Phantasy Psalteries by Eric Meier


What is a Psaltery?

The "Phantasy" Difference

Psalteries for Sale

Extras and Accessories

Woods & Materials

My Gallery

Sound Clips

Custom Work

The Treasure Trove

Psaltery Blog

Shipping and Ordering


Contact Me

eric@phantasypsalteries.com

Psalteries for Sale


 

Cinnamon

Western Red Cedar and Figured Cherry 30-String Bowed Psaltery

Western Red Cedar Bowed Psaltery

Top view

Top: Western Red Cedar.

Back/Sides: Figured Cherry.

Binding/Bridge: Honduran Rosewood binding, Figured Cherry bridge.

Note Markers: Carnelian cabochons for the Cs, Tiger's Eye cabochons for the Fs.

Stringing: Nickel-plated wound. (G3 to C6)

Weight: 2 lbs, 12.5 ounces (1262 grams)

Figured Cherry Bowed Psaltery

Back view

Notes/Comments: I chose a more down-to-earth look for this psaltery, with the binding and bridge matching the sides and back - rather than contrasting. I used Honduran Rosewood as the binding for its toughness, and a Figured Cherry bridge for its responsiveness. I was torn between a satin finish for a more earthy look, and gloss finish to show off the figure in the Cherry. I ended up going with a low gloss finish as a compromise.

This psaltery has outstanding volume and projection. The tone is close to that of a violin, and the sustain is moderate. (At least for a bowed psaltery it's moderate!) This psaltery has very good response.

Price: $415

Item #: PS-26

Cedar Inlaid Rosette Bowed Psaltery

Rosette view

Figured Cherry Bowed Psaltery

Side Corner view

 

Safari

Honduran Mahogany and Zebrawood 30-String Bowed Psaltery

Honduran Mahogany Soundboard Bowed Psaltery

Top view

Top: Quartersawn Honduran Mahogany.

Sides: Zebrawood.

Back: Zebrawood.

Binding/Bridge: Bloodwood.

Note Markers: Paua for the Cs, white MOP for the Fs.

Stringing: Nickel-plated wound. (G3 to C6)

Weight: 3 lbs, 0.4 ounces (1373 grams)

Zebrawood Bowed Psaltery

Back view

Notes/Comments: As you can see, this is another wild one, so it got the "Safari" namebadge. Between the Zebrawood frame, Mahogany top, and the Bloodwood trim, this psaltery is done with a lot of exotic woods.

This psaltery has a great, resonating tone with a lot of sustain. It has good volume, and a surprisingly deep tone given the density of the wood used for the top and frame. This was my first construction using solid Zebrawood, and I'm pleasantly surprised that it not only looks beautiful - it sounds beautiful as well.

Price: Sold

Item #: PS-19

Mahogany Bowed Psaltery Soundboard Rosette

Soundboard view

Bloodwood Binding Bridge Bowed Psaltery

Binding/Bridge view

 


To place an order, copy the item # into the order form found on the shipping and ordering page.


All the psalteries listed below are ready-to-go and can be shipped out to nearly anywhere in the world, today. Each of these instruments has been hatched of my own imagination, and each one is unique. However, if none of the psalteries below match what you had in mind, in about four to six weeks you can have one custom-made - in many cases for not much more than the cost of one of my regular psalteries:

Looking for a special, one-of-a-kind Bowed Psaltery?

Consider a custom-made bowed psaltery; they're easy and fun to order, and you will get a psaltery that is exactly what you wanted! (Available options are listed on the Woods and Materials page.)


General information pertaining to all psalteries sold: Every psaltery is roughly the same size in length and width, (23" x 7 1/2"), with the height of the soundbox varying between 1 1/2 to 2 inches tall, excluding the tuning pins (which add roughly 1/2" to the total height).

Along with the actual bowed psaltery itself, each instrument also includes:

Bowed Psaltery Accessories
  • Owner's manual

  • 1/16 size violin bow (a 1/32, 1/8 or 1/4 size bow can be substituted upon request)

  • Bow rosin

  • Gooseneck tuning wrench

  • Replacement strings (x3)


For prices on shipping, and other information regarding the ordering process, please see the Shipping and Ordering section.


Copyright 2007 Eric Meier