Psalteries are ancient stringed instruments made to be played with the fingers. Today, the 'bowed' psaltery is more familiar to many; this modern variation is played with a bow. The instrument went out of prominence during the Renaissance but never entirely disappeared. It's said to be the easiest of all instruments to learn, even for those without prior training or much aptitude.
People unfamiliar with this type of musical device might think the term refers to a book of psalms. There is a connection; psalms were hymns meant to be accompanied by a harp, which is another name for the psaltery. The proper term for a book of these hymns of praise is a psalter.
Many different versions of this lap harp are found in European medieval paintings, illustrations in manuscripts, and sculpture. The Renaissance saw the rise of sophisticated music and instruments like the harpsichord, and the psaltery went out of fashion.
At first, people simply stretched gut strings along a board. Later a 'soundboard' was used, which was hollow and might have holes along its length to improve the tone. Metal strings replaced the gut. Players carried them by a neck strap or played them in their laps. Larger models were placed on a table. There were many shapes, sizes, and differing numbers of strings in these folk instruments.
Today most of the ones used are played with a bow rather than with the fingers. Supposedly a novice with musical training can play actual tunes almost at once, while even those with little aptitude can 'master' the instrument in a matter of hours. Even if you consider yourself musically challenged, the makers of the psaltery say that you can play it successfully.
The bowed psaltery is triangular in shape, with variations on the basic design. There will be twenty or more strings in most models. There are 'natural notes' as well as sharps and flats, with more nuances from the spaces between the pegs that hold the strings in place. Although this may sound complicated, it's supposed to be the easiest of all music making tools to master. The bow is usually sold separately.
There is a lot of history online, as well as examples of ancient and modern harps of this kind. You'll see a wide range of shape, size, and number of strings. There are models for both adults and children on today's market. Artisans hand craft them out of carefully selected wood, making one of a kind treasures, and mass marketers also offer them. For bargains, look on auction sites where you can make a bid.
The long history and the ease of playing psalteries makes them fascinating and enticing. Combine history and music lessons for your family - learn to play the psaltery together. Costs range from under $100.00 to much more for a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. They can be found on auction sites, to be won by the highest bidder.
People unfamiliar with this type of musical device might think the term refers to a book of psalms. There is a connection; psalms were hymns meant to be accompanied by a harp, which is another name for the psaltery. The proper term for a book of these hymns of praise is a psalter.
Many different versions of this lap harp are found in European medieval paintings, illustrations in manuscripts, and sculpture. The Renaissance saw the rise of sophisticated music and instruments like the harpsichord, and the psaltery went out of fashion.
At first, people simply stretched gut strings along a board. Later a 'soundboard' was used, which was hollow and might have holes along its length to improve the tone. Metal strings replaced the gut. Players carried them by a neck strap or played them in their laps. Larger models were placed on a table. There were many shapes, sizes, and differing numbers of strings in these folk instruments.
Today most of the ones used are played with a bow rather than with the fingers. Supposedly a novice with musical training can play actual tunes almost at once, while even those with little aptitude can 'master' the instrument in a matter of hours. Even if you consider yourself musically challenged, the makers of the psaltery say that you can play it successfully.
The bowed psaltery is triangular in shape, with variations on the basic design. There will be twenty or more strings in most models. There are 'natural notes' as well as sharps and flats, with more nuances from the spaces between the pegs that hold the strings in place. Although this may sound complicated, it's supposed to be the easiest of all music making tools to master. The bow is usually sold separately.
There is a lot of history online, as well as examples of ancient and modern harps of this kind. You'll see a wide range of shape, size, and number of strings. There are models for both adults and children on today's market. Artisans hand craft them out of carefully selected wood, making one of a kind treasures, and mass marketers also offer them. For bargains, look on auction sites where you can make a bid.
The long history and the ease of playing psalteries makes them fascinating and enticing. Combine history and music lessons for your family - learn to play the psaltery together. Costs range from under $100.00 to much more for a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. They can be found on auction sites, to be won by the highest bidder.
About the Author:
If you are looking for hand crafted and beautiful psalteries come to Dave's Psaltry. Check out how each instrument is made when you visit us online today at http://www.davespsaltery.com.
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