We need a thread for these also.

I play the bowed psaltery, small harp and used to play the bass rebec. I have sold the rebec to a better home. Are there any other early string players here? (No, not ones with alarm clocks.....I have heard all of the early musician jokes before.)

Does the clarsach count?

I've really no idea how long it's been around.

What is a bowed psaltery?????

wow! bass rebec how could you sell that? I don't play any yet but I have my eye on a rebec for christmas


Ben again

Re my bass rebec: I was short of money and had to sell him but he went to a very good home where he was to be played professionally, in an early music group.

The clarsach definitely counts! The word means small harp and they were known as long ago as the eigth century.

A psaltery is an ancient instrument too, but the bowed version may be a bit of a fake. It consists of a triangular box shaped instrument with strings but no frets so the strings are just a series of open ones. The old plucked psaltery has a long history and it is perfectly possible that bowed versions existed. They have a sound rather like liquid silver if that makes sense.

Are there any viol players on the Forums? I had a go a few years ago, and would love to play if I had time, money and room in my house and car (because it's the bass viol I really like).

My father used to make odd stringed instruments. He made two bass viols but I never had any inclination to play them at the time. I really want a hurdy-gurdy! Surely we have a hurdy-gurdy player or two here?

Today's question for the string players:

What is a Trumscheit?

Whoops - I've just given it away! I hadn't seen your post in the wind thread Petrat!!!

I've managed to edit my post....

I don't think that they know!

I wonder if we have any viol players here.

I recently had a conversation with another forum member about his interest in playing the viol. He's got me rather interested too, so should the opportunity ever arise I will certainly be having a go!

I love the clarsach too, although haven't played for a while now.

I play the viol a bit - lovely instrument with lovely music

Yes, beautiful music indeed. Do you play in a consort mcm?

I played the viol at uni, with John Bryan of the Rose Consort...

Sadly i don't have my own... but it's on my wish list ... tenor, I think...

The Milverton Rose Consort of Viols are performinga recital at our school tomorrow!!!:-) Thought I'd mention it on this thread!Sorry but got excited!