Nate

Location:

Location: Oregon
Country: United States

My Latest Followers:

Sarah-Miner RobMachin Sea Strings ceilidhdog Beth T DavisJames flossy rojo Cheryl W Hunterdude glowhazel granto Ariane IRENE Jim Phillips Dan Leo Kretzner Cynthia Wigington Steven Berger Stanley Adams Skip Ben Barr Jr Susie Bob Stephens MacAodha Randy Adams Robin Thompson Strumelia

Stats

Playlists: 1
youtube videos: 17
images: 48
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
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 2 days ago • comments: 4
Liked a music item created by @beth-t: Gorhoffedd Owain Cyfeiliog (Owain Cyfeiliog's Delight)
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 4 days ago • comments: 29
Posted a new Comment on A scheitholt with no first fret:
"I personally really like the consistency of tone that comes from using a metal bar for a zero fret, in lieu of a nut. To me the underside of that "nut" looks..."
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 4 days ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on New Dulcimer Sympathetic Demo:
"DavisJames: Wow!That is so cool!   Thank you Jamie. I find sympathetic resonance really fascinating but also hard to understand. It has been a lot of fun..."
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 5 days ago • comments: 29
Posted a new Comment on A scheitholt with no first fret:
"It looks to me like the "nut" is actually a string spacer which has been flipped upside down. The underside of it appears to have grooves that would..."
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 6 days ago • comments: 29
Posted a new Comment on A scheitholt with no first fret:
"Leo Kretzner: Oh it's not playable on many grounds - the tuners are locked in place, would need pliars to turn at all, and risk cracking the wood!   Well i..."
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 6 days ago • comments: 29
Posted a new Comment on A scheitholt with no first fret:
"I should say, as normally as one could expect from a home made scheitholt with very wonky frets that entails a very "whatever works" mindset xD Also if would..."
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 6 days ago • comments: 29
Posted a new Comment on A scheitholt with no first fret:
"Leo Kretzner: Nate I think that's basically it. I took more pics just to try and show it better. Indeed if the tuners were on the head, there'd be room for a..."
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 6 days ago • comments: 29
Posted a new Comment on A scheitholt with no first fret:
"Dusty Turtle: I can't help explain the scheitholt, @Leo-Kretzner, but I can help with the pictures.  When you created a new discussion, you could have used..."
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 6 days ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "How Many Dulcimers Do You Own? ":
"Thats a pretty cool instrument. I like the tin at the end and the bridge setup is clever. Thanks for sharing"
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 6 days ago • comments: 29
Posted a new Comment on A scheitholt with no first fret:
"Leo Kretzner: Or, said another way, if that's a first fret, there's no first space between it and the nut. OR it's just incredibly badly placed?? But why so..."
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 6 days ago • comments: 29
Posted a new Comment on A scheitholt with no first fret:
"That is a really sharp observation Steve. I think it sheds light on the mystery. One could imagine that the area with the tuners should have been the area..."
NateBuildsToys
@nate • one week ago • comments: 29
Liked a group discussions item created by @strumelia: A scheitholt with no first fret
NateBuildsToys
@nate • one week ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "How Many Dulcimers Do You Own? ":
"Very cool @dulcillini I love the pattern of the one on the left and the shape of the one on the right 👍🏽 "
NateBuildsToys
@nate • one week ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "How Many Dulcimers Do You Own? ":
"That is awesome @overdrive Id love to see a photo of the dulcimer that has served you all this time Nate"
NateBuildsToys
@nate • one week ago • comments: 12
Liked a music item created by @beth-t: Belle Isle March
NateBuildsToys
