Psaltery - Definition

Psaltery of the 14th century from the book: De Arythmetica, De Musica by M. Servinius Boetius

Picture of a Psaltery from Ala Bohemica

A psaltery is a stringed musical instrument dating back to at least 300 BC. It consists of a soundboard with several pre-tuned strings that are usually plucked, but may also be bowed. The instrument is usually small enough to be portable; its shape and range vary.

External links

• Psaltery (http://www.s-hamilton.k12.ia.us/antiqua/psaltery.htm)
• Discussion of psalteries, with image (http://www.civilization.ca/arts/opus/opus213e.html#Opus4) from the exhibition Making Musical Instruments: The making of musical instruments in Canada (http://www.civilization.ca/arts/opus/opus201e.html) by the Canadian Museum of Civilisation (http://www.civilization.ca/)