Bowed Psalteries

	Toll free information and order line 1-877-822-9111 US and Canada only Others call 1-828-456-9360 9am to 6 pm et Mon. - Sat.

BOWED PSALTERY

Shown (left) Alder with Celtic Knot rosette and (right) Walnut with Dogwood Flower rosette (dogwood flower rosette not usually available).

Select picture for larger view.

24 string model (BP24) $190.00

30 string model (BP30) $210.00

The bowed psaltery has a haunting and soulful sound, somewhat reminiscent to that of a violin. But unlike the violin, it is very easy to learn. And reading music is not necessary! You can use the tablature found in many mountain dulcimer songbooks to play on the psaltery. Another easy playing method is certain keyboard music books. Read about these methods below*. Our bowed psalteries have note guide strips. By having the note/number value on the instrument, you can easily play along from these keyboard or dulcimer books.

These 2 TK O'Brien's models fit most budgets. They are finely handcrafted to be appreciated for their tone as well as visual appeal.

If you have any questions about our bowed psaltery models, we would be happy to answer them.

The 24 string (BP24) is 18 inches long. On the right side, the natural notes start at G (first G above middle C) and goes up 2 octaves higher to G. The 30 string (BP30) is 20 1/2 inches long. On the right side the natural notes start at F (first F above middle C) and goes up 2+ octaves higher to A. Both models use black dots under the C notes as a reference point. The pin blocks are hard maple for tuning pin stability. Bridge and side rails are walnut.

Wood choices for the soundboard vary at any given time and include walnut, sassafras, spruce,alder and cherry. The soundhole has a solid wood laser cut rosette insert, usually a celtic knot design.


Sassafras	Walnut

Cherry	Spruce
Butternut	Alder

Our bowed psaltery package includes a walnut bow with synthetic hair, rosin block, extra wire, gooseneck tuning wrench, beginners instructional/song booklet TK O'Brien's Guide to Playing the Bowed Psaltery, note guide strips and a carrying case.

For a listing of instructional methods and songbooks that can be used for the bowed psaltery, visit the book page. For extra bows and rosin, an electronic tuner, and tuning wrench visit the accessories page.

To use mountain dulcimer tab songs:
You can learn the bowed psaltery in a number of ways. Regardless of which method you use, to become proficient at playing, it is best to pick one or two easy songs and practice them over and over until you master them. This helps you not only build confidence, but also helps you learn where the notes are. Learning the bowed psaltery doesn't require extensive training; in fact, your skills can develop in a matter of hours.
We have developed a system that assigns a number value to the natural notes on the psaltery. (On the the bowed psaltery natural notes - the white keys on a piano - are played on the right side and the sharp/flat notes - the black keys on a piano - are played on the left side of the instrument.) The number values we use correspond to the numbering system for mountain dulcimer tablature when in the Ionian tuning. To play these songs, simply follow the numbers from a dulcimer song you like and play that same number on the psaltery. One great source for dulcimer songs that can be played on the psaltery is "The Best Dulcimer Method Yet" (10252). It has 139 assorted tunes, the majority of which can be played on the bowed psaltery. This book and others can be found on the mountain dulcimer book page.
To use keyboard songs: EKM (Easy Keyboard Method) electronic keyboard music books are written with the letter value of the notes written inside the note to guide you in playing. Using the same principle as the dulcimer tablature method, simply follow the letters in the keyboard book and play the corresponding lettered note on the psaltery. These books are listed on the book page for bowed psaltery.

1-877-822-9111 toll-free order line
Mon.-Sat. 9am - 6pm

Craggy Mountain Music
PO Box 31
Lake Junaluska, North Carolina 28745
email craggymtnmusic@charter.net

(wholesale inquiries call TK O'Brien's 828-456-7502)
9am to 6pm ET
Monday - Saturday