CasaPercussion Psaltery Harp with 15 strings
From casapercussion
A Psaltery is a string instrument closely related to the zither and the harp. It is played by plucking at the wire strings with the hand. This 15 psaltery is ideal for play in one's lap. It measures 8" x 15".
- Amazon Sales Rank: #35486 in Musical Instruments
- Brand: CasaPercussion
- Model: MU630
- Dimensions: 1.50 pounds
Great!
The two things I most want to point out about this product are: One; It is made from top quality materials, I couldn't have asked for better, and Two; Mine appears to have been assembled by an apprentice in his first week on the job. Overall I am very satisfied with it.
What I liked: The sturdy resonator with double laminate soundboard and backboard is well crafted, the hitch-pins are set perfect, the professional-grade tuning wrench, and (when the rigging and tuning-pins where adjusted) it gives me the quality psaltery sound I was looking for. It can handle a mild level of abuse so I can recommend its use by ages 5 to adult.
What I didn't like: The resonator appears to have been mishandled (minor bumps and scrapes), the alignment mark for the hitch-pins was not erased, the aluminum bridges where not polished (still had foundry finish), the rigging was slightly haphazard, the tuning pins where set at random depths (three where too loose to hold a tune and three more had the wire digging into the wood), The "Made in Pakistan" sticker was placed on the face rather than the back, and no documentation is included for use, care or replacement of parts.
What about tuning? -- Ideally tuned to the diatonic scale in the key of C (white keys on a piano or keyboard) starting with middle C (C4) up to soprano C (C6). Be careful not to accidentally tune one octave too high or the six highest strings will break. A chromatic scale is also possible (black and white keys on a piano) from tenor C (C5) to soprano D (D6). Note that the strings will need to be tuned and stretched a few times a day for the first few days before it will hold a tune, this is normal for this kind of instrument. If a tuning pin is too loose to hold a tune; remove the string, turn the pin clockwise two full turns and restring.
What about replacement strings? - Use acoustic guitar ("D" and "high E") strings (.018 for three lowest/ longest strings, .016 for next four strings, .014 for the next four, and .012 for the four highest/shortest strings). Piano wire: gauges 7, 6, 5, 3. For a more "folk" sound use fishing line; either nylon (approx. .045, .040, .035, .030) or fluorocarbon (approx. .034, .030, .026, .023). Due to the scale length and tuning pin size, brass wire is not recommended.
