The psaltery, also known as psalterion, psaltry and saltere, is an ancient musical instrument first mentioned in Christian literature three centuries before Christ, in Old Testament. At first, it was just a simple wooden board with gut strings, and it was played with fingers or a plectrum. It was widely used until fifteenth century, and handmade psalteries were quite common at the time.
After some time, this plain wooden board became a wooden box, with sound holes, but strings were still quite simple, without stoppers. There were trapezoidal, rectangular, triangular and wing shaped psalteries at the time, and some shapes were more popular in different countries. For example, in northern Europe, they preferred triangular and wing shaped instruments, sometimes double strung.
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 folk music, similar instruments are still used in some parts of Europe, especially in Finland and Estonia. In Estonia, they have their own version called kannel, while in Finland they play on their kantele. It is presumed that Russian folk instrument gusli is their own version of the same instrument, although this one is bowed, instead played with fingers.
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 sound is simple, clean and ringing, something you have to hear. Today, when all sounds are mostly artificial, it is really nice to hear something so pure and interesting. Although it is mainly used in folk music, anything can be played on this lovely instrument. There are no limitations, and this can be a real challenge for any music enthusiast. You will surely appreciate these amazing tones.
Today, some craftsmen still produce hand made psalteries, because they are quite popular again. Triangular shape is the most appreciated. They use different types of wood for making these simple wooden boxes, but the use of different finishes is sometimes the main reason for better quality of the final sound. Most craftsmen use plain steel music wire for strings, and they make them the same way they are made for centuries.
The beauty of handmade psalteries is in the sound they make. The sound is really clean and lovely. Of course, high quality instruments produce cleaner and more beautiful tones. Another reason for their popularity is their appearance. They look very decorative, and can find their place in any living room. Besides, it is so easy to learn to play, that it really is something everyone should try.
After some time, this plain wooden board became a wooden box, with sound holes, but strings were still quite simple, without stoppers. There were trapezoidal, rectangular, triangular and wing shaped psalteries at the time, and some shapes were more popular in different countries. For example, in northern Europe, they preferred triangular and wing shaped instruments, sometimes double strung.
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 folk music, similar instruments are still used in some parts of Europe, especially in Finland and Estonia. In Estonia, they have their own version called kannel, while in Finland they play on their kantele. It is presumed that Russian folk instrument gusli is their own version of the same instrument, although this one is bowed, instead played with fingers.
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 sound is simple, clean and ringing, something you have to hear. Today, when all sounds are mostly artificial, it is really nice to hear something so pure and interesting. Although it is mainly used in folk music, anything can be played on this lovely instrument. There are no limitations, and this can be a real challenge for any music enthusiast. You will surely appreciate these amazing tones.
Today, some craftsmen still produce hand made psalteries, because they are quite popular again. Triangular shape is the most appreciated. They use different types of wood for making these simple wooden boxes, but the use of different finishes is sometimes the main reason for better quality of the final sound. Most craftsmen use plain steel music wire for strings, and they make them the same way they are made for centuries.
The beauty of handmade psalteries is in the sound they make. The sound is really clean and lovely. Of course, high quality instruments produce cleaner and more beautiful tones. Another reason for their popularity is their appearance. They look very decorative, and can find their place in any living room. Besides, it is so easy to learn to play, that it really is something everyone should try.
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