Traditional folk instrument family with a sweet, ringing tone, including lap and hammered styles for melody and accompaniment.
- 5 articles
- Folk & World Instruments
Articles on Dulcimer
All news
Dulcimer: A Complete Buyer's Guide
Two instruments share the name, several tunings and a lot of jargon. Here is what genuinely matters before you buy one.
The Best Dulcimers for the Money
There's no single best dulcimer, only the right tier for the player you are now. Here's how to find yours.
Common Dulcimer Mistakes to Avoid
Most dulcimer trouble isn't about talent. Here are the small, easily avoided missteps that trip up new players most often.
Dulcimer Explained: Features, Types and Tips
One name, two instruments. Here is what actually separates the mountain dulcimer from the hammered dulcimer, and how each one works.
Dulcimer for Beginners: A Complete Guide
You can get a real tune out of this instrument in your first week. Here is exactly how to start, without wasting money or getting discouraged.
Dulcimer family overview
The dulcimer is a traditional folk instrument known for its sweet, ringing tone and approachable layout. In a Folk & World Instruments category, the dulcimer may include Appalachian, mountain, hammered and related styles, each with its own voice and playing method.
Sound and style
Mountain dulcimers are usually fretted and played on the lap, while hammered dulcimers are struck with small beaters for a brighter, more cascading sound. Both forms suit folk tunes, modal melodies and atmospheric accompaniment.
For learners and collectors
Our dulcimer selection is ideal for UK musicians who want a distinctive acoustic instrument that is easy to approach yet rich in character. Whether you prefer a simple lap instrument or a more intricate hammered design, the dulcimer offers charm, history and musical depth.
Ukulele
Popular portable instrument with a bright sound and several sizes for folk and acoustic playing.
14 topics
Harmonica
Harmonicas are compact, expressive instruments ideal for folk, blues and acoustic performance.
Mandolin
Mandolin instruments deliver a bright, ringing tone with strong folk and acoustic appeal across many styles.
2 topics
Accordion
The accordion is a versatile folk instrument with rich tone, expressive bellows and many layouts for traditional and mod...
2 topics
Bagpipes
Bagpipes are powerful traditional instruments with strong regional identities, used across Scottish, Irish and wider fol...
Banjo
The banjo offers bright, rhythmic attack and wide stylistic range across folk, bluegrass and traditional acoustic music.
3 topics
Sitar
Iconic South Asian plucked instrument with ringing resonance, bends and rich sympathetic strings.
1 topic
Didgeridoo
Resonant Australian drone instrument with powerful sustained tone, circular breathing and distinctive rhythmic effects.
1 topic
Ocarina
Compact vessel flute with a clear, haunting tone and simple, portable appeal.
Erhu
The erhu is a distinctive two-string bowed instrument valued for its lyrical, expressive sound.
Harp
Harps offer resonant, expressive sound for folk, classical and contemporary acoustic playing.
3 topics
Concertina
Compact bellows instrument with a bright, nimble voice, widely used in British, Irish and maritime folk music.
