A psaltery is an instrument that has existed since ancient times. Psalteries dating back to medieval times were merely wooden boards with strings that were struck or plucked. Later ones consisted of hollow boxes with sound holes. The psaltery played today is one that is bowed and this type was introduced much later.
The delight of playing the bowed psaltery has been discovered by many individuals today. It is not only the ethereal sounds that attract players but the fact that beginners can easily learn to play songs by numbers without knowing how to read music. Note guides have a letter for each note printed on it. The music has each note identified with its corresponding letter. Those with a musical background master can master it almost immediately.
The main attraction of such an instrument is the sounds it can produce. The strings are closely placed so that when a string is played, the others pick up the vibrations. The sounds produced are described as haunting, ethereal and the notes are sustained, seeming to hang in the air. This sound seems out of proportion with its fairly small size. The instrument is fully chromatic with strings on the right side producing natural notes and those down the left providing the sharps and flats.
There have been continual improvements to these instruments over the years and those being constructed today are far superior to the earliest ones. They are built by craftsmen who have to combine a knowledge of woodwork, musical knowledge and artistic abilities. The instruments produced are not only durable and comfortable to play but are real works of art.
The type of wood used in construction of this instrument affects durability as well as the sounds produced. Some woods conduct sound better than others and this is why a lighter wood must be used for the top so as to better transfer the vibrations of strings. The body has to be strong enough to support the tension the strings exert and woods like walnut, birch, cherry and maple are used for this purpose.
The craftsman has to make sure that each string has exactly the right vibrating length. Too tight and the string breaks or too loose and the right sounds are not created. The placing of the hitch pins where each string begins is important. Tuning pins at the other end are used to loosen or tighten the strings.
The psaltery is played by bowing only one string at a time. Only the sides of an instrument are played as the bow is run between the pins on either side. The instrument is held with the left hand and the tip of the triangle away from the body. The base fits inside the elbow or against the abdomen. The right hand is then free to hold the bow and play the notes.
A psaltery is usually fairly expensive due to the time and skills required to make it. However, the fact that even those with no musical background can learn to play in a short amount of time, makes it a very rewarding instrument to own. A bow is usually included with purchase as well as a number of other accessories. Songbooks, music sheets and other instructions on how to play are often included too.
The delight of playing the bowed psaltery has been discovered by many individuals today. It is not only the ethereal sounds that attract players but the fact that beginners can easily learn to play songs by numbers without knowing how to read music. Note guides have a letter for each note printed on it. The music has each note identified with its corresponding letter. Those with a musical background master can master it almost immediately.
The main attraction of such an instrument is the sounds it can produce. The strings are closely placed so that when a string is played, the others pick up the vibrations. The sounds produced are described as haunting, ethereal and the notes are sustained, seeming to hang in the air. This sound seems out of proportion with its fairly small size. The instrument is fully chromatic with strings on the right side producing natural notes and those down the left providing the sharps and flats.
There have been continual improvements to these instruments over the years and those being constructed today are far superior to the earliest ones. They are built by craftsmen who have to combine a knowledge of woodwork, musical knowledge and artistic abilities. The instruments produced are not only durable and comfortable to play but are real works of art.
The type of wood used in construction of this instrument affects durability as well as the sounds produced. Some woods conduct sound better than others and this is why a lighter wood must be used for the top so as to better transfer the vibrations of strings. The body has to be strong enough to support the tension the strings exert and woods like walnut, birch, cherry and maple are used for this purpose.
The craftsman has to make sure that each string has exactly the right vibrating length. Too tight and the string breaks or too loose and the right sounds are not created. The placing of the hitch pins where each string begins is important. Tuning pins at the other end are used to loosen or tighten the strings.
The psaltery is played by bowing only one string at a time. Only the sides of an instrument are played as the bow is run between the pins on either side. The instrument is held with the left hand and the tip of the triangle away from the body. The base fits inside the elbow or against the abdomen. The right hand is then free to hold the bow and play the notes.
A psaltery is usually fairly expensive due to the time and skills required to make it. However, the fact that even those with no musical background can learn to play in a short amount of time, makes it a very rewarding instrument to own. A bow is usually included with purchase as well as a number of other accessories. Songbooks, music sheets and other instructions on how to play are often included too.
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