Hammers The instrument is referred to as "hammered" in reference to the small mallets (referred to as hammers) that players use to strike the strings. Hammers are usually made of wood (most likely hardwoods such as maple, cherry, padauk, oak, walnut, or any other hardwood), but can also be made from any material, including metal and plastic. In the Western hemisphere, hammers are usually stiff, but in Asia, flexible hammers are often used. The head of the hammer can be left bare for a sharp attack sound, or can be covered with adhesive tape, leather, or fabric for a softer sound. Two-sided hammers are also available. The heads of two sided hammers are usually oval or round. Most of the time, one side is left as bare wood while the other side may be covered in leather or a softer material such as piano felt.
Hammers The instrument is referred to as "hammered" in reference to the small mallets (referred to as hammers) that players use to strike the strings Hammers are usually made of wood (most likely hardwoods such as maple cherry padauk oak walnut or any other hardwood) but can also be made from any material including metal and plastic In the Western hemisphere hammers are usually stiff but in Asia flexible hammers are often used The head of the hammer can be left bare for a sharp attack sound or can be covered with adhesive tape leather or fabric for a softer sound Two-sided hammers are also available The heads of two sided hammers are usually oval or round Most of the time one side is left as bare wood while the other side may be covered in leather or a softer material such as piano felt