SAEDNEWS: The dulcimer is a hammered string instrument whose appearance closely resembles the Iranian santur. Considered one of the oldest instruments in the world, the dulcimer is often regarded as an ancestor of both the piano and the harpsichord. In this edition of Saed News, we explore the fascinating world of the dulcimer.
The dulcimer is a stringed instrument with a trapezoidal shape, making it somewhat similar to the santur. In this article, we’ll explore this fascinating instrument in detail. On a dulcimer, each pair of strings lying side by side is tuned to the same note and stretches horizontally across the instrument. Its open, trapezoidal soundbox is relatively shallow, with strings running across its width. Each string passes over crossed bridges and is divided into two or three unequal sections, allowing multiple notes to be played on different parts of the same string. This trapezoidal soundbox amplifies the vibrations of the strings, projecting the sound outward through strategically placed holes.
Light hammers or mallets strike the strings horizontally. Special dulcimer hammers are held between the index and middle fingers of both hands.
The hammered dulcimer produces strong, clear, and distinct tones. Compared to the harp or lyre, its notes are not only quicker but also cover a wider range. In Hungary, this instrument is known as the cimbalom and is recognized as the country’s official national instrument. The pitch of a note is referred to as its “tone.”
The hammered dulcimer features a trapezoidal wooden body, closely resembling a santur. Strings are stretched horizontally across the entire wooden frame, arranged in pairs, with each pair tuned identically. Each string passes over crossed bridges and is divided into two or three unequal segments, enabling the performance of multiple notes on different parts of the same string. The trapezoidal soundbox amplifies the strings’ vibrations and projects the sound outward through openings in the instrument.
The specialized dulcimer hammers are held between the index and middle fingers of both hands and strike the strings at a slight angle. Compared to similar instruments, such as the cimbalom or santur, the dulcimer produces a stronger, more distinctive sound.
Dulcimers come in various sizes, with each configuration of strings and tuning differing from the others. Notation for different types of dulcimers is typically written using the treble clef.
Another type of dulcimer, known as the mountain dulcimer, is a smaller version of the hammered dulcimer. This compact instrument features a narrow, tapered body. It typically has three to five strings, played along a fingerboard that runs the length of the instrument. The player controls chords and melodies primarily with the left hand.
The dulcimer is a trapezoidal wooden instrument closely resembling a santur, with strings stretched horizontally across its body. Strings are paired and tuned identically. Each string is divided into two or three unequal sections by crossed bridges, enabling multiple notes to be played on different parts of the same string. Its unique soundbox amplifies the strings’ vibrations and projects the instrument’s rich, clear tone.
