eric@phantasypsalteries.com

1.) I Specialize in Psalteries

I am a luthier (maker of stringed instruments) who specializes in making only one single instrument: the bowed psaltery. I don’t even make the bows.

Bowed psalteries are all I do!

I feel that this emphasis on only one type of instrument gives me the unique opportunity to focus all of my energies and thoughts on a single goal: to build the best bowed psaltery possible. I am continuously seeking out new and innovative ways to build and design psalteries, and I think that this shows in the instruments I have for sale.

Though there is very little written information pertaining specifically to bowed psalteries, I have researched and studied a number of musical instruments, including: harps, pianos, violins, mandolins, guitars, and dulcimers. I've taken nuggets of information on each, and incorporated them all into making my bowed psalteries. (For instance, several harp-makers are very knowledgeable with music strings and getting the entire range of strings sounding their best—an aspect that I've carried over to psalteries.)

While good information on the bowed psaltery is few and far between, I'm seeking to change that. In addition to Phantasy Psalteries, I am also the curator of A Psimple Psaltery, a website devoted wholly to building bowed psalteries. And more recently, the content from this website has also been collected and published as a printed book. The first and only book of it's kind: a book dedicated entirely to building bowed psalteries.

2.) Excellent Sound

I'm constantly striving to make the best sounding bowed psalteries possible. I believe there are three reasons why my psalteries are so unique in their sound: pin spacing, wound strings, and the tonewoods used. I feel the most important of these three is actually pin spacing. Let me explain:

If you are a previous or current owner of a bowed psaltery, consider these two quick questions:

1. Have you ever noticed that some of the strings, (most likely the ones near the very top or very bottom of your psaltery), sound scratchy or metallic? 
2. Have you ever noticed that certain strings, (most likely the shorter ones in the middle to bottom third of the psaltery), tend to break frequently?

What you may not realize is that these two questions are related, and they have a common answer: they are caused by poor hitch pin spacing. 

Many times, psalteries have pins that are spaced equally from top to bottom. By doing this—especially in instruments exceeding two octaves in range—the spacing stretches the strings outside of their comfortable and safe vibrating lengths. Without getting into all of the specifics of note frequencies and Hz and mathematical equations: the strings on a bowed psaltery, when each tuned to a specific note, want to "sing" their best and safest near a certain length. When they are too short, they sound scratchy or metallic, and when they’re too long, they can break easily.

Notice how the distance between pins increases as the notes get lower? (moving from left to right)

All of my bowed psalteries are designed to have the hitch pins spaced at the right distance from the bridge to give each string the correct vibrating length to sound great, and yet not be stretched beyond their safe limit. As a result, you will notice that each and every string, from the longest down to the shortest, still has an acceptable sound. My standard psalteries are all 30 strings, (i.e., 2 ½ octaves), and you will really get 30 playable strings. Take this into consideration when you are shopping for a 2, 2 ½ or 3 octave psaltery.  

And along with that, since none of the strings are stretched to an unsafe level, you will only have to change out broken strings once in a great while. (All music wire can wear down and/or break with time, but this will be kept to an absolute minimum, and will depend on your playing frequency and care of the instrument.) If you are curious to learn more about pin spacing, you can see my discussion on A Psimple Psaltery entitled: Why even hitch pin spacing doesn't work well.

A second factor that gives my psalteries their unique sound is the use of wound strings. These are strings that are over-wound with a second string, (like those used on guitars, violins, etc.) that increase the mass of the string. What this amounts to for the player is this: a bowed psaltery that can play much lower notes, all while keeping the instrument at a manageable size. Overall, the wound strings allow me to build bowed psalteries that will go about one full octave lower than an instrument of comparable size. My standard tuning begins on G3, (the first G below middle C), and goes up two and a half octaves. This is a very 'singable' range, and should open up a lot of possibilities for musicians. (I can also use plain, non-wound strings at your request, if desired.) Please see the stringing options on the Woods & Materials page for more information.

