Psaltery
The psaltery is an ancient instrument. It is mentioned in the Judeo-Christian literature from the 3rd century BC. Names used to describe the instrument have lead to debate as to which instrument was actually in reference: the psaltery, nevel, dulcimer, or the harp. Early depictions indicate the oldest psalteries lacked the hollow body of today’s instrument; they had only gut strings stretched between pins on a wooden board and were plucked with the fingers. The psaltery was popular in Europe from the 12th century to the late middle-ages.
