Dulcimer Hammers

 

These hammers are used to play an instrument known as the hammered dulcimer. The word dulcimer is derived from both Latin and Greek and means sweet sound or tune. The instrument is trapezoid-shaped and made of wood. A series of strings are stretched across the instrument and can be tuned much like a piano or guitar. The hammers are held between the thumb and index fingers and used to strike the strings. Pieces of leather are placed on the ends of the hammers to create a softer sound when struck. The instruments creates a sweet, ringing sound that sound like a cross between a piano and an acoustic guitar.

 

The hammered dulcimer most likely originated in the Middle East around 900 A.D. Its use spread to North Africa and Europe over the next few centuries. It became quite popular throughout all of Europe and was used extensively during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The first reference to a hammered dulcimer appearing in North America was when a judge saw one being played in Massachusetts in 1717. The hammered dulcimer fell out of fashion during the first part of the 20th century, but has enjoyed a revival during the last several decades. These hammers are used to play one of these modern dulcimers.