Hammered dulcimers can also be chromatic, which allows for a longer range in the higher registers. This is considered the khims traditional shape. In the usual construction, playing them on the left side gives a note a fifth higher than playing them on the right of the bridge. Musicians often have several different sets of hammers to choose from, all with slightly varied tones. Dukes, counts, countesses, priests, nuns, and cardinals were all lovers and players of this instrument. If you take all the strings off at once, you will have the benefit of being able to thoroughly clean the dulcimer, but your bridges will also move around and it will be more work to re-position them so that you can get the dulcimer back in tune. Concert cimbalom. What kinds of music can you play? More on that later! In case you were wondering, purchasing a new hammered dulcimer can cost between $200 and 300 for a student version and up to well over $2000 for a custom-built instrument. Shorter hammers are used compared to the cimbalom hammers, but not still not as short as those used by the tsymbaly players of Belarus. A 15/14, for example, has 15 strings crossing the treble bridge and 14 crossing the bass bridge, and can span three octaves. 12/11 is a common size for a small dulcimer, and it means there are 12 courses of strings on the treble bridge and 11 courses on the bass bridge. . Most people these days start out with 15/14s or 16/15s with the wider 1" string spacing which is better for beginners. This is our new soft side case made right here in our shop! The player could go on up a couple notes (G A B), but the next note will be a flatted seventh (C natural in this case), because this note is drawn from the G tetrachord. Woodworkers may already have access to several of these tools in their workshop. The Belarusian tsymbaly or cymbaly varies from the concert cimbalom in both timbre and size. The Acoustic Music Shop Features Quality Hammered Dulcimers and Hammered Dulcimer Accessories from Master Works, Dusty Strings, Songbird and Rick Thum. These are used for tuning of the strings (in addition to the tuning pins), but can also be used to slightly raise the strings to minimize any vibrations that are unwanted. Building a dulcimer is definitely not an easy task, but its also not as difficult as some people might think. The following are a handful of key considerations: The hammered dulcimer products in review today are of three different and renowned brands. There are tenor, soprano, or requinto varieties. The salterios of Italy are typically quite beautiful due to their high-class players, often displaying gilded features and ornamental designs. Note: The D25 full set contains two strings per course. Next, apply glue to the back of each internal brace, set into the notches, and press down onto the dulcimer back and let dry. Is it hard to learn? This is called a 12/11 or 13/12. There are 25 courses of 5 strings. It is possible it arrived through the Silk Road from the Middle East. Next, cut a plastic dowel into small pieces to fit to the top of each bridge. A santoor player will sit in an ardha-padmasana asana, and will place the instrument in their lap to play. Marvelous, love the photos and videos as demonstrations, too! This helps mitigate any potential moisture-related problems down the road due to humidity. If they are heavily tarnished, a very fine steel wool will clean them, but make that choice with care because it may also take off some of the protective coating that keeps them from rusting. Next, set the table saw at a 10-12 degree angle and carefully guide each bridge along the table saw. . German Americans: A version of the German hackbrett has ended up right here in our own backyard. Tsymbaly. Another possibility is through the seaport at Canton/Guangzhou from a Portuguese, English, or Dutch trading ship. The hammered dulcimer is set before the musician, who in more traditional styles may sit cross-legged on the floor, or in a more modern style may stand or sit at a wooden support with legs. In a very basic sense, you can think of a small dulcimer as being similar to a piano with only the white keys. weight. The importance of the method of setting the strings in vibration by means of hammers, and its bearing on the acoustics of the instrument, were recognized only when the invention of the pianoforte had become a matter of history. This instrument is also capable of harmonics and (chn zh), which involves flicking the sticks lightly over the strings, creating tremolo, a quick vibration. You don't have to make a career out of it, you don't have to practice every day (although you might find you want to! Glue the trim to the sides and cut off any pointy edges. Like the salterio of Italy, the doulcemr went through a short trend in the 17th and 18th centuries. Use a Forstner bit or spade bit for this step, making sure to keep the drill bits perpendicular to the surface of the wood. We do know that along with the harp and pipes, the hammered dulcimer (teadchlar in Irish) was popular in Ireland in the 17th century. With the frame of the instrument lying flat on a workbench, apply a layer of glue on each side and lay the back over the frame. Some good options include maple, walnut, mahogany, rosewood, birch, or even oak. If youre working with power tools, be sure to read the safety instructions carefully and follow all of the safety precautions. File:Santur1.jpg by allauddin