CIMBALOM

stringed instrument, an elaborate dulcimer used in small musical ensembles by central European gypsies. It has a chromatic compass of four octaves and, unlike other dulcimers, has a pedal mechanism for damping the strings. Each note has three to five metal strings, some bridged into two or three parts. The strings are struck by small, spoon-shaped wooden hammers covered on each side with hard and soft leather to produce two distinct tone qualities. The instrument body is a trapezoid in shape and stands on four legs. Cimbalom players perform mainly by ear and add to the effect of a small orchestra with florid extemporization. The cimbalom was used by Kodly in Hry Jnos and by Stravinsky in Ragtime and Le Renard.