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 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.
Another reason why it is so popular is that it is able to produce the most ethereal sounds. The notes are sustained and seem to hang in the air. The modern versions are fully chromatic. The strings on the right side of the triangular shaped instrument represent the white keys on a piano and those running down the left side represent the black keys.
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.
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.
Another reason why it is so popular is that it is able to produce the most ethereal sounds. The notes are sustained and seem to hang in the air. The modern versions are fully chromatic. The strings on the right side of the triangular shaped instrument represent the white keys on a piano and those running down the left side represent the black keys.
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.
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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