A psaltery is an instrument that has existed since ancient times. Psalteries dating back to medieval times were merely wooden boards with strings that were struck or plucked. Later ones consisted of hollow boxes with sound holes. The psaltery played today is one that is bowed and this type was introduced much later.
The bowed psaltery is still being played today. It is as easy to play as using one finger to sound out a melody on a piano. Songbooks are readily available enabling one to play songs by number. This makes it a good instrument for someone who plays by ear and does not read music.
The main attraction of such an instrument is the sounds it can produce. The strings are closely placed so that when a string is played, the others pick up the vibrations. The sounds produced are described as haunting, ethereal and the notes are sustained, seeming to hang in the air. This sound seems out of proportion with its fairly small size. The instrument is fully chromatic with strings on the right side producing natural notes and those down the left providing the sharps and flats.
There have been continual improvements to these instruments over the years and those being constructed today are far superior to the earliest ones. They are built by craftsmen who have to combine a knowledge of woodwork, musical knowledge and artistic abilities. The instruments produced are not only durable and comfortable to play but are real works of art.
A tremendous amount of pressure on the strings means that the frame must be substantial. Woods such as cherry, maple, walnut and birch are used to make it strong and durable. The wood chosen for the top has to allow for the vibrations of strings to be transmitted to the body and so a lighter wood is usually used.
Their are many elements to this instrument that have to work together to create the best sounds. For example, the placing of the hitch pins can affect the sound. The size of the sound hole is another element that affects sound. Strings cannot be too tight or too loose.
The psaltery is played by bowing only one string at a time. Only the sides of an instrument are played as the bow is run between the pins on either side. The instrument is held with the left hand and the tip of the triangle away from the body. The base fits inside the elbow or against the abdomen. The right hand is then free to hold the bow and play the notes.
No two instruments are exactly alike in either the way they look or the way they sound. The difference in prices among the various instruments reflects the expense and rarity of the woods used as well as the time and materials involved in hand crafting. They are usually sold with a bow and other accessories like extra strings and a tuning wrench. Songbooks and music sheets are often included too.
The bowed psaltery is still being played today. It is as easy to play as using one finger to sound out a melody on a piano. Songbooks are readily available enabling one to play songs by number. This makes it a good instrument for someone who plays by ear and does not read music.
The main attraction of such an instrument is the sounds it can produce. The strings are closely placed so that when a string is played, the others pick up the vibrations. The sounds produced are described as haunting, ethereal and the notes are sustained, seeming to hang in the air. This sound seems out of proportion with its fairly small size. The instrument is fully chromatic with strings on the right side producing natural notes and those down the left providing the sharps and flats.
There have been continual improvements to these instruments over the years and those being constructed today are far superior to the earliest ones. They are built by craftsmen who have to combine a knowledge of woodwork, musical knowledge and artistic abilities. The instruments produced are not only durable and comfortable to play but are real works of art.
A tremendous amount of pressure on the strings means that the frame must be substantial. Woods such as cherry, maple, walnut and birch are used to make it strong and durable. The wood chosen for the top has to allow for the vibrations of strings to be transmitted to the body and so a lighter wood is usually used.
Their are many elements to this instrument that have to work together to create the best sounds. For example, the placing of the hitch pins can affect the sound. The size of the sound hole is another element that affects sound. Strings cannot be too tight or too loose.
The psaltery is played by bowing only one string at a time. Only the sides of an instrument are played as the bow is run between the pins on either side. The instrument is held with the left hand and the tip of the triangle away from the body. The base fits inside the elbow or against the abdomen. The right hand is then free to hold the bow and play the notes.
No two instruments are exactly alike in either the way they look or the way they sound. The difference in prices among the various instruments reflects the expense and rarity of the woods used as well as the time and materials involved in hand crafting. They are usually sold with a bow and other accessories like extra strings and a tuning wrench. Songbooks and music sheets are often included too.
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