The psaltery, also known as psalterion, psaltry and saltere, is an ancient musical instrument first mentioned in Christian literature three centuries before Christ, in Old Testament. At first, it was just a simple wooden board with gut strings, and it was played with fingers or a plectrum. It was widely used until fifteenth century, and handmade psalteries were quite common at the time.
Later on, psaltry got a hollow box with metal strings and sound holes. In different parts of old world, different shapes were popular. Trapezoidal psaltery with three or four strings was preferred in Southern Europe, but rectangular ones were also quite common. In Northern Europe, triangular and wing shaped ones were more popular, and some variations had double strings as well.
The instrument is quite similar to zither, and the later one probably is a psaltery version. The harpsichord is larger, and have a keyboard mechanism, but it is similarly designed. The basic principle is that all strings are open, and there are no stoppers there for producing specific tones.
In some parts of Europe, this instrument is used even today, primarily in folk music. For example, very similar instrument is used in Finland, and they call it kantele. In Estonia, the instrument derived from the old psaltery is called kannel, and still rather popular. Russian gusli are also related to it, but some of these instruments are rather bowed than plucked.
In Arabic countries, they also still use similar instruments. They are triple strung, and played with finger plectra. Another type of saltere is called dulcimer. Its strings are struck with hammers, not plucked. In any case, you will find different similar instruments across the Asia as well, especially in India and China. The interesting thing is that you can play all kinds of modern music as well, and you will be surprised with the tone quality.
The sound is simple, clean and ringing, something you have to hear. Today, when all sounds are mostly artificial, it is really nice to hear something so pure and interesting. Although it is mainly used in folk music, anything can be played on this lovely instrument. There are no limitations, and this can be a real challenge for any music enthusiast. You will surely appreciate these amazing tones.
Psalteries are still quite popular, especially in last few years. They look very decorative and produce original tones all music enthusiasts always appreciate. The most popular shape is certainly triangular. They are mostly strung with plain steel music wire with a high tensile strength. Depending on the instrument's size, one to three different string gauges are used.
Handmade psalteries will find their place in homes of all music enthusiasts. There are different shapes and qualities available, and the best ones make really amazing tones. Besides, they look more than appealing, and even if you don't play, you might find them highly decorative. In any case, one of these lovely pieces will look great on your mantelpiece.
Later on, psaltry got a hollow box with metal strings and sound holes. In different parts of old world, different shapes were popular. Trapezoidal psaltery with three or four strings was preferred in Southern Europe, but rectangular ones were also quite common. In Northern Europe, triangular and wing shaped ones were more popular, and some variations had double strings as well.
The instrument is quite similar to zither, and the later one probably is a psaltery version. The harpsichord is larger, and have a keyboard mechanism, but it is similarly designed. The basic principle is that all strings are open, and there are no stoppers there for producing specific tones.
In some parts of Europe, this instrument is used even today, primarily in folk music. For example, very similar instrument is used in Finland, and they call it kantele. In Estonia, the instrument derived from the old psaltery is called kannel, and still rather popular. Russian gusli are also related to it, but some of these instruments are rather bowed than plucked.
In Arabic countries, they also still use similar instruments. They are triple strung, and played with finger plectra. Another type of saltere is called dulcimer. Its strings are struck with hammers, not plucked. In any case, you will find different similar instruments across the Asia as well, especially in India and China. The interesting thing is that you can play all kinds of modern music as well, and you will be surprised with the tone quality.
The sound is simple, clean and ringing, something you have to hear. Today, when all sounds are mostly artificial, it is really nice to hear something so pure and interesting. Although it is mainly used in folk music, anything can be played on this lovely instrument. There are no limitations, and this can be a real challenge for any music enthusiast. You will surely appreciate these amazing tones.
Psalteries are still quite popular, especially in last few years. They look very decorative and produce original tones all music enthusiasts always appreciate. The most popular shape is certainly triangular. They are mostly strung with plain steel music wire with a high tensile strength. Depending on the instrument's size, one to three different string gauges are used.
Handmade psalteries will find their place in homes of all music enthusiasts. There are different shapes and qualities available, and the best ones make really amazing tones. Besides, they look more than appealing, and even if you don't play, you might find them highly decorative. In any case, one of these lovely pieces will look great on your mantelpiece.
