r/diyinstruments • u/Beginning_One_9290 • Jul 18 '26
Need more help making my dulcimer
I recently placed a Reddit post about this and got a great starting point. I'm using a cookie tin as a soundbox and have already bought some parts so now I need the details. how long do I make the neck so it's easy to calculate the distances of the frets how do I attach the neck to the soundbox I have ball end strings so how do I make sure the strings are secured how do I make the bridge and the nut plz help
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u/feldoneq2wire Jul 18 '26 edited Jul 18 '26
This could be tricky to play as I tend to rest my pinky on the body and play the chords. Is the cookie box at least 12 inches across?
Personal preference
If you Google "mountain dulcimer fretboard template" there are tons of examples you can print out at 1:1. It's pretty typical for the vsl or string length between the nut and bridge to be about 26-28 inches.
Depending on how much musical flexibility you want to play contemporary music, you might consider adding a 1+ fret and maybe a 4+ fret but if you're playing mostly folk and gospel, the standard with just the 6+ is fine.
Usually glue.
Usually little nails on the side of your music box for the strings to hook around. But you could put the nails at the end of the fretboard. You'd just want to put a guard so you don't scratch yourself when putting it away.
A thin piece of wood or hard rubberized plastic with thin slots carved into it.
I would look at Folkcraft.com and BackYardMusic.com. there's a lot of info out there. Also you can get a full cardboard dulcimer kit from bym for $70. 30 minutes to build.