The third factor that affects the sound quality of a bowed psaltery is the wood used. Of the most critical is the top, also known as the soundboard. With a few noted exceptions, all of my instruments use solid-wood, quartersawn Spruce, Cedar, or Redwood tops. These soundboards provide excellent sound transmission to the rest of the instrument’s body, giving a fuller, deeper tone. The quality of these tonewoods, Spruce in particular, is evidenced by their prevalent use in so many other stringed instrument tops worldwide for centuries past, with the violin and guitar being just two. If you want to learn more about soundboards, you can read my discussion from A Psimple Psaltery called: Why soundboards are made of quartersawn softwoods.

But don't take my word for it! Feel free to browse the sound clips section and hear for yourself!

3.) Excellent Playability

I pride myself on making an instrument that is not only lovely sounding, but one that is comfortable to play. Where is the pleasure in playing an instrument that quickly causes fatigue or strain?

The vast majority of my bowed psalteries are between 23 and 24 inches long. I feel this length gives enough space for a sufficient number of strings (30 strings, or 2 ½ octaves) to play many songs in a wide repertoire of music, yet is not so large that you will have to strain to reach the longest string.

Another factor that can affect playability is the overall weight of the psaltery. By necessity, the frame of a psaltery has to be a bit thicker than other stringed instruments, because the sides and pinblock have to accommodate all of the 3/16" diameter pins used in holding the strings in place. But this shouldn't result in the frame being so thick and heavy that it deadens much of the strings’ vibrations, and needlessly increases the instrument’s weight. Using various hollowing and boring techniques, I can build a strong and sturdy bowed psaltery of handheld weight out of even the densest, heaviest, (and frequently most resonant and beautiful), of hardwoods.

You will notice that whenever possible, I will list the measured weight of each individual psaltery for sale. I have made it a high priority to make my psalteries as light and responsive as possible.

4.) Find Exactly the Psaltery You're Looking For

Have you ever noticed how the backs of many bowed psalteries for sale are rarely, if ever pictured? Chances are, it's because they are all made exactly the same:

Ha! How boring is that!?

If you go to my woods and materials page, you will see that I not only have tons of choices for the backs and sides of my psalteries, but I have virtually every aspect of the bowed psaltery fully customizable, with new items and features being added on an ongoing basis. And for an extra-special, one-of-a-kind touch, you can pick out unique items for your custom-ordered psaltery in the treasure trove section as well. (By the way, for the real special order form, follow the "Custom Work" link on the left-hand column of the page, or click here.)

And these are just the choices for the note markers...

5.) Lifetime Guarantee

For better or worse, I stand behind every single bowed psaltery that I build. I have tried very hard to make these instruments to the very best of my ability, and without compromise. Nevertheless, I am not perfect, and I can't always foresee every possible situation and instance that the instrument will encounter.

If any defect or other problem arises due to materials used or workmanship, I will fix or replace it for free, excluding the cost of shipping it to me. No time limits.

I should make it a point to say that this guarantee does not cover the bow. (Which I don't even make anyway.) As a matter of fact, I would even hope and expect the instrument to outlast the bow!

Accidental or intentional damage is not covered under this guarantee, but I will still work with you if something unfortunate does happen to your instrument, and may give you a discount on repairs. Such instances will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis. (I only repair Phantasy Psalteries bowed psalteries, and each instrument has a serial number engraved on the inside back plate to help with identification.)

My name goes on every psaltery I build.

I should add that I can only guarantee my instruments as long as I am still actively making and selling them. Hence the term: lifetime guarantee—my lifetime. I never know where life will take me next, and if I should ever move on to something else, this warranty will no longer be in effect. I can only say that I enjoy making bowed psalteries, and for the foreseeable future I have no plans or intentions to stop building them. (And chances are, if this website is still operational, I am still in business!)

For inquires into this guarantee, or anything else on this page, please do not hesitate to contact me at: eric@phantasypsalteries.com

Copyright © 2010 Eric Meier