The bowed psaltery is a triangular instrument that is played with a bow. The bow is drawn across strings that are attached to a hitch pin on one side and a tuning pin on the other. The shape of the wooden soundboard is triangular and the strings run down both sides. The bow is drawn over each string individually. The right side is like the white keys on a piano and the left side contains sharps and flats like the black keys of a piano. The sound is something like that of a violin, but it is much easier to play.
Psalteries have been around since medieval times and the earliest ones were simply wooden boards with strings. At first these strings were made of gut and later of metal. The wooden board also evolved into a hollow box with a sound hole. These instruments were usually plucked and it was only centuries later that bows were commonly used.
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 affects the sounds made by the instrument. The sounding board needs to be made of a light wood like cedar that allows sound to be transmitted as effectively as possible. The wood used for the back and sides needs to create a solid frame without being too heavy. Solid woods like mahogany and oak are often used.
The way the hitch pins are spaced can make all the difference to the sounds produced. They need to be placed at exactly the correct distance from the bridge to allow the string to vibrate correctly. If they are placed incorrectly the sounds may be metallic or scratchy and the strings can break easily. The tuning pins are used to tighten or loosen the strings.
Each instrument is constructed with a sound hole and it is the size of this hole that determines the volume produced. The larger the hole, the louder the sound but it must not be too large as this makes sounds softer again. A sound hole is usually decorated with a motif like a butterfly, sheaf of wheat, hummingbird, dove or a Celtic knot.
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 have been around since medieval times and the earliest ones were simply wooden boards with strings. At first these strings were made of gut and later of metal. The wooden board also evolved into a hollow box with a sound hole. These instruments were usually plucked and it was only centuries later that bows were commonly used.
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 affects the sounds made by the instrument. The sounding board needs to be made of a light wood like cedar that allows sound to be transmitted as effectively as possible. The wood used for the back and sides needs to create a solid frame without being too heavy. Solid woods like mahogany and oak are often used.
The way the hitch pins are spaced can make all the difference to the sounds produced. They need to be placed at exactly the correct distance from the bridge to allow the string to vibrate correctly. If they are placed incorrectly the sounds may be metallic or scratchy and the strings can break easily. The tuning pins are used to tighten or loosen the strings.
Each instrument is constructed with a sound hole and it is the size of this hole that determines the volume produced. The larger the hole, the louder the sound but it must not be too large as this makes sounds softer again. A sound hole is usually decorated with a motif like a butterfly, sheaf of wheat, hummingbird, dove or a Celtic knot.
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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