Location:
Location: Oregon
Country: United States
Country: United States
My Latest Followers:
Stats
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
@nate
• 19 hours ago
• comments: 3
Liked a youtube item created by @ethan-chastain: Beautiful Star Of Bethlehem- Mountain Dulcimer
Liked a youtube item created by @ethan-chastain: Beautiful Star Of Bethlehem- Mountain Dulcimer
@nate
• 19 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Three Strings or Four ?":
Posted a response to "Three Strings or Four ?":
"s11141827:
Jumbo frets are taller than normal frets which effectively lowers the action
As I explained in the other thread where you mentioned this, it is..."
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on The Shortest Day:
Posted a new Comment on The Shortest Day:
"It only makes me feel sleepy because it perfectly embodies the wistful, ethereal feeling that I only get in dreams :) This is really pleasant"
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on reverie of a dragonfly:
Posted a new Comment on reverie of a dragonfly:
"Love the stereo audio and the impression of 'call and response' from the two instruments. Super bluesy."
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 5
Liked a music item created by @nick-osullivan: reverie of a dragonfly
Liked a music item created by @nick-osullivan: reverie of a dragonfly
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 1
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: Angels We Have Heard on High
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: Angels We Have Heard on High
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "dulcimer kit":
Posted a response to "dulcimer kit":
"Thanks for all these neat details @john-c-knopf"
@nate
• one week ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Optimum spacing for the two melody strings":
Posted a response to "Optimum spacing for the two melody strings":
"Also, if you were to get a nut of a different thickness, which I don't recommend until you understand the instrument better, the most important thing is that..."
@nate
• one week ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Optimum spacing for the two melody strings":
Posted a response to "Optimum spacing for the two melody strings":
"ggray:
Is there an optimum spacing for the two melody strings, or at least a minimum spacing that would avoid the strings vibrating and touching each other?..."
@nate
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Disappointed with customer service from The Dulcimer Shoppe.":
Posted a response to "Disappointed with customer service from The Dulcimer Shoppe.":
"Thats really unfortunate to hear. Its important to know that an Appalachian dulcimer is often built in a much more "hands on" fashion than most mass produced..."
@nate
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 17
Posted a new Comment on Tennessee Music Box - Old Joe Clark:
Posted a new Comment on Tennessee Music Box - Old Joe Clark:
"I can understand trying to balance function with preservation, since its such an old instrument.
On simple dulcimers, at times ive put a wingnut onto a..."
@nate
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: Over the River: a Thanksgiving Gathering
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: Over the River: a Thanksgiving Gathering
@nate
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 17
Posted a new Comment on Tennessee Music Box - Old Joe Clark:
Posted a new Comment on Tennessee Music Box - Old Joe Clark:
"steveh_2o:
NateBuildsToys:
That's a really cool instrument. It might be possible to tune it up with 4 strings if you could swap the oversized eyebolt out for..."
@nate
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 17
Posted a new Comment on Tennessee Music Box - Old Joe Clark:
Posted a new Comment on Tennessee Music Box - Old Joe Clark:
"Ken Longfield:
It looks like ball end strings with a nail going through the ball. Am I seeing this correctly? If so, it sure doesn't make changing strings..."
@nate
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 17
Posted a new Comment on Tennessee Music Box - Old Joe Clark:
Posted a new Comment on Tennessee Music Box - Old Joe Clark:
"That's a really cool instrument. It might be possible to tune it up with 4 strings if you could swap the oversized eyebolt out for one that is smaller and..."
@nate
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Liked a photos item created by @dulcillini: My Current Mountain Dulcimers
Liked a photos item created by @dulcillini: My Current Mountain Dulcimers
@nate
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on Jingle Bells:
Posted a new Comment on Jingle Bells:
"Really brilliant Randy. The frenetic sound of that carol sounds awesome in your percussive energetic style. Thanks for sharing this"
@nate
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Chromatic Dulcimer is still a Dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Chromatic Dulcimer is still a Dulcimer":
"s11141827: the larger sized jumbo frets reduce the distance between the strings & the frets allowing for easier action. The frets should already be..."
@nate
• 3 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Confused about strings gauge reccomendations...":
Posted a response to "Confused about strings gauge reccomendations...":
"I have gone down to .08 and up to .16 for a D melody string on a 25" vsl. Its mostly a matter of preference. The amount of tension on the strings affects..."
@nate
• 4 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Inner melody string flat by the 3rd fret":
Posted a response to "Inner melody string flat by the 3rd fret":
"Thanks for sharing those photos. I would say that the string spacing on that dulcimer is pretty unusual, which might make it extra difficult to play. If you..."
