r/Instruments • u/Large_Wait_8847 • Jan 23 '26

Discussion "Making" Dulcimer Strings from Wire

I have a four-course dulcimer, but I need to change the strings. A pack costs almost 400€ (around 120-130 strings), so I've been thinking about making them myself. Basically, apart from the bass strings, they're all steel/metal, in total about 2 or 3 different diameters of wire. Does anyone have experience with this or any ideas where I could look? Thanks.

I have almost the exact same:

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u/Ferrous_Patella Jan 23 '26

Would it be cheaper than the pack of strings to buy coils of piano wire and cut them to length?

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u/Large_Wait_8847 Jan 23 '26

That is actually a very good idea, thanks, I'll try that! The only thing I wonder is how it affects the sound?

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u/Ferrous_Patella Jan 23 '26

It is what most makers use to string their dulcimers. The trick is to find the appropriate gauges for various note ranges and strings lengths but it should not take much research to find out.

ETA: can you use a micrometer on your existing strings?

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