How to Tune a Mountain Dulcimer

Date: Sun, 11 Jan 2004 18:51:14 EST
Subject: tuning

I have a dulcimer that I haven't used in years - four string. I began to re-string it with a set of Martin strings, which came with three strings of the same gauge, and the package indicated that they should all be tuned to "D" and a fourth string, which would be the third on the instrument, a .30 gauge, which the package indicated should be tuned to "A". I understand that the "D's" match the pitch of the D on my guitar, which I did. I tried to tune the A to the A above that D, and it snapped. Is it the A below the D?
Thanks for the help.
Marc

Greetings Marc,

I'm not sure about the package indications...they don't make any sense to me.

A more common mountain dulcimer tuning: The thicker gauge string should be tuned to D...and all of the thinner gauge strings should be tuned to A. above the D..This will give you a on the string furthest away from you...and all three A's will be closer to you...the double strings should be the closest to you and are called the "Melody Strings"...

Sounds like a mis-print to me...everything I've seen points to this...other than the D A D tuning.

Mickey