The hammered dulcimer is a percussion-stringed instrument consisting of many strings stretched over a trapezoidal wooden soundboard. Unlike its cousin, the mountain dulcimer—which is held in the lap and plucked—the hammered dulcimer is typically set on a stand and played by striking the strings with a pair of small, spoon-shaped mallets called hammers.
Key Features
Structure: It features a large, flat box shape with two or more bridges (treble and bass) that support dozens of strings.
Sound: Often described as sweet or ethereal, its name comes from the Graeco-Roman words for sweet song. Because the strings continue to ring after being struck, it produces a rich, resonant wash of sound.
Piano Ancestry: It is considered a direct ancestor of the modern piano, as both use a hammering action to strike strings.
How It Is Played
Hammering: Players hold a hammer lightly in each hand between the thumb and index finger, letting them bounce off the strings to create clear notes.
Layout: The notes are arranged in a logical pattern; many instruments are tuned diatonically (like only the white keys of a piano), with common keys being C, G, D, and A.
Technique: Faster passages are played by alternating hands (right-left-right). Different hammer coverings, such as leather or felt, can be used to produce softer, more mellow tones.
Global Variations
While widely loved in American and Celtic folk music, the hammered dulcimer has ancient roots in the Middle East and exists in various forms globally:
Santur: An ancient Persian version with a more metallic tone.
Yangqin: The Chinese version, often used in traditional orchestras.
Cimbalom: A larger, more complex version found in Central and Eastern Europe (e.g., Hungary, Romania).
Hackbrett: The German/Alpine version, which literally translates to chopping board.
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