MID-EAST SOPRANO ROUNDED PSALTERY RIGHT-HANDED
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This right-handed, rounded psaltery features 22 strings, spanning from C5 to A6. Constructed with a spruce soundboard on a body of lacewood, it boasts a single sound hole intricately carved with a rosette made of rosewood.
The Bowed Psaltery is a visually stunning instrument that produces a clear and ethereal sound. Its simplicity of play makes it an accessible 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 used, one in each hand, allowing for the simultaneous playing of each side of the instrument.
Mastering the psaltery may initially seem challenging, but understanding the placement of the notes simplifies the process. Observe the psaltery, and you will notice that the Hitch Pins are evenly spaced along one side, like 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, akin to the black keys on a piano. By bowing the evenly spaced strings, natural notes are produced. Sharps and flats can be achieved by extending the bow to the opposite side of the instrument. Notably, a right-handed psaltery has the natural notes on the right side, while a left-handed psaltery has them on the left.
Before playing the strings, the bow must be rosined. To apply rosin, 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, fast strokes, then move to the full length of the bow from end to end. Rotate the rosin cake under the hairs as you drag the bow across to ensure a flat surface and prevent deep grooves that can damage the bow hairs. A properly rosined bow will have rosin powder evenly distributed throughout the hair. Never handle the bow hairs with your hands, as oils from your skin can leave permanent slick spots that hinder rosin retention. 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:
- Body/Bowl: 15.5 inches in length, 1.5 inches in height, and 5.5 inches in width
- Strings at the Bridge: 4 inches wide
- Scale Length: 13 inches
- Tuning: C5 - A6
- Longest String Length: 13 inches