Psalteries is the term used to describe stringed instruments that are part of the zither family. These have been around for centuries, dating way back to ancient times. However, there are modern versions still widely used today.

The psaltery found in Ancient Greece was similar to the instrument known as the harp. The term psaltery is even derived from the Ancient Greek language. It is a mix of a word meaning stringed instrument, harp or psaltery, and a verb meaning to pluck, twitch, pull, or touch sharply.

During the Christian era, these included a soundboard. Attached were several strings that had already been tuned and were to be plucked in order to play. It was also called a canon, which is taken from a Greek word that means rule or principle. Typically the instrument is small and portable. However, it come in a variety of shapes and ranges.

The years between the 12th and 15th centuries is when these instruments were being included in sculpture, manuscripts and paintings found around Europe. They vary in shape and number of strings. In the 19th century, zithers were more common. More specifically, the autoharp and guitar zither. Just a century later, bowed psalteries were becoming more popular. They are designed with a triangular format so that the end half of the string can be bowed.

A bowed psaltery is a kind of zither instrument that is played with a bow. This is different than old plucked models and is largely considered an invention of the twentieth century. There is a ukelin-type units, conventional bowed psalteries and violin zithers that may be used. The performance style done with this will vary and is often relative to the instrument used and the person playing.

The Baltic is another style of psaltery. This is used to reference a certain family of box-zither instruments. Mostly these pieces are used in regions near the Baltic Sea. The different types that fall under this categorization: Kantele, Kannel, Harpu, Kokle, Kusle and Kankles.

The instruments are available through many different retailers in the modern day. Their prices are expected to range. Generally the cost is relative to the condition of the piece, the type of psaltery, manufacturer and of course, the seller. Individuals interested in owning one of these should check the instrument sellers in their area or check online. There are some places that will allow musicians to rent these pieces. Furthermore, those who would like instruction on how to play these may find resources online or a music teacher available in their area who knows how to play the instrument.

Although they are not the most commonly used stringed instruments of modern times, psalteries are still widely available around the world. These instruments come in different shapes, sizes and ranges. They have been around for hundreds of years, many versions dating back to ancient societies and time periods. The unit have evolved and changed over the years and the modern versions used today are different from traditional psalteries in some respects. There are retailers, online and offline, who sell these, as well as music teachers and other resources that individuals can use to learn to play.