The cimbalom is a massive, pedal-operated evolution of the traditional hammered dulcimer

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Designed in 1874, the concert cimbalom transformed a simple folk instrument into a sophisticated, chromatic powerhouse. With its heavy dampers, metal bracing, and expansive range, this trapezoidal chordophone moved from village tables to the world's most prestigious concert halls, becoming a secret weapon for composers and film score legends alike.

The modern concert cimbalom was the brainchild of V. Josef Schunda, who debuted his refined design in 1873 at the Vienna World's Fair. By 1874, he began serial production in Budapest, modifying existing folk dulcimers to create a larger, more stable instrument. Schunda’s innovations included adding four detachable legs, a metal internal brace for stability, and heavy dampers that allowed players to control the resonance of the strings. These improvements, alongside an extended string length and redesigned bridge positions, significantly enhanced the instrument's tonal quality and musical range.

Musically, the concert cimbalom is a fully chromatic chordophone. While early folk versions were played on barrels or tables, Schunda's concert model standardized a four-octave range, which has since been expanded by modern makers to cover five octaves from AA to a′′′. The instrument is played by striking strings with two cotton-wound sticks. Its unique sound—often described as having a 'foreign' or exotic quality—has made it a favorite for film composers like John Williams, Hans Zimmer, and Alexandre Desplat, who have used it to evoke everything from the sneaky nature of Gollum to the atmosphere of the 1930s and 40s.

Beyond the concert stage, the cimbalom maintains deep roots in Central and Eastern Europe, particularly in Hungary, Romania, Moldova, and Ukraine. While the concert version remains a staple in professional orchestras, smaller, portable variants are still crafted for folk ensembles. Schools of performance have flourished across the region, from the conservatories of Chişinău and Bucharest to the specialized training centers in Debrecen and Athens. Today, the instrument continues to bridge the gap between traditional folk heritage and contemporary experimental music, proving its versatility across genres.

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