First time to replace my strings

[10ashus]

A historical moment -1:15 a.m. Dec 30, 2012- I broke my first string.

It happened while changing the tuning. The string went ping and popped me across the strumming hand. The tiny slash does not even merit a band aid. But, boy did I jump high and yelp like a hound dog what got his tail under Granny's rockin' chair.

I have been playing on this set of strings a long time, so I will change all the strings...later today, after a few hours of sleep.

Reference notes

• Beginner Group: Replacing Strings
• Care & Maintenance Group: Changing a String
• Beginner Group: How do I tune my new dulcimer
• Strumelia's blog: Why I Like DAA Tuning
• YouTube video by musicouzst to hear the sounds for DAA tuning
• YouTube video by Bing to see how to replace strings and hear the sounds for DAA tuning
• PDF file by Joe Collins: Putting a New String on a Mountain Dulcimer
• Blog article by Ken Hulme: I Just Got a Dulcimer, Now What?

Hey. Maybe I could write my own tune...

The string went ping and popped my hand.

I jumped and hollered louder than the band.

The crowd went wild a-stompin' their feet.

Now I gotta play that way for everyone I meet.

Add your notes and share your stories about breaking and replacing strings.

Update Jan 13

[Ken Hulme]

Thanx 10ashus;  I try to insert it in every "changing strings" discussion that comes up.  Plus it's also in my I Just Got A Dulcimer, Now What?  Blog article here, which answers a lot of beginner questions about our favorite instrument.

[Dusty Turtle]

A few comments:

 

Personally, I change strings every few months. I find new strings feel softer on my hands and both sound and look better as well.  But even if you don't change strings that often, you should do it enough not to be afraid of it.

 

Placing a bridge is not fun, but it is not impossible either.  The video by Richard (Pristine 2) that Geekling links to demonstrates how to do it. Basically, when you fret the seventh fret you should get the octave. If you don't, some adjustment is necessary.  And look, banjo players set their bridges all the time. Anything banjo players do dulcimer players can do better.

[10ashus]

Hey, Lottie. You're the singer. I'll turn that part over to you and we can share the royalties.

The string went ping and popped my hand.

I jumped and hollered louder than the band.

The crowd went wild a-stompin' their feet.

Now I gotta play that way for everyone I meet.

[10ashus]

Ken, your good advice needs to go somewhere where everyone sees it.

When changing the tuning of a string, don't turn a knob until the string is vibrating.  That way you can hear the note change and not accidentally over tighten an already tight string and break it.

Cyndi, oh my gosh and darn it. Be sure to post what happens in March. I would not know where to go for repairs. Luthier is a good word for me to learn.

[Geekling]

Cyndi, you might find this video pristine2 posted useful, as well: How to adjust a movable bridge on a mountain dulcimer.

[Ken Hulme]

Cyndi --  Ouch!

You can always try to re-set the bridge.  The place to start is at twice the distance from the Nut to the 7th fret, measured as closely as you can.  Measure and mark the correct location, then just loosen all the strings andmove the bridge.  A we say, it ain't rocket-surgery!

[cyndi spear-duncan]

Well I did both, took them all off, moved the bridge and tightened a tight string nearly putting an eye out. Now I have to take it to a luthier in March and say Help!

[cyndi spear-duncan]

And Ken, I did exactly that on a vintage instrument!

[Ken Hulme]

Just don't take them all off at once. It could dislodge your Bridge, and that may not be a Good Thing.  One string at a time....

Breaking strings is a fact of life of playing dulcimer or any stringed instrument.  Some folks are scared witless of having a string break, and having to put on a new one -- I don't know why.

When changing the tuning of a string, don't turn a knob until the string is vibrating.  That way you can hear the note change and not accidentally over tighten an already tight string and break it.

[Lottie Beckwith]

Hehe I like the little song you wrote at the end, I think you have to make that into a tune now !!