# Trapezoid - Hammered Dulcimer — Authentic Hammered Dulcimer > Authentic virtual hammered dulcimer instrument app for iPad. (iPhone/iPad app by Michael Eskin.) - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/trapezoid-hammered-dulcimer/id1062108541 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`) - Developer: [Michael Eskin](https://appshunter.io/developer/342739369) - Category: Music, Music, Education - Price: $2.99 - Rating: 3.86/5 from 7 App Store ratings · 11 written reviews indexed - Age rating: 4+ - Requires: iOS 10.0 · 73 MB - Languages: English - Released: 2015-12-14 - Data updated: 2026-06-01 - Monetization: paid - User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/trapezoid-hammered-dulcimer/id1062108541/reviews.md ## What is Trapezoid? Trapezoid is an amazing Hammered Dulcimer for the iPad. Written by an experienced Hammered Dulcimer player, this virtual dulcimer sounds and plays like the real thing! The app has the full range of a standard 15/14 instrument and supports both Standard and Michigan (octave) tunings. 15/14 means there are 15 bridges on the Treble (left) side of the instrument, 14 bridges on the Bass (right) side of the instrument. To play, just touch the strings on either side of the left (Treble) bridge or the left side of the right (Bass) bridge just like on the real instrument. To get repeated note "drag roll" effects, drag quickly horizontally across the strings. The drag roll sensitivity can be set on the settings screen. The higher the sensitivity, the shorter distance you need to move your finger to get the effect. Toggle between Hard or Soft hammers sound by touching on the "Hard" or "Soft" label on the upper left corner of the screen. The app also may be played from a MIDI keyboard connected to a hardware MIDI interface or other MIDI controller or MIDI file player apps. When playing via MIDI, the app is velocity sensitive based on the velocity sent with the Note-on events. Lowest MIDI note is A2 (MIDI note 45). MIDI range is fully chromatic from A2 to D6. When playing via MIDI, the volume is based on the Treble bridge notes volume. The app will respond to MIDI volume messages on the selected MIDI channel. Touch the "?" on the upper left corner to show the note names for the strings. Touch the "i" on the upper left corner to show the settings screen where you may: - Adjust the volume and right/left panning for the bass and treble bridges - Choose between "Traditional" or "StrikeZones" instrument styles The new "StrikeZones" instrument style shows you exactly where to touch on the screen for each note. The zones light up when touched. It is an excellent tool for understanding or teaching the layout of the instrument. - Choose between Standard or Michigan (octave) tunings - Show or hide the hammer touches - Show or hide the note name highlights (when note labels are displayed) - Enable or disable the drag rolls as well as set the sensitivity for how far you need to drag to get the roll effect - Set the MIDI channel. Lowest MIDI note is 45 (A2) - Using the "Soft Hammer Filter" control, choose between equalization of the soft hammer sounds for best sound through the iPad speaker or through headphones. The "iPad" setting optimizes the soft hammer equalization for playback through the iPad speaker. The "Headphones" setting optimizes the soft hammer sound equalization for headphones or for use when connected to an amplifier through the headphone jack. The "Headphones" setting allows more of the low frequency content of the sound to pass through for best quality. On the iPad Pro, with its amazing stero speakers, set the "Soft Hammer Filter" to "Headphones" for best quality sound when playing with the soft hammers. - Learn more about ThumbJam or visit the AppCordions website Touch the "Shhh" button on the upper right corner to quiet all the ringing strings. To truly experience the full stereo spread of the instrument, plug in a set of headphones or amplified speakers. Audio samples of Wes Chappell's amazing dulcimer provided by Jesse Chappell from ThumbJam.com. The instrument was built by James Jones, from Bedford, VA. I have played and taught the Hammered Dulcimer for over 20 years. This app sounds and plays as close to the real instrument as I'm capable of doing on a touch screen. Be sure to visit the AppCordions.com website to watch the demo videos! ## Key features - Authentic hammered dulcimer sound and playability - Full range of a 15/14 instrument - Standard and Michigan (octave) tunings - Drag roll effects for repeated notes - Hard or soft hammer sound options - MIDI keyboard support with velocity sensitivity - Adjustable volume, panning, and strike zones ## Recent user reviews (10 of 11) All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/trapezoid-hammered-dulcimer/id1062108541/reviews.md ### 4/5 — Very cool instrument *2019-08-27, version 3.4* I love the way this plays. Picked out a melody before I understood the unique features of the tuning. Great to learn a new way to make music. Down one star because no AUv3 support, which any current iPad music app should include. I'd pay again for a new version including AUv3. A way to increase the damping would also be welcome, since the notes ring for quite