Psalterion of hakkebord
The dulcimer was played using hand-held hammers and may thus be seen as the forerunner of the piano. The variable dynamics and magical expression of the so-called Pantalon, the giant dulcimer invented by Pantaleon Hebenstreit (1668–1750), inspired many harpsichord makers to find hammer actions for their instruments. This small instrument belonged to Stadtholder Willem v.