By Paula Barron
The bowed psaltery is more recent in origin than the plucked psaltery which was popular thousands of years ago. Its actual origins are rather hazy but it is thought to have been developed in the late 1940s by a German school teacher. Its shape is triangular and each string extends a little farther than the one before it so each one can be played individually.
The sounds are made by the steel strings being bowed one by one. Today one can listen to these soul stirring sounds on the internet. There are sites where you can even listen to the actual sound produced by the instrument on offer.
The sounds are made by the steel strings being bowed one by one. Today one can listen to these soul stirring sounds on the internet. There are sites where you can even listen to the actual sound produced by the instrument on offer.
A small, light bow is used. It is played along each edge of the instrument to produce the sounds. It has to be run between the pins on the right and left sides of the instrument where there is an opening. Natural notes, which are like the white piano keys, are found on the right side. Sharp and flat notes, which are like the black piano keys, are found on the left side. Advanced techniques involve using two bows, one to play melody and one to add harmony.
An instrument needs to be properly tuned in order to sound its best. When you receive it, this should have already been done but you will have to tweak it now and then. You will usually be given a tuning wrench as part of the package and this is used to turn the tuning pins. Once again, the internet has many sources of information on tuning. Purchase of a digital tuner makes the process easy and gives good results.
There are a variety of ways in which this instrument can be held and you need to find the way that is most comfortable for you. The most common way is to keep the tip away from your body and the base tucked in. It is supported with the left hand while the right hand holds the bow. A variation is to sit down and play with the instrument on your lap.
Most instruments are sold with instructions on how to play simple tunes. Some are even sold together with a DVD showing how to play using either numbers or letters. This means that you do not have to be able to read music to learn simple songs.
Most craftsmen making these instruments today are passionate about their craft. Although the instrument may be easy to pla
An instrument needs to be properly tuned in order to sound its best. When you receive it, this should have already been done but you will have to tweak it now and then. You will usually be given a tuning wrench as part of the package and this is used to turn the tuning pins. Once again, the internet has many sources of information on tuning. Purchase of a digital tuner makes the process easy and gives good results.
There are a variety of ways in which this instrument can be held and you need to find the way that is most comfortable for you. The most common way is to keep the tip away from your body and the base tucked in. It is supported with the left hand while the right hand holds the bow. A variation is to sit down and play with the instrument on your lap.
Most instruments are sold with instructions on how to play simple tunes. Some are even sold together with a DVD showing how to play using either numbers or letters. This means that you do not have to be able to read music to learn simple songs.
Most craftsmen making these instruments today are passionate about their craft. Although the instrument may be easy to pla
There are a variety of ways in which this instrument can be held and you need to find the way that is most comfortable for you. The most common way is to keep the tip away from your body and the base tucked in. It is supported with the left hand while the right hand holds the bow. A variation is to sit down and play with the instrument on your lap.
Most instruments are sold with instructions on how to play simple tunes. Some are even sold together with a DVD showing how to play using either numbers or letters. This means that you do not have to be able to read music to learn simple songs.
Most craftsmen making these instruments today are passionate about their craft. Although the instrument may be easy to play, it is not so simple to construct, requiring many skills from woodworking to a knowledge of how sounds are formed. Many of those available are finely crafted and well finished.
You may be considering buying a bowed psaltery for the first time but are unsure of exactly what to buy. Most of the craftsmen selling these items are only to happy to give you advice and are even prepared to customize for you if required. There are forums too, where you can find much helpful advice from others who have experience.
Most instruments are sold with instructions on how to play simple tunes. Some are even sold together with a DVD showing how to play using either numbers or letters. This means that you do not have to be able to read music to learn simple songs.
Most craftsmen making these instruments today are passionate about their craft. Although the instrument may be easy to play, it is not so simple to construct, requiring many skills from woodworking to a knowledge of how sounds are formed. Many of those available are finely crafted and well finished.
You may be considering buying a bowed psaltery for the first time but are unsure of exactly what to buy. Most of the craftsmen selling these items are only to happy to give you advice and are even prepared to customize for you if required. There are forums too, where you can find much helpful advice from others who have experience.