The Banjo Guru

For those unacquainted with the dulcimer, the first line of business is to point out that two distinct instruments carry the moniker. An Appalachian dulcimer, also referred to as a mountain dulcimer, is a stringed instrument that was highly popularized in American music during the 1800s. Typically, the instrument is played by placing it on your lap, allowing for strumming and fretting from that position. While the instrument experienced a resurgence in the 1950s thanks to folk music, it has never been able to garner mainstream acclaim.

The other type of dulcimer is the hammered dulcimer, and it bares little resemblance to its counterpart. While also being a stringed instrument, the hammered dulcimer is a trapezoidal board and played by striking the individual strings with small mallets. Although the origins of the instrument remain obscure, it is believed to be a relative of the santur from Persia.