Psaltery

A psaltery is a stringed musical instrument of the harp or the zither family. The psaltery of Ancient Greece dates back to at least 300 BC. It was a harp-like instrument.

Related Topics:
Stringed - Musical instrument - Harp - Zither - Ancient Greece

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In the Christian era a psaltery consisting of a soundboard with several pre-tuned strings that are usually plucked, came into use. It was also known by the name canon, from the Arabic qanun.

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The instrument is usually small enough to be portable; its shape and range vary. It is depicted in a number of artworks from the Mediæval Period.

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In the 19th Century several forms came into use, notably the guitar zither and the Autoharp.

Related Topics:
Guitar zither - Autoharp

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In the 20th Century, the bowed psaltery has come into wide use. It is set up in a triangular format so that the end portion of each string can be bowed.

Related Topics:
20th Century - Bowed psaltery - Triangular - Bow

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