What sounds do dulcimers make?

Answer by  ilyriamoon (31)

A dulcimer is an instrument used in folk music. It sounds like a cross between a harp and banjo, with a less metallic tone. There are two types of dulcimer - Appalachian (mountain) and hammered. The Appalachian model is laid across the lap and plucked; the hammered model is placed on a stand with beaters, giving a more percussive sound.

Answer by  bikergirl (65)

The dulcimer has a hammer sound similar to a piano. It is a wooden instrument with wire strings. To produce sound from a dulcimer simply tap strings with a wooden looking thing with a ball on the end of it. This is a very unique sound that is popular in Old Time Music.

Answer by  tessamalk (466)

A dulcimer sounds a lot like a harp, with the exception that dulcimer strings are struck with a mallet instead of being strummed by hand.

Answer by  CarolynOsborne (2804)

There are two types of instruments: mountain dulcimers and hammered dulcimers. Mountain dulcimers have 3-4 strings and are strummed or finger picked (like a guitar). They have frets for changing pitches. Hammered dulcimers are trapezoidal in shape and have many strings. They are played using wooden hammers that hit the strings. There sound is closer to a harpsichord.