a long time. ### 1/5 — No more tracking? *2018-06-11, version 3.1* The dev removed Audiobus and IAA functionality. It's useless to me now. I can no longer use it to record tracks. Sounded great but I can get the sound from ThumbJam. I liked the layout of the dulcimer. It inspires you to play it like a real dulcimer. Easy come, easy go. ### 5/5 — Simple yet pleasant to play *2017-12-26* I was looking for something simple yet enjoyable to play. I'm a musician but not a string or chording type player, but even so, I was able to work out Greensleeves in about 10 minutes. So much more relaxing than silly pointless game apps. Thanks. ### 5/5 — Amazing! *2016-12-10, version 3.0* I LOVE THIS APP! It's the best app I've run across lately. If I'd known it existed I would have downloaded it ages ago. What a wonderful tool in teaching, practicing and playing the dulcimer. So realistic, good job!!! ### 5/5 — Great app *2016-09-22, version 3.0* I'm brand-new to hammer dulcimer is. I haven't gotten my instrument yet but this app is very realistically teaching me the way the notes are laid out. I had an intro lesson on actual instrument and this is really good. I was able to work out several songs already. Great job and I'll be using this to help tune my hammer dulcimer when I get it. ### 5/5 — Great realistic sound *2016-08-01, version 3.0* Love his apps. I have the Dulcimer app (hammered). What impressed me was the realistic sound on my iPad. I've found it useful on long trips to try out tunes (as a passenger, of course😉). I've even dropped in on the occasional workshop & have used it to try out whatever technique is being taught. I especially like the fact that I have the option to tune the Dulcimer in Michigan Tuning (octaves) like my Webster Dulcimer or in the Fifth tuned style. Very handy as I teach to folks who have both tunings. ### 4/5 — Cool but cheap *2016-05-04, version 3.0* Very cool little app. Added a star because it was only 99 cents. The samples are noisy, a slight hiss accompanies each press of the note which would require some serious gating or EQ to make them usable for music production. MIDI implementation would be nice. As it is, it's cool for generating ideas based on the dulcimer tuning, or if you're looking to learn how to play the instrument. ### 5/5 — Good quality HD app, good price *2016-02-01* This is the third HD app I tried and was the best until the same developer brought out a dusty strings version D550. This app is however very satisfactory and a bit cheaper, so still a good choice you won't regret. It works well on my ancient mini iPad. The sound samples are good based on a James Jones (which I also play in real life) and the range is 15/14, better than the alternatives with the exception of the D550. There's an interesting tuning option too, Michigan tuning which gives you a traditional octave bass. You do lose a couple of high accidentally but get some nice low bass notes. Fun to try out. This is a serious app for practice on the go. Good for working on new tunes and arrangements, or even writing your own. There is no recording mode and there won't be, but if you are seriously interested in doing that there's a midi version which means it could be a midi input to a recording app or computer. Worth getting the iPhone version too if you are likely to travel without your iPad. The app has seen some recent development so support is good, too. ### 5/5 — Great emulation of a unique instrument *2016-01-30, version 2.1.1* I know that I will likely never buy or own a dulcimer, but this app gives me the most realistic simulation of the real thing. It sounds brilliant, and is very fun to play. Definitely recommend! ### 5/5 — Trapezoid *2016-01-02* Brilliant! I've always wanted to try playing a hammered dulcimer, but cost, difficulty of carrying it around and the complexities of tuning it left it to be one of the dreams that could not be fulfilled. This app provides a dulcimer that is always in tune, has two tuning modes that can be accessed by the touch of a button, is easily carried and can be played without annoying others with my mistakes in playing. Plus I can carry it through airport security without hassles and it won't go out of tune in all the climatic variations of Australia. Best of all it's cheap. ## Frequently asked questions about Trapezoid ### What is Trapezoid? Trapezoid is a virtual hammered dulcimer app for iPad. It aims to replicate the sound and playing experience of a real hammered dulcimer, offering a full range of notes and customizable tunings. ### Does Trapezoid have ads? No, Trapezoid does not contain advertisements. It is a paid application that offers an uninterrupted musical experience. ### What tunings does Trapezoid support? Trapezoid supports both Standard and Michigan (octave) tunings. The app features 15 bridges on the treble side and 14 on the bass side, mimicking a 15/14 instrument. ### Can I use a MIDI keyboard with Trapezoid? Yes, Trapezoid can be played from a MIDI keyboard connected via a hardware interface or other MIDI controller apps. It is velocity sensitive and responds to MIDI volume messages. ### What is the 'StrikeZones' instrument style? The 'StrikeZones' style is an educational feature that visually