The psaltery, also known as psalterion, psaltry and saltere, is an ancient musical instrument first mentioned in Christian literature three centuries before Christ, in Old Testament. At first, it was just a simple wooden board with gut strings, and it was played with fingers or a plectrum. It was widely used until fifteenth century, and handmade psalteries were quite common at the time.
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.
Zither and harpsichord were made on the same principle. Harpsichord is really a larger version of a psaltery, but with a keyboard mechanism for easier plucking of strings. The basic principle is having the open strings, without any stoppers. The tone is determined with the length of a particular string.
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.
Even in some Arabic countries they also have their own versions of a psaltry, this time triple strung. Theirs is played using finger plectra. There are some other variations, for example, dulcimer, and this one is played with special hammers. In India and China, they have their own variations, but based on the same principle. In any case, you can play anything on these instruments, and they still produce very interesting tones.
It really is simple to learn to play psalteries, and the tone they make is absolutely amazing. It remains in the air, tingling and ringing, it is clean and interrupted, simply adoring. The instrument itself is designed really simply, and the only thing that dictates the tone height is the length of the wire, and your ability to play on it. If you are interested in something different, this might be something for you.
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.
Handmade psalteries will find their place in homes of all music enthusiasts. There are different shapes and qualities available, and the best ones make really amazing tones. Besides, they look more than appealing, and even if you don't play, you might find them highly decorative. In any case, one of these lovely pieces will look great on your mantelpiece.
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.
Zither and harpsichord were made on the same principle. Harpsichord is really a larger version of a psaltery, but with a keyboard mechanism for easier plucking of strings. The basic principle is having the open strings, without any stoppers. The tone is determined with the length of a particular string.
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.
Even in some Arabic countries they also have their own versions of a psaltry, this time triple strung. Theirs is played using finger plectra. There are some other variations, for example, dulcimer, and this one is played with special hammers. In India and China, they have their own variations, but based on the same principle. In any case, you can play anything on these instruments, and they still produce very interesting tones.
It really is simple to learn to play psalteries, and the tone they make is absolutely amazing. It remains in the air, tingling and ringing, it is clean and interrupted, simply adoring. The instrument itself is designed really simply, and the only thing that dictates the tone height is the length of the wire, and your ability to play on it. If you are interested in something different, this might be something for you.
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.
Handmade psalteries will find their place in homes of all music enthusiasts. There are different shapes and qualities available, and the best ones make really amazing tones. Besides, they look more than appealing, and even if you don't play, you might find them highly decorative. In any case, one of these lovely pieces will look great on your mantelpiece.
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