The Plucked Psaltery

The origins of the plucked psaltery are to be found in the Middle East in ancient Mesopotamia. It is believed to be about three thousand years old and is mentioned in the Bible, particularly in the Book of Psalms. Knowledge of the psaltery was probably brought to Europe by returning crusaders and it had become popular by the Renaissance.

The Standard Plucked Psalteries are shown below.  They are made from solid Oak and Oak plywood with different designs on the top as can be seen.  The come with a tuning tool, instructions, two music sets (the Basic and the Children’s Sets) and a pick.

THE PRICE FOR EACH PLUCKED PSALTERY IS $99.

Click an image to view a larger version. Each plucked psaltery comes with two music sets, the Children’s Set and the Basic Set (20 songs) , click here to view available song sets.   Extra song sets are $5. each except for the Classical Set, which is $10.

 PLEASE CONTACT ME FOR WHOLESALE INFORMATION.

Plucked Psaltery Signature Series

The Plucked Psalteries shown below are the Signature Series. The standard Plucked Psalteries are made from solid oak frames and oak plywood tops and backs. (These are the only instruments for which I use plywood. The reason for this is to keep the price down to make them more affordable.) The Standard Plucked Psalteries have about 4 coats of sprayed lacquer. The Signature Series Plucked Psalteries are constructed from solid woods (no plywood) with Walnut, Maple or Cherry frames. The tops and backs I cut from from the most beautiful domestic and exotic woods that I can find – from burls to swirling grain patterns, etc. No two pieces of wood (or slices of wood), even from the same block, are EXACTLY the same. Therefore, no two of the Signature Plucked Psalteries will be EXACTLY the same – each one is UNIQUE. These instruments receive a much finer finish (9 coats of sprayed lacquer, wet sanding with different grits and buffing with compound). As with the Standard Plucked Psaltery, the Signature Series instruments come with a tuning tool, pick, instructions and the two sets of music. Unlike the Standard, the Signature Series instruments also come with a hardwood display stand (see photos). The ”bottom line” is that these Signature Series Plucked Psalteries are highly finished, unique pieces (because no two are the same), museum quality instruments that can be used as an art piece as well as being played – ie FUNCTIONAL ART  that really stands out as a unique displayed on a piano, mantle, etc. or as a conversational piece.

Click on an image to view a larger version and more information.