Cimbalom Musical Instrument Facts

What is a Cimbalom Instrument?

The Cimbalom is a large, hammered dulcimer widely played in Eastern European folk and classical music.

Known for its bright, resonant sound, the cimbalom has a trapezoidal shape with numerous metal strings stretched over a wooden frame, which are struck with mallets to produce sound.

The instrument is especially prominent in Hungarian, Romanian, and Slovak music, where its lively, percussive tones add rhythmic depth and melodic embellishments to folk and classical compositions.

Detailed Cimbalom Instrument Facts

Instrument Name	Cimbalom
Instrument Family	String (Hammered Dulcimer)
Alternative Names	The cimbalom is also known as “tsymbaly” in Ukrainian and “țambal” in Romanian. In some Slavic regions, it is referred to as “cymbal” or “simbal.”
Geographical Presence	The cimbalom is primarily played in Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, and Ukraine, where it is a key instrument in both folk and classical music. It is also widely recognized in other parts of Eastern Europe and is featured in orchestras worldwide due to its unique, bright tone.
Instrument Classification	The cimbalom falls under the Hornbostel-Sachs classification system as 314.122, identifying it as a hammered box-zither. This classification includes stringed instruments with strings stretched over a resonating box, played by striking the strings with mallets.
Unique Features	The cimbalom is a large, trapezoidal instrument with metal strings stretched across a wooden soundboard. Each note is produced by striking the strings with small wooden mallets, which creates a bright, percussive sound. The strings are arranged in courses, with multiple strings for each note, giving the cimbalom its rich, layered tone. It has a wide pitch range, covering multiple octaves, and includes pedal dampers for controlling sustain. The cimbalom’s unique design and mallet-striking technique allow it to produce rapid, complex rhythms and melodies, making it versatile for both rhythmic and melodic roles in music.
Sound Characteristics	The cimbalom produces a bright, resonant, and percussive sound, with a distinctive metallic timbre. Its tone is both melodic and rhythmic, capable of rapid, intricate patterns and dynamic volume changes. The instrument’s sound is sharp and clear, with a natural sustain that can be controlled by pedal dampers. The cimbalom’s sound can vary from soft and expressive to loud and vibrant, making it suitable for both solo performances and ensemble roles. Its characteristic ringing tone and ability to create rhythmic textures make it an engaging and dynamic instrument in Eastern European music.
Typical Music Genres	The cimbalom is widely used in Eastern European folk music, especially in Hungarian, Romanian, and Slovak traditions. It is also featured in classical compositions, particularly in works by composers like Zoltán Kodály and Béla Bartók, who incorporated it into their orchestral music. The cimbalom has become popular in world music and fusion genres, where its distinctive sound adds an exotic, Eastern European flavor. It is often played in folk ensembles, orchestras, and modern compositions, highlighting its versatility.
Components	Wooden Trapezoidal Frame, Metal Strings, Tuning Pins, Mallets, Pedal Dampers
Construction	The cimbalom has a large, trapezoidal wooden frame, often crafted from hardwoods like beech or maple, which serves as the resonator. Metal strings are stretched across the frame and attached to tuning pins, allowing each string to be finely tuned. The strings are arranged in courses, with two to five strings per note, producing a full, layered sound. Pedal dampers are attached to the base of the instrument, allowing the player to control the sustain by pressing or releasing the pedals. The instrument is played with small mallets made of wood, which are used to strike the strings. Traditional cimbaloms are hand-crafted, with attention to tuning accuracy and sound quality.
Size and Weight	The cimbalom typically measures around 1.3 to 1.5 meters (4.3 to 5 feet) in width and 0.7 to 1 meter (2.3 to 3.3 feet) in depth. It is relatively heavy, usually weighing between 50 to 80 kilograms (110 to 176 pounds), making it a large and stable instrument suitable for stationary performances.
Variations and Customizations	Variations of the cimbalom include differences in size, string arrangement, and the presence of pedal dampers. Some cimbaloms are smaller and more portable, often called “concert cimbaloms,” while traditional models are larger and have more strings for an extended range. Customizations may include decorative inlays or engravings on the wooden frame, as well as personalized mallets for specific tonal effects. In modern versions, some cimbaloms are built with electric pickups to amplify the sound for performances in larger venues or contemporary music settings.
Instrument History	The cimbalom has roots in Eastern European folk music, where it has been used for centuries in Hungary, Romania, and Slovakia. In the 19th century, the modern cimbalom was standardized in Hungary, where it became a prominent instrument in folk and classical music. Composers like Béla Bartók and Zoltán Kodály helped popularize the cimbalom by including it in their compositions, which brought it to the attention of international audiences. Today, the cimbalom remains a celebrated instrument in Eastern European music, symbolizing regional folk traditions and contributing to orchestral and contemporary music worldwide.
Similar Types of Instrument	Santur (Persian Hammered Dulcimer), Yangqin (Chinese Hammered Dulcimer), Hackbrett (German Hammered Dulcimer)
Playing Technique	The cimbalom is played by striking the strings with mallets held in each hand. Players use a variety of striking techniques to produce different sounds, including light taps, quick rolls, and hard strikes for accents. The mallets allow for rapid, complex rhythms and melodic passages, making the cimbalom suitable for both percussive and melodic roles. Advanced players use pedal dampers to control sustain and create expressive phrasing. Mastery of the cimbalom involves precise timing and mallet control, as well as an understanding of traditional Eastern European rhythms and harmonies.
Learning Difficulty	High; learning to play the cimbalom requires coordination, timing, and control over mallet strikes to produce clear, resonant tones. Mastery involves developing rhythmic precision and the ability to control sustain using the pedal dampers. Advanced players must learn complex rhythms, fast-paced patterns, and dynamic expression, making the cimbalom suitable for both rhythmic and melodic playing. An understanding of folk rhythms and classical music forms enhances the cimbalom’s expressive potential.
Notable Musicians or Composers	The cimbalom has been featured by notable musicians such as Kálmán Balogh and Miklós Lukács, both celebrated for their contributions to Hungarian and Eastern European music. Composers like Béla Bartók and Zoltán Kodály have included the cimbalom in their orchestral works, helping to elevate its status in classical music. The instrument is also popular in modern world music and fusion genres, where it is appreciated for its unique sound and rhythmic versatility.
Famous Works	Classical compositions such as “Háry János Suite” by Zoltán Kodály and “Concerto for Orchestra” by Béla Bartók feature the cimbalom, showcasing its role in Hungarian music and classical composition. The cimbalom is also frequently heard in Eastern European folk ensembles and world music albums, where its percussive and melodic qualities add depth to the performance. These works emphasize the cimbalom’s importance in both traditional and modern music.

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Additional Information

Maintenance

Proper maintenance of the cimbalom includes tuning the strings regularly and cleaning the frame and mallets to preserve the instrument’s appearance. The strings should be checked periodically for wear and replaced as needed to maintain a consistent tone. The pedal dampers may require occasional adjustment to ensure smooth operation. The cimbalom should be stored in a dry, stable environment to prevent warping or cracking of the wooden frame. Regular care helps maintain the cimbalom’s sound quality and prolongs its lifespan.

Price Range

Cimbaloms range in price from $3,000 to $10,000, depending on the quality of wood, craftsmanship, and size. Basic models are suitable for students and folk musicians, while professional-grade cimbaloms with high-quality materials and precise tuning are priced at the higher end. Custom-made cimbaloms with decorative elements or specific tuning requirements can also be more expensive, especially those crafted by skilled artisans for concert performances.