The ancient musical instrument called psaltery is known for thousands of years. It was first mentioned in Old Testament, a few centuries BC, but it is presumed that it was used long before that, in different parts of Old world. These first, handmade psalteries were simply made, they consisted of a plain wooden board with a few gut strings, that was played using fingers, or a plectrum.
After some time, this plain wooden board became a wooden box, with sound holes, but strings were still quite simple, without stoppers. There were trapezoidal, rectangular, triangular and wing shaped psalteries at the time, and some shapes were more popular in different countries. For example, in northern Europe, they preferred triangular and wing shaped instruments, sometimes double strung.
It is presumed that some later instruments such as zither or harpsichord are just more sophisticated versions of this ancient instrument. Harpsichord is a larger version and looks quite similar to an old psaltery, but it has a keyboard mechanism for plucking the strings. All strings are open, without stoppers.
In folk music, similar instruments are still used in some parts of Europe, especially in Finland and Estonia. In Estonia, they have their own version called kannel, while in Finland they play on their kantele. It is presumed that Russian folk instrument gusli is their own version of the same instrument, although this one is bowed, instead played with fingers.
Similar instruments can be found in different Arabic countries, in India, China and some other parts of Asia. There are different variations, double and triple strung, and most are played using finger plectra. Dulcimer is another variation, and this one's strings aren't plucked, but struck with small, special hammers. The experience of playing some of these interesting instruments is quite surprising, especially when it comes to the quality and volume of the tone.
The sound is simple, clean and ringing, something you have to hear. Today, when all sounds are mostly artificial, it is really nice to hear something so pure and interesting. Although it is mainly used in folk music, anything can be played on this lovely instrument. There are no limitations, and this can be a real challenge for any music enthusiast. You will surely appreciate these amazing tones.
Today, some craftsmen still produce hand made psalteries, because they are quite popular again. Triangular shape is the most appreciated. They use different types of wood for making these simple wooden boxes, but the use of different finishes is sometimes the main reason for better quality of the final sound. Most craftsmen use plain steel music wire for strings, and they make them the same way they are made for centuries.
The beauty of handmade psalteries is in the sound they make. The sound is really clean and lovely. Of course, high quality instruments produce cleaner and more beautiful tones. Another reason for their popularity is their appearance. They look very decorative, and can find their place in any living room. Besides, it is so easy to learn to play, that it really is something everyone should try.
After some time, this plain wooden board became a wooden box, with sound holes, but strings were still quite simple, without stoppers. There were trapezoidal, rectangular, triangular and wing shaped psalteries at the time, and some shapes were more popular in different countries. For example, in northern Europe, they preferred triangular and wing shaped instruments, sometimes double strung.
It is presumed that some later instruments such as zither or harpsichord are just more sophisticated versions of this ancient instrument. Harpsichord is a larger version and looks quite similar to an old psaltery, but it has a keyboard mechanism for plucking the strings. All strings are open, without stoppers.
In folk music, similar instruments are still used in some parts of Europe, especially in Finland and Estonia. In Estonia, they have their own version called kannel, while in Finland they play on their kantele. It is presumed that Russian folk instrument gusli is their own version of the same instrument, although this one is bowed, instead played with fingers.
Similar instruments can be found in different Arabic countries, in India, China and some other parts of Asia. There are different variations, double and triple strung, and most are played using finger plectra. Dulcimer is another variation, and this one's strings aren't plucked, but struck with small, special hammers. The experience of playing some of these interesting instruments is quite surprising, especially when it comes to the quality and volume of the tone.
The sound is simple, clean and ringing, something you have to hear. Today, when all sounds are mostly artificial, it is really nice to hear something so pure and interesting. Although it is mainly used in folk music, anything can be played on this lovely instrument. There are no limitations, and this can be a real challenge for any music enthusiast. You will surely appreciate these amazing tones.
Today, some craftsmen still produce hand made psalteries, because they are quite popular again. Triangular shape is the most appreciated. They use different types of wood for making these simple wooden boxes, but the use of different finishes is sometimes the main reason for better quality of the final sound. Most craftsmen use plain steel music wire for strings, and they make them the same way they are made for centuries.
The beauty of handmade psalteries is in the sound they make. The sound is really clean and lovely. Of course, high quality instruments produce cleaner and more beautiful tones. Another reason for their popularity is their appearance. They look very decorative, and can find their place in any living room. Besides, it is so easy to learn to play, that it really is something everyone should try.
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