Psalteries are ancient musical instruments with a long history. They began as simple boards with strings attached to pegs and progressed from there to hollow boxes with strings. They are still being used today as they are relatively easy to play and produce the most ethereal sounds. The demand for these instruments has led to a number of craftsmen devoting themselves to their production. If you are looking for a bowed psaltery for sale, it is possible to find one online.
Building one of these unique instruments is a craft combining woodwork with science. The craftsman has to have some knowledge of music so the instrument can be made to produce the best sounds. Woodwork skills are vital for making a quality instrument that is not only comfortable to hold but lasts for many years. Some artistic talent is also required when it comes to factors like the combinations of woods used and the design of the sound hole.
The strings of bowed psalteries run down both sides of its triangular shape. The notes are similar to those on a piano. The natural notes, or white keys, are on one side and the sharps and flats, or black keys, are on the other. One bows each note individually where its string comes to the edge using the special bow made for the instrument.
Handcrafted items often come at a price. Basic instruments are available for beginners that are not as expensive and there are even instructions given on sites on how to make your own. One can first learn how to play on a more basic version and then graduated to one of the truly beautiful more expensive items.
Another factor to consider is the type of wood used. This affects the sounds produced and the durability. The top of the instrument is usually made of a different type of wood to the back and sides. It needs to be lighter so that the vibration of the strings is transferred through to the body. The frame needs to be solid and is made of harder woods.
The strings are attached to hitch pins and the spacing of these pins is very important as it influences the sound. The string then runs across the top over a wood bridge and ends at the base round a tuning pin. This pin is used for tightening and loosening strings. The way the hitch pins are spaced affects the sounds.
Companies selling these instruments usually offer various patterns for decorating the sound hole. The customer has to make a selection and are even given the option of supplying a design by some suppliers. They are often prepared to work with the customer and customize the instrument in other ways too if required.
If you are looking for a psaltery for sale, one of the best ways to find one is with an internet search. This offers various options and many deals include other items besides the instrument such as a bow, tuning wrench and even song sheets. This instrument is less complicated to learn than many other instruments and most websites of companies selling these items have detailed instructions on how to play them.
Building one of these unique instruments is a craft combining woodwork with science. The craftsman has to have some knowledge of music so the instrument can be made to produce the best sounds. Woodwork skills are vital for making a quality instrument that is not only comfortable to hold but lasts for many years. Some artistic talent is also required when it comes to factors like the combinations of woods used and the design of the sound hole.
The strings of bowed psalteries run down both sides of its triangular shape. The notes are similar to those on a piano. The natural notes, or white keys, are on one side and the sharps and flats, or black keys, are on the other. One bows each note individually where its string comes to the edge using the special bow made for the instrument.
Handcrafted items often come at a price. Basic instruments are available for beginners that are not as expensive and there are even instructions given on sites on how to make your own. One can first learn how to play on a more basic version and then graduated to one of the truly beautiful more expensive items.
Another factor to consider is the type of wood used. This affects the sounds produced and the durability. The top of the instrument is usually made of a different type of wood to the back and sides. It needs to be lighter so that the vibration of the strings is transferred through to the body. The frame needs to be solid and is made of harder woods.
The strings are attached to hitch pins and the spacing of these pins is very important as it influences the sound. The string then runs across the top over a wood bridge and ends at the base round a tuning pin. This pin is used for tightening and loosening strings. The way the hitch pins are spaced affects the sounds.
Companies selling these instruments usually offer various patterns for decorating the sound hole. The customer has to make a selection and are even given the option of supplying a design by some suppliers. They are often prepared to work with the customer and customize the instrument in other ways too if required.
If you are looking for a psaltery for sale, one of the best ways to find one is with an internet search. This offers various options and many deals include other items besides the instrument such as a bow, tuning wrench and even song sheets. This instrument is less complicated to learn than many other instruments and most websites of companies selling these items have detailed instructions on how to play them.
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