The earlier origins of the épinette des Vosges remain unknown, though some believe the instrument was introduced by the Swedes during the Thirty Years' War.

Instruments of this family, formerly widespread throughout Europe, are now primarily found in Norway (the langeleik), Iceland (the langspil), Flanders (the hummel), Hungary, as well as France.

A parallel instrument, the Appalachian dulcimer is found in rural mountain areas of the Eastern United States.

The number of frets increased from fourteen to seventeen during the 19th century, giving it a range of two and a half octaves.

In addition to the diatonic épinette, there are epinettes with added frets for each semi-tone, in order to compose the chromatic scale.

The table below presents a basic example (the arrangements of the drones varies according to their number and the player's tastes) The possible modes are: