Ever heard a dulcimer?

The dulcimer is an old-fashioned instrument, with a very distinctive sound.

There are two main types of dulcimer, the mountain dulcimer, also called the Appalachian dulcimer, and the bowed dulcimer.

The mountain dulcimer usually has 3 or 4 strings, and sits on your lap.  It is played by plucking.

You see these a lot at bluegrass festivals.

The bowed dulcimer has an even more distinctive sound.  Very other worldly.  As indicated by the name, it's played by a bow.  Some people use a single bow, and others use two.

Read more about dulcimers by visiting this page.