Free Cimbalom Samples And Virtual Instruments For Music Production

The cimbalom, often referred to as "the queen of dulcimers," is a distinctive stringed instrument with an extensive range that has been featured in numerous film scores and musical genres. For musicians and composers seeking authentic cimbalom sounds, various free samples and virtual instruments are available, along with commercial options for those requiring higher-quality or more specialized sounds. This article explores the free cimbalom samples and alternatives currently accessible to producers, along with information about commercial products for comparison.

Free Cimbalom Loops and Samples

Several online platforms offer free cimbalom samples that can be used in music production. Looperman.com provides a collection of royalty-free cimbalom loops and sounds uploaded by users for both commercial and non-commercial use. The platform features loops with different characteristics, including examples in various keys and tempos. One available loop is described as "Dark Loop / Starter" with a tempo of 130bpm in D# minor, while another is titled "manna like manna like." Additionally, the site includes a sample that explicitly references the cimbalom's association with Sherlock Holmes films and Romani music.

Users downloading these free loops are encouraged to leave comments about their usage and to share what they create with the samples. The samples are available under the platform's terms and conditions, which specify the licensing terms for commercial and non-commercial use. For those interested in exploring more cimbalom content, Looperman recommends using the advanced search function, as the list only shows loops that include "cimbalom" in the title or description.

Free Cimbalom Virtual Instruments

Beyond individual loops, some free virtual instruments offer cimbalom-like sounds that may serve as alternatives for producers. According to a forum discussion on Vi-control.net, Spitfire Labs Dulcimer is mentioned as a free option that provides excellent sound quality, with one user noting that it "has a better sound than chargeable ones" while emphasizing that it is completely free.

Another option mentioned in the same discussion is ProjectSAM's TrueStrike 2, which includes a standard instrument plus a patch with what the manufacturer calls "phrases" that include effects sounds, glissando effects, and tremolo patterns that can simulate cimbalom textures. While not exclusively a cimbalom library, these tools provide producers with free alternatives that capture similar tonal qualities and performance techniques.

Commercial Cimbalom Sample Libraries

For those requiring more comprehensive or higher-quality cimbalom samples, several commercial options are available. The Moldova Concert Cimbalom, offered by Precisionsound, is a detailed sample library based on an instrument made in the Republic of Moldova in 1990. The library features recordings by Igor Iachimciuc, recognized as one of the best cimbalom players and composers in Moldova.

The recording utilized three pairs of mallets—soft mallets from Hungary, medium mallets from Moldova, and hard mallets from Romania. Each note in the instrument's range was recorded in three velocity layers for all mallet types, in both sustained and damped versions. Additional articulations include harmonics (sustained), the cimbalom played with nails (pizzicato), and a selection of clusters and effects.

The library contains 1,208 24-bit stereo WAV files and includes programs for Kontakt 3+, EXS24, HALion, and other samplers. The total compressed size is 2.15 GB. Notably, this library does not work with the free Kontakt Player and requires the full version of Kontakt.

Jambalom.com offers the JAMbalom Grand Cimbalom, which is based on a Bohak concert cimbalom sampled and mapped to create a virtual instrument. Unlike the Moldova Concert Cimbalom, JAMbalom Grand Cimbalom is compatible with both the full version of Kontakt and the free Kontakt Player. The library is NKS ready, allowing for seamless integration with compatible Native Instruments hardware.

JAMbalom Grand Cimbalom is compatible with MacOS 11 or higher and Windows 10 or higher, and it works as a standalone application or as a plugin in DAWs supporting VST, VST3, AU, and AAX formats. The library includes audio demos composed using the instrument, showcasing its capabilities in various musical contexts.

Technical Specifications and System Requirements

Different cimbalom sample libraries have varying technical specifications and system requirements. The Moldova Concert Cimbalom was recorded using two AKG 414 microphones for stereo representation and processed on a Pro Tools system. All samples were recorded at 24 bits and 44.1 kHz sample rate. The library includes both sustain and damped staccato samples, with the ability to switch between these by using the sustain pedal.

JAMbalom Grand Cimbalom has similar system requirements, supporting MacOS 11 or higher and Windows 10 or higher. It offers compatibility with multiple plugin formats, making it versatile for different digital audio workstations. The library's NKS compatibility ensures that hardware controls are properly mapped when used with compatible Native Instruments instruments.

For those using free options like Spitfire Labs Dulcimer, specific technical requirements are not detailed in the source material, but they likely align with the minimum requirements for running Kontakt Player or similar sampling software.

Licensing and Usage Rights

The licensing terms for cimbalom samples vary depending on the source. Free samples from Looperman.com are provided on a royalty-free basis, subject to the platform's terms and conditions. Users are encouraged to leave comments when utilizing these samples, and they must adhere to copyright guidelines and upload policies.

Commercial libraries like Moldova Concert Cimbalom and JAMbalom Grand Cimbalom come with specific license agreements. According to Precisionsound's terms, their libraries are licensed, not sold, to the single user. The purchase grants the non-exclusive right to use the samples in music and audiovisual productions, including soundtracks, music productions, television shows, live performances, advertisements, and video games.

Jambalom.com's licensing terms are not detailed in the provided source material, but the compatibility with both Kontakt and Kontakt Player suggests a similar per-user licensing model.

Cimbalom in Film and Popular Music

The cimbalom has been featured in numerous film soundtracks, contributing distinctive ethnic textures and unique sonic colors. According to Jambalom.com, notable films that include cimbalom music are Captain Blood (1935), Christmas in Connecticut (1945), The Ipcress File (1965), The Black Stallion (1979), Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (1984), The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002), Sherlock Holmes (2009), and The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014). These examples demonstrate the instrument's versatility and enduring appeal in cinematic scoring.

Conclusion

For musicians and composers seeking cimbalom sounds, a range of options is available, from free loops and virtual instruments to comprehensive commercial sample libraries. Free resources like those on Looperman.com and Spitfire Labs Dulcimer provide accessible entry points for producers on a budget, while commercial offerings like Moldova Concert Cimbalom and JAMbalom Grand Cimbalom deliver higher fidelity and more extensive articulations for professional applications.

When selecting cimbalom samples, producers should consider factors such as sound quality, articulation coverage, compatibility with their existing software and hardware, and licensing terms that align with their intended usage. With both free and paid options available, cimbalom sounds are accessible to producers at various levels and budgets, enabling the distinctive timbre of this "queen of dulcimers" to continue enriching contemporary music and sound design.

Sources

1. Free Cimbalom Loops & Sounds
2. Moldova Concert Cimbalom
3. Spec Me a Cimbalom
4. JAMbalom Grand Cimbalom