The bowed psaltery is a triangular instrument that is played with a bow. The bow is drawn across strings that are attached to a hitch pin on one side and a tuning pin on the other. The shape of the wooden soundboard is triangular and the strings run down both sides. The bow is drawn over each string individually. The right side is like the white keys on a piano and the left side contains sharps and flats like the black keys of a piano. The sound is something like that of a violin, but it is much easier to play.
Psalteries date back to medieval times and the earliest ones consisted of simple wooden boards and strings. Later versions consisted of a hollow box with a sound hole and metal strings. Strings were either plucked or struck and it was only some time later that bows began to be used.
There are a number of craftsmen creating these traditional instruments today. In order to make them they not only need to be skilled at working with wood but also need to have a good musical background. This combination allows for the creation of instruments that are solidly constructed, comfortable to play and make beautiful sounds too.
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 and durability are other considerations when buying an instrument. The frame has to be a certain thickness to make sure the pins are secure. It must be as lightweight and responsive as possible without sacrificing solidity of construction. An instrument that is too heavy may cause strain and fatigue when playing.
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 date back to medieval times and the earliest ones consisted of simple wooden boards and strings. Later versions consisted of a hollow box with a sound hole and metal strings. Strings were either plucked or struck and it was only some time later that bows began to be used.
There are a number of craftsmen creating these traditional instruments today. In order to make them they not only need to be skilled at working with wood but also need to have a good musical background. This combination allows for the creation of instruments that are solidly constructed, comfortable to play and make beautiful sounds too.
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 and durability are other considerations when buying an instrument. The frame has to be a certain thickness to make sure the pins are secure. It must be as lightweight and responsive as possible without sacrificing solidity of construction. An instrument that is too heavy may cause strain and fatigue when playing.
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.
