Secondary Backup Hammers I play a hammered dulcimer and as the name suggests, it requires hammers to play. These hammers come in all sizes, shapes and materials although most are carved from wood. The length is standard (9 inches and a bit more), the end that hits the strings can be a simple, solid mallet shape like a “D” or a tear-drop shape with fancy carvings. In the end though, one could use a couple of spoons to hit the strings and in an emergency. Two, one in each hand and either together or sequentially, the player hits selected strings. Considering the size of the instrument, the number of notes and finding the blasted tune (I know it’s here somewhere!?!), playing one isn’t for the dilettante. So I have my favorite set (fancy carved DS--Dusty Strings Instruments , wood on one side, leather on the other) a secondary set (similar shape, leather and felt--no carving but ugly), a tertiary set (simple round hole, wood and leather), and a quaterna...