The best description I have found for changing strings on a dulcimer is on Joe Collins's website. Joe is an outstanding player, teacher, and builder. I recommend his books and his instruments. I also recommend Joe. He is one of the best people I have ever met. So, rather than reinvent the wheel, I suggest you go visit Joe. To go to Joe's site and see how to change strings click here:

To go to Joe's website click here:

TUNING

Here’s two ways to tune: a proper way and a folk way. Some instruments have 4 strings and some have three. On the four string instruments, the first two strings are close together and are tuned the same. I will refer to both of them as the first string. Proper Way To Tune: The bass string (the big one furthest away from you) should be tuned to the key of D. This note can be found several places – an electronic tuner (by far the most popular, cost $20-$75), a piano (really expensive tuner!), a pitch pipe (a little whistle that you blow to create the proper note about $8-$12), or the best is another dulcimer or guitar, or banjo that is already tuned. DAA Tuning: The other three strings for this tuning are all A notes. That note can be found from the same sources. However, if you already have the bass string tuned, simply press the 4th fret of the bass string and sound that note. That will make the note you want to match. DAD Tuning: Tune the middle string – an A – just like in the DAA tuning. The first strings, or melody strings, are an octave above the bass string. It is a high D. To get that note match the bass note except higher or press on the 3rd fret of the middle string and match that note. Folk Way To Tune: DAA Tuning: Tune the bass string so it is not too tight and not too loose. Press the bass string at the 4th fret and make the other three strings match. Be careful that no string is getting extremely tight. If one is too tight, back the bass string down and start over. You most likely will not be tuned to any particular note, but you will be tuned with yourself. If a group of players decide to tune this way, someone must be designated as “right” and everyone else should tune to that person. DAD Tuning: Tune the bass string so it is not too tight and not too loose. Press the bass string at the 4th fret and make the middle string match. Now press the 3rd fret of the middle string and make the melody string match that note. Be careful that no string is getting extremely tight. If one is too tight, back the bass string down and start over. You most likely will not be tuned to any particular note, but you will be tuned with yourself. If a group of players decide to tune this way, someone must be designated as “right” and everyone else should tune to that person.

Dulcimer Guy Strings can be purchased here:

Changing Strings & Tuning

Changing Strings

Strings:

Dulcimer strings are one and the same with guitar strings, banjo strings and every other metal string
strung instrument. The difference is thickness and the ends.

Dulcimers generally have two kinds ends:

Loop ends, which are shaped like a loop. (go figure...)





Ball ends, which is a little brass tube the loop goes around.



Look at your instrument to see which you need. If you can't figure it out, or just flat don't trust your
opinion, take the instrument to any guitar or banjo player and they will tell you. If you are dejectedly
carrying a broken string, take it to the music store and ask them.

Sizes are a matter pf what you like. Many people will put strings with a diameter of .012 on the first
three strings. I personally recommend .010 because it will play a bit easier.

The bass string (the big one farthest away from you) is a wound string. This means you can run your
pick's edge on the string and create a noise similar to fingernails on a chalkboard) is typically a .024 or
.026 wound. I suggest .024 because it is easier to play.

The bigger the string, the louder the string and the harder it is to play.