Construction: Methods: Strings

Choosing Strings

Checking High D -Click to see full size

Strings are taken very seriously at Bear Meadow. We are constantly on the watch for new developments in string technology, and look for the best sources for our music wire strings.

We use only the finest music wire from Mapes Piano String Co. for our plain strings, which we form ourselves with a simple looping tool. For the wound strings, we use two manufacturers: DR Strings (handmade guitar strings) and GHS Strings (who furnish an unusual array of choices in tonal quality). Choosing strings is an important aspect of designing the instrument. Several factors influence this decision.

Bear Meadow Appalachian dulcimers are supplied in three different String Setups:

The Low Tension Setup for a silky smooth quick action

The Medium Tension Setup for a more firm action with full-bodied voice and projection

The Baritone Setup, for the wonderful depth of voice in Bear Meadow Baritone dulcimers

We have made extensive (but not complete) experimental measurements to calculate string tension at various pitches found in dulcimer tunings. A complete table of the measurements and a graph can be found here.

You can use this information to help choose string sizes for your own instrument, using the directions found in the "Findings on the Tension vs Pitch Data."

Dwain Wilder

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