Practical guides
How much does a cimbalom cost: a 2026 price guide
A new concert cimbalom starts at roughly €3,500 and climbs from there; second-hand instruments go for far less. What new and used cimbaloms cost, and what to watch out for.
An independent guide to the cimbalom
One cimbalom,
over a hundred strings.
The cimbalom deserves better than dusty encyclopaedia entries. Guides, prices, schools and bands, everything about the king of Slovak folk music, in one place.
Start here
Three questions people arrive with
Practical guides
How a cimbalom is tuned
A cimbalom has over a hundred strings, which makes tuning a bigger topic than on other instruments. When you can touch it up yourself, and when to call a tuner.
Live music
A cimbalom band for your wedding: what it costs and how to choose one
Cimbalom music is a classic at Slovak weddings. What makes up the price, what to ask a band, and how to book a date so nothing catches you out.
Articles
Latest articles
Live music
A cimbalom band for your wedding: what it costs and how to choose one
Cimbalom music is a classic at Slovak weddings. What makes up the price, what to ask a band, and how to book a date so nothing catches you out.
Learning to play
Where to learn to play the cimbalom
In Slovakia the cimbalom is taught at art schools, conservatoires and university level. An overview of the routes open to children, adult beginners and future professionals.
Practical guides
Cimbalom mallets: types, grip and where to buy them
Mallets are to a cimbalist what the bow is to a violinist. What types exist, how the Moravian and piano grips differ, and where to buy mallets in Slovakia and Czechia.
Practical guides
How a cimbalom is tuned
A cimbalom has over a hundred strings, which makes tuning a bigger topic than on other instruments. When you can touch it up yourself, and when to call a tuner.
Practical guides
How much does a cimbalom cost: a 2026 price guide
A new concert cimbalom starts at roughly €3,500 and climbs from there; second-hand instruments go for far less. What new and used cimbaloms cost, and what to watch out for.
The instrument
A history of the cimbalom: from medieval zithers to the concert stage
How a portable board zither became a concert instrument with 133 strings and a pedal. A short history of the cimbalom in Europe and in Slovakia.
Directory
Who can help you with a cimbalom
Makers and repairs
Workshops in Slovakia and Czechia: new instruments, repairs, tuning.
Coming soonCimbalom bands
Bands by region, with video and an indicative price band.
Coming soonTeachers and schools
Art schools with a cimbalom department, conservatoires, private teachers.
Open →Classifieds
A curated listing of second-hand cimbaloms.
Coming soon