No problem Mal; that's why we're here -- to help each other flounder around The "scale length" measurement Paul is saying to make is also called the VSL (for Vibrating String Length). It always helps to know what that is for each of your instruments, because it will help you get the strings you want/need.

The .010 string will reach the same pitch as the.012 string at a lower tension. The .012 may be a bit stiff for D, depending on the scale length of your instrument. This is where the calculator Ken mentioned helps. Since we don't know the different dimensions of every instrument, we tend to check string gauges when we change tunings or instruments. Measure the scale length of your strum stick, from the nut to the bridge. A ruler or tape measure id fine, you don't need to be within 1/1000" of an inch. Within 1/8" is fine, then convert it to a decimal for the calculator. For the strings you have on it now, try tuning to DAA, or CGC The high C string will be noticeably tighter, but we tend to live with that when using multiple tunings on our instruments. If it seems too hard to play at that tension, use the string calculator to find a suggested string gauge to replace that one. Keep a record of what you put on it, so you can buy spare strings. They go dead before they break, in my experience, though sometimes they break before I replace them.

Paul

Mal - you need to have appropriate gauge strings for the VSL and the notes you want to tune the strings to. A given set of strings will only go so high before they break or so low before they flop. That 12 gauge string tuned up to G4 might be on the edge of breaking, depending on your VSL.

Use a String Calculator such as the one here: http://www.strothers.com/string_choice.htm You plug in the VSL and the note you want to tune a particular string to -- A, a, D, d, C, c etc. and high calculate.

In general though, I think dulcimer and other steel strung instruments are under higher tension than nylon/gut uke strings. As the creator says " The calculations are based on a string tension of 13.8 pounds-force and a string density value of 0.283 pounds-mass per cubic inch. Not many of us are using nylon or cat gut so the density for steel is OK.

Mal, I have one of those as well. With those string gauges, I highly suggest staying away from G and F using the 1-5-8 tunings. D or C should work just fine for you.

updated by @john-keane: 02/17/16 09:52:59AM