In terms of its distribution, the world dulcimer system can be roughly divided into three systems: the European dulcimer system, the West-South Asian dulcimer system, and the Chinese dulcimer system.

What is the European dulcimer system like?

The European dulcimer system includes all European countries and North America and Oceania, which were formerly European colonies. The names of the dulcimer are mainly Desima, Lon Tairi, Simbaro, High Kebli and so on. In the 15th century, the dulcimer gradually spread in various European countries, from the court to the commoners, and became a fashionable musical instrument in the Renaissance. During the period of classical music, European dulcimer began to flourish, and professional composers created many dulcimer sonatas, concertos and ensembles. The dulcimer also became an important instrument in Eastern European folk and gypsy bands

What is the West-South Asian dulcimer system?

Xiangxi-South Asian dulcimer system is in the background of Arab-Islamic culture and Indian subcontinent culture. The dulcimer of this system, commonly known as "Sangel", is said to have arrived in Iran in the 17th century and became a common instrument of court music, mainly used by the Iranian Muqam band to play dastagah and to accompany art songs. Dulcimer is also very popular in Iraq, and TV stations often broadcast dulcimer programs for the "Baghdad Band", playing instrumental improvisations Taksim and Iraqi Muqam music. The dulcimer of the Turkish Caucasus also plays an important role in local folk music. South Asian dulcimer has a relatively short history. After reformation, Indian dulcimer is also good at expressing the glissando rhythm of "Gera". This system of dulcimer has a small body and a narrow range. It uses a single movable tone code to facilitate moving and changing the tone. The left code is octave on both sides, and the strings are struck with a lighter mallet. Its temperament is more complex, the Arabic dulcimer has 24 equal temperaments, and the Indian dulcimer has 22 tones in every octave, forming a completely different exotic color and style from European and Chinese dulcimer.

What is the Chinese dulcimer system?

The Chinese dulcimer system, including the dulcimers in Korea, Japan, Mongolia, Thailand and Southeast Asia, all come from the transliteration of Chinese dulcimer. The names of Chinese dulcimer are: dulcimer, knocking qin, butterfly qin, etc. The earliest recorded dulcimer picture and text found so far is in the book "Okinawa and Chinese Performing Arts" written by Ryukyu native Xi Mingsheng Zhao: In 1663, Zhang Xueli, a Chinese envoy to Ryukyu, used the dulcimer in his singing performance. Yaoqin). In the appendix of the book there are pictures of playing dulcimer. The performer wears Ming Dynasty clothing, and plays with a bamboo (qinlan) in hand. The surface of the qin is trapezoidal. There are two bridges and engravings on the panel. It shows that in the 17th century, dulcimer has been passed down to my country, and it has been more popular in the Ming Dynasty.