Location:
Location: Oregon
Country: United States
Country: United States
My Latest Followers:
Stats
Playlists: 1
youtube videos: 9
images: 35
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: 5
Posted a new Comment on A Style Dulcimore:
Posted a new Comment on A Style Dulcimore:
"I look forward to it Dan!"
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on A Style Dulcimore:
Posted a new Comment on A Style Dulcimore:
"Really great instrument Dan. When you say it is "A Style" what does this mean? Is it a way that dulcimers are categorized?"
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Fiddle":
Posted a response to "Fiddle":
"Thanks a ton to both of you for the positive encouragement! So far I've been keeping the headstock tuner turned on while I practice scales, so I can adjust...."
@nate
• 3 days ago
• comments: 32
Posted a new Comment on @dan:
Posted a new Comment on @dan:
"Dan there is no doubt that youare an accomplished builder and player, so may I ask what the 'Sharp Iron and Wood' philosophy entails?"
@nate
• 3 days ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Hawaii Aloha:
Posted a new Comment on Hawaii Aloha:
"My grandmother was a hula dancer as well as a fire baton twirler and generally a Hawaiian cultural preservationist. This song brings back great memories of..."
@nate
• 3 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Fiddle":
Posted a response to "Fiddle":
"Ken, I've become a bit of an instrument hoarder and I probably own more instruments than anyone could master in a lifetime, so I get what you mean. The..."
@nate
• 4 days ago
• comments: 4
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: Downtown Eastside Blues.
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: Downtown Eastside Blues.
@nate
• 4 days ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Possum boards:
Posted a new Comment on Possum boards:
"I have been wondering a lot lately about how similar and how different are actual "possum boards" that a dulcimer sits on from "false bottoms" which are a..."
@nate
• 6 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Fiddle":
Posted a response to "Fiddle":
"Haha I like that dusty. I must be a fast learner because it only took me about 30 seconds to be bad at it"
@nate
• one week ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Fiddle":
Posted a response to "Fiddle":
"Ive just started learning fiddle! It's the one instrument that Ive always wished I was really good at, if I could pick one. Guess it's finally time to get..."
@nate
• one week ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Checking in":
Posted a response to "Checking in":
"Shooter, I built a cigar box guitar tuned DAD before I built any dulcimers. To me a 3 string CBG is the same as a chromatic strumstick. Cigar box guitars led..."
@nate
• one week ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on String physics question:
Posted a new Comment on String physics question:
"In general, does the amount of tension being applied to a dulcimer body affect volume much? I picture that extra string length outside the VSL as a bunch of..."
@nate
• one week ago
• comments: 3
Created a new Group discussion "String physics question":
Created a new Group discussion "String physics question":
"Hey folks. Some of my dulcimers have a lot of string length that is outside of the VSL.
I have one that has a 23" vsl, with about 8" of additional string..."
Dulcimer Making
Dulcimer Making
@nate
• one week ago
• comments: 105
Posted a new Comment on Beginner players:
Posted a new Comment on Beginner players:
"Lilley Pad:
Hi kids I was hoping I could pick your brain and that I can articulate its question. Can you tell the differences in the sound of a Dulcimer..."
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Gluing resonant objects inside soundbox?:
Posted a new Comment on Gluing resonant objects inside soundbox?:
"Ah yes, that's the one. So if the helmholtz equation tells you the total area, and the goal is to get that area with the highest perimeter, I guess all that..."
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on buzz in low D on ginger:
Posted a new Comment on buzz in low D on ginger:
"A buzz usually comes from a couple specific issues. Action too low, tension too low, string slots too loose in their slots, or poor contact with string..."
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Gluing resonant objects inside soundbox?:
Posted a new Comment on Gluing resonant objects inside soundbox?:
"@ken-hulme I am really glad you shared this with me this PDF is right up my alley. I have messed around with bottles as resonators a few times and I find..."
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Carla Maxwell:
Posted a new Comment on Carla Maxwell:
"Carla that is very cool. The 5th string is definitely something I've never seen on a uke, but it reminds me of some of the older Polynesian ukuleles I have..."
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Carla Maxwell:
Posted a new Comment on Carla Maxwell:
"This ukulele is VERY similar to the traditional ones! Super cool"
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Gluing resonant objects inside soundbox?:
Posted a new Comment on Gluing resonant objects inside soundbox?:
"Thank you Ken. Is Richard Troughear the same Australian that someone else mentioned took off sections of the soundboard to note the difference? Is there any..."
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Accompaniment":
Posted a response to "Accompaniment":
"Personally, I'm not a huge fan of pickups because of all the added fuss of having to bring an amp and make sure you have power supply, plus I'm not someone..."
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Accompaniment":
Posted a response to "Accompaniment":
"shanonmilan:
Is it really normal for a dulcimer to have a very weak, drowned out sound?
Shanon, most dulcimers are relatively quiet when compared to..."
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 8
Created a new Group discussion "Gluing resonant objects inside soundbox?":
Created a new Group discussion "Gluing resonant objects inside soundbox?":
"Hey folks I was hoping someone might have some insight on a thought I had. I've been thinking about trying to glue things like cookie tins to the inside of..."
Dulcimer Making
Dulcimer Making
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 4
Posted a new Comment on Bread And Fshes:
Posted a new Comment on Bread And Fshes:
"What do you call fishes with no eyes?"
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Maybe ive been in the dark but how cool is THIS? ":
Posted a response to "Maybe ive been in the dark but how cool is THIS? ":
"I forgot to mention, you can find those built in pre-amps with tuners online for anywhere from 15-300$ depending on the quality. You'd have to cut a hole in..."
