Forum Activity for @melanieangela

Here are the suggested sizes for a Folkcraft dulcimer: 0.011, 0.011, 0.013, and 0.024. The last string is the only wound string. All the others are plain strings. If you need a set of Folkcraft strings, let me know. I can send you a set (post paid) for $5.00.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

As mentioned, hitch-or-string pins are readily available.  If you're breaking a bass string there may be a couple problems.  First, you need the correct gauge -- as KenL mentioned a .024 wound string would work for your dulcimer. 

You called the bass string the "d (bass) string.  In normal dulcimer parlance, a d is D4 an octave higher than the usual bass string D (which is D3).  Check out the MusicMakers on-line tuner:  http://www.harpkit.com/category/onlinetuner.html

You may be trying to tune the string too high.  Which note are you trying to tune to?  A .024 wound bass will easily tune to D3 (the usual D) and up to E and maybe F, but it will not tune up to G without breaking.  It will never make it to d (D4) without breaking.  If you're trying to tune to GDD or GDg you will surely break the bass string unless you use a .016 or .018 bass string.

For the right names for dulcimer parts, you might want to read I Just Got A Dulcimer, Now What?  that I wrote several years ago.  It's an illustrated glossary of dulcimer terms, plus answers to many beginner questions about tuning, playin, care and feeding of your new friend.  Here's the version I recently revised: