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.
The name of the instrument is unfamiliar to many, and can be confused with the term 'psalter', which is a book of psalms. The psalms are hymns of praise and were accompanied by harp music, played on psalteries. The origins and development of this instrument are intertwined with worship.
The psaltery was immortalized in many medieval paintings, manuscript illustrations, and sculptures. References to the instruments are found in religious literature from the third century BC. The Renaissance saw the rise of other types of music and the development of instruments with a wider range, like the harpsichord.
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.
Most of the ones for sale today are the bowed type. A new one will come with instructions. Play is learned by following the numbers on beginner models; the tune can be adjusted by ear as proficiency increases. Supposedly a person with a musical background can learn to play in a matter of minutes, while even the musically challenged can 'master' the instrument in a few hours. Of course, as with any craft, practice makes perfect.
Bowed models are triangular in shape, with twenty or more strings. Like a piano, there are 'natural' notes and 'sharps and flats'. Even the spaces between pegs have their roles. As mysterious as this sounds to the uninitiated, it is still called the easiest of all to play. The bow action is along the side. Bows are 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.
Psalteries are neat, both as living history and as ways for everyone to enjoy making music. Costs range from less than a hundred dollars to many hundreds, depending on the source, the materials used, and the purpose. Novices literally can learn by numbers until their 'ear' gets attuned. Obviously every family needs one of these instruments with a long heritage.
The name of the instrument is unfamiliar to many, and can be confused with the term 'psalter', which is a book of psalms. The psalms are hymns of praise and were accompanied by harp music, played on psalteries. The origins and development of this instrument are intertwined with worship.
The psaltery was immortalized in many medieval paintings, manuscript illustrations, and sculptures. References to the instruments are found in religious literature from the third century BC. The Renaissance saw the rise of other types of music and the development of instruments with a wider range, like the harpsichord.
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.
Most of the ones for sale today are the bowed type. A new one will come with instructions. Play is learned by following the numbers on beginner models; the tune can be adjusted by ear as proficiency increases. Supposedly a person with a musical background can learn to play in a matter of minutes, while even the musically challenged can 'master' the instrument in a few hours. Of course, as with any craft, practice makes perfect.
Bowed models are triangular in shape, with twenty or more strings. Like a piano, there are 'natural' notes and 'sharps and flats'. Even the spaces between pegs have their roles. As mysterious as this sounds to the uninitiated, it is still called the easiest of all to play. The bow action is along the side. Bows are 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.
Psalteries are neat, both as living history and as ways for everyone to enjoy making music. Costs range from less than a hundred dollars to many hundreds, depending on the source, the materials used, and the purpose. Novices literally can learn by numbers until their 'ear' gets attuned. Obviously every family needs one of these instruments with a long heritage.
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