I just changed my strings (all three) for the first time after watching this video. I had my dulcimer "in the shop" for repairs last January and the luthier changed the strings then, but with the exception of changing a broken melody string a few months ago, I had not changed the other strings at all for a whole year. Because I was afraid I wouldn't be able to do it right. However, my dulcimer had been starting to sound pretty bad so I bit the bullet, ordered strings and thanks to fast shipping from Folkcraft, I got them today and went ahead and changed them. My dulcimer sounds beautiful once again! Thank you BanjoLemonade and Folkcraft!
Donna - changing strings is a great "upgrade" for most instruments - cheap, easy (once you've done it the first time), and risk-free (can't hurt the instrument if you mess it up...). Good job! Richard
I might have missed it - have you done a video of how to tune after you change strings? If not, beginners might find it helpful because when you’re a new player tuning can be daunting. Thanks!
@@BanjoLemonade You’re welcome! It occurred to me because when I was a beginner there didn’t seem to be much available on how to do the basics - which is one reason I am so delighted to see you filling in that info for players.
I have a few questions. First of all thanks for all the awesome and helpful videos you've created. I'm new to the dulcimer, but have played and worked on my guitars and ukes for years. I'd like to get a strap for mine and the one you have in this video looks pretty nice. Do you have a link? I see that the string set you're using only has 3 strings (just one melody string). Do all sets only come with 3 strings? D i need to use 2 sets if I'm using a double melody setup or do some sets have 4 strings? My dulcimer doesn't have strap pins on it. I've installed strap pins on several ukes I have and have no problem doing this, but is there anyhting unique about installing them on a dulcimer? The VSL on my 2005 Rob Gibson scroll head is 26" if that matters.
Mandy hasn't had a chance to get back to you, so I'll give you my opinion. Folkcraft and others sell 4 string sets as well. Both ball end and loop end are available. My strap is one with the quick release buckles (Folkcraft and Amazon) but if I do it again I would use the quick release buttons. Have fun!
Mostly, strings are strings (banjo, dulcimer, guitar, etc.). To get the best gauges (diameters) the best approach is to get a set of (hopefully carefully thought out) dulcimer strings.
Nothing sweeter then new strings.
Changing my strings tonight after watching your video.
I just changed my strings (all three) for the first time after watching this video. I had my dulcimer "in the shop" for repairs last January and the luthier changed the strings then, but with the exception of changing a broken melody string a few months ago, I had not changed the other strings at all for a whole year. Because I was afraid I wouldn't be able to do it right. However, my dulcimer had been starting to sound pretty bad so I bit the bullet, ordered strings and thanks to fast shipping from Folkcraft, I got them today and went ahead and changed them. My dulcimer sounds beautiful once again! Thank you BanjoLemonade and Folkcraft!
Donna - changing strings is a great "upgrade" for most instruments - cheap, easy (once you've done it the first time), and risk-free (can't hurt the instrument if you mess it up...). Good job! Richard
Thank you! I used your video to change mine
Thanks for this. I think I saw you ran the melody string under the pole, but the others over the pole. Why?
I was wondering that too. Hopefully, she’ll see your question. 😊
How about changing with traditional wooden pegs? Is it pretty similar?
I might have missed it - have you done a video of how to tune after you change strings? If not, beginners might find it helpful because when you’re a new player tuning can be daunting. Thanks!
Great idea! I haven’t done that yet for this channel. Thanks for the helpful suggestion.
@@BanjoLemonade You’re welcome! It occurred to me because when I was a beginner there didn’t seem to be much available on how to do the basics - which is one reason I am so delighted to see you filling in that info for players.
I have a few questions. First of all thanks for all the awesome and helpful videos you've created. I'm new to the dulcimer, but have played and worked on my guitars and ukes for years. I'd like to get a strap for mine and the one you have in this video looks pretty nice. Do you have a link? I see that the string set you're using only has 3 strings (just one melody string). Do all sets only come with 3 strings? D i need to use 2 sets if I'm using a double melody setup or do some sets have 4 strings? My dulcimer doesn't have strap pins on it. I've installed strap pins on several ukes I have and have no problem doing this, but is there anyhting unique about installing them on a dulcimer? The VSL on my 2005 Rob Gibson scroll head is 26" if that matters.
Mandy hasn't had a chance to get back to you, so I'll give you my opinion. Folkcraft and others sell 4 string sets as well. Both ball end and loop end are available. My strap is one with the quick release buckles (Folkcraft and Amazon) but if I do it again I would use the quick release buttons. Have fun!
Over or under doesn't matter, so long as turning the tuning knob clockwise tightens the string (raises the pitch).
What strings do I use? Banjo?
Mostly, strings are strings (banjo, dulcimer, guitar, etc.). To get the best gauges (diameters) the best approach is to get a set of (hopefully carefully thought out) dulcimer strings.
Dulcimer strings will be your best
COIK clear only if you know what's going on.