Hammered Dulcimer

Hammered Dulcimer - Mit Schlägeln gespieltes Hackbrett

Das Hammered Dulcimer, auch als Hackbrett bekannt, ist ein Saiteninstrument, das aufgrund der Tonerzeugung (Schlägel) zu den Schlaginstrumenten gezählt wird.  Das Team um Cinematique Instruments legte großen Wert darauf das Instrument so authentisch wie nur möglich zu reproduzieren. Das Instrument wurde in  zwei verschiedenen Positionen aufgenommen, einmal von oben mit einem Neumann U87 Stereo Set und einmal von unten mit einem Kondensator-Mikrofon. Diese Vorgehensweise deckt ein weites Klangspektrum ab und ermöglicht es Ihnen den Gesamt-Mix ganz nach Belieben zu definieren.

Weitere Details in englischer Sprache:

We recorded the hammered dulcimer in two microphone positions. At the top of the instrument, we placed - in an ms stereo set-up - a pair of Neumann U87s, and at the bottom, we put a single condenser. These two positions cover a wide range of sound. We played the hammered dulcimer in minor thirds and concentrated mainly on three different articulations. Firstly we recorded the "normal" notes, which means we hit the strings with the typical small wooden mallets; we called this articulation "Mallet".

Furthermore, we struck the strings with a drum stick and called the articulation "Sticks". Finally, we recorded an articulation where we hit the strings with a timpani mallet and damped the strings with the palm of the hand, which we named "Muted". For the "Plec" articulations, we plucked the strings using a plectrum, and "Vintage" is a remnant of previous versions of this instrument. These articulations were recorded in 4 round robin variations and up to 4 velocity layers.

Besides this, we cared most about producing the typical Hammered Dulcimer tremolo. The mod-wheel controls this roll-like tremolo, and you can control the tremolo tempo from slow to fast by turning the wheel. We included a random factor that automatically affects the tempo and velocity to avoid sounding artificial. Furthermore, we added several functions and effects such as reverb control, distortion and an octaver. This expands the entire sound of the hammered dulcimer and gives you many options.

We came out with an instrument that enriches your music with a nice and organic feel, whether you used it as a solo or just as a background instrument.

Full Kontakt Version 5.8.1. or later required