The ancient stringed instruments called psalteries were a form of harp originally plucked with the fingers. Although today most models are played with a bow, we can see the original type in art from ancient times. The Renaissance saw the rise of many more complicated instruments, but the psaltery never disappeared altogether from the musical scene. It's supposed to be the easiest of all devices to play, even for someone totally untrained in music.
People unfamiliar with this type of musical device might think the term refers to a book of psalms. There is a connection; psalms were hymns meant to be accompanied by a harp, which is another name for the psaltery. The proper term for a book of these hymns of praise is a psalter.
The psaltery was immortalized in many medieval paintings, manuscript illustrations, and sculptures. References to the instruments are found in religious literature from the third century BC. The Renaissance saw the rise of other types of music and the development of instruments with a wider range, like the harpsichord.
At first, people simply stretched gut strings along a board. Later a 'soundboard' was used, which was hollow and might have holes along its length to improve the tone. Metal strings replaced the gut. Players carried them by a neck strap or played them in their laps. Larger models were placed on a table. There were many shapes, sizes, and differing numbers of strings in these folk instruments.
Most of the psalteries made today are designed to be played with a bow. Simple instruction books that come with mass produced models show beginners how to play by the numbers; as proficiency increases, the tune can be modified by ear. It's said that a person with musical training can pick it up and play it right away. Those with no background or even aptitude supposedly can learn to play tunes within a few hours.
The bowed psaltery is triangular in shape, with variations on the basic design. There will be twenty or more strings in most models. There are 'natural notes' as well as sharps and flats, with more nuances from the spaces between the pegs that hold the strings in place. Although this may sound complicated, it's supposed to be the easiest of all music making tools to master. The bow is usually sold separately.
There are many differences in the true psaltery, which was played with the fingers. Photos online show how individual craftsmen came up with many designs. Today there are mass produced ones - usually bowed variations - and one of a kind pieces made by renowned artisans. There are models for beginners and children, and those made for true proficients.
Psalteries are neat, both as living history and as ways for everyone to enjoy making music. Costs range from less than a hundred dollars to many hundreds, depending on the source, the materials used, and the purpose. Novices literally can learn by numbers until their 'ear' gets attuned. Obviously every family needs one of these instruments with a long heritage.
People unfamiliar with this type of musical device might think the term refers to a book of psalms. There is a connection; psalms were hymns meant to be accompanied by a harp, which is another name for the psaltery. The proper term for a book of these hymns of praise is a psalter.
The psaltery was immortalized in many medieval paintings, manuscript illustrations, and sculptures. References to the instruments are found in religious literature from the third century BC. The Renaissance saw the rise of other types of music and the development of instruments with a wider range, like the harpsichord.
At first, people simply stretched gut strings along a board. Later a 'soundboard' was used, which was hollow and might have holes along its length to improve the tone. Metal strings replaced the gut. Players carried them by a neck strap or played them in their laps. Larger models were placed on a table. There were many shapes, sizes, and differing numbers of strings in these folk instruments.
Most of the psalteries made today are designed to be played with a bow. Simple instruction books that come with mass produced models show beginners how to play by the numbers; as proficiency increases, the tune can be modified by ear. It's said that a person with musical training can pick it up and play it right away. Those with no background or even aptitude supposedly can learn to play tunes within a few hours.
The bowed psaltery is triangular in shape, with variations on the basic design. There will be twenty or more strings in most models. There are 'natural notes' as well as sharps and flats, with more nuances from the spaces between the pegs that hold the strings in place. Although this may sound complicated, it's supposed to be the easiest of all music making tools to master. The bow is usually sold separately.
There are many differences in the true psaltery, which was played with the fingers. Photos online show how individual craftsmen came up with many designs. Today there are mass produced ones - usually bowed variations - and one of a kind pieces made by renowned artisans. There are models for beginners and children, and those made for true proficients.
Psalteries are neat, both as living history and as ways for everyone to enjoy making music. Costs range from less than a hundred dollars to many hundreds, depending on the source, the materials used, and the purpose. Novices literally can learn by numbers until their 'ear' gets attuned. Obviously every family needs one of these instruments with a long heritage.
About the Author:
If you are looking for hand crafted and beautiful psalteries come to Dave's Psaltry. Check out how each instrument is made when you visit us online today at http://www.davespsaltery.com.
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