I think I need to replace the strings on my mountain dulcimer. I bought new strings just after I got my dulcimer last March/April. I just kind of guessed on the string guage. The VSL is 29 1/4". My dulcimer was made by Ed Presnell in 1988 and is a 6 string dulcimer. I think it probably had the original strings on it when I bought it. They seemed a lot longer than the replacement ones I bought last April, as they were wound around the tuning pegs a lot more than the ones I bought to replace them. I bought Martin & Co. dulcimer strings, guage .012 for the melody strings and the middle strings, and guage .022 for the base strings. I bought them from Just Strings.com and they were: M640 Standard Nickel wound loop ends.
My question is: Do I have the correct guage? or isn't there a correct guage for my dulcimer? It sounded good, except I think the base strings vibrate a lot more than the ones I hear online. Should the base strings be a smaller guage or maybe not wound?
Hi Suelou, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the dulcimer, and to meet some good people.
I think I need to replace the strings on my mountain dulcimer. I bought new strings just after I got my dulcimer last March/April. I just kind of guessed on the string guage. The VSL is 29 1/4". My dulcimer was made by Ed Presnell in 1988 and is a 6 string dulcimer. I think it probably had the original strings on it when I bought it. They seemed a lot longer than the replacement ones I bought last April, as they were wound around the tuning pegs a lot more than the ones I bought to replace them. I bought Martin & Co. dulcimer strings, guage .012 for the melody strings and the middle strings, and guage .022 for the base strings. I bought them from Just Strings.com and they were: M640 Standard Nickel wound loop ends.
My question is: Do I have the correct guage? or isn't there a correct guage for my dulcimer? It sounded good, except I think the base strings vibrate a lot more than the ones I hear online. Should the base strings be a smaller guage or maybe not wound?
Any help or suggestions would be appreciated.
Suelou
Welcome to FOTMD, Suelou. It's good to have you aboard.
Ken
"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."
Hi Suelou, and welcome to the wonderful world of the Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer. It's a good place to come, spend some time, learn about the dulcimer, and to meet some good people.
Ben
Thanks! As far as I know, there are no dulcimer players in my area. Looking forward to gleaning any info I can that will help me to learn.
Hey Suelou, welcome aboard. Glad ya found us.
Welcome, Suelou, to this little corner of dulcimer heaven. Hope you enjoy it here.
Rob