The dulcimer is one of the struck string instruments whose appearance is similar to the Iranian santur. The dulcimer is one of the oldest instruments in the world and is considered one of the ancestors of the piano and harpsichord. In this section of Saed News, we get acquainted with the dulcimer instrument.
The dulcimer has a trapezoidal geometric shape and in this respect is quite similar to the santur instrument. In this article, we will become more familiar with this instrument. On the dulcimer, pairs of strings placed side by side are tuned to the same note and lie horizontally on the instrument. The open trapezoidal soundbox of this instrument has relatively shallow depth, with strings stretched horizontally across its width. Each string passes over intersecting bridges and is divided into two or three asymmetrical sections. This type of division allows playing several different notes on the different parts of each string. This trapezoidal soundbox amplifies the sound of the strings when played and transmits the sound outside through holes located on the instrument. Light hammers or mallets strike these strings horizontally. The special dulcimer hammers are held between the index and middle fingers of both hands of the player.
The dulcimer is a stringed instrument that produces strong and distinct high-pitched tones. Compared to the harp or lyre, its high notes are faster and have a wider range. In Hungary, this instrument is called the cimbalom and is recognized as the country’s official national instrument. The term “pitch” refers to the relative highness or lowness of a note.
The hammered dulcimer has a wooden trapezoidal box very similar to the santur. Throughout this wooden box, strings are stretched horizontally. The strings are arranged in pairs, and each pair is tuned to the same pitch.
Each string is divided into two or three unequal parts by passing over intersecting bridges, allowing several different notes to be played on different parts of each string. This trapezoidal box amplifies the strings’ sound when played and projects it outside through holes on the instrument.
The dulcimer’s special hammers, held between the index and middle fingers of both hands, strike the strings horizontally.
Compared to similar instruments such as the cimbalom and santur, the dulcimer’s sound is stronger and more distinctive.
The dulcimer is produced in various sizes, and the string arrangement and tuning differ among them. The notation for various dulcimer types is written using the G clef.
There is another type called the mountain dulcimer, a smaller version of the hammered dulcimer with a small body that tapers at both ends and has a more compact shape.
The mountain dulcimer has three to five strings and is played via a fingerboard running along its length. The player controls chords and melodies with the left hand.
The dulcimer is a wooden trapezoidal box very similar to the santur. Across this wooden box, pairs of strings are stretched horizontally and tuned in unison. Each string is divided into two or three unequal parts by passing over intersecting bridges, allowing multiple different notes to be played on various parts of each string.
