The
hammered dulcimer is an ancient trapezoid-shaped wood and string
instrument that has been popular all over the world. A precursor
to the modern piano, the hammered dulcimer goes by different
names in other countries. The instrument is played by striking
the strings with little wooden "hammers". The word "dulcimer"
means sweet sound. In the hands of a gifted artist, the hammered
dulcimer does indeed produce a beautifully sweet sound that
is soothing to the soul. Heidi's hammered dulcimer was made by Masterworks.
The
folk harp (also called the Celtic/lever harp) is also an ancient instrument. It is smaller and simpler than the large modern
pedal harp. Most folk harps have nylon strings, but some Celtic harps are wire strung. Folk harps have sharping levers that must be pushed up or down when
changing keys. This makes playing a challenge at times! Folk
harps come in many different sizes and styles. Esther’s fine
instrument was made by Hidden Valley Harps in CA.
The
mountain dulcimer originated in the Appalachian mountains.
It is said that the Scotch Irish peoples who settled there wanted
an instrument to remind them of the droning bagpipes of their
homeland. The mountain dulcimer is a fretted instrument with
usually 4 strings that are strummed or picked. Heidi plays a
McSpadden dulcimer from Song of the Wood
in Black Mtn., NC.