is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0. Today the yangqin is sometimes referred to as the Chinese piano because it plays an integral role in accompanying string and wood instruments. Canada: The hammered dulcimer also spread throughout Canada with the early settlers. Once again, the internet (taking anomalous reviews with a grain of salt) can be a helpful resource for finding out which instruments have a reputation for tuning stability. The group was formed in 1984 when the Primas (first violin and leader) Sndor Jrka died. These makers produce a wide variety of cimbaloms, from the classic cimbalom to its smaller versions, to even smaller, more portable versions. Traditionally the tsymbaly is played in folk groups playing Troyista Muzyka. Size: 14.48 MB Format: PDF View: 4839 Access Book Description 'Tis the Season is a hammered dulcimer collection of tunes for holidays and other celebrations throughout the year. The popularity of the khim is still on the rise. The dancers add a bounce to their steps, and a little hop or stomp addition to traditional polka dancing. The instrument can have either chromatic or diatonic tuning systems. The Appenzell hackbrett, or Appenzeller hackbrett, is the most well-known hackbrett today. After the 16th century, trade developed between the Chinese and Europeans. This orchestra laid the foundation for the reconstruction of the national folklore instrument, the tsymbaly. However, for those looking to take their time to build a more precision instrument, allow at least 1-2 weeks. Thank you so much for demonstrating the sounds of the different instruments and what type of music they play in various countries. Trim the edges with a double edge hand saw and sand the top. Replacing your first broken string can seem daunting, but with a little patience, a tuning wrench, and a pair of wire snips, you'll be a pro in no time. The Indian santoor of ancient times was played in a style of classical music called Sufiana Mausiqi, which means mystical music. Spare string packs contain one to three strings of each gauge used on that model, and are useful for having backup strings in case of breakage, but will not provide enough strings to restring the whole instrument. The Valais hackbrett, or Walliser hackbrett, is very similar to the Osttiroler hackbrett of Austria. This style of music was used as an accompaniment to Sufi hymns, and also a dance called Hafiz Nagma. More recently, there was a rise in popularity due to a Thai novel Khu Kam (later a TV series and movie), where the main character played the khim, and more notably the classical Thai song Nang Kruan. The whole pattern can be shifted up by three courses, so that instead of a D-major scale one would have a G-major scale, and so on. This tuning results in most, but not all, notes of the chromatic scale being available. Sebastian Virdung; uploaded by de:User:Matthias.Gruber, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons. These hammers are also wrapped with leather, providing a softer sound. This extends from C to e on the Helmholtz pitch notation. The Nomad is the best option for someone who knows . Others have a tuning diagram all their own as in the Cimbalom. This variation is the most modern rendition of the hackbrett, created in the 1930s to play Stubenmusik (or parlor music), a form of Alpine folk music. Roma musicians gathered and played a somber elegy by his graveside, and this is how the group began. Good protection for your dulcimer and also economical. Where Did the Hammered Dulcimer Originate? It sound will satisfy the discrimination . However, in general, you can expect to spend between $50 and $250 on materials for a standard hammered dulcimer. If youre looking for quality wood to build your dulcimer, there are a few different places you can go. A more recent example of its use is by the Blue Man Group. You can see that 23 pairs of strings (minimum) means that there are at least 46 tightly-wound metal wires being stretched between the two ends of the thing. The smaller size dulcimer has 12 and 11 . Like mountain (or Appalachian) dulcimers, hammered dulcimers are known for their soft, sweet sounds. How do you know where the notes are? Wooden 22 String Harp Made In Pakistan-A90108 . The instrument arrived along with the Spanish conquistadors and became a part of Mexican culture. Add to Cart. If you do decide to restring the whole instrument, we recommend changing the strings course by course. Brand New. 9/8 Hammered Dulcimer - Backpacker. After selecting your materials, its time to set up your workshop. No zippers to break. Like the Romanian cimbalom or Greek santouri, there may be specialized mini bridges. Most Ukrainian folk instrument ensembles and orchestras of today like the Orchestra of Ukrainian Folk Instruments and the State Bandurist Capella usually have two concert cimbaloms. The santur has Persian origins, but is a direct descendant of the qunan and earliest psalteries. No need for a stand, this dulcimer has a leg that fits into the back allowing it to be placed on a table or other surface for playing. According to the Chinese Hammered Dulcimers research report, the market is rapidly evolving, and the influence is being analyzed both now and in the future. For the trim, rip pieces of mahogany to fit the sides of the hammered dulcimer. The Master Works hammered dulcimers have a comparatively long sustain, which is excellent for full-sounding slow-to-medium tempo music (e.g. Contact us, In the modern