I just found out about these things and plan to get one. I listened to a CD of psaltery music yesterday and had to stop. Is this one of those instruments that can only be taken in small doses by most folks? Do you hear complaints/comments in this vein?
As much as I love the instrument, I think you’re absolutely correct. It’s an instrument that can easily wear out its welcome. But I think we can say that about a great many, maybe the majority, of instruments. Especially when played solo. The BP is something I can enjoy playing all day, but it’s one that I treat very judiciously when performing. I bring it out mid-set, play a tune, stop for a minute to acknowledge the interest it generates, play one more tune then put it aside for the rest of the set. Then I get ready to discuss it and demonstrate it on the break to the two or three folks who really took to it. But yeah, you really can overdose on BP if you’re not careful.
I hope Sue and George will chime back in. They are both new players and should have some interesting insights from that perspective.
What did you decide to buy?
Our 25th wedding anniversary is a year away. It’s more what my wife will decide to buy me. I’m in no rush (as a way of life). My best friend often mocks me about how long I take to make up my mind when it comes to a commitment but once I do, I do. In the meantime, I learn. So glad you folks are here.
Hello, Mutepoint
Hi, I am glh1938, and I tried to send you something on the earlier post, but perhaps you did not get it, since it says no new posts.
Anyway, here is my humble opinion:
I have a Song of the Wood 2/12 octave, and I do love it. I have, however, learned a few things since beginning to learn to play it.
The string tension does vary, due to the even pin spacing, and this does cause a difference in volume, tone, and timber of the sound. This can be overcome with different bowing techniques, which has caused some mild learning frustration for me, since I have never played a bowed instrument before. This is not meant as a complaint about Song of the Wood, I do love it, and it is a finely crafted and beautiful instrument.
Also, as Tim has mentioned in one of his posts, you might try experimenting with small violin bows. I have, and prefer it to the bow which came with the instrument, although that one is very nice too.
The sound can become a little much if played for a very long time, but the haunting beauty of this instrument can also become addictive.
If I were to purchase an additional instrument, I will seriously consider either one from Omega Strings, or Phantasy Psalterys. Both of these use increasing string spacing, and wound strings. The spacing, especially, makes sense, to obtain a more even string tension, as fret spacing on a guitar. This also gives a one octave lower range. I have not played either of these, but they do seem to be well designed and made.
Remember that I am brand new to this instrument, so these comments are only my opinion. I do like the lower range of both of the last mentioned instruments, but there is also a superb beauty to the one I own, the Song of the Wood. I will not get rid of it if I do decide to aquire one of the others.
Have fun if you do try it, I doubt that you would regret it. Also, all of the ones Tim mentioned do seem to be great choices, and I will add one called Unicorn Strings, a 2 octave instrument, which my daughter purchased after hearing mine. It is well made, soundes good, and has the same positives and negative I mentioned regarding my own instrument.
I hope this has been helpful, from a newbie to bowed psalteries.
glh1938