Friday, October 17, 2014

The Beautiful Sounds Of Psalteries

By Patty Goff


A psaltery is an instrument that has existed since ancient times. Psalteries dating back to medieval times were merely wooden boards with strings that were struck or plucked. Later ones consisted of hollow boxes with sound holes. The psaltery played today is one that is bowed and this type was introduced much later.

The delight of playing the bowed psaltery has been discovered by many individuals today. It is not only the ethereal sounds that attract players but the fact that beginners can easily learn to play songs by numbers without knowing how to read music. Note guides have a letter for each note printed on it. The music has each note identified with its corresponding letter. Those with a musical background master can master it almost immediately.

Another reason why it is so popular is that it is able to produce the most ethereal sounds. The notes are sustained and seem to hang in the air. The modern versions are fully chromatic. The strings on the right side of the triangular shaped instrument represent the white keys on a piano and those running down the left side represent the black keys.

Craftsmen building these instruments are totally dedicated to their craft, continually striving to improve them. They have to have a unique combination of skills. Woodworking skills and musical knowledge are essential. Many of these craftsmen have artistic ability too, producing instruments that not only have great sound and are durable and comfortable to play but are beautiful to look at too.

The type of wood used in construction of this instrument affects durability as well as the sounds produced. Some woods conduct sound better than others and this is why a lighter wood must be used for the top so as to better transfer the vibrations of strings. The body has to be strong enough to support the tension the strings exert and woods like walnut, birch, cherry and maple are used for this purpose.

Their are many elements to this instrument that have to work together to create the best sounds. For example, the placing of the hitch pins can affect the sound. The size of the sound hole is another element that affects sound. Strings cannot be too tight or too loose.

The psaltery is played by bowing only one string at a time. Only the sides of an instrument are played as the bow is run between the pins on either side. The instrument is held with the left hand and the tip of the triangle away from the body. The base fits inside the elbow or against the abdomen. The right hand is then free to hold the bow and play the notes.

A psaltery is usually fairly expensive due to the time and skills required to make it. However, the fact that even those with no musical background can learn to play in a short amount of time, makes it a very rewarding instrument to own. A bow is usually included with purchase as well as a number of other accessories. Songbooks, music sheets and other instructions on how to play are often included too.




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