The bowed psaltery makes a unique sound described by many as ethereal. It has a triangular shape and strings run down both sides. Natural tones are made on the one side and sharps and flats on the other. This instrument may look complicated because it has so many strings, but only one string is bowed at a time. It is usually cradled in the arm and the bow is drawn over a string to play a note and then moved on to another string to play another note.
Psalteries are ancient instruments and the early versions consisted of wooden boards with gut strings. Later steel strings were added. Plucked psalteries were well known throughout Europe during the Middle Ages and illustrations show how they were held against the chest with the narrow end pointed down, or rested on the lap. The strings were then plucked, either with fingers, a quill or a plectrum. Ones that were bowed seem to have come later.
Those who make these traditional instruments today continuously seek out new and innovative ways to build and design them. These craftsmen need a combination of musical knowledge and good woodworking skills for this unique craft. This is necessary in order for them to produce instruments that not only produce the best sounds but are comfortable to play.
The type of wood used for construction is very important to the quality of the sound. The soundboard has to be made of a light wood so as to allow sounds to transmit properly. Cedar and spruce are popular choices. The back and sides need to be sturdily constructed and thick enough to hold all the pins but at the same time should be light and responsive. Woods like cherry, oak and mahogany are often used.
One factor that has a great influence on the sounds produced by the instrument is the vibrating length of the strings and how the hitch pins are placed. Each hitch pin has to be placed a specific distance from the bridge to give the string attached to it the right vibrating length. If the distance is incorrect, the sounds produced may be scratchy or metallic and over-stretched strings can break easily.
The soundboard has a sound hole or rose in the center. The size of this hole affects the volume of sounds produced and the smaller it is, the softer the sounds. A rosette insert of laser cut solid wood may be used for the hole. Designs like Celtic knots, doves, butterflies, dragons and flowers are used to decorate the holes.
Comfort and durability are other considerations when buying an instrument. The frame has to be a certain thickness to make sure the pins are secure. It must be as lightweight and responsive as possible without sacrificing solidity of construction. An instrument that is too heavy may cause strain and fatigue when playing.
A bowed psaltery is not that difficult to learn how to play and manufacturers often include booklets for beginners. Many manufacturers now have online websites where pictures of their instruments are displayed and one can even hear what they sound like. Cost will depend on what exactly is being offered. A package deal will often include accessories such as a bow, rosin, tuning wrench, spare wire and a carrying case.
Psalteries are ancient instruments and the early versions consisted of wooden boards with gut strings. Later steel strings were added. Plucked psalteries were well known throughout Europe during the Middle Ages and illustrations show how they were held against the chest with the narrow end pointed down, or rested on the lap. The strings were then plucked, either with fingers, a quill or a plectrum. Ones that were bowed seem to have come later.
Those who make these traditional instruments today continuously seek out new and innovative ways to build and design them. These craftsmen need a combination of musical knowledge and good woodworking skills for this unique craft. This is necessary in order for them to produce instruments that not only produce the best sounds but are comfortable to play.
The type of wood used for construction is very important to the quality of the sound. The soundboard has to be made of a light wood so as to allow sounds to transmit properly. Cedar and spruce are popular choices. The back and sides need to be sturdily constructed and thick enough to hold all the pins but at the same time should be light and responsive. Woods like cherry, oak and mahogany are often used.
One factor that has a great influence on the sounds produced by the instrument is the vibrating length of the strings and how the hitch pins are placed. Each hitch pin has to be placed a specific distance from the bridge to give the string attached to it the right vibrating length. If the distance is incorrect, the sounds produced may be scratchy or metallic and over-stretched strings can break easily.
The soundboard has a sound hole or rose in the center. The size of this hole affects the volume of sounds produced and the smaller it is, the softer the sounds. A rosette insert of laser cut solid wood may be used for the hole. Designs like Celtic knots, doves, butterflies, dragons and flowers are used to decorate the holes.
Comfort and durability are other considerations when buying an instrument. The frame has to be a certain thickness to make sure the pins are secure. It must be as lightweight and responsive as possible without sacrificing solidity of construction. An instrument that is too heavy may cause strain and fatigue when playing.
A bowed psaltery is not that difficult to learn how to play and manufacturers often include booklets for beginners. Many manufacturers now have online websites where pictures of their instruments are displayed and one can even hear what they sound like. Cost will depend on what exactly is being offered. A package deal will often include accessories such as a bow, rosin, tuning wrench, spare wire and a carrying case.
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