The bowed psaltery is a triangular shaped instrument with strings running down both sides. Chromatic ones have the sharps and flats on one side and the natural notes on the other. The instrument is usually held in the one arm and played with a bow, although it can also be played in other ways. The bow is used to draw over one string at a time to produce the notes. The reason people love to play it is because it is not too difficult to produce hauntingly beautiful sounds.
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.
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 for construction is very important to the quality of the sound. The soundboard has to be made of a light wood so as to allow sounds to transmit properly. Cedar and spruce are popular choices. The back and sides need to be sturdily constructed and thick enough to hold all the pins but at the same time should be light and responsive. Woods like cherry, oak and mahogany are often used.
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.
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 is an important consideration when purchasing an instrument. The frame must be light enough to hold comfortably, so as to prevent fatigue and strain. On the other hand, solid construction should not be sacrificed for lightness in weight. The frame has to be strong and thick enough to support all the pins.
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.
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 for construction is very important to the quality of the sound. The soundboard has to be made of a light wood so as to allow sounds to transmit properly. Cedar and spruce are popular choices. The back and sides need to be sturdily constructed and thick enough to hold all the pins but at the same time should be light and responsive. Woods like cherry, oak and mahogany are often used.
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.
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 is an important consideration when purchasing an instrument. The frame must be light enough to hold comfortably, so as to prevent fatigue and strain. On the other hand, solid construction should not be sacrificed for lightness in weight. The frame has to be strong and thick enough to support all the pins.
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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