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Flexible Dulcimer Hammers

Flexible Dulcimer Hammers

by Russ Carlisle

Originally published in American Lutherie #10, 1987 and Big Red Book of American Lutherie Volume One, 2000



Quote from an 1895 Montgomery Ward catalog: “Dulcimer beaters, flexible handles, felt covered heads. $.35”

Train of thought: The hammered dulcimer is a fun instrument. Hammering is fun. Hammers are the link between player and instrument. Better hammers can contribute significantly to the fun experience.

Some important elements of hammer design are: weight and balance, length and proportion of shaft, shape of head and shape of grip end.

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