You can use the form below to determine the most appropriate string to use for your
dulcimer. Well actually this will work for any stringed instrument that uses typical steel wire. The calculations are based on a string
tension of 13.8 pounds-force and a string density value of 0.283 pounds-mass per cubic inch. Not many of us are using nylon or cat gut so the
density for steel is OK. The density of wound strings will be slightly different but close enough for the purpose of selecting the gauge.
You need to know the length between the nut and bridge. Then you need to know the open tuning for the string,
e.g. A below middle C on the piano keyboard.
Enter length here:
, inches.
Select open tuning:
:
gauge
Note: Anything above 18 gauge may require a wound string.
