Location:
Location: Oregon
Country: United States
Country: United States
My Latest Followers:
Stats
youtube videos: 18
images: 54
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
• 8 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Help with restoring a 1962 Arthur Dixon dulcimer?":
Posted a response to "Help with restoring a 1962 Arthur Dixon dulcimer?":
"On one hand, if you particularly wanted to install a "zero fret" made of metal that is an option. Common materials for dulcimer nut and bridge are very hard..."
@nate
• 9 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Help with restoring a 1962 Arthur Dixon dulcimer?":
Posted a response to "Help with restoring a 1962 Arthur Dixon dulcimer?":
"Ken Longfield:
Thanks, Nate. I see that I didn't pay attention to that in the original post. It seems like an awful lot of work compared to installing them..."
@nate
• 9 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Help with restoring a 1962 Arthur Dixon dulcimer?":
Posted a response to "Help with restoring a 1962 Arthur Dixon dulcimer?":
"John Pettreemusic:
Bizarre is using bunt pans.....Love yer stuff Nate!
Thank you, I appreciate it John!
With that said, I have to admit Ive seen a ton of..."
@nate
• 9 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Help with restoring a 1962 Arthur Dixon dulcimer?":
Posted a response to "Help with restoring a 1962 Arthur Dixon dulcimer?":
"Ken Longfield:
Were the mounting plates of the tuners screwed to the bottom of opening in the peg head?
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
Ken if i..."
@nate
• 9 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Help with restoring a 1962 Arthur Dixon dulcimer?":
Posted a response to "Help with restoring a 1962 Arthur Dixon dulcimer?":
"Soldering tuners into a metal cage gives new meaning to the phrase "locking tuners" LOL"
@nate
• 10 hours ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Help with restoring a 1962 Arthur Dixon dulcimer?":
Posted a response to "Help with restoring a 1962 Arthur Dixon dulcimer?":
"Wow thats the most bizarre system for anchoring tuning pegs that ive ever seen. Is this a method others have seen before?"
@nate
• 2 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Mountain Dulcimer Picture in Mathematics Magazine":
Posted a response to "Mountain Dulcimer Picture in Mathematics Magazine":
"Thank you for taking the time to articulate your results dulcidom! I have been playing around with these ideas quite a bit. I have a one string dulcimer that..."
@nate
• 4 days ago
• comments: 1
Posted a new Comment on Current Set:
Posted a new Comment on Current Set:
"My first, second, fourth fifth and sixth kitchen pan dulcimers "
@nate
• 4 days ago
• comments: 12
Posted a new Comment on Makeover for Sally :
Posted a new Comment on Makeover for Sally :
"I have made an effort to reach out to Jacques but i dont think i have actually reached him. I dont know if hed like my instruments but id really like for him..."
@nate
• 4 days ago
• comments: 12
Posted a new Comment on Makeover for Sally :
Posted a new Comment on Makeover for Sally :
"Robin Thompson:
For $175, the sound will be relegated to being lost to history. Yet we have something better here at FOTMD-- Nate!
Way too..."
@nate
• 4 days ago
• comments: 12
Posted a new Comment on Makeover for Sally :
Posted a new Comment on Makeover for Sally :
"I'll have to look into how that mechanism works, however I have considered a few ways to stir the bowl, and honestly most of them are beyond my ability. I..."
@nate
• 4 days ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Tinny sounding strings":
Posted a response to "Tinny sounding strings":
"Specifically with the language of tinny, My first guess would be that the strings are not seated correctly in either their slots at the bridge, or their..."
@nate
• 4 days ago
• comments: 12
Posted a new Comment on Makeover for Sally :
Posted a new Comment on Makeover for Sally :
"Yes Robin, that is Jacques Dudon! I had thought up this cake pan dulcimer before reading about his invention, and when I did, I decided to finally get around..."
@nate
• 5 days ago
• comments: 12
Posted a new Comment on Makeover for Sally :
Posted a new Comment on Makeover for Sally :
"Perhaps Jacques Dudon! He is the inventor of the aquavina dulcimer. His design was essentially a large mixing bowl with a dulcimer neck attached to it...."
