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.
The instrument is quite similar to zither, and the later one probably is a psaltery version. The harpsichord is larger, and have a keyboard mechanism, but it is similarly designed. The basic principle is that all strings are open, and there are no stoppers there for producing specific tones.
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.
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.
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.
Psalteries are still quite popular, especially in last few years. They look very decorative and produce original tones all music enthusiasts always appreciate. The most popular shape is certainly triangular. They are mostly strung with plain steel music wire with a high tensile strength. Depending on the instrument's size, one to three different string gauges are used.
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.
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.
The instrument is quite similar to zither, and the later one probably is a psaltery version. The harpsichord is larger, and have a keyboard mechanism, but it is similarly designed. The basic principle is that all strings are open, and there are no stoppers there for producing specific tones.
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.
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.
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.
Psalteries are still quite popular, especially in last few years. They look very decorative and produce original tones all music enthusiasts always appreciate. The most popular shape is certainly triangular. They are mostly strung with plain steel music wire with a high tensile strength. Depending on the instrument's size, one to three different string gauges are used.
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.
About the Author:
Check the latest prices for handmade psalteries by taking a tour of our web store now. To get instant access to the main homepage, click this link http://www.davespsaltery.com.
No comments:
Post a Comment