Bowed Psaltery places 3rd in woodworking competition.

[Richard Spencer]

I recently entered a Bowed Psaltery in the largest juried woodworking competition in the country, "Design in Wood" in Del Mar, California. There are 24 categories  and over $25,000.00 in prize money.  I took 3rd place in the musical instrument category and I was thrilled. The instrument is made from Cherry Burl and is 37" long and 10" wide with 37 strings with 3 full octaves from G6 to G3.  The finish is hand polished lacquer that would be similar to what is known as French Polish. I have been making BP's for almost 20 years under the name of Omega Strings but this is the first one I have entered in a woodworking competition. It was quite an experience and  I already have plans to enter another one next year.

[Evelyn L Abston]

What a beautiful instrument you created. I would love to hear how it sounds. It looks like an ancient instrument made in the renaissance era.

[Donnalee D-M]

It looks really beautiful--what a lovely effort!

[Richard Spencer]

It's called "Design in Wood" and has 24 categories including musical instruments. There are 100's of entries from around the country and many from other countries. There were over 30 entries in musical instruments including over 15 guitars. The rest were banjos, violins, flutes ,etc., and the harp that won 2nd. The contest is sponsored by the San Diego Fine Woodworkers Club and is in conjunction with the San Diego County Fair in Del Mar, CA.

[Donna Malus]

Is the contest for musical instruments only or was that coincidence?

[Richard Spencer]

Remember, it was the largest juried woodworking competition in the country. I scored 98 out of a possible 100 judges points and it was only good enough for 3rd. A guitar won 1st with 100 points and a harp won 2nd with 99.

[Jennifer McDonald]

Third?  It is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen!

[Richard Spencer]

It was based on my standard 37 string instrument with a few modifications and a different finish so it sound very much like it usually does.

[Donna Malus]

Congratulations Richard! That psaltery is gorgeous, look at the grain in that wood!!!  How does it sound?