highlights where to touch on the screen for each note. The zones light up when touched, making it easier to learn the instrument's layout. ### How does Trapezoid handle sound quality? Trapezoid offers adjustable volume and panning for bass and treble bridges. It also includes a 'Soft Hammer Filter' to optimize soft hammer sounds for iPad speakers or headphones/amplifiers. ### What is the price of Trapezoid? Trapezoid is available for a one-time purchase of $2.99. This grants you full access to all its features without any in-app purchases or subscriptions. ### How often is Trapezoid updated? The app was last updated on June 15, 2018, to version 3.4. While updates have not been frequent recently, the current version offers a stable and comprehensive hammered dulcimer experience. ## Version history (last 5 releases) ### 3.4 — 2018-06-15 This app has been updated by Apple to display the Apple Watch app icon. The app may now be played from a MIDI keyboard connected to a hardware MIDI interface or other MIDI controller or MIDI file player apps. Added velocity-sensitive MIDI control. Lowest note is A2 (MIDI note 45). MIDI range is fully chromatic from A2 to D6. When playing via MIDI, the volume is based on the Treble bridge notes volume. Set the MIDI channel on the controls page. The app will respond to MIDI volume messages on the selected MIDI channel. Performance improvements: Works with more General MIDI player apps. Added support for MIDI Volume messages when used as a MIDI sound module. ### 3.3 — 2018-06-13 The app may now be played from a MIDI keyboard connected to a hardware MIDI interface or other MIDI controller or MIDI file player apps. Added velocity-sensitive MIDI control. Lowest note is A2 (MIDI note 45). MIDI range is fully chromatic from A2 to D6. When playing via MIDI, the volume is based on the Treble bridge notes volume. Set the MIDI channel on the controls page. Bug fixes and performance improvements: Works with more General MIDI player apps. More robust MIDI data parser. ### 3.2.1 — 2018-06-12 The app may now be played from a MIDI keyboard connected to a hardware MIDI interface or other MIDI controller apps. Added velocity-sensitive MIDI control. Lowest note is A2 (MIDI note 45). MIDI range is fully chromatic from A2 to D6. When playing via MIDI, the volume is based on the Treble bridge notes volume. Set the MIDI channel on the controls page. Removed AudioBus and IAA features. Bug fixes and performance improvements: Fixed issue with MIDI Controllers that send Note-On events with velocity zero instead of sending Note-Off events. ### 3.1.2 — 2018-06-11 The app may now be played from a MIDI keyboard connected to a hardware MIDI interface or other MIDI controller apps. Added velocity-sensitive MIDI control. Lowest note is A2 (MIDI note 45). MIDI range is fully chromatic from A2 to D6. When playing via MIDI, the volume is based on the Treble bridge notes volume. Set the MIDI channel on the controls page. Removed AudioBus and IAA features. Bug fixes and performance improvements. ### 3.1.1 — 2018-06-11 Added velocity-sensitive MIDI control. Lowest note is A2 (MIDI note 45). MIDI range is fully chromatic from A2 through D6. Set the MIDI channel on the controls page. Removed AudioBus and IAA features. Bug fixes and performance improvements. ## Apps similar to Trapezoid | App | Rating | Price | Category | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Effects And Processing Course](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/effects-and-processing-course/id976759980) | — | $6.99 | Music | | [JAX P2 - Pitch Shifter II](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/jax-p2-pitch-shifter-ii/id1533091474) | 5.0 (1) | $14.99 | Music | | [Element Exploring Course](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/element-exploring-course/id1031693340) | — | $6.99 | Music | | [The Mix in The Art of Recoding](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/the-mix-in-the-art-of-recoding/id1035416080) | — | $6.99 | Music | | [Guitar Skills Monthly](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/guitar-skills-monthly/id1033029900) | 4.5 (2) | Free | Music | | [KA mini Xun](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/ka-mini-xun/id6479740933) | 5.0 (1) | $1.99 | Music | ## More apps by Michael Eskin - [Concertina - Anglo Concertina](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/concertina-anglo-concertina/id343270484) - [Regulators for Uilleann Pipes](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/regulators-for-uilleann-pipes/id348529289) - [JustDrones - Tunable Just Intonation Drones](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/justdrones-tunable-just-intonation-drones/id348861427) - [Englitina - English Concertina](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/englitina-english-concertina/id349451473) - [Uilleann - Pocket Irish Pipes](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/uilleann-pocket-irish-pipes/id353684178) - [Canntina - MacCann Concertina](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/canntina-maccann-concertina/id360579654) All apps by Michael Eskin: https://appshunter.io/developer/342739369 --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-01.*