Location:
Location: Oregon
Country: United States
Country: United States
My Latest Followers:
Stats
youtube videos: 18
images: 51
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
• an hour ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Mountain Dulcimer Picture in Mathematics Magazine":
Posted a response to "Mountain Dulcimer Picture in Mathematics Magazine":
"Dusty Turtle:
How do you measure tone mathematically? It seems like such a subjective quality.
I've always been fascinated by that question. As players..."
@nate
• 2 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Mountain Dulcimer Picture in Mathematics Magazine":
Posted a response to "Mountain Dulcimer Picture in Mathematics Magazine":
"Congratulations, that's awesome. Since I likely wouldn't be able to interpret the paper even if I could access it,(math and I are like nodes and anti nodes )..."
@nate
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Short scale dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Short scale dulcimer":
"1) If you were to use normal strings, you would want to tune them higher than normal. If you were to tune the strings normally on an instrument that is too..."
@nate
• 3 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "North Country Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "North Country Dulcimer":
"I like this bridge design, and the type of sound they seem to produce. A bit less nasally than a bridge sitting on the fingerboard, and less round than a..."
@nate
• 17 hours ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @ken-longfield: North Country Dulcimer
Liked a forum discussions item created by @ken-longfield: North Country Dulcimer
@nate
• one week ago
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @luigi: HEN FERCHETAN and DIFYRRWCH GWYR Y GOGLEDD
Liked a youtube item created by @luigi: HEN FERCHETAN and DIFYRRWCH GWYR Y GOGLEDD
@nate
• one week ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
"I fully agree @dusty . I couldn't help but laugh at the idea of an AI bot reading MY post and then giving me misleading information about my own instrument"
@nate
• one week ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Silicone Free Furniture Polish ":
Posted a response to "Silicone Free Furniture Polish ":
"Dusty, I've heard a lot of good feedback about Feed-N-Wax. I asked because I happened to already have this can of furniture polish, and was hoping to find a..."
@nate
• one week ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Silicone Free Furniture Polish ":
Posted a response to "Silicone Free Furniture Polish ":
"robert schuler:
Tung oil works well when applied really thin on fingerboards. I go to great pains to keep all things silicone away from my work benches. If..."
@nate
• one week ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Danville Girl.:
Posted a new Comment on Danville Girl.:
"Really love the low sound of the dulcimer. The tuning and melody sound almost weary, and it fits the performance perfectly."
@nate
• one week ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
"Dusty Turtle:
We made it into the AI algorithms! That constitutes success in my book, even if the information being spewed by the bots is factually..."
@nate
• one week ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Lute Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Lute Dulcimer":
"Thank you very much Ken for this comprehensive answer. The Horstobel Sachs system has always been hard for me to wrap my head around, but what you typed is..."
@nate
• one week ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on The Garden Hymn:
Posted a new Comment on The Garden Hymn:
"Great, as always, John."
@nate
• one week ago
• comments: 4
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: The Garden Hymn
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: The Garden Hymn
@nate
• one week ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Lute Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Lute Dulcimer":
"It's hard to differentiate the concept of a dulcimer from its fretboard and string layout. A three course instrument with a paired melody course and two..."
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Hearts of the Dulcimer.":
Posted a response to "Hearts of the Dulcimer.":
"Unfortunately, since I live in Southern Oregon, my local library has been ruined by the anti homeless measures, and will probably never recover. Most of the..."
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
"MerlinPicker101:
Hello world!
I’m Gareth, living just outside Edinburgh here in Scotland. I’ve played mandolin off/on for around 20 years (doesn’t make me..."
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Scale length":
Posted a response to "Scale length":
"John C. Knopf:
Dulcimore Dan is an I.D. Stamper fan! I.D. used those long, jangly, low-pitched strings on his dulcimers.
Dulcimore Dan, you, and I all..."
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Scale length":
Posted a response to "Scale length":
"Wow there are some pretty skilled musicians showcasing those instruments I think that any effort to directly compare different VSLs would be a compromise of..."
@nate
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Scale length":
Posted a response to "Scale length":
"Dusty Turtle:
Yeah, to actually measure the difference, we would need to hold all the other variables constant. We would need the same builder to make..."
@nate
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Scale length":
Posted a response to "Scale length":
"Strumelia:
Adding to what Dusty said, tone can also be greatly effected by the wood thickness... not simply by the size of the sound box and its scale..."
@nate
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Scale length":
Posted a response to "Scale length":
"Does a longer instrument simply have more tension because the players choose to use higher tension strings?When I string up longer dulcimers, I use smaller..."
@nate
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Scale length":
Posted a response to "Scale length":
"One thing to note is that a longer scale length/VSL usually means a physically larger instrument, which can affect tone and volume.This is just an..."
@nate
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Waltz from Orsa (duet)
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Waltz from Orsa (duet)
@nate
• one month ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @paula: Chet Hines “dulcimore”
Liked a forum discussions item created by @paula: Chet Hines “dulcimore”
@nate
• one month ago
• comments: 7
Liked a youtube item created by @cristian-huet: "La pluie de Najeanne", Cristian Huet at home
Liked a youtube item created by @cristian-huet: "La pluie de Najeanne", Cristian Huet at home
@nate
• one month ago
• comments: 7
Posted a new Comment on "La pluie de Najeanne", Cristian Huet at home:
Posted a new Comment on "La pluie de Najeanne", Cristian Huet at home:
"WOW"
@nate
• one month ago
• comments: 5
Liked a youtube item created by @beth-t: Dyddiau Gwell - Better Days
Liked a youtube item created by @beth-t: Dyddiau Gwell - Better Days
@nate
• one month ago
• comments: 6
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: Jesus Won't You Come by Here?
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: Jesus Won't You Come by Here?
@nate
• one month ago
• comments: 24
Posted a new Comment on Tell us your reason for choosing a chromatic dulcimer!:
Posted a new Comment on Tell us your reason for choosing a chromatic dulcimer!:
"Very true skip, although the sheer quantity of dulcimer tabs available makes them a useful resource in addition to sheet music.
Also very good advice to..."
Latest Group Discussions
All
To What Extent Do You Plan Your Builds
Hello builders! Just wondering about y'all's mindset toward planning....
@Nate 10 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: 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
AllSilicone 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
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."
