Technologi

The bowed psaltery is a triangular instrument that is played with a bow. The bow is drawn across strings that are attached to a hitch pin on one side and a tuning pin on the other. The shape of the wooden soundboard is triangular and the strings run down both sides. The bow is drawn over each string individually. The right side is like the white keys on a piano and the left side contains sharps and flats like the black keys of a piano. The sound is something like that of a violin, but it is much easier to play.

Psalteries date back to medieval times and the earliest ones consisted of simple wooden boards and strings. Later versions consisted of a hollow box with a sound hole and metal strings. Strings were either plucked or struck and it was only some time later that bows began to be used.

Those who make these traditional instruments today continuously seek out new and innovative ways to build and design them. These craftsmen need a combination of musical knowledge and good woodworking skills for this unique craft. This is necessary in order for them to produce instruments that not only produce the best sounds but are comfortable to play.

One factor that affect the sound of the instrument is the type of wood used. This is particularly true of wood used to make the soundboard. It has to allow for excellent sound transmission to the rest of the instrument and this is why lighter woods like spruce or cedar are used. The back and sides may be made of woods like black walnut, oak and mahogany.

One factor that has a great influence on the sounds produced by the instrument is the vibrating length of the strings and how the hitch pins are placed. Each hitch pin has to be placed a specific distance from the bridge to give the string attached to it the right vibrating length. If the distance is incorrect, the sounds produced may be scratchy or metallic and over-stretched strings can break easily.

The soundboard has a sound hole or rose in the center. The size of this hole affects the volume of sounds produced and the smaller it is, the softer the sounds. A rosette insert of laser cut solid wood may be used for the hole. Designs like Celtic knots, doves, butterflies, dragons and flowers are used to decorate the holes.

Comfort and durability are other considerations when buying an instrument. The frame has to be a certain thickness to make sure the pins are secure. It must be as lightweight and responsive as possible without sacrificing solidity of construction. An instrument that is too heavy may cause strain and fatigue when playing.

A bowed psaltery may be sold on its own while another may be sold together with the accessories such as a bow, rosin for the bow, a tuning wrench and even an instruction manual. These instruments may be quite costly due to the time and care taken in their construction but the hauntingly beautiful sounds produced make them well worth the cost.