music genres of today, there is no doubt the hammered dulcimer is pretty obscure. If you're unable to measure the existing strings, another option is to try looking at some of our string charts (available on this page) and guessing which one is the most similar to your dulcimer. Spruce is a popular choice of wood for soundboards, as it is strong and produces a loud, bright tone. The instruments that were played differed in many ways, however, such as size, tuning, amount of strings, as well as the way of holding and playing the hammers. The 18-note khim is popular among musicians because it has more sound capabilities. ), and you don't have to perform for anyone besides yourself if that's what makes you happy. Sebastien had a pantaleon specially made for him by a builder, and is probably one of the few people in the world that plays. If youd like to hire Nicolette for content writing or copywriting work, contact her at: nicolettelady@protonmail.com, Cover image: File:Giovanni Battista DallOlio, Salterio in legno dorato e dipinto, 1764, Museo Civico di Modena, part.jpg by Archivio del Museo Civico di Modena is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. The Mexican salterio is placed in the lap and plucked with plectrums (metal picks attached to the index finger on each hand). For this reason, it's not usually possible for us to tell you what materials and gauges of strings your dulcimer was designed for. Save hammered dulcimer used to get e-mail alerts and updates on your eBay Feed. Carefully cut to match the dimensions of the frame using a table saw. I call this the baritone dulcimer. Still need help selecting the right instrument? A brand new dulcimer can take a few weeks to settle in, but after that, it should hold its tune for a few days at least. The hammers are made of flexible and lightweight bamboo and have rubber tips. Classical composers like Zoltn Kodly, Igor Stravinsky, and Pierre Boulez have all used this instrument in their music. This can be done using a table saw, radial arm saw, or miter saw. The theme of the music is typically dance tunes, melodies, and improvisations played for weddings and social events. Opens in a new window or tab. The khim is played either sitting on the floor, or sitting or standing with the khim on a stand. With a compass, mark out circles along each bridge and drill using a drill press. Some dulcimers instead use one continuous piece of wire for each course, meaning that the wire needs to be long enough to go from one tuning pin across the dulcimer and back to another tuning pin. You can play them two ways; with the rubber side for a soft sound, or with the bamboo handle for a crisper tone (the pointed ends can also be used to pluck the notes). The shift from the bass bridge to the treble bridge is required because the bass bridge's fourth string G is the start of the lower tetrachord of the G scale. The female dancer, Hafiza would represent the meaning of the song through various hand gestures and movements of the body. Semi-concert tsymbaly: Manufactured from 1950 to 1986 by Chernihiv Musical Instrument Factory. It is played by striking the strings to the left of the bridges, except for the chromatic on the right. We hear these questions all the time, so we've put together some basic information that a beginner might find useful. Full size dulcimer, ideal for both beginner or intermediate player. The tuning system for these cimbaloms has a pitch range of four octaves plus a major third. The East Tirol hackbrett, or Osttiroler hackbrett, is also a diatonic tuning but is smaller than the Styrian. Buy your Hammered Dulcimer today from a . This song is about the sadness of a woman. Many people even skip all of that and just play by ear! As an Amazon Associate, we may earn commissions from qualifying purchases from Amazon.com, Plywood vs. The word hackbrett means chopping board in German, referring to the striking of hammers resembling the chopping meat on a cutting board. The Hutsul tsymbaly typically has 12-13 courses of strings. In the postwar period it was one of the instruments taught in state-sponsored music schools.[6]. Traditionally the yangqin has bronze strings, though older instruments actually used silk. It has 72 strings and smaller additional bridges (called chessboard pawns) that are removable, which allows control of the raising or lowering of notes by a semitone. Strings are usually anchored at one end on a hitch pin, and they wind around a threaded zither tuning pin at the other end. This can be done with a combination of clamps, screws, and wood glue. The bass bridge holds up bass strings, which are played to the left of the bridge. Most traditional American hammered dulcimers have the major keys of F, C, G and D easily available, which works well for a variety of musical styles like old-time, bluegrass, hymns, Celtic tunes, and even some pop music. Typically the hackbrett is played along with an accordion, fiddle, and double bass quartet. The Persian Santoor and Roosebeck Dulcimer are roughly equal in quality. In this article, we review some of the best hammered dulcimers currently available online. In addition to teaching you how to build the instrument from scratch, we will also provide tips on choosing materials, setting up your workspace, and building your dulcimer. Apply graphite to one edge of the plank and rub that edge against the edge of the other plank. The dulcimer builder featured in the video above chose