psalteria

Psal­teria, or psalteries, are a family of plucked string instruments classified with the zithers. They typically consist of a wooden soundboard with a set of strings stretched across it. The strings run in a single plane and are plucked to produce sound, usually by the fingers or with small plectra. Shape and size vary, with forms ranging from trapezoidal to rectangular; the number of strings and the tuning differ across cultures and historical periods.

Construction and design characteristics vary by tradition. Many psalteries place the strings over a bridge on a flat or slightly curved soundboard, often without fixed frets. Tuning was commonly diatonic in medieval and Renaissance contexts, though regional practices and later adaptations introduced broader pitch ranges. Some variants used movable bridges or additional devices to adjust or extend pitch, reflecting the evolving musical needs of their eras.

History and use. The psaltery has its roots in the ancient Near East and appears in various forms throughout the Mediterranean world and medieval Europe. In Europe, it existed in multiple shapes, from tabletop and box-type instruments to larger models used in both liturgical and secular settings. It influenced the development of later zither family instruments and shared kinship with related plucked and hammered dulcimers. The instrument was valued for its melodic and accompanying roles in ensembles and solo performances.

Modern status. In contemporary practice, psalteria are studied within early music scholarship and are occasionally revived in period performances. Modern makers produce instruments inspired by historical designs, sometimes with expanded ranges and updated materials. The term psalteria is used in scholarly and linguistic contexts to refer to the psaltery family, including its plural form in some Romance-language traditions.