The Final Steps

Now the dulcimer sits complete. Yet it still can't make the music it was created for. We have come to the final fittings which will bring its voice into the world for the first time.

The first matter of fittings is to arrange for fixing and tuning the strings. During the design, we will have chosen mechanical tuners, pegs, or adjustable Caspari pegs. We now mount those, and the string pins behind the saddle or in the end of the tailblock. Here is an article on installing wooden pegs.

Next we must choose suitable strings. Here is an article that has several different ways to choose them. We rely on high quality piano wire from Mapes for plain strings, and form the loop on a home-made tool. For wound strings we choose between GHS, D'Addario and DR Strings for the best match.

The final step is to set the height of the action and set the intonation and compensation of the strings. After this step, the music begins.

Dwain Wilder

You can email Dwain Wilder at Contact Us.

Final Setup	Choosing Strings	Tension vs Pitch Chart	String Tension Workbook
	Fitting Pegs	Setting Action	Intonation	Setting the Saddle

Methods	Peghead	Tailblock	Body	Fretboard	Top
Details	Ornament	Pegs	FlexiFrets	Assembly	Setup

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