I'm a fan of the instrument, and a lot of them are squeaky and shrill. The Musicmakers' psaltery has a deep resonance and a clear voice. And the bow is head-and-shoulders the best psaltery bow on the market. People who play other brands of psaltery try to get their hands on one (or two) of these bows. The bowing hand can move the knot at the back, changing the tension on the string and producing different timbres and effects.

Amazingly, I was drawn to the bowed psaltery by memories of the very same as the previous reviewer, a Trapezoid concert decades ago with member Lorraine Duisit playing bowed psaltery as they entered (playing "Now is the Cool of the Day" I think.) Trapezoid being my only reference for sound, I can say I'm 100% pleased with this instrument for resonant tone and beautiful design. It arrived in perfect shape, assembled, with tuning almost perfect. It's a fun instrument to just pick up and play anytime. I'm keeping this site in mind for future purchases.

Decades ago I was captivated by the sound of a bowed psaltery played by the American folk band, Trapezoid, as they entered the concert hall. I have never forgotten the haunting and ethereal sound. So when I saw the bowed psaltery on this website, it called to me until I ordered one. I'm so very glad I did. I play harp and had no experience with bowed instruments but, as described, it is simple to learn and enjoy. The sound is what I remembered and instrument itself is absolutely beautifully made.