Started this discussion. Last reply by Charlie Marshall Feb 11, 2012. 3 Replies 0 Likes
I am looking for a new or a used Bowed Psaltery. I am thinking a Tenor if possible. I live in NB, Canada and I can't seem to find one around here. I thought I would put an ad on here first, before…Continue
Started this discussion. Last reply by Tim Smith Jan 28, 2012. 36 Replies 0 Likes
From watching Youtube Videos, I know I definitely want a Bowed Psaltery. I just don't which kind to choose. I know I definitely don't want a Soprano right off as I find it too high of pitch for me.…Continue
Amplified Psaltery with Cello Strings built by Rick Long
This video is a personal favorite because it shows a unique type of bowed psaltery with a gorgeous sound. When I heard it I broke out in goose bumps!
Spring Creek Psalteries - Sharon & Terry Kirby
http://www.springcreekpsalteries.com/
330-323-0618
From the Wood - Wayne Gaydos
http://fromthewoodsinstruments.com/
to see his work visit
http://shop.indianaartisan.org/collections/musical-instruments
Waynie Psaltery - Wayne Simms
http://www.wayniepsaltery.com/
Prairie Psaltery - Richard Celata
http://www.prairiepsaltery.com/
Loon Song Psalteries-Charlie Marshall
http://www.loonsongpsalteries.com/
New Tradition Dulcimers- Dan Daniels
http://www.newtraditionsdulcimers.com/index.html
Psalteries by Dave- Dave Lucas
Jon Williams Psalteries
(386) 853-0944
Westman Instruments - Tish & Greg Westman
http://www.westmaninstruments.com
Ringing Strings - Rick Long
http://ringingstrings.com
Michael J King Instrumetns - Diatonic Psalteries
http://www.michaeljking.com/psalterymaking.htm
Inspired Instruments – Carol and Joe Esch
http://www.windridgefarm.us/bowedpsaltery.htm
James Jones Instruments
http://www.jamesjonesinstruments.com/bowedpsaltery/bowedpsaltery.html
Omega Strings – Richard Spencer
http://www.omegastrings.com/
Master Works Bowed Psalteries - Russell Cook
http://masterworksok.com/
Paul G.Sykes - MS
Located in Hattiesburg
Contact Paul at
pgsykes1@hotmail.com
or call him at
601-583-4115
Gregg Schneeman - California
Contact Gregg here on Psaltery Strings
greggschneeman@psalterystrings.com
Peter Tommerup - California
San Francisco Bay Area
Bowed Psaltery and other Instruments
408-867-4324
ptommerup@juno.com
Celeste Howard Ray
Bowed Psaltery lessons via Skype
347-796-4484
Skype name celesteray88
Maureen Barnes - Illinois
Bowed Psaltery lessons in Bloomington, IL
309-828-7957
dulcimergal98@yahoo.com
http://www.dulcimerdreams.com/
Dona Benkert -
Illinois
Lessons at Old Town School of Folk Music, Chicago, IL
Phone: 773.728.6000
& Folk-Lore Center, Warrenville, IL
Phone: 630.393.1247
http://www.folk-lorecenter.com/
Tish Westman - West Virginia
Lessons at Tamarack, Beckley, WV. Wednesday workshops also available for individual classes and to teach at festivals.
Sunday "Jam" 3:30 to 6:00. All instruments welcome, play mostly Old Time, Celtic & Gospel Music, not opposed to trying any tune called, once did a rap on Bowed Psalteries.
1-304-575-0998
tishwestman@yahoo.com
www.westmaninstruments.com
Rick Long - Tennessee
Lessons at Rick's home/workshop in Clinton, 30 mins N of Knoxville
(865) 660-4026
http://www.ringingstrings.com/lessons.html
Karla Armstrong - Pennsylvania
Karla plays a variety of instruments and does workshops as well. Please visit her web site for additional information or contact her via the web site or the information below.
(717) 632-8099
karlaarms@upontheharp.com
http://upontheharp.com
Carol Esch - Kentucky
Lessons in Carol's home/workshop south of Lexington.
606-676-0128
esch@qx.net
http://www.windridgefarm.us/bowedpsaltery.htm
Honey Smith Walls - Florida
e-mail Honey for more info honey@offthewalls.us
Melbourne, FL
http://www.offthewalls.us/Psaltery.htm
Visit Friends of the Mountain Dulcimer
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Hi Joanne, I do build a tenor psaltery that is tuned to the key of D. The notes are all along one edge and it works great playing along with a dulcimer, or using dulcimer tab. You can see and hear them on my website at http://www.ringingstrings.com/D-Tenor.html
The problem with this type of psaltery is, if you ever want to move on to playing in different keys. This one will limit you in that sense. I sort of intended the D Tenor to be an easy second instrument for someone to learn, that is already playing the dulcimer. As I state on my website, it is probably not the best choice for an "all around" psaltery. The chromatic model works best for that. It's just a personal choice that you will need to make. The chromatic model does require playing notes along each side, depending on the key. The process to learn this is not difficult, it just takes time and practice. I don't know of many instruments that don't require time and practice to learn to play and become proficient at them. The bowed psaltery has one advantage of being a very simple instrument to learn, much like playing a piano using one finger. Don't shy away from a chromatic model just because you think it might be hard to learn.
If you have more questions send them to my e-mail address - psalteryman@gmail.com
Boring???? It's like carrying your own personal cathedral with you. You can play it anywhere, in any setting, and it sounds awesome, even played by a beginner. It literally stops people in their tracks as they cluster around to see/hear a terrific instrument with rich, almost haunting tones . I love the continued ringing of the strings as you play successive ones. It makes for the most nuanced layers of sound. So, yes, definitely do mail order one for yourself. Greg and Tish are wonderful people, very down to earth, very very knowledgeable about all kinds of instruments. They are a pleasure to work with. They're in West Virginia, which is Eastern time zone. www.westmaninstruments.com Check the website and call or e-mail them. That's a great start.
Some things you don't want to buy sight unseen. Similarly, you wouldn't want to buy a musical instrument "sound unheard." You'd want it in your hands so you could listen to its particular tones before purchase. BUT...if I had no choice, I would mail order one without hesitation, especially if it's from an experienced luthier. Tish and Greg Westman make amazing instruments, and reasonably priced, I think. I've got one of theirs. It was custom built so, actually, I too bought it "unheard," since of course the first time I heard it was after I'd commissioned it to be built. I absolutely love it. Check out www.Westmaninstruments.com
Welcome. Do get a psaltery as soon as you're able. It's a most wonderful instrument. Having played the dulcimer, you will find the bowed psaltery fabulously easy to pick up.
Hi Joanne! Welcome to Psaltery Strings. We're happy to have you join us and hope that you find the site helpful and entertaining. Don't hesitate to ask questions, we have quite a few builders on the site that are very helpful.
Please visit often and don't be shy!
Donna