Psaltery Facts
The psaltery is a stringed musical instrument belonging to the zither family. Psalteries are often depicted in the manuscripts, paintings, and sculptures of 12th to 15th century Europe. The psalteries of Ancient Greece resembled small harps. Modern psalteries are based on the guitar zither and the autoharp.
Psalteries have appeared in a variety of forms and styles throughout history. On the earlier instruments that resembled harps, the strings were plucked. On subsequent versions, the strings could either be struck or bowed.
The bowed psaltery was introduced in the early 20th century and is the style most frequently seen and played today. Modern psalteries are triangular in shape, played with a bow, with strings running down both sides of the soundboard. This unique triangular shape allows the end portion of each string to be bowed.
Here are a few more interesting psaltery facts. When playing modern bowed psalteries you don’t need to learn fingering positions. Each string produces a single note. The bow plays just one note at a time, so the psaltery is primarily a melody instrument. Its haunting sound is well suited to folk songs, hymns, and carols.
More Psaltery Facts
Fun Fact
A person who performs on this string instrument is called a psalterist.
Notable psalterists include Satis Coleman, James Jones, Rick Long, Lowell Mason, Eric Meier, Donna Missigman, Ann Tucker, and George James Webb.
Strangeling Angel with a Psaltery
Jasmine Becket Griffith
Strangeling Angel with a Psaltery11×14 Unframed Fantasy Print Poster
Listen to the Bowed Psaltery
Introduction by 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. Visit his website, James Jones Instruments to see what’s available now. 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 created more than 2,000 products for string instrument players and music lovers. 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.
Find a Psaltery Online
Zither Heaven Black Walnut Bowed Psaltery
Product details:
- Black walnut with a contrasting cherry stripe and bridge
- Black walnut frame rails with a hard maple pin area
- 22 strings, starts on G4 ends on F6
- Includes bow, rosin, tuning wrench, fleece drawstring bag
- String chart with note lay out and stick on note letters
- Overall dimension: 21.5 x 7 x 2 inches (L-W-H)
- Ideal instrument for anyone interested in learning music
Black Walnut Bowed Psaltery with 22 StringsZither Heaven Psaltery – Made in the USA
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.
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 .012Roosebeck 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
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