The psaltery is an ancient musical instrument. The earliest versions were made up of a simple wooden board with strings attached to pegs. This developed into a hollow box with metal strings and a sound hole. The strings were either plucked, struck or bowed. Handmade psalteries are sought after today by those who love the sound they produce.
Craftsmen who make these instruments take great pride in their work. A combination of skills is required for their construction. Not only does the individual need to be experienced in woodworking but some understanding of music is also needed to make the instrument produce the right sounds. The best quality instruments are produced by those with years of experience behind them.
The bowed psaltery is particularly popular. It is triangular in shape with strings which run down both sides and it is played by running the bow up and down the sides. Only one string can be bowed at a time. When played, the notes seem to hang in the air and the sound has been described as haunting and ethereal.
True craftsmen use the best quality wood for construction. The type of wood used can affect the tonal quality produced and even the way in which the wood is cut is important. If it is cut without taking the growth rings of the tree into consideration, it is more subject to warping as moisture is lost and absorbed by the wood. Lighter woods like cedar and spruce are preferred for the top. This allows the vibrations of the strings to be penetrate to the body. The sides are usually made of a different, stronger wood which gives strength and durability.
The strings are also important to the quality of sound produced. They have to have exactly the right pitch, length and mass to vibrate correctly. The spacing of the hitch pins needs to be done with care. If this is done incorrectly, the sounds produced may be scratchy or metallic. Strings can also break easily if the tension is not right. Tuning pins situated at the base are used to adjust the tension.
Each instrument is constructed with a sound hole, the size of which affects the volume produced. Individual craftsmen decorate the sound hole in different ways. Some actually cut the hole in a specific shape while others carve designs around it.
An instrument should not only sound good but it should also be comfortable to play without any strain. This means that the length and the weight have to be carefully considered. The most common way to hold the psaltery is to nestle the base on the inside of the elbow or against the abdomen with the tip away from the body. The left hand holds it while the right hand is used to hold the bow and play.
Handmade psalteries are exquisite instruments with hauntingly beautiful sounds. Playing one is within reach of anyone with the slightest musical inclination. Most of them are sold together with instructions on how to play them and music sheets for several songs.
Craftsmen who make these instruments take great pride in their work. A combination of skills is required for their construction. Not only does the individual need to be experienced in woodworking but some understanding of music is also needed to make the instrument produce the right sounds. The best quality instruments are produced by those with years of experience behind them.
The bowed psaltery is particularly popular. It is triangular in shape with strings which run down both sides and it is played by running the bow up and down the sides. Only one string can be bowed at a time. When played, the notes seem to hang in the air and the sound has been described as haunting and ethereal.
True craftsmen use the best quality wood for construction. The type of wood used can affect the tonal quality produced and even the way in which the wood is cut is important. If it is cut without taking the growth rings of the tree into consideration, it is more subject to warping as moisture is lost and absorbed by the wood. Lighter woods like cedar and spruce are preferred for the top. This allows the vibrations of the strings to be penetrate to the body. The sides are usually made of a different, stronger wood which gives strength and durability.
The strings are also important to the quality of sound produced. They have to have exactly the right pitch, length and mass to vibrate correctly. The spacing of the hitch pins needs to be done with care. If this is done incorrectly, the sounds produced may be scratchy or metallic. Strings can also break easily if the tension is not right. Tuning pins situated at the base are used to adjust the tension.
Each instrument is constructed with a sound hole, the size of which affects the volume produced. Individual craftsmen decorate the sound hole in different ways. Some actually cut the hole in a specific shape while others carve designs around it.
An instrument should not only sound good but it should also be comfortable to play without any strain. This means that the length and the weight have to be carefully considered. The most common way to hold the psaltery is to nestle the base on the inside of the elbow or against the abdomen with the tip away from the body. The left hand holds it while the right hand is used to hold the bow and play.
Handmade psalteries are exquisite instruments with hauntingly beautiful sounds. Playing one is within reach of anyone with the slightest musical inclination. Most of them are sold together with instructions on how to play them and music sheets for several songs.
About the Author:
For information about unique and beautiful handmade psalteries, visit the home pages of Dave's Psaltery at www.davespsaltery.com today. You can learn the history and construction of this ancient musical instrument at http://www.davespsaltery.com now.
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