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 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.
There are a number of craftsmen creating these traditional instruments today. In order to make them they not only need to be skilled at working with wood but also need to have a good musical background. This combination allows for the creation of instruments that are solidly constructed, comfortable to play and make beautiful sounds too.
One factor that affect the sound of the instrument is the type of wood used. This is particularly true of wood used to make the soundboard. It has to allow for excellent sound transmission to the rest of the instrument and this is why lighter woods like spruce or cedar are used. The back and sides may be made of woods like black walnut, oak and mahogany.
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.
Some manufacturers focus solely on creating and selling the bowed psaltery and do not include any other accessories. They often do not mind customizing an item, allowing customers to choose type of wood and decoration for the sound hole. Others sell not only the instruments but include accessories like bows, tuning wrenches, instruction manuals and even carrying cases.
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.
There are a number of craftsmen creating these traditional instruments today. In order to make them they not only need to be skilled at working with wood but also need to have a good musical background. This combination allows for the creation of instruments that are solidly constructed, comfortable to play and make beautiful sounds too.
One factor that affect the sound of the instrument is the type of wood used. This is particularly true of wood used to make the soundboard. It has to allow for excellent sound transmission to the rest of the instrument and this is why lighter woods like spruce or cedar are used. The back and sides may be made of woods like black walnut, oak and mahogany.
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.
Some manufacturers focus solely on creating and selling the bowed psaltery and do not include any other accessories. They often do not mind customizing an item, allowing customers to choose type of wood and decoration for the sound hole. Others sell not only the instruments but include accessories like bows, tuning wrenches, instruction manuals and even carrying cases.
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