@nate • one week ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Sympathetic Drones Aquavina Experiment:
"Dusty Turtle: Maybe you can make a recording contrasting the instrument as is with the instrument with the two areas of excess muted somehow   here is..."
NateBuildsToys
@nate • one week ago • comments: 2
Posted a new YouTube video:
New Dulcimer Sympathetic Demo
NateBuildsToys
@nate • one week ago • comments: 3
Posted a new Comment on Sympathetic Drones Aquavina Experiment:
"Dusty Turtle: That's pretty cool Nate.  I almost kinda sorta understand.  Maybe you can make a recording contrasting the instrument as is with the instrument..."
NateBuildsToys
@nate • one week ago • comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Quick Bundt Dulcimer:
""
NateBuildsToys
@nate • one week ago • comments: 3
Posted a new YouTube video:
Sympathetic Drones Aquavina Experiment
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 2 weeks ago • comments: 2
Liked a music item created by @beth-t: Malltraeth
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 2 weeks ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "How do I put a new posting in "The :Positive Thread?"":
"Thank you for sharing this story. As a child, something like a cane can instantly make one feel like a sophisticated adult. I remember how much joy I got..."
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 2 weeks ago • comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Current Set:
"Robin Thompson: Cool, Nate!  Happy strumming!    Thanks robin 😁 "
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 2 weeks ago • comments: 2
Current Set
1000003407 Screenshot_20231006-070203
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 2 weeks ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "1977 Robert Mize":
"capewavedancer: Thank for your suggestions. I'll give the new strings a go and see how they sound. Is Geee tuning somehting that anyone plays now?  I..."
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 2 weeks ago • comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Quick Bundt Dulcimer:
"OverDrive: Nate, I really appreciate your experimental designs! Are you going for a bigger sound, or maybe something with lots of rattle and buzz?  I have..."
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 2 weeks ago • comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Quick Bundt Dulcimer:
"Ken Longfield: Thanks, Nate. That is a better explanation. Still not sure what you were hoping to achieve or demonstrate. Ken "The dulcimer sings a sweet..."
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 3 weeks ago • comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Quick Bundt Dulcimer:
"Ken, the small gap at the top is meant to be the same length as the distance between the 21st fret (if it had one) and the bridge. This would be 1/8th thr..."
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 3 weeks ago • comments: 8
Posted a new Comment on Quick Bundt Dulcimer:
"The intention of this dulcimer was to have the gap between the zero fret and headstock be exactly the length of the third octave, while the space between the..."
NateBuildsToys
@nate • 3 weeks ago • comments: 8
Quick Bundt Dulcimer
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NateBuildsToys
@nate • 3 weeks ago • comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @john-c-knopf: Tennessee music box just finished
NateBuildsToys
@nate • one month ago • comments: 11
Liked a music item created by @robin-thompson: Traveling Mercies - a work-in-progress, for PMOTPD
NateBuildsToys
@nate • one month ago • comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @david-bennett: Athens Dulcimers (Alabama) Play Music On The Porch Day
NateBuildsToys
@nate • one month ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Angry internet people, so hateful that it's funny to me":
"WOW, that's all really terrible to hear. Really glad to hear that you persevered and kept a good spirit. Internet trolls definitely pale in comparison to the..."
NateBuildsToys
@nate • one month ago • comments: 0
Posted a response to "Angry internet people, so hateful that it's funny to me":
"Strumelia: They must be a total weirdo.  I am guessing that's probably an understatement LOL. I have to assume that when he looked up "nate dulcimer" my..."