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Maybe ive been in the dark but how cool is THIS? ":
Posted a response to "Maybe ive been in the dark but how cool is THIS? ":
"I have built a dulcimer with a fishman preamp that I recycled from an acoustic guitar. It had an UST or basically a pickup under the bridge and had a built..."
@nate
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Indian Neck Waltz (an original tune by Mark Gilston):
Posted a new Comment on Indian Neck Waltz (an original tune by Mark Gilston):
"Mark you're a very skilled concertina player! I do agree that the song sounds great as a solo piece, but I would definitely enjoy hearing you play concertina..."
@nate
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 6
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Indian Neck Waltz (an original tune by Mark Gilston)
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Indian Neck Waltz (an original tune by Mark Gilston)
Latest Group Discussions
All
String physics question
Hey folks. Some of my dulcimers have a lot of string length that is...
@NateBuildsToys one week ago - Comments: 3
Gluing resonant objects inside soundbox?
Hey folks I was hoping someone might have some insight on a thought I...
@NateBuildsToys 2 weeks ago - Comments: 8
Choice of Wood for Fingerboard?
Hello craftsmen of FOTMD! I was hoping for some opinions on if the...
@NateBuildsToys 4 weeks ago - Comments: 8
What is a Galax Dulcimer
Hey folks Im just wondering what traits are associated with galax...
@NateBuildsToys one month ago - Comments: 9
How Much is my Weird Dulcimer Worth?
Hello craftsmen of FOTMD! I built a dulcimer from "upcycled" materials...
@NateBuildsToys 2 months ago - Comments: 5
An Upside Downcimer
I have built a very strange dulcimer. I would appreciate some input and...
@NateBuildsToys 6 months ago - Comments: 21
Your favorite noter
I would love some input on what your preferred noters are. Noters come...
@NateBuildsToys 6 months ago - Comments: 21
Saddle on Soundboard
Hello folks, I am getting ready to make a dulcimer for myself and would...
@NateBuildsToys 7 months ago - Comments: 5
Vertical vs Horizontal Quill?
I have heard it said a few times that holding a quill vertically, like a...
@NateBuildsToys 7 months ago - Comments: 4
false bottoms = added mass?
Hey folks I've been thinking lately about false bottoms. Mainly about...
@NateBuildsToys 7 months ago - Comments: 8
String Gauge and Intonation
Hello all. Am I correct in assuming that the reason for compensating...
@NateBuildsToys 2 years ago - Comments: 5
Building Dulcimers Cheap
Hey all, when I first started building dulcimers it was a very...
@NateBuildsToys 2 years ago - Comments: 5
Bridge Placement for Proper Intonation
Hello, this is always something I've had to relearn on every single...
@NateBuildsToys 2 years ago - Comments: 2
Added some half frets....now what?
Hello all I have been playing dulcimer for about a year on diatonic...
@NateBuildsToys 3 years ago - Comments: 16
Copyright law and dulcimer music
Hey all this has been something I've been struggling to understand and...
@NateBuildsToys 3 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...
@NateBuildsToys 3 years ago - Comments: 6
How I learned to build dulcimers
I thought y'all might find this silly. This is the page from a...
@NateBuildsToys 3 years ago - Comments: 9
a VERY strange hypothetical
Hello all a very bizarre idea came to my mind and I'd love some input. I...
@NateBuildsToys 3 years ago - Comments: 19
Where the fingerboard meets the soundboard
Hello all. I have started making my dulcimers with fingerboards that...
@NateBuildsToys 3 years ago - Comments: 23
Sympathetic Strings
What do the wise and knowledgeable luthiers of FOTMD think about...
@NateBuildsToys 3 years ago - Comments: 33
Latest Photos
All
Latest Forum Discussions
AllThe 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: @NateBuildsToys
By: @NateBuildsToys
Benefits of longer VSL?
Posted: Saturday April 29 2023, 12:04 AM
By: @Bob Stephens
By: @Bob Stephens
Connection Between Hammered and Mountain...
Posted: Wednesday April 12 2023, 11:15 AM
By: @Ken Longfield
By: @Ken Longfield
How Old is This Dulcimer Kit/Stuff?
Posted: Wednesday March 22 2023, 10:35 AM
By: @John C. Knopf
By: @John C. Knopf
Kora
Posted: Wednesday March 15 2023, 3:07 PM
By: @NateBuildsToys
By: @NateBuildsToys
How do I know what key I'm in?
Posted: Sunday March 12 2023, 10:49 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Strings turned iridescent?
Posted: Wednesday March 1 2023, 12:07 AM
By: @Salt Springs
By: @Salt Springs
An Aquavina Update
Posted: Sunday February 26 2023, 6:55 PM
By: @NateBuildsToys
By: @NateBuildsToys
What's the deal with Aquavinas?
Posted: Saturday February 25 2023, 3:32 PM
By: @NateBuildsToys
By: @NateBuildsToys
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: @NateBuildsToys
By: @NateBuildsToys
Glass Bottle Resonator Dulcimer
Posted: Tuesday September 1 2020, 11:14 PM
By: @NateBuildsToys
By: @NateBuildsToys
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
Beer Bottle Bridge/Glass Resonator
Posted: Friday May 22 2020, 12:54 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Is the strumhollow redundant?
Posted: Thursday May 21 2020, 11:43 AM
By: @NateBuildsToys
By: @NateBuildsToys
VSL Breakpoint Angles, Radiuses, and...
Posted: Sunday May 10 2020, 2:37 PM
By: @Strumelia
By: @Strumelia
Adding Extra Strings to Courses
Posted: Wednesday May 6 2020, 3:04 PM
By: @NateBuildsToys
By: @NateBuildsToys
Comments
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."
