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eric@phantasypsalteries.com
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(Last Updated: August 2nd, 2010)
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Sitka Spruce and Oregon Myrtle 30-String Bowed Psaltery |
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Top view |
Top: Quartersawn Sitka Spruce. Back/Sides:
Oregon Myrtle. (With inner Sitka Spruce linings.)
Binding/Bridge: Walnut.
Note Markers: Inlaid Walnut dots for the Cs, Inlaid Myrtle dots for the Fs.
Stringing: Nickel-plated wound. (G3 to C6)
Weight: 2 lbs, 4.5 ounces (1,035 grams) |
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Back view |
Notes/Comments: Acoustically, Myrtle
sounds very similar to Maple, so you can expect a tone that is very
similar to a violin, yet with more sustain. And despite the relatively
small surface area of the front soundhole (plus the area of the rear
soundhole), there is still very good volume out of the top of the
instrument.
For this psaltery, I used the very last of my Oregon Myrtle, which had
primarily gone into making a premium custom psaltery and tuning
wrench a while back. Yet there was still enough lumber to construct
one final instrument, though not as figured as it's older
brother.
This instrument has a satin finish.
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Price: $415
Item #: PS-61 |
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Rosette view |
Binding/Bridge view |
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Sitka Spruce and Curly Maple 30-String Bowed Psaltery |
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Top view |
Top: Quartersawn Sitka Spruce. Back/Sides:
Curly Maple. (With inner Sitka Spruce linings.)
Binding/Bridge: Purpleheart.
Note Markers: Amethyst cabochons for the Cs, Moonstone cabochons
for the Fs.
Stringing: Nickel-plated wound. (G3 to C6)
Weight: 2 lbs, 9.4 ounces (1,174 grams) |
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Back view |
Notes/Comments: More or less, this
psaltery uses the same woods as that of a violin (spruce and maple), and
the tone is accordingly similar - though with much more sustain.
For this model, I tried to have some fun, and came up with what I call
a vortex
rosette - you can probably see why from the pictures below. Also note
the semi-precious gemstones used for the C and F note markers.
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Price: $565
Item #: PS-59 |
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Rosette/Note Markers view |
Binding/Bridge view |
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Douglas Fir and Curly White Oak 30-String Bowed Psaltery |
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Top view |
Top: Quartersawn Douglas Fir. Back/Sides:
Curly White Oak. (With inner Basswood linings.)
Binding/Bridge: Lacewood.
Note Markers: Lacewood for the Cs, White Oak for the Fs.
Stringing: Nickel-plated wound. (G3 to C6)
Weight: 2 lbs, 12.0 ounces (1,247 grams) |
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Back view |
Notes/Comments: This psaltery is surprisingly
resonant, with a deep, haunting tone. I say surprisingly because Oak is
typically not as resonant as other, denser woods like Rosewood; expect
good sustain and decent volume.
Visually, I've tried to give this psaltery an elegant, yet
down-to-earth appeal. The satin finish is especially attractive on the
Curly White Oak back, where the illusion of ripples in the wood beg to be
touched. Also, on the front, the rosette and note markers are made of the
same White Oak as the back, which helps tie everything together.
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Price: sold
Item #: PS-58 |
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Rosette view |
Note Markers view |
To place an order, copy the item # into the order
form found on the shipping and ordering page.
All the psalteries listed above are ready-to-go and can be
shipped out to nearly anywhere in the world. 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 six to eight weeks you can have a bowed psaltery custom-made—in many cases
for not much more than the cost of one of my regular psalteries:
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:
For prices on shipping, and other information regarding the ordering process,
please see the Shipping and Ordering section. |
