The acoustics of the hammered dulcimer and similar instruments
David Peterson · The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America · 2006
The hammered dulcimer, an antecedent of the piano, apparently originated in the Middle East sometime around the 14th century. A typical instrument has 23 to 30 courses of strings, two to four strings per course, and is played with two wooden hammers. As in the yang qin and other Asian dulcimers, bridges separate some string courses into two notes. In American instruments the treble bridge creates a musical fifth, which facilitates the speedy playing of diatonic scales and also creates a strong harmonic structure to the tone. In response to player demand, modern builders have used improved or new materials (glues, woods, composites, plastic) and better design to create a lighter and less resonant instrument with a greater musical range. Dr. Peterson will demonstrate various playing styles.