Psaltery Facts: Shop for Instruments, Accessories, Gifts

Psaltery Facts

The psaltery dates back to 12th century Europe, with roots tracing to ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt. It’s mentioned in biblical texts, associated with worship and praise, as in the Book of Psalms (hence the name).

It typically has a flat, triangular, or trapezoidal wooden soundboard with metal or gut strings stretched across. The strings are plucked with fingers, quills, or plectra, producing a delicate, harp-like sound. Modern versions, like the bowed psaltery (played with a bow), were developed to create a violin-like sound.

During the Middle Ages, psalteries were widely used in European courts and religious settings. They were portable and relatively easy to play, making them a favorite among minstrels and nobility.

The American folk music revival, from the 1940s through the 1960s, generated renewed interest in traditional music. Popular musicians like Pete Seeger, Woody Guthrie, Joan Baez, and Bob Dylan often incorporated obscure or historical instruments to evoke a sense of cultural heritage. The psaltery, with its ancient roots and delicate tone, fit this ethos perfectly. This revival cemented the psaltery’s place in modern folk music, particularly the bowed version.

Psaltery Player in Ancient Greece

More Psaltery Facts

A person who performs on this string instrument is called a psalterist. Notable psalterists include Maureen Barnes, Dona Benkert, Satis Coleman, James Jones, Rick Long, Lowell Mason, Eric Meier, James Mellen, Donna Missigman, Celeste Howard Ray, Gregg Schneeman, Peter Tommerup, Ann Tucker, George James Webb, Honey Smith Walls, and Tish Westman.

Religious Symbolism
The psaltery frequently appears in Christian art, symbolizing divine harmony and praise. It’s commonly shown in the hands of King David, angels, or other holy figures, rooted in a biblical association with the Book of Psalms. The psaltery’s frequent portrayal in medieval art underscores its cultural and spiritual importance, bridging sacred and secular realms.

Strangeling Angel with a Psaltery

Jasmine Becket Griffith

Strangeling Angel with a Psaltery 11×14 Unframed Fantasy Print Poster

Master Instrument Maker James Jones

James Jones has been building custom musical instruments in his rural Bedford, Virginia shop since 1978. He produces an entire line of fine string instruments, including bouzoukis, hammered dulcimers, Appalachian dulcimers, harps, mandolins, zithers—and of course, psalteries. This introduction to the instrument is played on one of his 2-1/2 octave alto bowed psalteries.

Best Gifts for Music Lovers

We’ve designed 2,000+ products for string instrument musicians and fans. Find a unique gift for your favorite psaltery player or enthusiast. Beware of inferior copycats! Our original designs are available here and in our String Kings Music Psaltery collection.

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Cherry Wood Bowed Psaltery with 22 Strings

Product details:

Made of Cherry with a book matched Cherry top and sides
This is a big instrument, 21.5 inches long
Starts on G4 ends on F6
G4 strings vibrating length is 17.250 long
Comes tuned (may need minor tuning after shipping)
Easy to play, made in the USA
Perfect beginner instrument for all ages
Includes bow, rosin, tuning wrench, fleece draw string bag, string chart w/note lay out and stick on note letters

Cherry Wood Bowed Psaltery with 22 Strings

Baltic Psalteries

Since 2012 Baltic Psalteries has manufactured more than 2,000 unique handcrafted instruments. Sharing music is a passion—more than 200 psalteries have been donated to orphanages, music institutions, and large families.

Baltic Psalteries
Our psalteries are designed for both professional musicians as well as people with no special musical education. We have had some fabulous reviews from folk groups and famous musicians.

Best Psaltery Gifts Collection

Our Psaltery Gifts Collection features shirts, tote bags, coffee mugs, chef aprons, buttons, magnets, and more.

Psaltery Shirts and Gifts Collection

Unique Psaltery Gift Ideas

If you need to find a gift for your favorite psaltery player, you’ve come to the right place. We’re always creating new products and sharing our favorites from other designers.

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Roosebeck Baritone Psaltery Strings RBSPSB – Set of 37 – Phosphor Bronze – String Gauge .012 Roosebeck Psaltery Bow – Mongolian Horse Hair – Solid Walnut Wood – Very Light – Easy to Play D’Addario Violin Rosin – Natural Light – For Violin, Viola, Cello – Made with All-Natural Ingredients Teeburon I Love Psaltery Colorful Hearts Women’s T-Shirt – 100% High Quality Cotton – Black