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.
One of the reasons for its popularity is the ease with which it can be played. The bow is moved against the strings between pins and note guides are available, assigning a letter to each note. The music identifies each note with the corresponding letter. To play a song simply requires matching up the letters. Those who do have a musical background can become proficient really quickly.
People are delighted when they hear the kind of sounds they can produce. The notes appear to hang in the air and are hauntingly beautiful. The modern instrument is triangular in shape with strings running down both sides. The modern ones are completely chromatic with natural notes on the one side and sharps and flats on the other.
The craftsmen who create these instruments are passionate about their craft. They produce the most beautiful looking instruments and are continually seeking to improve them. They not only have to know how to work with wood but must have musical knowledge as well in order to produce instruments that produce the best sounds. Their aim is to create instruments that are not only beautiful but are comfortable to play, durable and produce amazing sound.
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.
A knowledge of music is important in the construction of this instrument. The placement of the hitch pins, the size of the sound hole and many other factors can affect the sounds produced. All the elements have to be put together very precisely for the best sounds to be produced.
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.
No two instruments are exactly alike in either the way they look or the way they sound. The difference in prices among the various instruments reflects the expense and rarity of the woods used as well as the time and materials involved in hand crafting. They are usually sold with a bow and other accessories like extra strings and a tuning wrench. Songbooks and music sheets are often included too.
One of the reasons for its popularity is the ease with which it can be played. The bow is moved against the strings between pins and note guides are available, assigning a letter to each note. The music identifies each note with the corresponding letter. To play a song simply requires matching up the letters. Those who do have a musical background can become proficient really quickly.
People are delighted when they hear the kind of sounds they can produce. The notes appear to hang in the air and are hauntingly beautiful. The modern instrument is triangular in shape with strings running down both sides. The modern ones are completely chromatic with natural notes on the one side and sharps and flats on the other.
The craftsmen who create these instruments are passionate about their craft. They produce the most beautiful looking instruments and are continually seeking to improve them. They not only have to know how to work with wood but must have musical knowledge as well in order to produce instruments that produce the best sounds. Their aim is to create instruments that are not only beautiful but are comfortable to play, durable and produce amazing sound.
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.
A knowledge of music is important in the construction of this instrument. The placement of the hitch pins, the size of the sound hole and many other factors can affect the sounds produced. All the elements have to be put together very precisely for the best sounds to be produced.
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.
No two instruments are exactly alike in either the way they look or the way they sound. The difference in prices among the various instruments reflects the expense and rarity of the woods used as well as the time and materials involved in hand crafting. They are usually sold with a bow and other accessories like extra strings and a tuning wrench. Songbooks and music sheets are often included too.
About the Author:
Buying psalteries has never been easier thanks to this great website. Come and check out the extensive line of instruments we have available right now at http://www.davespsaltery.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment