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How to Replace a String on a Hammered Dulcimer

by Randy "Ardie" Davis

Replacing a string on a hammered dulcimer is not just a matter of removing the remnants of the old string and replacing it with a new one. Several things need to be taken into consideration:

  • What gauge of wire is the original string? If you do not have a string-gauge chart from your manufacturer, you may need to contact the maker, or use a micrometer to determine gauge. Do not assume that it is the same gauge as the other string in a course. Some makers, such as Ardie's Handcrafted Dulcimers, use two different gauges per course.
  • How long does it need to be? Is it single length, or double length? Some dulcimers have double-strung strings that start at a tuning pin, wrap around one or more hitch pins, and then return to another tuning pin. Other dulcimers have strings that simply go from one tuning pin to one hitch pin.
  • Of what material is the string made: steel, brass, phosphor bronze? The maker has used strings of particular properties for good reason: to obtain optimum sound from each strings vibrating length. Make sure that you replace like with like.
  • Is the string plain metal or wound? Wound strings are typically used on lower Bass courses and on some lower Treble courses.

Once you have satisfied these questions, you need to gather the needed tools.

Required Materials:

  • Appropriate Gauge and Type of Looped Wire

Required Tools

  • Needle-Nose Wire Cutters
  • Tuning Lever
  • Tuner

Getting the Wire

Obtaining high-quality piano wire of gauges is no easy matter either. Just try getting it at your local hardware store. Luckily you can obtain pre-looped wire from most makers (like Ardie's pre-looped wire), or from many dulcimer retailers found on the Web.

Preparing the Tuning Pin

Remove the remnants of the the old wire. You may need to use needle nose pliers to do so.

The tuning pin for the string that is being replaced has been twisted down into the pin block while tuning and it must be partially untwisted before installing the new string. Using the tuning lever, turn the Tuning Pin counterclockwise until 1/4" - 3/8" of thread is exposed above the pin block.

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Replacing the String

  • Measure the string and cut it so that it is 2-3" longer than is needed.

 

  • Place the loop-end of the string over the hitch pin and press the loop all the way d stringing_hitchpin2own to the pin block.

stringing_hitchpin1

  • Run the wire through the bridge nearest the hitch pin, and over the bridge nearest the tuning pin.

 

  • Pass the wire through the tuning pin and cut it so that about 1 ½ - 2 inches remains.

stringing_tuningpin1

  • Take the needle-nose pliers and bend a tight loop in the end of the wire. This loop is important to keep the wire from pulling through the Tuning Pin during tuning.

stringing_tuningpin2

  • Pull the wire so that the newly created tight loop rests against the side of the tuning pin where the wire exits the pin.

 

  • Push down on the wire so that it makes contact with the pin block right at the base of the tuning pin.

stringing_tuningpin3

  • While holding the wire against the pin block, use the Tuning Lever to turn the tuning pin clockwise so the wire begins wrapping itself around the base of the tuning pin. This will help keep the wire from pulling through the tuning pin under high tension. It will also keep the wire from crawling up the tuning pin and bending it under tension.

 

  • Go back and check the hitch pin. Make sure the wire loop is all the way down at the base of the hitch pin.

 

  • Make sure the wire is positioned correctly on the appropriate treble or bass bridge and turn the tuning pin until the wire becomes snug.

 

  • Tune the wire to the appropriate pitch.

 

Ardie's Handcrafted Hammered Dulcimers is a manufacturer of handcrafted hammer dulcimers and accessories, located in Arlington, Texas -- the center of the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex. Ardie learned his craft from Dana Hamilton, a master hammer dulcimer player and maker.

Ardie's Handcrafted Dulcimers  1504 Frontier Dr.   Arlington   Texas   76012
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