."
@nate
• one month ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Playing A Longer VSL":
Posted a response to "Playing A Longer VSL":
"I don't think the difference between 24 and 26.5 is that huge. Long stretches like a 1-2-4 chord might be about 1/2 inch further. I would say that hand..."
@nate
• one month ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Shop Dad pics:
Posted a new Comment on Shop Dad pics:
"They saw a decoration, you saw a playable instrument and a challenge. Super cool and definitely something to be proud of. Looks great, love to hear how it..."
@nate
• one month ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "I need BASIC dulcimer help - Complete novice":
Posted a response to "I need BASIC dulcimer help - Complete novice":
"Could what appears to be a slot near the 6.5 just be discoloration of the wood? In the close up photo it doesnt look like those 'slots' go all the way across..."
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
.jpg "1 (2).jpg")
Latest Forum Discussions
AllAre 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
Size of Soundbox and Loudness
Posted: Friday August 14 2020, 8:14 AM
By: @Matt Berg
By: @Matt Berg
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."
