The hammered dulcimer is a percussion-stringed instrument consisting of many strings stretched over a trapezoidal wooden soundboard. Unlike its cousin, the mountain dulcimer—which is held in the lap and plucked—the hammered dulcimer is typically set on a stand and played by striking the strings with a pair of small, spoon-shaped mallets called hammers. Key Features Structure: It features a large, flat box shape with two or more bridges (treble and bass) that support dozens of strings. Sound: Often described as sweet or ethereal, its name comes from the Graeco-Roman words for sweet song. Because the strings continue to ring after being struck, it produces a rich, resonant wash of sound. Piano Ancestry: It is considered a direct ancestor of the modern piano, as both use a hammering action to strike strings. How It Is Played Hammering: ...