Newbie Looking

[John Alden Morgan]

Hi.  Newbie here. I'm looking to buy a psaltery. Have my eye on a Unicorn Strings but saw this one on the builder's list from    Cricket Fiddle      It is refurbished but looks nice. 

 

I see that Unicorn uses two pins/one string ... does  this make it difficult to tune? Any thoughts on these two builders?

 

Thanks.

 

John

[Donna Malus]

I know a few people with James Jones psalteries and they like them very much. The sound clip sounded nice! If you don't like the bow you can get another one eventually.  Prices seem very reasonable as well.

[Donna Malus]

I wonder if he would be willing to come down on the price a little with the imperfections, particularly the gouge on the sound board?

[Terry Butler]

That would be worth asking.  He might make an adjustment if you ask.

[Donna Malus]

Hi John,

In case you don't catch this, one of our new members, Lisa, has a James Jones and posted a picture of herself with the psaltery. It looks huge : )   Anyway, I asked for her feedback on the instrument and she gave it. Here's the link if you idn't already read it.

 

http://psalterystrings.ning.com/photo/psaltery-2011-2?xg_source=act...

I'm sure Lisa would be happy to answer any questions you have about the instrument.

 

[John Alden Morgan]

It does look huge ... doesn't it??? I think this may be the way to go. I contacted James Jones and he already answered back. I think my budget could swing the fancier sound hole of I stick to the standard woods. Thanks for the heads up/ Lisa looks pretty happy.

[Lisa Sanders]

Yes, happy indeed! I have had it since last August. It's an Alto and it is a larger size which gives it a full range. Here's the specs from his website:

 

The fuller sounding Alto has the same range as the Soprano plus an additional 1/2 octave going down to a C (32 strings). The Alto's body size is 26" x 9" x 1 3/4" (2 3/4" with pins) and is 3 lbs.

 

I had a pretty quick turnaround time as I recall. I did order the case and extra bow.

 

-Lisa

[John Alden Morgan]

Thank you Lisa. Think I will put down my deposit tonight.

[Donna Malus]

Let us know when you get it and how you like it! 

[John Alden Morgan]

Will do.