Hammer Dulcimer
Originating in Persia approximately 3000 years ago, and carried across Western Europe during the Crusades, the Hammer Dulcimer survived in this form in the British Isles. It also survived in several other forms around the world: the Greek Santouri, the Persian Santoor, the Hungarian Cymbalom, the Chinese Yang Chin, the Victorian era Tremboline and the German Hachbrecht. With the exception of the Tremboline, all are played with small hand held hammers, although the tuning configurations and hammering techniques differ.
Kate’s instrument was built for her by Michael Allen, Cloud Nine Dulcimer Company in Ostrander Ohio. It is sitka spruce and black walnut and has 4 chromatic octaves.