@nate
• 6 days ago
• comments: 12
Posted a new Comment on Makeover for Sally :
Posted a new Comment on Makeover for Sally :
"The first Bundt pan dulcimer I made was one of many experimental dulcimer ideas I had at the time, but its been my absolute favorite material ever since. I..."
@nate
• one week ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
"Upon first glance at the positive thread, it seems the conversation started with Dusty suggesting that there ought to be a national dulcimer day, as there is..."
@nate
• one week ago
• comments: 3
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: The Rooster is Crowing
Liked a youtube item created by @john-w-mckinstry: The Rooster is Crowing
@nate
• one week ago
• comments: 6
Posted a new Comment on Skänklåt (Gift Giving Tune) after Hjort Anders:
Posted a new Comment on Skänklåt (Gift Giving Tune) after Hjort Anders:
"The ability to combine expressive sounds with mechanical precision while seeming so relaxed and comfortable is as impressive as always. Definitely..."
@nate
• one week ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
"Hey folks I'd love some clarity about the exact nature of the origins. It seems to me that the discussion in the positive thread started when @dusty brought..."
@nate
• one week ago
• comments: 6
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Skänklåt (Gift Giving Tune) after Hjort Anders
Liked a youtube item created by @mark-gilston: Skänklåt (Gift Giving Tune) after Hjort Anders
@nate
• one week ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
"Personally Dusty, as someone who has struggled from a lack of definitive information on many dulcimer topics, I'd love for you to put it in black letters"
@nate
• one week ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
"Unfortunately, my IADD video has been postponed too long to matter :(. Lesson learned, and next year i will make a point to prepare a video ahead of time so..."
@nate
• one week ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Amplification of an acoustic dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Amplification of an acoustic dulcimer":
"For what its worth, I have used one of those under bridge pickups that i took off an electric acoustic guitar and put it on a dulcimer, and did not trim the..."
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Mountain Dulcimer Picture in Mathematics Magazine":
Posted a response to "Mountain Dulcimer Picture in Mathematics Magazine":
"Really well said John. I commend and thank you for contributing to the scientific understanding of string physics. The words may be subjective, but this..."
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Mountain Dulcimer Picture in Mathematics Magazine":
Posted a response to "Mountain Dulcimer Picture in Mathematics Magazine":
"This topic has got me doing a lot of research and really appreciating how far beyond me most of this stuff is to try to wrap my head around. After a few..."
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Mountain Dulcimer Picture in Mathematics Magazine":
Posted a response to "Mountain Dulcimer Picture in Mathematics Magazine":
"I think overtones are associated with our perception of depth. An example of an instrument with almost no overtones is a tuning fork, and an example of an..."
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Mountain Dulcimer Picture in Mathematics Magazine":
Posted a response to "Mountain Dulcimer Picture in Mathematics Magazine":
"Thank you for taking the time to explain John. I have to admit, I find the results counterintuitive. If a "purer" tone means less overtones, and an..."
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Mountain Dulcimer Picture in Mathematics Magazine":
Posted a response to "Mountain Dulcimer Picture in Mathematics Magazine":
"I've heard it said that the closer to the midpoint, the more freely the string can excite overtone frequencies. The way it was explained to me is that when..."
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Short scale dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Short scale dulcimer":
"Doubling the octave (7th fret) is a good way to estimate where to start from, but on an instrument that small he will need a lot more fine adjustment to the..."
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "Short scale dulcimer":
Posted a response to "Short scale dulcimer":
"While I agree with your sentiment of not overthinking it, Matt, a micro dulcimer does warrant extra consideration.We don't even know his VSL or what he..."
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Liked a forum discussions item created by @dusty: International Appalachian Dulcimer Day
Liked a forum discussions item created by @dusty: International Appalachian Dulcimer Day
@nate
• 2 weeks ago
• comments: 0
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
Posted a response to "International Appalachian Dulcimer Day":
"Indeed it is Robin! I just got my first three aquavina dulcimers back! At various times I have given them away to people, but today, after offering various..."
@nate
• 2 weeks 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..."
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
.jpg "1 (2).jpg")
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."
