These were in popular use from the 12th to the 15th centuries, and whilst no actual instruments have come down to us, they were widely depicted in religious and secular illustrations.

Lyres and psalteries were plucked with the finger nails or plectra. It is possible to play some of them with wooden beaters whilst resting on a table, though they then resemble a small hammered dulcimer.

Chromatic Instruments

These are modern instruments fully strung with sharps and flats, as on a modern keyboard. There are two versions for the psaltery, a twenty-string instrument and a twenty-five-string instrument which gives a full two octaves.

The Modern Lyre

At 700 mm this instrument is just slightly shorter than the celebrated 7th century "Sutton Hoo" lyre. It is strung in nylon, whereas the other instruments are strung in music wire and brass.

Plans and Construction Manuals

There is a full-size plan for each instrument together with illustrated details of the sequence of construction. $28.00 (including postage)

Instrument Hardware

Consists of strings, tuning pins and tuning key, soundboard grommets, brass bridge rod (for the metal-strung instruments) and includes registered post within Australia.

Strings

Nylon strings are clear, red and blue, or black as required for the appropriate notes. The metal strings can be coloured with texta colour as required. On harps "C" is coloured red and "F" is blue or black.

The Greek Lyre frame is hollowed by cutting with a small bandsaw prior to fitting the front and back. This technique is also used for the Chromatic Lyre. All these instruments were, of course, originally made entirely with hand tools.

Large Hammered Dulcimer

• Full size plans, beaters, illustrated manual, and postage : $39.00

• Instrument hardware: all strings, tuning pins and key, hitch pins, bridge rods and registered postage: $290.00

Dulcimer