Dulcimer Facts: Shop for Instruments, Accessories, Gifts

Dulcimer Facts

The dulcimer’s roots trace back to ancient stringed instruments, including the Persian santur and European psaltery. Modern dulcimers emerged in the United States in the 19th century, primarily among Scotch-Irish immigrants. Historians speculate that early settlers lacked the proper tools needed to craft the more complex, dramatically curved violin.

Once dulcimers were mass-produced, design changes resulted in an instrument that was easier to build and play. The body was made larger, and geared tuners replaced traditional wooden pegs, making tuning easier and more reliable.

With just three or four strings and a simple diatonic fret pattern, the Appalachian dulcimer is one of the easiest string instruments to learn. It’s a wonderful introduction to the world of music.

The hammered dulcimer, an earlier form, was widely used in Europe during the Middle Ages and Renaissance. During these eras, a variety of instruments appeared across many cultures—from the Middle East to Asia.

Street Musician on Hammered Dulcimer

More Dulcimer Facts

A person who performs on this string instrument is called a dulcimerist. This term is rarely used though. Most artists refer to themselves as dulcimer players.

Famous Dulcimer Musicians

The dulcimer saw a resurgence during the 1960s folk music revival, with musicians like Jean Ritchie, Joni Mitchell, and Richard Fariña incorporating it into their work. Today, festivals like the Kentucky Music Week continue to celebrate and teach dulcimer music with workshops and performances.

Other famous musicians have been known to play this simple instrument. Brian Jones of The Rolling Stones featured an Appalachian dulcimer on the songs “Lady Jane” and “I Am Waiting.” Pop star Cyndi Lauper played one on her songs “A Night to Remember” and “Sisters of Avalon.”

Dulcimer Nicknames

Over the years, the Appalachian dulcimer has acquired a number of nicknames including Mountain Dulcimer, Lap Dulcimer, Hog Fiddle, and Whamadiddle or Whimmydiddle. The hammered dulcimer’s nicknames include Whammer Jammer, Cimbalom, Stringed Piano, and Hackbrett (German for chopping board.) These nicknames vary by region, tradition, and the instrument’s role in local music.

Appalachian Dulcimer
Developed in the early 1800s in rural Appalachia, this fretted string instrument was crafted with simple tools and local woods like walnut or cherry. Its hourglass or teardrop shape was designed for portability and ease of play, often used to accompany folk songs and ballads. Appalachian dulcimers typically have 3–5 strings, with one or two melody strings and the rest as drones, creating a haunting, harmonious sound.

Play the Mountain Dulcimer

by Michael Alan Wood

A Dulcimer Hymn Collection: Traditional Hymns and Spirituals for Mountain Dulcimer in D-A-A Tuning Dulcimer on the Backroads: Old Time and Celtic Tunes for Mountain Dulcimer in D-A-A Tuning

Virtuoso Dulcimer Player Stephen Seifert

Nashville-based musician Stephen Seifert plays “Whiskey Before Breakfast” on an Appalacian dulcimer. If you’d like to learn to play, Stephen has a series of videos that you can find on his website. He’s widely recognized as one of the most versatile and talented contemporary players, and is a frequent performer at American folk music festivals. Stephen has also performed with a number of classical symphonies throughout the United States.

Best Gifts for Music Lovers

We’ve designed 2,000+ products for string instrument musicians and fans. Find a unique gift for your favorite dulcimer player or enthusiast. Beware of inferior copycats! Our original designs are available here and in our String Kings Music Dulcimer collection.

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Applecreek Dulcimer Deluxe Pack

Product details:

Handcrafted in Europe using the finest material
Applecreek Dulcimer is the best student model you will find
Durable nylon dulcimer case with accessory pocket, handle and shoulder strap to carry like suitcase or backpack
Dulcimer Instruction Book with 19 all-time favorite songs
One of the most popular and easiest musical instruments to play

Applecreek Dulcimer, Known as the Appalachian or Mountain Dulcimer Deluxe Pack Includes Durable Nylon Dulcimer Case with Strap, Dulcimer Music Book

Hammered Dulcimer

Hammered Dulcimer
Unlike the Appalachian dulcimer, the hammered dulcimer is played by striking strings with small hammers, producing a bright, resonant sound. The instrument can have 100 or more strings, arranged in courses to allow for complex melodies and harmonies. It was a popular instrument, played in royal courts and folk settings alike.

Best Dulcimer Gifts Collection

Our Dulcimer Gifts Collection features shirts, tote bags, coffee mugs, chef aprons, buttons, magnets, and more.

Dulcimer Shirts and Gifts Collection

Unique Dulcimer Gift Ideas

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D’Addario EJ64 Set of 4 Dulcimer Strings: 3 Plain Steel, 1 Nickel-Plated Steel – Medium String Gauge String Swing Dulcimer Hanger Wall Mount Holder CC01D-C Solid Cherry Hardwood Block – Easy to Hang Noter for the Mountain Dulcimer – Made from Solid Rosewood – Rooseback Pick Included Dulcimer Songbook: 70 Popular Songs for Dulcimer in D-A-D Tuning – By Thomas Balinger