Psaltries have been found in some form or another dating as far back as 300 years BC. The modern form was probably introduced around the 1920's.. and is sometimes considered a "Folk" or "Celtic" (i.e., mountain) instrument.

This Bowed Psaltery picture was taken at a slight "side" angle to show the DEPTH of the instrument.

What is a Bowed Psaltery.. and how is it played?

A bowed psaltery.. probably the easiest instrument in the world to learn to play (outside of whistling). It is approximatley 20" long by 8" wide, triangular in shape and (depending on make and model), has from 24 to 32 (or more) strings running its length. A bowed psaltery can be played with one or two bows.

The two bowed method requires sitting with the Psaltery in your lap or on a table.

To play, you "bow" either side of the instrument, (shorter strings are "treble-note" strings, while longer strings become "bass-note" strings as you progress toward the tip of the instrument). The right side of the instrument features all natural notes, like the white keys on a piano, whereas the left side is all flats and sharps, like the black keys on a piano. Bowing the spaces between each pin is how seperate notes are located.

Notice "#'s" AND "b's" line up on the LEFT side.

The multiple "groups" of 2 and 3 pegs PLAYED IN ORDER create a "pentatonic" scale.

This is more representative of the LENGTH of a Bowed Psaltery.

Playing LIVE at Marlowe's Restaurant & Ribs 10/22/1999

We played "Dreams" by Fleetwood Mac & "Let It Be" by The Beatles.

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For MY version of "Long, Long Ago" RealAudio file

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More on Bowed Psalteries coming soon !!

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