Bob Hodges asked, "What's the difference between a hammer dulcimer
and a cymbalom?"
My understanding is that the cymbalom is a large dulcimer, more nearly
chromatic, often with its own legs, so it looks like a small square
piano. It may even have a sustaining pedal and dampers. It really is
a keyless piano.
These were traditional in Hungary in the 1800s. Also called "Pantalon",
after a traveling virtuoso who played the instrument. Allegedly
Liszt's piano style was influenced by hearing these instruments ("Men,
Women, and Pianos").
Mike Knudsen
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