Cimbaly - Tsimbaly

The Belarussian dulcimer is a well developed form of the instument. More of a dulcimer size but with a logical chromatic tuning that is very suited to chromatic music. My first one was made in conjunction with a Cimbaly teacher from France and the father of one of the students who was a professional photographer. They worked together to measure, describe and photograph the teachers instrument which I then used as my model but giving it different look to the Belarussian instruments. They have bit of a rustic appearance wher as I have gone for more of a classical look.

Belarussian hammers are very different as well from the usual style of dulcimer hammers. They are much shorter and are held and used in quite a different way. The players learn a very effective damping technique which becomes second nature to the players. It is the national instrument of Belarouse and many children learn to play them at school, with the result that there are a good number of serious virtuoso players of the instrument. Also there are very many very good players, as well as a national appreation for the instrument.