to use 5 coats of TotalBoat Satin Marine Spar Varnish on all sides of the hammered dulcimer. Hammered dulcimer is the type we make, and it is played by striking the strings with a pair of special mallets called hammers. If you're not sure which model you have, you can find it written on a sticker inside one of the sound holes. Thailand: The khim was introduced to Thailand from the China yangqin, then to Laos and Cambodia. Belarusian tsymbaly also tend to be without dampers because hands and fingers are used to dampen the strings instead. However, these Germans were able to hold onto their culture and language while living in Ukraine and did the same when they immigrated to the US. The strings of a hammered dulcimer are usually found in pairs, two strings for each note (though some instruments have three or four strings per note). Apply tracing paper to the top of the soundboard and sketch out one or two decorative clefs. For this reason, it's not usually possible for us to tell you what materials and gauges of strings your dulcimer was designed for. With this tuning, a diatonic scale is broken into two tetrachords, or groups of four notes. Is a dulcimer easy to play? 36 strings). The strings for the right hand are made of either brass or copper, and the left-hand strings are steel. In the 1760s, Catherine the Great of Russia, invited Germans to settle and colonize near the Volga River. Do you happen to have any videos you could share of it being played? This allows you to play music that modulates or is full of accidentals, and is more like having both the black and white keys on a piano. The first step in building a hammered dulcimer is to cut the sides for the frame. They are either a simple piece of wood or are tipped with velvet. The first step in building a hammered dulcimer is selecting the right materials. Its 19th-century popularity spread across the Austro-Hungarian Empire by way of Jewish and Roma musicians. 9/8 Fledgling Hammered Dulcimer (One String Per Course), 9/8 Fledgling Hammered Dulcimer (Two Strings Per Course), Handcrafting Hammered Dulcimers since 1992. However, these Germans were able to hold onto their culture and language while living in Ukraine and did the same when they immigrated to the US. Do the same for the other side. There are step by step instructions in our Hammered Dulcimer Owner's Guidebook, and you can download a PDF copy here if you no longer have the one that came with your dulcimer. Finish the notches with a chisel and use sand paper to smoothen. There have been phases of popularity over the years, including hammered dulcimer music genres like celtic, hymns, polkas, waltzes, and even modern rock and pop songs. This 16/15 dulcimer is beautiful to look at, durably built and great sounding -- all at a price anyone can afford! Using a drill press, drill holes at a 15 degree angle away from the center of the instrument. Price: $3545 Includes double-sided hammers and gooseneck tuning wrench. Another important difference to be noted in the mentioned hammered dulcimers is the amount of sustain. The Salzburg hackbrett, or Salzburger hackbrett, has chromatic tuning and 128 strings. Here is a rendition of a traditional mariachi song, Las Bicicletas: 1551 Hackbrett. Unlike guitar strings, which must be replaced often due to the corrosive effects of salt and perspiration from the player's fingers, hammered dulcimer strings can last many years with little care. HDBP. Unlike the American HD, are most of the other instruments tuned chromatically? Start by marking 1 1/8 intervals along each bridge; these marks are where the strings will ultimately rest. We hope this helped with finding your perfect hammered dulcimer. J. C. Rockwell Dulcimer Company began making baritones in 1994. Enough strings to re-string the entire instrument. The. Billy Bennington (19001986), a player from Norfolk, England, used cane hammers bound with wool. Dulcimers are the easiest stringed instrument for beginners to play, ideal for children and non-musicians who want to play tunes or accompany singing.Dulcimers are a relatively quiet instrument. This is a very heavy instrument with a steel structure (38 kg), and the body is reinforced by iron bars. Now onto the internal braces. Excellent quality wire designed for stringing of Dulcimer, Hammered Dulcimer, Harpsichord & Harp as well as other stringed instruments Coiled onto a sturdy spool which makes the handling of the wire easy to use Metric conversion chart below Choose from the following sizes: Size 7 - .018" diameter - 578 feet per 1/2 lb coil Tons of people just like you play the dulcimer, salterio, hackbrett, cimbalom, santur, yangqin, and khim. He was known as The Primas of kings and the king of Primases. These hammers have the ability to play up to four notes at the same time, due to each single hammer having two striking surfaces on it. It has 100 strings and has been found in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir since ancient days. But in addition to the traditional Troyista Muzyka ensemble, they are played alongside electric guitars, synthesizers, violins, drums, and accordions. Before the concert cimbalom was developed, the folk instrument had been played on a barrel or a table. We have two sizes, the one for the smaller dulcimers fits instruments that are 36 1/2 long, 15 1/2 across, 17 along the top rail and 4 thick overall including the bridges. The D570 has a deep, lush bass voice with a clear, sparkly treble and