The Ash Grove - Tenor Bowed Psaltery Duet

Terry Butler and Rick Long playing tenor bowed psalteries. Great way to spend a cold winter day in the Ringing Strings workshop. This video also features some double bowing. The psalteries are being held by adjustable tripod attachments I build in my shop. This gives you both hands available to use a bow in each one. This opens up a whole new world to bowed psaltery playing. The tripods used are very stable and if you notice, the psaltery doesn't shake or move at all while playing. A good quality tripod is important, but doesn't have to be expensive. The tripods we are using cost from $30 to $40, depending on finding it on sale. The all metal head is the key to stability.

The bows are designed for playing the bowed psaltery. Very lightweight, flat sides and rounded edges for comfortable grip, and the narrow bow hair surface aids greatly in playing accuracy, especially on a fast tune like this. You only have a small area between the hitch pins to attack the string, a wider surface of bow hair will work against you there. The light weight also helps when bowing a faster tune, less weight and mass are just easier to control and will keep your bowing from becoming sloppy. The secret is to learn and practice proper technique, that is the key to great sound and playing ability. It is something to work at, but well worth any time and effort spent.