The hammered dulcimer is a stringed musical instrument that consists of a wooden box with strings stretched across it. Musicians play it by striking the strings with small mallets called hammers, producing a bright, resonant sound. The instrument is often used in folk music and can be found in various cultures around the world. Typically, the hammered dulcimer has a trapezoidal shape and can have anywhere from 12 to 100 strings. It is tuned in a way that allows for a wide range of musical notes, making it versatile for different styles. The instrument is popular in traditional music settings and is often featured in ensembles.