Friday, February 14, 2014

Finding A Bowed Psaltery For Sale

By Krystal Branch


Psalteries have a lengthy history, beginning as wooden boards with strings. These later became hollow boxes with steel strings. Some may think that these ancient instruments are no longer available but this is not true. People still appreciate their hauntingly beautiful sounds. A number of skilled craftsmen are now making them instruments. Finding a bowed psaltery for sale may be as easy as the click of a mouse. Many beautiful instruments are being offered at online stores.

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 found running down both sides of bowed psalteries are what transform them from triangular wooden boxes into musical instruments. The strings are bowed along the sides, one at a time, with the bow being run between the pins on both sides where there is a opening. Sharps and flats are played by reaching the bow over to the left side.

Handcrafted items are always more expensive as they require skill and take time to make. If you want to buy one of these instruments, make sure that you buy from a reputable source. You do not want to purchase an item that does not make the right sounds or pulls apart when used.

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.

The sound hole of the instrument is usually decorated. Typically, if it is a pattern or carving inside the sound hole, it is considered a rose. If anything is inlaid around the sound hole it is called a rosette. Most suppliers of these items offer the customer several choices of design.

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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