A psaltery is an instrument that has existed since ancient times. Psalteries dating back to medieval times were merely wooden boards with strings that were struck or plucked. Later ones consisted of hollow boxes with sound holes. The psaltery played today is one that is bowed and this type was introduced much later.
The bowed psaltery is still being played today. It is as easy to play as using one finger to sound out a melody on a piano. Songbooks are readily available enabling one to play songs by number. This makes it a good instrument for someone who plays by ear and does not read music.
Another reason why it is so popular is that it is able to produce the most ethereal sounds. The notes are sustained and seem to hang in the air. The modern versions are fully chromatic. The strings on the right side of the triangular shaped instrument represent the white keys on a piano and those running down the left side represent the black keys.
The craftsmen who create these instruments are passionate about their craft. They produce the most beautiful looking instruments and are continually seeking to improve them. They not only have to know how to work with wood but must have musical knowledge as well in order to produce instruments that produce the best sounds. Their aim is to create instruments that are not only beautiful but are comfortable to play, durable and produce amazing sound.
They have to know all about different types of wood as some types conduct sounds better than others and some are more durable than others. For the top of the instrument a lighter wood that can transmit vibrations to the body of the instrument is required. The back and sides need to be durable and for this reason heavier woods such as birch, walnut and maple are used.
Their are many elements to this instrument that have to work together to create the best sounds. For example, the placing of the hitch pins can affect the sound. The size of the sound hole is another element that affects sound. Strings cannot be too tight or too loose.
The psaltery is played by bowing only one string at a time. Only the sides of an instrument are played as the bow is run between the pins on either side. The instrument is held with the left hand and the tip of the triangle away from the body. The base fits inside the elbow or against the abdomen. The right hand is then free to hold the bow and play the notes.
A psaltery is usually sold together with a bow as well as other accessories like tuning wrenches. Music sheets, songbooks and playing instructions are often included as well. The cost of these instruments reflect the time, materials used and skills required to make them. However, there are few other instruments as easy to play that can produce such hauntingly beautiful sounds.
The bowed psaltery is still being played today. It is as easy to play as using one finger to sound out a melody on a piano. Songbooks are readily available enabling one to play songs by number. This makes it a good instrument for someone who plays by ear and does not read music.
Another reason why it is so popular is that it is able to produce the most ethereal sounds. The notes are sustained and seem to hang in the air. The modern versions are fully chromatic. The strings on the right side of the triangular shaped instrument represent the white keys on a piano and those running down the left side represent the black keys.
The craftsmen who create these instruments are passionate about their craft. They produce the most beautiful looking instruments and are continually seeking to improve them. They not only have to know how to work with wood but must have musical knowledge as well in order to produce instruments that produce the best sounds. Their aim is to create instruments that are not only beautiful but are comfortable to play, durable and produce amazing sound.
They have to know all about different types of wood as some types conduct sounds better than others and some are more durable than others. For the top of the instrument a lighter wood that can transmit vibrations to the body of the instrument is required. The back and sides need to be durable and for this reason heavier woods such as birch, walnut and maple are used.
Their are many elements to this instrument that have to work together to create the best sounds. For example, the placing of the hitch pins can affect the sound. The size of the sound hole is another element that affects sound. Strings cannot be too tight or too loose.
The psaltery is played by bowing only one string at a time. Only the sides of an instrument are played as the bow is run between the pins on either side. The instrument is held with the left hand and the tip of the triangle away from the body. The base fits inside the elbow or against the abdomen. The right hand is then free to hold the bow and play the notes.
A psaltery is usually sold together with a bow as well as other accessories like tuning wrenches. Music sheets, songbooks and playing instructions are often included as well. The cost of these instruments reflect the time, materials used and skills required to make them. However, there are few other instruments as easy to play that can produce such hauntingly beautiful sounds.
About the Author:
Buying psalteries has never been easier thanks to this great website. Come and check out the extensive line of instruments we have available right now at http://www.davespsaltery.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment