UPDATED 05/10/07

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Date: Mon, 31 May 2004 19:25:13 EDT
Subject: dulcimer strings

On a 5 string dulcimer what strings to you relace the old ones with? can you use guitar strings and which gauge strings would you use? Thanks John

Greetings John,

Yes, guitar strings work fine...keep in mind, they do have strings that are made specifically for dulcimer...

GHS 4-String Set Dulcimer
Stainless Steel - Loop Ends
SET D20
.012" Diameter .305mm for all of the unwound strings
.020" Diameter .508mm for the wound bass string

On a 5-string dulcimer with double-bass strings:
.012" for unwound strings
.020" for the first bass string
.028" for the last bass string

On a 5-string dulcimer with only one bass string:
.012" for unwound strings
.020" for the bass string

Another brand to consider:
D'Addario 4-String Set Dulcimer
Nickel Wound on Bass
Plain Steel on Unwound Loop Ends
Set #J64
.012" unwound on Melody Strings
.014" on Middle String
.022"w wound on Bass String
The D'Addario gauges would be my preference...Mickey

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Date: Thu, 6 May 2004 20:49:39 EDT

What guage strings do you suggest for my mountain dulcimer? thanks I like
your web site. deb

Greetings Deb,

The D'Addario Dulcimer strings should serve you well...they're well balanced for a variety of applications...

D'Addario Dulcimer 4 String, .012 - .022 (from high to low)

DAD_J64
1st D
Plain Steel
.012
2nd D
Plain Steel
.012
3rd A
Plain Steel
.014
4th D
Nickel Round Wound
.022

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