Latest Group Discussions

  All
NateBuildsToys

To What Extent Do You Plan Your Builds


Hello builders!  Just wondering about y'all's mindset toward planning....
@NateBuildsToys 4 months ago - Comments: 18
NateBuildsToys

History of Cigar Box Dulcimers


Hello folks I was wondering if anyone knows more about when cigar box...
@NateBuildsToys 9 months ago - Comments: 21
NateBuildsToys

What are the tedious parts of dulcimer building?


Hello skilled craftsmen, I've heard some people say that it takes them...
@NateBuildsToys last year - Comments: 8
NateBuildsToys

String physics question


Hey folks. Some of my dulcimers have a lot of string length that is...
@NateBuildsToys last year - Comments: 3
NateBuildsToys

Gluing resonant objects inside soundbox?


Hey folks I was hoping someone might have some insight on a thought I...
@NateBuildsToys last year - Comments: 9
NateBuildsToys

Choice of Wood for Fingerboard?


Hello craftsmen of FOTMD! I was hoping for some opinions on if the...
@NateBuildsToys last year - Comments: 8
NateBuildsToys

What is a Galax Dulcimer


Hey folks Im just wondering what traits are associated with galax...
@NateBuildsToys last year - Comments: 26
NateBuildsToys

How Much is my Weird Dulcimer Worth?


Hello craftsmen of FOTMD! I built a dulcimer from "upcycled" materials...
@NateBuildsToys last year - Comments: 5
NateBuildsToys

An Upside Downcimer


I have built a very strange dulcimer. I would appreciate some input and...
@NateBuildsToys last year - Comments: 21
NateBuildsToys

Your favorite noter


I would love some input on what your preferred noters are. Noters come...
@NateBuildsToys last year - Comments: 21
NateBuildsToys

Saddle on Soundboard


Hello folks, I am getting ready to make a dulcimer for myself and would...
@NateBuildsToys last year - Comments: 5
NateBuildsToys

Vertical vs Horizontal Quill?


I have heard it said a few times that holding a quill vertically, like a...
@NateBuildsToys last year - Comments: 4
NateBuildsToys

false bottoms = added mass?


Hey folks  I've been thinking lately about false bottoms. Mainly about...
@NateBuildsToys last year - Comments: 26
NateBuildsToys

String Gauge and Intonation


Hello all. Am I correct in assuming that the reason for compensating...
@NateBuildsToys 3 years ago - Comments: 5
NateBuildsToys

Building Dulcimers Cheap


Hey all, when I first started building dulcimers it was a very...
@NateBuildsToys 3 years ago - Comments: 5
NateBuildsToys

Bridge Placement for Proper Intonation


Hello, this is always something I've had to relearn on every single...
@NateBuildsToys 3 years ago - Comments: 2
NateBuildsToys

Added some half frets....now what?


Hello all I have been playing dulcimer for about a year on diatonic...
@NateBuildsToys 4 years ago - Comments: 16
NateBuildsToys

Copyright law and dulcimer music


Hey all this has been something I've been struggling to understand and...
@NateBuildsToys 4 years ago - Comments: 34
NateBuildsToys

Protecting the interior of a dulcimer


Hello all I was just wondering if it is common for builders to apply any...
@NateBuildsToys 4 years ago - Comments: 6
NateBuildsToys

How I learned to build dulcimers


I thought y'all might find this silly. This is the page from a...
@NateBuildsToys 4 years ago - Comments: 9

Latest Audio

  All
I Don't Believe You

I Don't Believe You


@Nate
last year - Comments: 4
Livi

Livi


@Nate
last year - Comments: 3
You Lead The Way

You Lead The Way


@Nate
last year - Comments: 7

Latest Videos

  All
New Dulcimer Sympathetic Demo

New Dulcimer Sympathetic Demo


@Nate
one week ago - Comments: 2
Sympathetic Drones Aquavina Experiment

Sympathetic Drones Aquavina Experiment


@Nate
one week ago - Comments: 3
Frying Pan Dulcimer (old video)

Frying Pan Dulcimer (old video)


@Nate
3 months ago - Comments: 2
Banjo Resonator Experimental Dulcimer

Banjo Resonator Experimental Dulcimer


@Nate
6 months ago - Comments: 5
Jock Stuart

Jock Stuart


@Nate
8 months ago - Comments: 7
The Moorlough Shore

The Moorlough Shore


@Nate
last year - Comments: 3
Happy IADD

Happy IADD


@Nate
last year - Comments: 3
Captain Kidd/Jack or Sam Hall

Captain Kidd/Jack or Sam Hall


@Nate
last year - Comments: 4
Get Out of the Kitchen While I Cook

Get Out of the Kitchen While I Cook


@Nate
last year - Comments: 4
The Nate Visiting Song

The Nate Visiting Song


@Nate
last year - Comments: 2
My First Cardboard Dulcimer Build

My First Cardboard Dulcimer Build


@Nate
3 years ago - Comments: 5

Latest Photos

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PXL_20230929_101551010~2.jpg
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Latest Forum Discussions

  All

Angry internet people, so hateful that...

