Throughout history, a psaltery has been a popular instrument in one form or another. In medieval times, psalteries consisted of wooden boards with gut strings. Hollow boxes with sound holes came later with metal strings that were plucked or struck. It is only much later that the bowed psaltery was introduced. This bowed psaltery is the type that is still used today.
The delight of playing the bowed psaltery has been discovered by many individuals today. It is not only the ethereal sounds that attract players but the fact that beginners can easily learn to play songs by numbers without knowing how to read music. Note guides have a letter for each note printed on it. The music has each note identified with its corresponding letter. Those with a musical background master can master it almost immediately.
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.
Playing the psaltery is like playing a piano with one finger, except that, instead of a finger, a bow is used and drawn across one string at a time. It is run between the pins on the right to produce the natural notes and those on the left to create sharps and flats. The instrument is held in the left hand with the triangle tip away from the body. It nestles against the abdomen and the right hand is freed to hold the bow.
A psaltery is usually fairly expensive due to the time and skills required to make it. However, the fact that even those with no musical background can learn to play in a short amount of time, makes it a very rewarding instrument to own. A bow is usually included with purchase as well as a number of other accessories. Songbooks, music sheets and other instructions on how to play are often included too.
The delight of playing the bowed psaltery has been discovered by many individuals today. It is not only the ethereal sounds that attract players but the fact that beginners can easily learn to play songs by numbers without knowing how to read music. Note guides have a letter for each note printed on it. The music has each note identified with its corresponding letter. Those with a musical background master can master it almost immediately.
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.
Playing the psaltery is like playing a piano with one finger, except that, instead of a finger, a bow is used and drawn across one string at a time. It is run between the pins on the right to produce the natural notes and those on the left to create sharps and flats. The instrument is held in the left hand with the triangle tip away from the body. It nestles against the abdomen and the right hand is freed to hold the bow.
A psaltery is usually fairly expensive due to the time and skills required to make it. However, the fact that even those with no musical background can learn to play in a short amount of time, makes it a very rewarding instrument to own. A bow is usually included with purchase as well as a number of other accessories. Songbooks, music sheets and other instructions on how to play are often included too.
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