Tuning in FCff: appropriate string gauges?

[lmcwilli]

I recently pulled off the shelf a Jean Richie style diatonic dulcimer my wife built 50 years ago (26.125" scale length). I soon discovered that in order to sing along with what I'm playing, I needed to alter my tuning from DAdd tuning to FCff. From a quick bit of searching, this tuning seemed to be at the upper end of acceptable for a standard set of D'Addario dulcimer strings (0.012, 0.012, 0.014, 0.022w). So, I tuned 'em up to FCff. No strings broke. The strings are noticeably higher tension but easily playable. For finger picking, I like the increase in volume. 

My question is: if I intend to stick with this tuning, should a really be using different gauge strings? I checked various online string gauge calculators and their "opinions" vary.

Suggestions?

Edited January 30 by lmcwilli

[KWL]

Using the Strother's string size calculator F = 0.017, C = 0.023, and f = 0.008. If the "C" is supposed to be middle C the designation in the calculator would be "c" and then the string gauge would be 0.011. I am assuming that you are tuning the strings two steps higher than DAdd. Here is a link to the calculator: http://www.strothers.com/string_choice.html

I'm thinking an acceptable string set would be  0.017 (F), ).011 (C), and probably a (0.008 or 0.009) for f. You can buy individual strings (loop end) from www:juststrings.com

Ken

"The dulcimer sings a sweet song."

Edited January 30 by KWL

[lmcwilli]

Thanks for your reply Ken. I tried the Strothers calculator but, being a dulcimer newbie, didn't now if its recommendations were credible. I appreciate your link to the JustStrings string source. My usual string source (for violin, guitar and ukulele) is StringsByMail. I'll get a set of 0.017, 0.011, 0.008/0.009 in case my standard set doesn't hold up.

Edited January 30 by lmcwilli

[NoterMan]

The Strothers Calculators are one of the most credible resources out there.  I've been using them for many years.  True, their recommendations re noticeably light, but that's a good thing.  If you start with their listed gauges it's hard to go wrong, and you can usually go 1-2 gauges heavier.  Ken's recommended gauges are exactly what i would use.