Where does the Cimbalom come from?

Cimbalom is documented in this archive as a string tradition associated with Hungary. Open the culture guide from this page for regional context.

How difficult is the Cimbalom to learn?

Difficulty varies by player and pedagogy. Use the difficulty field in the quick facts panel as a relative guide, then listen to specimen audio and explore related instruments in the same family.

Instrument · traditional

String

Cimbalom

Name: Cimbalom
Brand: Hungary
Availability: OnlineOnly

The cimbalom is a Hungarian hammered dulcimer with a trapezoidal soundboard and 125 strings. It's central to Hungarian folk music and is often used to provide the main melodic line in ensembles. The instrument produces a bright, percussive sound that's essential to Hungarian musical traditions.

Catalog

Sample

Overview

Cultural context

The cimbalom is central to Hungarian cultural identity and represents the rich folk traditions of Hungary.

Legendary players

Aladár Rácz—
Kálmán Balogh—
Miklós Lukács—
Balázs Szokolay—

Specimen note

The cimbalom is often called the 'Hungarian dulcimer' and is one of the most important instruments in Hungarian folk music, often providing the main melodic line in ensembles.

Technical specifications

Exhibit datasheet · derived from catalog fields

Materials & construction hints: See specimen tags and description for construction lineage
Tuning & pitch: Pitch material is tradition-specific; see description for scale and temperament context.
Register & role: String · typical use: Hungarian Folk, Traditional Hungarian, World Music
Acoustic range (general): Harmonic content follows string length, tension, and resonator; partials differ by construction.
Market class (indicative): $500-$2000

Historical context

The cimbalom is central to Hungarian cultural identity and represents the rich folk traditions of Hungary. The cimbalom is a Hungarian hammered dulcimer with a trapezoidal soundboard and 125 strings.

Frequently asked questions

What is a Cimbalom?: The cimbalom is a Hungarian hammered dulcimer with a trapezoidal soundboard and 125 strings. It's central to Hungarian folk music and is often used to provide the main melodic line in ensembles. The instrument produce…
Where does the Cimbalom come from?: Cimbalom is documented in this archive as a string tradition associated with Hungary. Open the culture guide from this page for regional context.
How difficult is the Cimbalom to learn?: Difficulty varies by player and pedagogy. Use the difficulty field in the quick facts panel as a relative guide, then listen to specimen audio and explore related instruments in the same family.

Discovery web

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