Cloud Callout: Psaltery: Without question the Waynie Psalteries are the most innovative change in the instrument since its inception. Some would claim it is not traditional but the bowed psaltery simply hasn't been around long enough to be called traditional. The simple plucked psaltery is the one dating to biblical times. The bowed was developed in the late 1940's.

My Compact Psalteries are far more logical. They are easy to hold and easier to approach upon playing. Travel distance from one side of the strings to the other side of the strings is around three and one-half inches up and down the entire scale. Now new and improved, they weigh even less. The Soprano weighs in a little over two pounds depending on the woods used.

No veneer: I use only solid exotic hardwoods from around the world including the United States. Veneers can be pretty, but not lasting. Do you remember grandma's old veneer furniture where the thin surface cracks, chips and peels, I do. Veneers are generally glued to plywood or cheaper woods. Pretty at first, but not durable in high humidity.

Rosettes: I utilize my own rosette that I designed which is proprietary to, not only me, but my brother-in-law David Lindsey of David's Dulcimers.

Tuning and Hitch pins: Hitch pins on my psalteries are slightly notched on the backside for ease of sliding the bow down them once strung. They are of exacting equal height as well. Before installation, I polish them. The instruments are strung with brass wound and steel ball end strings. One string per note...not two. Instruments using one string for two notes are not ideal. Tuning is difficult and when breaks occur, two notes are lost. I also space my hitch pins one inch apart for the entire length of the instrument. Wider spacing toward the lower notes makes playing double bow somewhat difficult. There is simply no reason for modified spacing.

Electronic pickup: All of my psalteries are now equipped with electronic pickups mounted inside for amplification, if so desired. If not, ignore and enjoy, you'll never know it's there.

Bows: I make my own bows as any good psaltery Luthier should. My bows are always made to match the instrument. I string them with horse hair, my preference. Personally, I do not like the use of violin bows on the psaltery. These are two different instruments.

Summing up: If it has the Waynie brand it, you can rest assured it is different than the rest, not only in appearance, but also in sound. So, if you are a beginner or have been playing psalteries for some time; This is to be experienced.