Balázs Kovács cimbalom maker master
The cimbalom is one of the most ancient instruments, its different types can be found all over the world. Its recent shape has been developed in Hungary from middle of 19th century, cimbalom made by Schunda V. József was put on legs, equipped with damper system, so it became a concert instrument. The cimbalom has become very popular, a department opened in Budapest in the Music Academy. It got role in national operas. (Erkel Ferenc: Bánk bán, Kodály Zoltán: Háry János). The Schunda factory produced more than 15000 cimbaloms.
The instrument has been improved by Bohák dinasty, its sound strength, sound range was increased. The recent cimbaloms are made according to their innovation. In 1970 after jr. Bohák Lajos retirement István Jancsó preserved the tradition, he developed the instrument at a very high level. He also dealt with training of students, so I got involved into this profession.
I finished the Music Training Scool of Liszt Ferenc Music Academy in 1993, after I worked in the repair workshop of instrumen makers of Kozmosz Industrial Cooperative. Beside making cimbalom I learned the profession of making piano as well, I was taking part in general repair of piano, in tuning of piano, cimbalom on location.
I took over the guide of the cimbalom workshop after the retirement of Istvan Jancso in 2006, at the firm of Opera Pianoroom, which took over the name of Kozmosz Indusrtal Cooperative. I took a master exam in 2007, from 2018 I work totally independently.
As my predecessors I made cimbalom to several countries of the world, to music schools, to bigger music institutes. I am trying to comply the expectation what my master said, when I got my master degree: „Preserve the reputation of the Hungarian cimbalom”
