Graphite handle hammers

[jack]

I like the term "Hackbrettschlägel", sounds much more interesting than Dulcimer Hammers. There's also the Santur Mezrab (there's some interesting stuff here about a "New Design" of Mezrab www.rezavarzandeh.com/santur_assembly.htm ). Maybe we could have a list of alternative names for hammers.

For a start we could have the Glaswegian name - Weegieboardclatterers

[jack]

I finally got my Hackbrettschlägel today. They are very nice indeed. They are extremely light but give a nice tone. I'm still trying to get used to holding them between my fingers but I'm not sure if I'm doing it right. Maybe some of the hackbrett players could advise on correct technique, i.e. should I hold them near to my finger tips and what to do with my thumbs? Should they rest on the back of the handle?

Jack

[Nikita]

Hi Jack,
how you hold your hammersa between the 2 first fingers depends a bit of the hammers, and the instrument. Cymbalum players hold them very near the palm of the hand (but they alos tend to hold hands more horizontally than most...). Hackbrett and santour players hold them towards the tips of the fingers. Personnally I hold them at the tip, which makes it easier to turn them round, as most hackbrett hammers are double-sided, one side felted, one with the wood...
as for the thumb : I let it rest on the backpart (?) of the hammer, sometimes using it to get an effect. Other players leave it on the index finger...
Just try different manners, till you get comfortable (good way of making the best of your new leisure time )

[jack]

Thanks Nikita. They are the same as the ones in the picture Capa49 posted.

[capa49]

Enjoy your new Hackbrettschlägel!!