


The hammered dulcimer is known for its use in Celtic music in the US although different versions of the instrument appear in other areas of Europe, the Middle East and in the Orient. Apparently, the hammered dulcimer came to the United States with people from the Celtic regions and became a popular instrument until the time the piano took over this role. The hammered dulcimer was sold in Sears catalogues for a time.. The mountain dulcimer was named after this instrument although they are very different. Many hammered dulcimer players play by ear but others work on original music for the dulcimer or transpose pieces to fit the instrument. Donna’s 3 ½ and 4 1/2 octave dulcimers were built by Jerry Read Smith. Here is a photo of one of Jerry's dulcimer's below. Visit his website to see his work: Song of the Wood |


