Forum Activity for @calvin

I don't use tuning apps, I use clip-on tuners of various makes and models.

For a dulcimer, you want/need one with a CHROMATIC setting. Some have settings for guitar, fiddle, ukulele, etc. and in that case you need to be sure that you are using the C setting. It's usually a very small letter and easy to miss until you understand its importance.

That same thing applies with an app. I' not aware that Fender ever made dulcimers, and I wouldn't be surprised if their all only had guitar settings

I pretty much agree with Richard's advice. I have a one of Warren's dulcimers and have no problem with the original tuners (wood).  If I were to replace the tuners I would try to find some that fit without any modification to the tapered holes. There might be some Wittner tuners that fit. I'd keep the original tuners so the next owner of the dulcimer can decide which she/he prefers. If you are looking at the dulcimer as an investment (hoping it will appreciate in value) I wouldn't change it or play it. I'd box it up and store it away. If on the other hand you bought it so that you can enjoy playing it, you should make the modifications needed to make it playable for you.

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

The choice is yours. If you think you may want to sell the dulcimer in the future, the buyer may or may not prefer wooden pegs.

On the other hand if you have trouble tuning the wooden pegs or just can't learn to tune the wooden pegs, you will have a hard time enjoying your dulcimer. If this is the case and you want to play the dulcimer until it (or you) wears out, by all means change out the wooden pegs for something you can enjoy messing with. 

One consideration is the aging or injured hand or wrist that makes tuning wooden pegs even more of a challenge. I have several replicas of traditional style dulcimers but have mechanical Wittner tuners in those that look like ebony viola pegs. That has relieve my aggravating my wrist arthritis every time I need to tune or retune.

Most contemporary dulcimer players much prefer mechanical tuners. About the only folks using wooden tuning pegs are the traditionalists who play old time dulcimers or replicas with wooden pegs, staple frets and true diatonic fret spacing.

It is yours and after all you should do what you want with it. 

What is the length of the dulcimer's scale? And what size string were you tuning to D (I assume D5 (293.66hz)? Were the strings visibly old (rusty or black). Is this a used or new instrument?

Scroll to the bottom of this page on Terry McCafferty's website for a little information: 

https://www.mccaffertydulcimers.com/frequently-asked-questions