How to Buy a Bowed Psaltery

Your Guide to buying the best Bowed Psaltery

Overview

A Bowed Psaltery is a unique and beautiful stringed instrument that has been used for centuries. This buying guide will provide insight into the different types of bowed psalteries available, their features, and the different factors to consider when purchasing one. With the right knowledge, you'll be able to choose the best bowed psaltery for your needs.

Key features

  1. Size: Choose a bowed psaltery that is appropriate for your body size, as larger instruments may be difficult to hold and play.
  2. Tuning: Many bowed psalteries are equipped with precision tuners for easy and accurate tuning.
  3. Sound Quality: Listen to a demonstration to get an idea of the quality of sound that the bowed psaltery can produce.
  4. Construction: Quality bowed psalteries are typically made out of a combination of wood and metal.
  5. Strings: Choose a bowed psaltery with either steel or nylon strings, depending on the sound that you are looking for.
  6. Accessories: Look for a bowed psaltery that comes with a case, bow, or extra strings.

See the most popular Bowed Psaltery on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Variety of Sounds: A bowed psaltery can produce a wide range of musical sounds depending on how it is played. It is a great instrument for creating unique and diverse melodies.
  • Portable: The Bowed Psaltery is lightweight and portable, making it easy to take with you when you travel or attend a live event.
  • Easy to Learn: Bowed Psaltery has a relatively simple design and can be learned quickly by most people. It is a great instrument for beginners.
  • Versatile: The Bowed Psaltery is very versatile and can be used to play a variety of different styles of music, from traditional folk to modern classical and jazz.

Cons

  • Cost: Bowed psalteries can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars depending on the quality and features of the instrument.
  • Size:Bowed psalteries are larger than a regular guitar and can be difficult to store or transport.
  • Noise:Bowed psalteries can be quite loud and not suitable for playing in smaller spaces or with other instruments.
  • Maintenance: Bowed psalteries require regular maintenance to keep them in good condition, and it can be difficult to find a qualified technician to work on them.
  • Learning curve: Bowed psalteries take a lot of practice and dedication to master, and it can be intimidating for beginner musicians.

Best alternatives

  1. Harpsichord - A keyboard instrument which has a range of up to five octaves and is usually made of wood and metal strings.
  2. Hammered Dulcimer - A stringed percussion instrument which consists of two bridges, one for the treble (melody) and one for the bass (harmony) strings.
  3. Guitar - A fretted, stringed instrument, usually with six strings, and played with the fingers or a pick.
  4. Viola da Gamba - A plucked string instrument with seven strings, similar to a violin but with a deeper and more mellow sound.
  5. Cello - A bass stringed instrument, usually with four strings, that is held upright and played with a bow.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Bow - A long stick with hair, usually made from horsehair, which is used to bow the strings of the instrument.
  • Rosin - A sticky, brown substance that is applied to the bow to create the desired sound from the strings.
  • Tuning Wrenches - Tools used to adjust the tension of the strings.
  • Mutes - A device that is placed over the strings, usually made of felt, to dampen sound and create a softer sound.
  • Soft Case - A protective covering for the psaltery, usually made of fabric, foam, and/or plastic.
  • Pick - A small tool used to pluck the strings of the instrument.

Common questions

  1. What type of sound does a Bowed Psaltery produce? A bowed psaltery produces a melodic sound of gentle notes. It is similar to a harp or a guitar.
  2. What is the material used to make a Bowed Psaltery? A bowed psaltery is usually made of wood, either maple or spruce, but other materials such as plastic or metal may be used.
  3. What types of music can be played on a Bowed Psaltery? A bowed psaltery can be used to play a wide variety of music styles, including folk, classical, and popular songs.
  4. What accessories are necessary to play a Bowed Psaltery? To play a bowed psaltery, you will need a bow, a tuner, and some rosin.
  5. Are there different sizes of Bowed Psaltery? Yes, bowed psalteries are available in a range of sizes, from small lap-sized instruments to larger full-sized models.
  6. How difficult is it to learn how to play a Bowed Psaltery? Bowed psalteries are relatively easy to learn how to play, as they have a limited number of strings and notes. It can take some practice to become familiar with the instrument and learn the basics of playing.

Trivia

The bowed psaltery is thought to date back to the 13th century in Europe, and was a popular instrument among minstrels and troubadours of the time. It was actually used in the court of the French Queen Anne of Brittany, who according to legend, was so taken by the instrument's sound that she requested a larger version of the bowed psaltery that was so large it was made out of a whole tree trunk! Today, the instrument is still used in many musical genres, from traditional folk music to rock and jazz. Source

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.