The ancient musical instrument called psaltery is known for thousands of years. It was first mentioned in Old Testament, a few centuries BC, but it is presumed that it was used long before that, in different parts of Old world. These first, handmade psalteries were simply made, they consisted of a plain wooden board with a few gut strings, that was played using fingers, or a plectrum.
In later periods, wooden boards were replaced with wooden boxes, and psaltery got a sound hole as well. Although there are different shapes of boxes, including triangular, rectangular and trapezoidal, some are more popular in some area. For example, in Southern parts of Europe people mostly played on trapezoidal ones, while in northern areas they preferred wing shaped and triangular instruments, sometimes double strung.
Zither and harpsichord were made on the same principle. Harpsichord is really a larger version of a psaltery, but with a keyboard mechanism for easier plucking of strings. The basic principle is having the open strings, without any stoppers. The tone is determined with the length of a particular string.
In some parts of Europe, this instrument is used even today, primarily in folk music. For example, very similar instrument is used in Finland, and they call it kantele. In Estonia, the instrument derived from the old psaltery is called kannel, and still rather popular. Russian gusli are also related to it, but some of these instruments are rather bowed than plucked.
Similar instruments can be found in different Arabic countries, in India, China and some other parts of Asia. There are different variations, double and triple strung, and most are played using finger plectra. Dulcimer is another variation, and this one's strings aren't plucked, but struck with small, special hammers. The experience of playing some of these interesting instruments is quite surprising, especially when it comes to the quality and volume of the tone.
It really is simple to learn to play psalteries, and the tone they make is absolutely amazing. It remains in the air, tingling and ringing, it is clean and interrupted, simply adoring. The instrument itself is designed really simply, and the only thing that dictates the tone height is the length of the wire, and your ability to play on it. If you are interested in something different, this might be something for you.
Today, some craftsmen still produce hand made psalteries, because they are quite popular again. Triangular shape is the most appreciated. They use different types of wood for making these simple wooden boxes, but the use of different finishes is sometimes the main reason for better quality of the final sound. Most craftsmen use plain steel music wire for strings, and they make them the same way they are made for centuries.
Handmade psalteries will find their place in homes of all music enthusiasts. There are different shapes and qualities available, and the best ones make really amazing tones. Besides, they look more than appealing, and even if you don't play, you might find them highly decorative. In any case, one of these lovely pieces will look great on your mantelpiece.
In later periods, wooden boards were replaced with wooden boxes, and psaltery got a sound hole as well. Although there are different shapes of boxes, including triangular, rectangular and trapezoidal, some are more popular in some area. For example, in Southern parts of Europe people mostly played on trapezoidal ones, while in northern areas they preferred wing shaped and triangular instruments, sometimes double strung.
Zither and harpsichord were made on the same principle. Harpsichord is really a larger version of a psaltery, but with a keyboard mechanism for easier plucking of strings. The basic principle is having the open strings, without any stoppers. The tone is determined with the length of a particular string.
In some parts of Europe, this instrument is used even today, primarily in folk music. For example, very similar instrument is used in Finland, and they call it kantele. In Estonia, the instrument derived from the old psaltery is called kannel, and still rather popular. Russian gusli are also related to it, but some of these instruments are rather bowed than plucked.
Similar instruments can be found in different Arabic countries, in India, China and some other parts of Asia. There are different variations, double and triple strung, and most are played using finger plectra. Dulcimer is another variation, and this one's strings aren't plucked, but struck with small, special hammers. The experience of playing some of these interesting instruments is quite surprising, especially when it comes to the quality and volume of the tone.
It really is simple to learn to play psalteries, and the tone they make is absolutely amazing. It remains in the air, tingling and ringing, it is clean and interrupted, simply adoring. The instrument itself is designed really simply, and the only thing that dictates the tone height is the length of the wire, and your ability to play on it. If you are interested in something different, this might be something for you.
Today, some craftsmen still produce hand made psalteries, because they are quite popular again. Triangular shape is the most appreciated. They use different types of wood for making these simple wooden boxes, but the use of different finishes is sometimes the main reason for better quality of the final sound. Most craftsmen use plain steel music wire for strings, and they make them the same way they are made for centuries.
Handmade psalteries will find their place in homes of all music enthusiasts. There are different shapes and qualities available, and the best ones make really amazing tones. Besides, they look more than appealing, and even if you don't play, you might find them highly decorative. In any case, one of these lovely pieces will look great on your mantelpiece.
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