Thanks, John.  

Michael, it's an encouragement to small-time luthiers to hear from our satisfied customers from time to time!  I know Terry appreciated that phone call.

Well, it took me two months or so, but I finally reached out to Terry Pattison just a few minutes ago.  I told him how much I have appreciated my Darcyhorse dulcimer over the years.  He was very nice and really appreciated my call.  We discussed strings (I STILL haven't restrung it yet) and he told me where he buys his strings (Stewart-MacDonald - stewmac.com).  Really cool website if you build/repair instruments.  Mr. Pattison said that he is currently building a dulcimer for a friend, but hasn't really been building dulcimers for a while.  I think and hope that my call was a nice shot in the arm on a Monday morning.  

Hey, @salt-springs !  I have not yet reached out to Terry Pattison.  I will probably do that this week.  I appreciate the tip on the CGC.  This weekend has been a blur, so I won't get it re-strung until later in the week.  I'll definitely keep you posted.  Thanks!

Thank you, Strumelia!  I will keep that in mind.  Gonna try to re-string it this weekend.

Those strings should work ok, but if the .012 strings for the melody course feel too stiff or are hard for you to press down, try using .010 melody strings, especially since your scale length is almost 28".

That's what I'll go with, then.  You've been a great help and I really appreciate it.  BTW, based on your recollections, I found a phone number and address for Terry Pattison.  I just want to let him know how much I have appreciated the Darcyhorse over the years.  Thanks so much and have a great weekend!

Welcome..........I think you would be good with 12's-14-22 since some Darcyhorses had an action that was a bit high if I remember some other comments.

I'm going to tune it to DAA.  Thanks.

Generally,

I use  12, 12, 14, 22 or if I use DAA tuning I like a firmer string so I use 14's and a 22 or 24 depending on what I can find that is handy.

You going to tune it to DAA or DAD?

As a follow up, I want to put new strings on my Darcyhorse, and I'm not sure what type and gauge to use.  The string length from nut to bridge is 27.75 inches.  Any thoughts on strings would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks.

Thanks so much, @salt-springs!  That gives me a starting point.  I really appreciate it!

I don't know how to contact him these days, however Terry Pattison I fairly sure lived in Union Township, Pa. on Wager Road.

Good morning and Happy Saturday!  Years ago, I bought a Darcyhorse Dulcimer from the builder off ebay.  I'm well aware of the issues and objections many had with Darcyhorse, but truthfully, mine is one of my most favorite dulcimers.  I lost the contact info on the builder and was wondering if anyone here would still have that information.  I'd like to reach out to him if I can.  Thanks in advance.

Michael