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 affects the sounds made by the instrument. The sounding board needs to be made of a light wood like cedar that allows sound to be transmitted as effectively as possible. The wood used for the back and sides needs to create a solid frame without being too heavy. Solid woods like mahogany and oak are often used.
The tension of the strings and placing of the hitch pins is also very important. Each string begins with a hitch pin, runs over the bridge and goes round a tuning pin at the base. The hitch pins must be spaced at exactly the right distance from the bridge to give each string the correct vibrating length and yet not be stretched too much. Poor spacing can affect the sounds produced and cause strings to break frequently.
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 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 affects the sounds made by the instrument. The sounding board needs to be made of a light wood like cedar that allows sound to be transmitted as effectively as possible. The wood used for the back and sides needs to create a solid frame without being too heavy. Solid woods like mahogany and oak are often used.
The tension of the strings and placing of the hitch pins is also very important. Each string begins with a hitch pin, runs over the bridge and goes round a tuning pin at the base. The hitch pins must be spaced at exactly the right distance from the bridge to give each string the correct vibrating length and yet not be stretched too much. Poor spacing can affect the sounds produced and cause strings to break frequently.
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 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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