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.
As with any instrument, one can be built quite simply but the more intricate ones take much skill. First and foremost, the craftsman has to have a good knowledge of working with wood. The item has to be solid enough to withstand pressure and one must be able to hold it comfortably. Secondly, musical understanding is also necessary. Some artistic talent helps too with decorating of sound holes and choosing types of wood that look good together.
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.
A handcrafted item is expensive as it takes much time and skill to construct. If you are considering purchasing such an instrument, make sure that it is from a reputable craftsman with a good track record. It must be constructed carefully so that it makes the best sounds and does not slowly pull apart when put under pressure.
Many different types of wood are used in making these instruments and this can affect the sounds created and how long it lasts. The top has to be light to enable vibrations from the strings to reach the body whereas the frame has to be solid. For example, an instrument may consist of a spruce soundboard with rosewood back and sides.
Each string wraps over a hitch pin and runs across a perpendicular piece of wood at the top called the bridge. It ends up wound around a tuning pin at the base. The hitch pins anchor the strings to the instrument and lift them above the soundboard. The spacing of these hitch pins is very important as this affects the sounds created.
Companies selling these instruments usually offer various patterns for decorating the sound hole. The customer has to make a selection and are even given the option of supplying a design by some suppliers. They are often prepared to work with the customer and customize the instrument in other ways too if required.
If you are looking for a psaltery for sale, an online search reveals what is available. You can compare different designs and prices to find one most suitable for you. Many offers include items such as a bow and a tuning wrench as well as a carrying case. It is easy to find sheet music online for these instruments and some suppliers even include simple instructions on how to play as part of a package deal.
As with any instrument, one can be built quite simply but the more intricate ones take much skill. First and foremost, the craftsman has to have a good knowledge of working with wood. The item has to be solid enough to withstand pressure and one must be able to hold it comfortably. Secondly, musical understanding is also necessary. Some artistic talent helps too with decorating of sound holes and choosing types of wood that look good together.
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.
A handcrafted item is expensive as it takes much time and skill to construct. If you are considering purchasing such an instrument, make sure that it is from a reputable craftsman with a good track record. It must be constructed carefully so that it makes the best sounds and does not slowly pull apart when put under pressure.
Many different types of wood are used in making these instruments and this can affect the sounds created and how long it lasts. The top has to be light to enable vibrations from the strings to reach the body whereas the frame has to be solid. For example, an instrument may consist of a spruce soundboard with rosewood back and sides.
Each string wraps over a hitch pin and runs across a perpendicular piece of wood at the top called the bridge. It ends up wound around a tuning pin at the base. The hitch pins anchor the strings to the instrument and lift them above the soundboard. The spacing of these hitch pins is very important as this affects the sounds created.
Companies selling these instruments usually offer various patterns for decorating the sound hole. The customer has to make a selection and are even given the option of supplying a design by some suppliers. They are often prepared to work with the customer and customize the instrument in other ways too if required.
If you are looking for a psaltery for sale, an online search reveals what is available. You can compare different designs and prices to find one most suitable for you. Many offers include items such as a bow and a tuning wrench as well as a carrying case. It is easy to find sheet music online for these instruments and some suppliers even include simple instructions on how to play as part of a package deal.
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