Forum Activity for @nate

After trying to dig a bit, I came across several woodworkers with the name Larry Wilson, but couldn't find anything specifically about dulcimers from any of them. Whoever he is, he doesn't seem to have much online presence. I think it's somewhat common for skilled woodworkers to build a couple of dulcimers for fun, which then end up in circulation with very little info about their builder. I wonder if this may be like that.

@john-c-knopf Those Wilsons did pop up in my futile searching, and the inlay and pretty sound holes on their instruments do look lovely!

The only other leads I found on Googling are that there's a Larry Wilson Band (looks like a guitarist, but I suppose he could make dulcimers in his spare time), and this list of musical Larry Wilsons on last.fm , but that's it. The mysterious dulcimer-making Larry Wilson may yet remain mysterious...

Sorry, the only dulcimer luthiers I've come across named "Wilson" are Richard and Denise Wilson of Manitou Beach, MI.  They did phenomenal work.  He built the critters, then she did the beautiful inlay work.  Don't think they're doing this any more.

Hello, dulcimerians!

Recently I've been poking around at the used dulcimer selection online, and I came across some dulcimers signed by Larry Wilson. There's not a lot of information on the listings, and Googling and searching the forums here hasn't revealed much either, so I thought I'd go ahead and ask: Anyone know of a luthier named Larry Wilson or anything about his instruments?

Thanks in advance for any help!

Nate's the only person in the world who can play Bile Dem Cabbage and make a jello mold with the same instrument.

They must played that accordion really bad.

Thank you for your kind words everyone.  I think this would make a great noter dulcimer and will look more into that style.  Right now I am going through Patterns and Patchwork fingerpicking.  I really like this book, as besides the picking she starts out simply using simple songs getting used to the I, IV, and V chords going up and down the fretboard with the IIm and VIm thrown in.  I feel like I'm getting basic building blocks for the future.  I will say, the 28.5 is a bit of a stretch for me.  I see a 26 VSL in my future and that's a good thing!

I am not really a Vonnegut fan, but this story inspired me years ago. It is so true that some things are worth doing because they are inherently interesting and fun. It doesn’t matter whether I am ever able to play like my idols (or willing to play in public at all).  I can and should do them because I want to do them. 

I have far more hobbies than most people. And some of them I do very well. People have asked me why I don’t turn them into a business (glass beads and carving tools).  The answer is because the doing is the purpose. When I make someone else’s beads or blades, I lose the joy of making them. 

What a beautiful dulcimer Nightingale. I know it must be special to you. I like a long scale dulcimer for playing noter drone.

@ken-longfield , consider yourself enrolled!  And wait-- there's more:  you're the outstanding member for the year of 2023!  

Well, Robin, I've done both, perform weddings and played music at them. The latter is a lot easier. Now, can I enroll in this fan club?

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Nightingale, that's a nice looking dulcimer. It certainly cleaned up well. Those long scales (28.5") make for nice noter style playing. Have fun making that dulcimer sing again.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Ken, I have downloaded you article and will read shortly - Strumelia, thanks for pointing it out to me.

Nate, it was great reburbing it.  After 51 years in the basement it was dusty, dried out, grimy, etc.  I'll post some pics of it cleaned and ready to go.  Since its a 70 or 71 or so I have no idea who made it.  Once it was cleaned up and oiled and I strung it up - I held my breath - will it sound good or no?  Well it sounds lovely.  Action is high, no 6.5 fret but I'll have the action fixed, I'm still having fun with it.

Here are a couple of pics all cleaned up with a new lustrous finish.

I have a feeling this won't be my only one as time goes on!

 IMG_4364.jpg - 661KB

Hey, since you've made me a minister, maybe I can perform weddings and you can play music at them-- how would that be!?!

Okay backup plan. You are the minister of propaganda, all you have to do is comment under my songs that you enjoyed them. So far your service has been admirable!

I have a bad hip and poor balance.  So, perhaps I'll just fall into the undesirables before any actual shin kicking takes place.   

Well then its settled, Robin. You are the enforcer! Your job is to bounce the undesirables. I'll leave it to you to determine which shins you want to kick, and the full brunt force of FANS OF NATE (which I think is just us) will descend on them! 

I am guessing the satisfaction of restoring your instrument only added to the joy of playing it!

Welcome

-Nate

Thanks, Robin, but I can't take credit for the video. Dave Holeton, a member here, edited the video and posted it to YouTube for us. Dave is our "official" leader for the Tuesday night Zoom group over at TTAD. We use the free Zoom time (40 minutes) and play 5 songs we agree to play for that week. Dave or whomever the leader is plays unmuted while the rest play along muted. In a sense we are playing a duet with the leader. Our Zoom meets begin at 8:30 p.m. Eastern time. The link is posted on Tuesdays at TTAD. Just click on it and wait to be let in to the meeting. It is fun and everyone is welcome.

Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Hello everyone, I am new here and happy to be here.  I've played stringed instruments for decades (guitar, acoustic and banjo - clawhammer and two-finger thumb lead style) and after seeing some amazing videos on Youtube, thought - that is one of the most lovely instruments I've ever heard, I must learn how to play it.  My mother, back in '71 gave me a lovely mountain dulcimer out of the blue.  Me and my friends were, well, that's cool, why did she give it to you and what do you do with it?  So I recently pulled it out of the basement, reburbished it (I used to refinish wood many years ago) and its beautiful.  One piece walnut back and sides, 28.5 scale, and I am loving it.

I look forward to learning from all of you, so, thanks for putting up with a newbie!

@ken-longfield How neat you put together a video with you and your Zoom friends for PMOTPD-- it's wonderful! 

I don't deny it, Strumelia!  

Nate, I thought about making it into an entire new Group... but of course then it might have confused everyone.

Indeed, I've known Robin to kick a few shins along the way.  

If that's the case (meaning there's no money involved), I want to run for President of FANS OF NATE.   I've gotten to be an old lady and will keep everybody in line.  

Of course Robin, though we might need some treasure first. Sadly, I think this may be one of those times where the real treasure is the friends we made along the way....

Kendra it's just a common old saying "You can't teach an old dog new tricks". I wouldn't take it personally. 

Count me as a fan and, please, may I have consideration as treasurer of the fan club?  

Nate here's what you get for your budget.  

This is a forum discussion dedicated to discussing how cool FOTMD member @Nate is.

Let's hear it for NateMan!!   Nate builds the coolest creative dulcimers and instruments, often using unconventional materials and original designs. Here is his page: https://fotmd.com/nate

Here is just one video showing a fraction of his many talents:

Ken Hulme said: “ t'll be easier if some of you "old dogs" can learn a few new tricks. “

I do not appreciate being referred to as an “old dog”!  Your response is insulting and inappropriate. 

I’m trying to learn something here and you are not helping. 

Robin- show me the money.

Randy- sounds like a total lifestyle to me. 

I, along with several of my Tuesday evening Zoom colleagues, made a video for PMOTPD. Here is the link:

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Only time I've joined a group is when  it's  necessary to read a post. 

@strumelia I double dog dare you to change everything about this site into a massive fansite dedicated to how cool @nate is!  

Do you want me to work you up a price quote for that job Nate?  

Though we didn't get to record outdoors, we did make a little recording for worldwide Play Music On The Porch Day

https://soundcloud.com/robin-thompson-5/down-the-hill-and-back-for-worldwide-pmotpd?si=e47a6cd55e0c48a493915d5561db6b13&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

I'm not saying you should convert the entire platform into a massive fansite dedicated to how cool I am, but......well actually that is exactly what I'm saying.