It often has a trapeziform box. The player may hit the strings with hammers or pluck them with the fingers or a plectrum. The body is almost always a box, commonly c. 1 m along the bottom side. 130 cmlong are known in England, the USA and Alpine areas.
Bridges are of wood, usually with a wire rod in the top.
The instrument was introduced to western Europe in the 15th century, possibly from Byzantium. The medieval psaltery is usually held flat against the body, the player looking out and away from the instrument. In 1704 Pantaleon Hebenstreit brought a large version to Louis XIV, who is said to have decreed that it should be called 'pantaleon'. 18th-century instruments could have as many as five bridges and seven or eight strings to a course. The repertory includes Scottish and Irish dances.