@nate
• 4 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Inner melody string flat by the 3rd fret":
Posted a response to "Inner melody string flat by the 3rd fret":
"Thats a very peculiar design in a few different ways. Could you please take a photo of the entire instrument, id be really curious to see it"
@nate
• 4 weeks ago
• comments: 2
Posted a new Comment on When All Night Long (from Iolanthe):
Posted a new Comment on When All Night Long (from Iolanthe):
"I'm as grateful as always for these performances. Your deft, effortless play is always fun to watch"
@nate
• 4 weeks ago
• comments: 2
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: When All Night Long (from Iolanthe)
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: When All Night Long (from Iolanthe)
@nate
• 4 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Liked a youtube item created by @studentofrhythm: Allegory of Olives
Liked a youtube item created by @studentofrhythm: Allegory of Olives
@nate
• 4 weeks ago
• comments: 4
Liked a youtube item created by @randy-adams: The Noter Jedi Stutter
Liked a youtube item created by @randy-adams: The Noter Jedi Stutter
@nate
• 4 weeks ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Elephant in the room.:
Posted a new Comment on Elephant in the room.:
"I suspect that ive just scratched the surface of the potential. For example, if you set a noter directly on the 4th fret, the area between the nut and the..."
@nate
• one month ago
• comments: 5
Posted a new Comment on Elephant in the room.:
Posted a new Comment on Elephant in the room.:
"Really cool stuff. It's very cool how tapping can cause additional notes with the area above the VSL. I suspect that if someone were very deliberate, they..."
@nate
• one month ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
Posted a response to "Introduce Yourself!":
"Wow @chris-hornby . That is quite a futuristic approach. It turned out great. I'd love to hear a recording of it!"
@nate
• one month ago
• comments: 5
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: Elephant in the room.
Liked a music item created by @davisjames: Elephant in the room.
Latest Group Discussions
All
To What Extent Do You Plan Your Builds
Hello builders! Just wondering about y'all's mindset toward planning....
@NateBuildsToys 6 months ago - Comments: 18
History of Cigar Box Dulcimers
Hello folks I was wondering if anyone knows more about when cigar box...
@NateBuildsToys 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...
@NateBuildsToys last year - Comments: 8
String physics question
Hey folks. Some of my dulcimers have a lot of string length that is...
@NateBuildsToys last year - Comments: 3
Gluing resonant objects inside soundbox?
Hey folks I was hoping someone might have some insight on a thought I...
@NateBuildsToys last year - Comments: 9
Choice of Wood for Fingerboard?
Hello craftsmen of FOTMD! I was hoping for some opinions on if the...
@NateBuildsToys last year - Comments: 8
What is a Galax Dulcimer
Hey folks Im just wondering what traits are associated with galax...
@NateBuildsToys last year - Comments: 26
How Much is my Weird Dulcimer Worth?
Hello craftsmen of FOTMD! I built a dulcimer from "upcycled" materials...
@NateBuildsToys last year - Comments: 5
An Upside Downcimer
I have built a very strange dulcimer. I would appreciate some input and...
@NateBuildsToys last year - Comments: 21
Your favorite noter
I would love some input on what your preferred noters are. Noters come...
@NateBuildsToys last year - Comments: 21
Saddle on Soundboard
Hello folks, I am getting ready to make a dulcimer for myself and would...
@NateBuildsToys last year - Comments: 5
Vertical vs Horizontal Quill?
I have heard it said a few times that holding a quill vertically, like a...
@NateBuildsToys last year - Comments: 4
false bottoms = added mass?
Hey folks I've been thinking lately about false bottoms. Mainly about...
@NateBuildsToys last year - Comments: 26
String Gauge and Intonation
Hello all. Am I correct in assuming that the reason for compensating...
@NateBuildsToys 3 years ago - Comments: 5
Building Dulcimers Cheap
Hey all, when I first started building dulcimers it was a very...
@NateBuildsToys 3 years ago - Comments: 5
Bridge Placement for Proper Intonation
Hello, this is always something I've had to relearn on every single...
@NateBuildsToys 3 years ago - Comments: 2
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
Copyright law and dulcimer music
Hey all this has been something I've been struggling to understand and...
@NateBuildsToys 4 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 4 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 4 years ago - Comments: 9
Latest Photos
All
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Latest Forum Discussions
AllSilicone Free Furniture Polish
Posted: Friday November 15 2024, 9:47 PM
By: @robert schuler
By: @robert schuler
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: @NateBuildsToys
By: @NateBuildsToys
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: @NateBuildsToys
By: @NateBuildsToys
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: @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
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."