Posted: Wednesday September 4 2024, 9:49 PM
By: @Dusty Turtle

A fun story with a satisfying ending

Posted: Sunday August 4 2024, 8:24 AM
By: @Ken Longfield

Does soundbox tension affect volume and tone

Posted: Monday April 15 2024, 12:18 AM
By: @Dwain Wilder

Are two melody strings louder than one?

Posted: Tuesday March 19 2024, 10:13 AM
By: @Robin Thompson

Connection Between Hammered and Mountain...

Posted: Tuesday March 19 2024, 4:25 AM
By: @shanonmilan

String gauge and intonation

Posted: Tuesday March 5 2024, 5:37 PM
By: @Dwain Wilder

Ergonomics and Wrist Strain

Posted: Friday February 16 2024, 12:08 AM
By: @NateBuildsToys

How precisely do you tune up?

Posted: Thursday February 8 2024, 1:22 PM
By: @Strumelia

Kora

Posted: Sunday December 24 2023, 9:33 AM
By: @georgia k

Strings turned iridescent?

Posted: Monday November 27 2023, 3:30 AM
By: @shanonmilan

VSL Breakpoint Angles, Radiuses, and...

Posted: Friday November 10 2023, 7:55 AM
By: @Ken Hulme

The Joy of Sharing Dulcimer

Posted: Saturday September 2 2023, 9:58 AM
By: @Wally Venable

A Test for Tone-Deafness!

Posted: Wednesday August 16 2023, 6:27 PM
By: @NateBuildsToys

Benefits of longer VSL?

Posted: Saturday April 29 2023, 12:04 AM
By: @Bob Stephens

How Old is This Dulcimer Kit/Stuff?

Posted: Wednesday March 22 2023, 10:35 AM
By: @John C. Knopf

How do I know what key I'm in?

Posted: Sunday March 12 2023, 10:49 PM
By: @Strumelia

An Aquavina Update

Posted: Sunday February 26 2023, 6:55 PM
By: @NateBuildsToys

What's the deal with Aquavinas?

Posted: Saturday February 25 2023, 3:32 PM
By: @NateBuildsToys

Magnetic pickup vs Piezo vs Mic pointed at...

Posted: Saturday December 3 2022, 7:22 AM
By: @Bill Robison

Why is it called a possum board?

Posted: Tuesday January 18 2022, 8:04 PM
By: @Jon W Harris

Making a dulcimer humidity resistant?

Posted: Monday May 31 2021, 2:36 PM
By: @Nathina

Choosing Strings

Posted: Sunday May 2 2021, 9:47 AM
By: @Ken Hulme

Nylon strings on a steel string dulcimer

Posted: Friday March 26 2021, 9:01 AM
By: @Ken Longfield

Non-Metal Fret Material

Posted: Thursday February 11 2021, 4:09 PM
By: @Ken Hulme

Choice of Wood: Pertinent or Purism?

Posted: Friday September 4 2020, 8:25 PM
By: @Lisa Golladay

Are there fretless dulcimers?

Posted: Wednesday September 2 2020, 5:05 AM
By: @NateBuildsToys

Glass Bottle Resonator Dulcimer

Posted: Tuesday September 1 2020, 11:14 PM
By: @NateBuildsToys

Size of Soundbox and Loudness

Posted: Friday August 14 2020, 8:14 AM
By: @Matt Berg

Truss Rods?

Posted: Tuesday August 11 2020, 11:33 AM
By: @Bob Stephens

Beer Bottle Bridge/Glass Resonator

Posted: Friday May 22 2020, 12:54 PM
By: @Strumelia

Comments

MacAodha
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.


IRENE
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


Dan
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.


Sea Strings
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. Laugh


Strumelia
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!  sun


Ben Barr Jr
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


Richard Streib
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.


Jim Fawcett
02/23/20 07:53:08AM @jim-fawcett:

Hey Nate, welcome aboard. Glad ya found us.


Ken Longfield
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."