The cimbalom - cimbulje
Turčišće, Međimurje, 1932
wood (maple), wood (walnut), cotton, wire
craftwork
instrument = 11 x 60 x 112 cm
the lengtht of beaters = 30 cm
the lengtht of key = 14 cm
Et 22095
The collection of Musical Instruments
The cimbalom is crafted from maple wood. The sound is produced by striking two beaters against the strings which differ in thickness. The instrument is mounted on four legs: the two front legs are shorter, and the two hind legs are taller, so the cimbalom is slightly tilted forward. The beaters (“bateki”) are crafted from walnut wood. The striking ends are wrapped with cotton.
The T-shaped tuning key is crafted from iron.
The cimbalom was commonly crafted by self-taught villagers who also played it. Manufactured cimbaloms are often encountered. In addition to this cimbalom, there are cimbaloms which can be played suspended by a strap around the player’s neck, or set on a table before the musician.
