Awesome Cigar Box Dulcimer

Step 8: Tailpiece

The Tailpiece is what holds the strings in place, and along with the Nut, determines the string spacing.
You can make a Tailpiece a variety of ways (BE CREATIVE), but it all depends on whether or not you'll be using Ball-End or Loop-End strings (pretty self-explanatory of what that means). For this build the tailpiece is design for  Ball-End but I've included a Tailpiece I made for a traditional 4-string dulcimer made out of a fork for Loop-End strings (image 2).

1. Measure and mark a line at 2 1/8" and 2 1/2" on the extra Fretboard lumber. (image 3)

2. I then took the time and calculated the string spacing I wanted (image 4) in millimeters. As you can see I also calculated a tradition 4-string Dulcimer in millimeters and a good spacing for a Slide-Guitar style in inches.

*Note: These measurements are for a Left-handed set-up!!! Don't forget to inverse these measurements if you are Right-Handed

3. Using My measurements I lay out the proper marks on the 2 1/8" line (image 5)

4. Before I drilled I took a tack and made a center divot so the drill bit will not slip. (image 6)

5. Using a 1/16" Drill bit I made my holes (image 7)

6. Lastly cut the wood along the 2 1/2" line. You can use a Miter box, if available, and add a stylish angle, and round it out with a file as I did on the top and bottom, but this is completely optional. (image 1)