To introduce folks to the various instruments we build and how to tune and upkeep them, we have put together several How-To videos. We hope you enjoy our videos and find them helpful. Subscribe to our YouTube channel where we roll out new videos quite often.
Find and print your tuning chart below, and skim through some of our tuning and tips blog posts for additional information. Ready? Grab your tuning wrench and electronic tuner and let’s get started!
Helpful Documents and Dulcimer Tuning Diagrams
The following is a list of documents that are frequently requested. We are providing them here so that you may have easy access to them. All of the documents are printable.
Pick the dulcimer tuning diagram that correlates with your Songbird model.
- Setting hammered dulcimer bridges
- 9/8 (Fledgling) – note strips
- 9/8 (Fledgling) -tuning diagram
- 9/9/9 (Vireo Chromatic) – tuning diagram
- 13/12 (Meadowlark) – tuning diagram
- 13/12 (Chickadee) – note strips
- 13/12 (Chickadee) – tuning diagram
- 14/13/8/ (Chickadee Chromatic or Sparrow Chromatic) – tuning diagram
- 14/13/6/7 (Wanderer Chromatic or Voyageur Chromatic) – tuning diagram
- 15/14/7/6 L (Swift Compact Chromatic) – tuning diagram
- 15/14/7/6 R (Swift Compact Chromatic) – tuning diagram
- 16/15 (Phoebe) – note strips
- 16/15 (Phoebe 2014 or newer or Finch) – NEW tuning diagram
- 16/15 (Whipporwill or Phoebe older than 2014) – tuning diagram
- 17/16/8 (Warbler) – tuning diagram
- 17/16/8 (Festival, Phoebe Chromatic, or Finch Chromatic) -NEW tuning diagram
- 17/16/8/6 L (Finch Chromatic Pro) -tuning diagram
- 17/16/8/6 R (Finch Chromatic Pro) -tuning diagram
- Replicated Notes: This diagram represents the duplicated and triplicated notes on our 13/12 Chickadee
- Color-coded lows, mids, and upper notes on a 13/12 Chickadee:
- Color-coded notes on 13/12 Chickadee with hertz
How-To Videos
Demystifying the hammered dulcimer
it’s easy to learn and play!
Tuning the hammered dulcimer
Part 1: In this video, Chris talks about electronic tuners and the basics to get you started tuning the treble bridge.
Tuning the hammered dulcimer
Part 2: In this video, Chris explains the bass bridge and how to tune it by ear. If you aren’t quite confident in your ear’s abilities, use your electronic tuner or tuner app to get accurate results! Tuning only takes 5 to 10 minutes!
Changing strings on your hammered dulcimer
Adjusting hammered dulcimer treble bridges