The bowed psaltery makes a unique sound described by many as ethereal. It has a triangular shape and strings run down both sides. Natural tones are made on the one side and sharps and flats on the other. This instrument may look complicated because it has so many strings, but only one string is bowed at a time. It is usually cradled in the arm and the bow is drawn over a string to play a note and then moved on to another string to play another note.
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.
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.
A bowed psaltery may be sold on its own while another may be sold together with the accessories such as a bow, rosin for the bow, a tuning wrench and even an instruction manual. These instruments may be quite costly due to the time and care taken in their construction but the hauntingly beautiful sounds produced make them well worth the cost.
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.
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.
A bowed psaltery may be sold on its own while another may be sold together with the accessories such as a bow, rosin for the bow, a tuning wrench and even an instruction manual. These instruments may be quite costly due to the time and care taken in their construction but the hauntingly beautiful sounds produced make them well worth the cost.
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