an even tone all around. About the author:In her childhood, Nicolette Foss could be found underneath piles of sawdust in her fathers hammered dulcimer workshop. , it was played mostly in alpine regions and has become a folk instrument over time. You may celebrate the New Year with 'Auld Lang Syne,' and Valentine's Day with 'My Love is Like a Red, Red Rose.' . If someone calls a tune in E-flat, you might be sitting that one out. In addition to the above tools, you will need the following materials (in addition to the wood you selected for construction of the actual instrument): If this is your first hammered dulcimer project, we recommend watching a video on how to build a hammered dulcimer to provide background. You can play standing up or sitting down, depending on the height of the stand. Hi ! In our previous article Where Did the Hammered Dulcimer Originate?, we discussed the varying possibilities of the original hammered dulcimer. The cane hammers are bent and bound with wool. There's no "right" or "better" dulcimer sound, so just start exploring YouTube videos and notice what your gut tells you! Are you a musician or already know the dulcimer is for you? Roosebeck Double Strung Hammered Dulcimer Features: 10 treble and 9 bass courses Construction: Indian Rosewood String material: brass, steel Accessories included: One pair of two-sided dulcimer hammers have a leather pad on one side. Hammers are usually made of wood (most likely hardwoods such as maple, cherry, padauk, oak, walnut, or any other hardwood), but can also be made from any material, including metal and plastic. This style of music was used as an accompaniment to Sufi hymns, and also a dance called Hafiz Nagma. In the Western hemisphere, hammers are usually stiff, but in Asia, flexible hammers are often used. The strings on the left bridge can be struck on both sides. The higher number refers to the number of pairs of strings passing over the treble (center) bridge. Here is a rendition of a traditional mariachi song, Las Bicicletas: : The country cook plays her Hackbrett so prettily that the gods prefer it even to Apollos lyre., In 1713 by Mattheson: The trifling Hackbrettes (apart from the big ones with gut strings called Pantalon, which is highly privileged) should be nailed up in houses of ill-repute., Of the hakkebord on an anonymous Dutch engraving of that era: I love my Hakkebord, as much as one can love anything. Frequently Asked Questions Another will look for spruce with slower growth and will not grow higher than 15 meters and more than 20 cm thick. In Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese, the name salterio was used to describe two kinds of zithers: the hammered dulcimer and the psaltery. Ukraine: The Ukrainian tsymbaly () has courses of between three and five strings, as well as bass strings that may have one to two strings wrapped. Color: Brown. However, for over 100 years many players in Western Canada play the Ukrainian tsimbaly. The treble strings can be played on either side of the treble bridge. This shape is said to be easier for musicians to carry. Shipping to: 23917. Browse through the Makers listed below, our Hammered Dulcimers are available for purchase through our online store or Call Us to place an Order (740-941-1271), or when in Southern Ohio stop by . Both the folk and concert varieties of the cimbalom landed in countries like Hungary, Slovakia, Romania, Slovakia, Moldova, Belarus, and Ukraine, where the culture has held and it is still played today. This is the standard size that is popular among beginners. Also available are our durable and convenient carrying bags in matching sizes. Dukes, counts, countesses, priests, nuns, and cardinals were all lovers and players of this instrument. String Spacing For example, on an instrument with D as the lowest note, the D major scale is played starting in the lower-right corner and ascending the bass bridge: D E F G. This is the lower tetrachord of the D major scale. The larger one fits . Now, with the frame pieces completed (two notched pin blocks and two rails), internal braces and back fabricated, it is now time to assemble and glue. The soundboard is typically made from spruce, cedar, birch, or mahogany. She helped with odds and ends in the business, attended folk music festivals, and learned the importance of hard work. Remove the paper. It makes certain styles like blues, jazz, classical and non-Western folk music easier to play. With the wood you selected for your hammered dulcimer, begin by cutting the frame sides to length. Each moveable brace is made using 3/8 wood slats. Interested in learning how to build your own psaltery? It is struck with sticks wound with cotton on the tips to produce a soft, ethereal sound. Built with a lovely Cherry veneer on a durable ply top. The treble strings, made of steel, are grouped in courses of four strings. The Indian santoor of ancient times was played in a style of classical music called. When guessing, if you have any doubts about the structural integrity of your dulcimer, err on the side of thinner strings, as these will put less tension on the instrument. The instrument came in three sizes: prima, alto, and bass. The dulcimer, in which the strings are beaten with small hammers, originated from the psaltery, in which the strings are plucked. shung yn qn zhhammers. Once the varnish has dried, lightly tap in the pins to the pin block with a hammer (a rubber mallet works best if available).