How to Re-string Your Mountain Dulcimer

Here we demonstrate how to string a mountain dulcimer with geared tuners on a "scroll" head. This same, basic method can be used for stringing any mountain dulcimer with geared tuners. Some dulcimers use ball ended strings, which will anchor to the tail slightly differently, but winding the string onto the tuners is essentially the same.
If you have a removable nut as demonstrated in this video, it is a good idea to tune the middle strings first to even out the pressure on the nut from the strings. This helps the nut stay nicely centered. Removable nuts and bridges are convenient for long term maintenance and adjustments.
Thanks for watching!

[@WakkasLove]

Thank you for the easy and informative video!

[@chakathewolf]

Just what I needed. Thanks!

[@barrystockdoesnotexist]

Great video thank you!

[@clergywm]

Hi 👋 happy

[@KevinsGuitarStories]

Great video 🙏🙏. Can you explain how to use a tuner? Where do I clip it on the instrument? Thanks🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@cedarcreekdulcimers5054]

Hey Kevin, if you are using a tuner like the "Snark" you can either clip it to one of the tuners you are not using or what I prefer to do is simply lay the tuner on the top of my dulcimer. That way I can tune all the strings without having to move it around. If you would like to see more on this we have another video on our TH-cam page called using an electronic tuner on your dulcimer. Thanks for the comment! Troy

[@KevinsGuitarStories]

@@cedarcreekdulcimers5054 I can’t seem to be able to find that video. Can you post a link? Thanks. I’m really having fun playing my new dulcimer 😃😃

[@cedarcreekdulcimers5054]

So sorry you are correct! For some reason that video is missing from our TH-cam page. If you type in; Using your electronic tuner by Troy Heard. It should come up just fine!

[@deborahdecker7686]

What set of strings do I purchase. What letters? Should I ask for ? Do you sell a set for a four string. I have wooden pegs. Do you sell the mechanical turners?

[@cedarcreekdulcimers5054]

Deborah, yes! To everything! The big string is .020 the small strings .010. We sell them as a set for $5.99. The geared tuners would be $17.99 for a set of 4. If you have any other questions or would like to order these,you can call the shop in Branson [phone]. The hours are: 10 to 5 every day except Sunday. Thanks a bunch! Troy

[@Flailmale]

Are the strings (besides the bass string) interchangeable?

[@cedarcreekdulcimers5054]

Yes, in the original tuning like we use, the first 3 strings are all the same. In the D A D tuning, the middle string is a little heavier.

[@ericjones4548]

My dulcimer has three strings but 4 tuners and I am so confused where the fourth string goes?? Why is that??

[@UATU.]

Its in case you want two melody strings. It just gives a richer sound because you play them as one but not necessary. DDAD

[@philipvitkus2109]

But how do you know which wire to put on each

[@cedarcreekdulcimers5054]

We like to put the strings on in a clockwise manner. Starting with your melody string on the left side tuner that is closest to you. Then string 2 is put on the left side tuner just above. Next the middle string is put on the top right tuner. Then finally the bass string goes on the right tuner closest to you. If you're using strings for the traditional tuning like we are (DAA) the first 3 strings are all the same, so it doesn't matter if you put them on tuner 1, 2, or 3. The last string (Bass) will be the thicker wound string in your pack.

[@user-go5gt4tt9o]

I did it wrong and broke my string. 😢

[@DeannaWillistonOFS]

How can I tell if my dulcimer has ball end or loop end strings? Also, I can’t find string sets with the sizes I was told to buy (13,13,13,24). Help!

[@cedarcreekdulcimers5054]

Hey Deanna, The string gauges recommended to you are for tuning to the key of D. For tuning to the keys of E or G like I use, the strings do not need to be that heavy!( A lot easier on your fingers)We are happy to mail you strings from our shop in Branson [phone] But guitar or banjo strings are the same thing. The .020 bass string is the same as the G string from a guitar or banjo. The .010 the same as the little E from a guitar or the first string from a banjo. Ball end strings have a little brass open hole ball on the end, loopend strings have a loop on the bottom end of the string. Any other questions, let us know! Troy

[@DeannaWillistonOFS]

@@cedarcreekdulcimers5054 thank you so much for all your help! (I did call and CCD is so helpful & took extra time to answer even the questions I hadn’t quite formed yet.) 💕