Psalteries, or psalterions are ancient musical instruments, known and used for thousands of years. This simple but lovely instrument was mentioned in the Old Testament, three hundred years BC, but it was widely spread in all known civilizations of Europe and Asia at the time. Handmade psalteries were basically simple wooden boards, with gut strings. The instrument was played with fingers, or with plectrum.
Later on, psaltry got a hollow box with metal strings and sound holes. In different parts of old world, different shapes were popular. Trapezoidal psaltery with three or four strings was preferred in Southern Europe, but rectangular ones were also quite common. In Northern Europe, triangular and wing shaped ones were more popular, and some variations had double strings as well.
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 some parts of Europe, this instrument is used even today, primarily in folk music. For example, very similar instrument is used in Finland, and they call it kantele. In Estonia, the instrument derived from the old psaltery is called kannel, and still rather popular. Russian gusli are also related to it, but some of these instruments are rather bowed than plucked.
In Arabic countries, they also still use similar instruments. They are triple strung, and played with finger plectra. Another type of saltere is called dulcimer. Its strings are struck with hammers, not plucked. In any case, you will find different similar instruments across the Asia as well, especially in India and China. The interesting thing is that you can play all kinds of modern music as well, and you will be surprised with the tone quality.
The specialty of this musical instrument is the most amazing ringing sound it produces. The sound is clean and tingling, something that you can rarely hear today. It is really easy to play it, and if you would like to try something really different, maybe this is the right thing for you. Although it looks really simple, and consists of ordinary wires in different lengths, psaltery makes lovely tones and can be used in many different ways.
Today, triangular shaped psalteries are the most popular ones. They are still just very simple wooden boxes, strung with steel wires of different lengths, and, in case of larger instruments, of different gauges as well. Smaller ones mostly have only one string gauge, but still are able to produce very interesting and full tones. In this electronic music era, this tone is more than welcome refreshment.
Handmade psalteries are especially interesting. Some really are a work of art. If they are built properly, using appropriate types of wood and finishes, you will get really great fullness of tone that you will surely appreciate. These simple and interesting musical instruments are also very decorative. And will look amazingly good displayed in your living room, even if you have no interest in playing them.
Later on, psaltry got a hollow box with metal strings and sound holes. In different parts of old world, different shapes were popular. Trapezoidal psaltery with three or four strings was preferred in Southern Europe, but rectangular ones were also quite common. In Northern Europe, triangular and wing shaped ones were more popular, and some variations had double strings as well.
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 some parts of Europe, this instrument is used even today, primarily in folk music. For example, very similar instrument is used in Finland, and they call it kantele. In Estonia, the instrument derived from the old psaltery is called kannel, and still rather popular. Russian gusli are also related to it, but some of these instruments are rather bowed than plucked.
In Arabic countries, they also still use similar instruments. They are triple strung, and played with finger plectra. Another type of saltere is called dulcimer. Its strings are struck with hammers, not plucked. In any case, you will find different similar instruments across the Asia as well, especially in India and China. The interesting thing is that you can play all kinds of modern music as well, and you will be surprised with the tone quality.
The specialty of this musical instrument is the most amazing ringing sound it produces. The sound is clean and tingling, something that you can rarely hear today. It is really easy to play it, and if you would like to try something really different, maybe this is the right thing for you. Although it looks really simple, and consists of ordinary wires in different lengths, psaltery makes lovely tones and can be used in many different ways.
Today, triangular shaped psalteries are the most popular ones. They are still just very simple wooden boxes, strung with steel wires of different lengths, and, in case of larger instruments, of different gauges as well. Smaller ones mostly have only one string gauge, but still are able to produce very interesting and full tones. In this electronic music era, this tone is more than welcome refreshment.
Handmade psalteries are especially interesting. Some really are a work of art. If they are built properly, using appropriate types of wood and finishes, you will get really great fullness of tone that you will surely appreciate. These simple and interesting musical instruments are also very decorative. And will look amazingly good displayed in your living room, even if you have no interest in playing them.
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