A psaltery is a stringed musical instrument which was used in ancient times. At first it was simply a wooden board with strings attached to pegs and only later did the board change to a hollow box. This eventually mutated into the zither and the harpsichord. There has been a revival of interest in handmade psalteries today. People are drawn to the other worldly sounds they produce and they are fairly easy to play.
Making these traditional instruments is a unique craft. It combines various skills such as science, art and working with wood. It requires woodworking skills such as good joinery and understanding different woods and glues. It also requires an interest in music and a knowledge of how different sounds are created.
The bowed psaltery is particularly popular. It is triangular in shape with strings which run down both sides and it is played by running the bow up and down the sides. Only one string can be bowed at a time. When played, the notes seem to hang in the air and the sound has been described as haunting and ethereal.
The type of wood used in construction affects the tonal quality, beauty and durability of the instrument. The top is usually made of a lighter wood like spruce or cedar as the vibration of the strings has to be transferred through the top to the body of the instrument. The sides are made of a strong, stable wood like birch.
The strings are also important to the quality of sound produced. They have to have exactly the right pitch, length and mass to vibrate correctly. The spacing of the hitch pins needs to be done with care. If this is done incorrectly, the sounds produced may be scratchy or metallic. Strings can also break easily if the tension is not right. Tuning pins situated at the base are used to adjust the tension.
There is a sound hole on the top of each instrument. There are many different ways of decorating these holes, from hand carving them to fitting them with rosettes. The pattern in which the sound hole is cut and the way in which it is decorated will often be customized for a buyer.
An instrument should not only sound good but it should also be comfortable to play without any strain. This means that the length and the weight have to be carefully considered. The most common way to hold the psaltery is to nestle the base on the inside of the elbow or against the abdomen with the tip away from the body. The left hand holds it while the right hand is used to hold the bow and play.
Handmade psalteries are exquisite instruments with hauntingly beautiful sounds. Playing one is within reach of anyone with the slightest musical inclination. Most of them are sold together with instructions on how to play them and music sheets for several songs.
Making these traditional instruments is a unique craft. It combines various skills such as science, art and working with wood. It requires woodworking skills such as good joinery and understanding different woods and glues. It also requires an interest in music and a knowledge of how different sounds are created.
The bowed psaltery is particularly popular. It is triangular in shape with strings which run down both sides and it is played by running the bow up and down the sides. Only one string can be bowed at a time. When played, the notes seem to hang in the air and the sound has been described as haunting and ethereal.
The type of wood used in construction affects the tonal quality, beauty and durability of the instrument. The top is usually made of a lighter wood like spruce or cedar as the vibration of the strings has to be transferred through the top to the body of the instrument. The sides are made of a strong, stable wood like birch.
The strings are also important to the quality of sound produced. They have to have exactly the right pitch, length and mass to vibrate correctly. The spacing of the hitch pins needs to be done with care. If this is done incorrectly, the sounds produced may be scratchy or metallic. Strings can also break easily if the tension is not right. Tuning pins situated at the base are used to adjust the tension.
There is a sound hole on the top of each instrument. There are many different ways of decorating these holes, from hand carving them to fitting them with rosettes. The pattern in which the sound hole is cut and the way in which it is decorated will often be customized for a buyer.
An instrument should not only sound good but it should also be comfortable to play without any strain. This means that the length and the weight have to be carefully considered. The most common way to hold the psaltery is to nestle the base on the inside of the elbow or against the abdomen with the tip away from the body. The left hand holds it while the right hand is used to hold the bow and play.
Handmade psalteries are exquisite instruments with hauntingly beautiful sounds. Playing one is within reach of anyone with the slightest musical inclination. Most of them are sold together with instructions on how to play them and music sheets for several songs.
About the Author:
For information about unique and beautiful handmade psalteries, visit the home pages of Dave's Psaltery at www.davespsaltery.com today. You can learn the history and construction of this ancient musical instrument at http://www.davespsaltery.com now.
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