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Greetings! I thought the GEM list might be interested in a wild idea that was put into my head by Sue Pope of Worcestershire Museums Service. Could I run a one-day course on instrument making? My initial thought was that you can't do much instrument making in one day, but I did some experimenting with modern fast-setting adhesives and pre-machining of parts. Here's the result : ------------------ Make a Psaltery in a Day! Saturday 14th April, Hartlebury Castle The medieval psaltery is a delightful instrument. For centuries, it was a favourite of both the clergy and the nobility. It sounds rather like a small harp, and its gentle, metallic tone is ideal for accompanying the voice. It's also highly addictive. Sit one on your coffee table, and everyone will want to pick it up and play it. Paul Baker, a professional maker of historical musical instruments, has designed a simple psaltery, closely based on an illustration in the 13th century "Cantigas de Santa Maria", which, using modern techniques and materials, can be constructed in a single day. The course will be intensive, but no advanced woodworking skills are required. If you've done some basic DIY and have a modicum of co-ordination, you should produce a working psaltery by the end of the day. All materials and tools will be provided. The course fee is £150. Places are limited to an absolute maximum of 10, so you are advised to book early to avoid disappointment. Bookings and Info: 01299 250416 ------------------- If anyone's interested in running this or something similar, please email me. Or, if you fancy building a psaltery, book yourself onto the course. Phone number as above, or email Sue Pope : [log in to unmask] There's a photo of the psaltery on my website, www.diabolus.org - click on Forthcoming Events. Best wishes, Paul Baker Renaissance Musician, Instrument Maker, Computer Maestro and lots of other things. Diabolus in Musica and Midlands Early Music Forum [log in to unmask] www.diabolus.org