Saturday, 10 August 2013

Basic Information To Know On Psalteries

By Andrea Davidson


Psalteries is the term used to describe stringed instruments that are part of the zither family. These have been around for centuries, dating way back to ancient times. However, there are modern versions still widely used today.

In Ancient Greece, psalteries that were used were much like harps. The word itself is taken from the Greek language. It is a mix of a noun meaning psaltery, stringed instrument or harp, and a verb that means to touch sharply, pluck, twitch or pull.

During the Christian period, these featured a soundboard. Several pre-tuned strings were attached to this soundboard and were plucked to play. It was also referred to as a canon, which is also derived from the Greek language and a word that means principle or rule. Usually the instrument is portable because of its small size. Still, it is available in a variety of ranges and shapes.

Between the twelfth and fifteenth centuries, psalteries were often seen in paintings, sculptures, and manuscripts in Europe. They vary greatly in number of strings and shape. The nineteenth century was when the zithers became more popular. Most notably, the guitar zither and autoharp. In the twentieth century, bowed psalteries were being used more widely. These are set up with a triangular format so the end of the string may be bowed.

A bowed psaltery is a kind of zither instrument that is played with a bow. This is different than old plucked models and is largely considered an invention of the twentieth century. There is a ukelin-type units, conventional bowed psalteries and violin zithers that may be used. The performance style done with this will vary and is often relative to the instrument used and the person playing.

The Baltic is a different kind of psaltery. This terminology is used when describing a specific family of box-zither pieces. Most of these instruments are used in places located near the Baltic Sea, hence their name. The different kinds that may be placed under this classification: Kankles, Harpu, Kusle, Kokle, Kannel and Kantele.

The instruments are available through many different retailers in the modern day. Their prices are expected to range. Generally the cost is relative to the condition of the piece, the type of psaltery, manufacturer and of course, the seller. Individuals interested in owning one of these should check the instrument sellers in their area or check online. There are some places that will allow musicians to rent these pieces. Furthermore, those who would like instruction on how to play these may find resources online or a music teacher available in their area who knows how to play the instrument.

Psalteries are not as popular as they were in ancient times, but these stringed instruments are still widely available in the modern world. They come in different varieties. These instruments have been used for hundreds of years and have undergone some changes in that time. There are retailers that offer these for rent or sale, and there are many resources available to those who want to learn how to play the instruments. Some music teachers may even offer lessons.




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