Psalteries are ancient musical instruments with a long history. They began as simple boards with strings attached to pegs and progressed from there to hollow boxes with strings. They are still being used today as they are relatively easy to play and produce the most ethereal sounds. The demand for these instruments has led to a number of craftsmen devoting themselves to their production. If you are looking for a bowed psaltery for sale, it is possible to find one online.
Building one of these unique instruments is a craft combining woodwork with science. The craftsman has to have some knowledge of music so the instrument can be made to produce the best sounds. Woodwork skills are vital for making a quality instrument that is not only comfortable to hold but lasts for many years. Some artistic talent is also required when it comes to factors like the combinations of woods used and the design of the sound hole.
The strings of bowed psalteries run down both sides of its triangular shape. The notes are similar to those on a piano. The natural notes, or white keys, are on one side and the sharps and flats, or black keys, are on the other. One bows each note individually where its string comes to the edge using the special bow made for the instrument.
A handcrafted item is expensive as it takes much time and skill to construct. If you are considering purchasing such an instrument, make sure that it is from a reputable craftsman with a good track record. It must be constructed carefully so that it makes the best sounds and does not slowly pull apart when put under pressure.
Another factor to consider is the type of wood used. This affects the sounds produced and the durability. The top of the instrument is usually made of a different type of wood to the back and sides. It needs to be lighter so that the vibration of the strings is transferred through to the body. The frame needs to be solid and is made of harder woods.
Each string on the instrument begins at a hitch pin, runs over a bridge of wood running across the top and then round a tuning pin at the base. The tuning pins are used to tighten or loosen the strings. The spacing of hitch pins is one of the factors determining the sound produced. A string must have exactly the right vibrating length or it can easily snap.
Each instrument has a sound hole and its size affects the volume of sound produced. Suppliers usually offer various different design options for decoration of the sound hole. Some of them are also open to customizing instruments in other ways too.
Psalteries are usually sold as a complete package including not only the instrument and the bow but other items like a tuning wrench and rosin for the bow. A music book or sheets of music may be included as well as playing instructions. Take advantage of an offer of a bowed psaltery for sale and grab the opportunity to learn how to play this intriguing instrument.
Building one of these unique instruments is a craft combining woodwork with science. The craftsman has to have some knowledge of music so the instrument can be made to produce the best sounds. Woodwork skills are vital for making a quality instrument that is not only comfortable to hold but lasts for many years. Some artistic talent is also required when it comes to factors like the combinations of woods used and the design of the sound hole.
The strings of bowed psalteries run down both sides of its triangular shape. The notes are similar to those on a piano. The natural notes, or white keys, are on one side and the sharps and flats, or black keys, are on the other. One bows each note individually where its string comes to the edge using the special bow made for the instrument.
A handcrafted item is expensive as it takes much time and skill to construct. If you are considering purchasing such an instrument, make sure that it is from a reputable craftsman with a good track record. It must be constructed carefully so that it makes the best sounds and does not slowly pull apart when put under pressure.
Another factor to consider is the type of wood used. This affects the sounds produced and the durability. The top of the instrument is usually made of a different type of wood to the back and sides. It needs to be lighter so that the vibration of the strings is transferred through to the body. The frame needs to be solid and is made of harder woods.
Each string on the instrument begins at a hitch pin, runs over a bridge of wood running across the top and then round a tuning pin at the base. The tuning pins are used to tighten or loosen the strings. The spacing of hitch pins is one of the factors determining the sound produced. A string must have exactly the right vibrating length or it can easily snap.
Each instrument has a sound hole and its size affects the volume of sound produced. Suppliers usually offer various different design options for decoration of the sound hole. Some of them are also open to customizing instruments in other ways too.
Psalteries are usually sold as a complete package including not only the instrument and the bow but other items like a tuning wrench and rosin for the bow. A music book or sheets of music may be included as well as playing instructions. Take advantage of an offer of a bowed psaltery for sale and grab the opportunity to learn how to play this intriguing instrument.
0 comments:
Post a Comment