The
origins of this
instrument are
obscure; several
versions of it exist in many different
musical
cultures,
notably in the Arab world. It consists of an open
trapezium-shaped sounding board strung with
piano
wire or similar material; the "
hammers" are generally
two lengths of wood or wire with a spoon-shaped head
sometimes wrapped in
wool. These are held in the
hand and used to
strike the appropriate string-course.
The hammer dulcimer can sometimes sound
strange when played with other instruments, or, for
that matter, by itself; since it has no damping
mechanism, notes will be sustained beyond their useful duration, and interfere with the notes that are
actually struck at any given time.