MID-EAST BARITONE ROUNDED PSALTERY RIGHT-HANDED
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This right-handed, rounded psaltery features 37 strings, spanning from C3 to C6. Crafted with a spruce soundboard on a body of lacewood, it boasts a single sound hole adorned with an intricately carved rosette made of rosewood.
The Bowed Psaltery is renowned for its captivating melodies, producing a clear and ethereal sound. Its accessibility makes it an ideal instrument for beginners. The psaltery bow is held in the dominant hand, and only one string is played at a time, bowed between the Hitch Pins. Alternatively, two bows can be employed, one in each hand, allowing for the simultaneous playing of each side of the instrument.
Mastering the psaltery may initially appear challenging, but understanding the note placement simplifies the process. Observe the psaltery, and you will notice the Hitch Pins evenly spaced along one side, akin to the white keys on a piano. Conversely, the Hitch Pins on the opposite side are arranged in groups of three and two, with spaces between them, reminiscent of the black keys on a piano. Bowing the evenly spaced strings produces the natural notes, while sharps and flats are achieved by extending the bow to the opposite side of the instrument.
Right-handed psalteries possess the natural notes on the right side, while left-handed psalteries have them on the left.
It is crucial to avoid handling the bow’s hair with your hands. Oils from your skin can leave permanent slick spots, hindering the retention of rosin powder.
Before playing, the bow must be rosinned. To achieve this, use a key or nail file to rough up the surface of the new rosin. Begin by rosinning the ends of the hairs in short, rapid strokes, followed by rosinning the entire length of the hairs from end to end. Rotate the rosin cake under the hairs as you drag the bow across. This rotation ensures a flat surface and prevents the formation of deeply grooved rosin, which can damage the bow hairs. A properly rosinned bow will have rosin powder evenly distributed throughout the hairs.
Loose or broken hairs on the bow are not uncommon and will not impact its playing characteristics. If a hair breaks, do not pluck it out. Instead, carefully cut the hair, leaving a small portion at both ends.
After each use, clean your bow with a soft, dry cloth. Occasionally, wipe the playing area of the strings. Excessive rosin accumulation, particularly on the undersides of the strings, can adversely affect the tone and playability of the instrument.
Physical Dimensions:
- Length: 29.25 inches
- Height: 2 inches
- Width: 10.25 inches
String Dimensions:
- Bridge Strings: 7.75 inches wide
- Scale Length: 25.5 inches
Tuning:
- C3 - C6