Psalteries

Ancient Greek Triangular Psaltery (Trigonon)

In Ancient Greece, musicians used the term psaltērion to describe plucked string instruments resembling harps or zithers. The term did not describe one fixed instrument; instead, it referred to a wider group defined by playing technique. The name comes from the Greek verb ψάλλω, which means “to pluck (with the fingers).” Several important instruments belong to this family, including the Trigonon, the Pektis, the Magadis, and the Epigonion, but probably the ancient Greek Triangular Psaltery is the most famous among them.

The instrument presented here is a triangular psaltery from the Cycladic period (3200 – 2000 BCE). We based its reconstruction on archaeological evidence from figurines found on the islands of Keros and Naxos. This evidence shows two main versions of the instrument: the first version is based on the figurine known as the Harpist of Keros. This figure represents one of the earliest depictions of a stringed musical instrument, dated to approximately 2800–2500 BCE. The second version follows the Harpist of Naxos, which presents another interpretation of the same musical tradition.

This reconstruction brings an early string instrument back to life. Standing at the origins of Mediterranean stringed music, the instrument no longer remains a symbolic or archaeological object. Instead, it functions as a fully playable ancient Greek musical instrument. In this way, it connects early Cycladic musical culture with modern study and performance.

Starting from 1.500€

Historical data of Trigonon

The Trigonon (Triangle) of the Cycladic period is the oldest evidence of a stringed instrument that we have in Greece. It was a multi-stringed instrument of about 4,500 years old, with an ethereal sound, like the modern harp, which consisted of a wooden soundbox, an arm and a supporting side, forming a triangle. We have no information about the number of strings, which were of unequal length and stretched from the soundbox to the arm. The instrument belongs to the psaltery family and therefore we understand that it was played using the fingers.

The triangle of the classical period (1,000-400 BC) resembles, at first glance, the corresponding archaic one of the Cycladic period (3,200-2,000 BC), but they have many important differences between them. In the classical triangle, the speaker is not located on the side that touches the player’s foot, but directly opposite it. Therefore, it has a fundamental difference in relation to the triangle of the Cyclades, but also to the modern harp, where in both cases the high-frequency strings are close to the player’s body. Here the bass strings are close to the harpist, as is the case with the Lyre. Therefore, the logic of the performance of the music is exactly the opposite, although the sound they produce is similar. However, in all cases of the psalteries (Trigono, Pyktis, Epigonio) the information is poor.

Testimonials

Dr. Nikos Xanthoulis, Musician & Resercher, Athens, GR

“George Nikas of the luthier atelier Palmos crafts exceptional lyres that bear the mark of a lifelong pursuit of sonic beauty. Each instrument is the result of a profound understanding of materials, chosen not only for their acoustic properties but for their inner life. His work reflects artistic maturity, patience, and a rare depth of perception. George Nikas is a maker who listens with his hands—shaping sound before it is born, allowing the lyre to speak with clarity, warmth, and truth.“

Sonia Charalampidou, Musician, Athens GR

“A good instrument does not simply play the notes you ask of it; it whispers those you never imagined. In professional sound, quality is not a luxury but a prerequisite. When craftsmanship meets the exceptional construction of the master luthier atelier Palmos, music ceases to have limits.“

Sakis Tolis, Musician, Athens GR

“Thank you, my friend George, for rekindling my primordial sense, with the amazing lyre you made with great craftsmanship. A wonderful journey, indeed. I wish you good luck and always to be creative.“

Giorgos Tabakis, Musician, Athens GR

"Sports performance" instruments with quality and personality that perform in any condition and produce a truly unique sound! I feel lucky to be working with George Nikas - a man with love, interest, and dedication to his art!“

Alexandros Charalampous, Musician Athens GR

“Through the research and work of the master luthier atelier Palmos, i acquired the primordial sense of natural sound“

Rossano Munaretto, Musician, IT

“The craftsmanship of the instrument is of an exceptionally high level, allowing for a rich and balanced sound with clearly articulated overtones. This quality reflects the experience and refined skill of George Nikas as an instrument maker.“

Sunitha Francis,Musician, India

Every harmonic sound of this instrument is deeply enriching. The craftsmanship is excellent, and the lyre supports me in designing meaningful experiences for my group facilitation work. I feel blessed to be part of the international lyre community, and this 7-string lyre holds a special place in my heart.

Pandion, Musician, Athens GR

“For the musicians, music is mostly a sense. Especially when the feeling you want to create belongs to a historical past, i cannot imagine anything better than an instrument made with respect and based on historical research like the instruments of the master luthier atelier Palmos“

Nicolo Manicardi, Musician, Badalona, ES

Palmos Lyres are the perfect instrument for professional musicians and for beginners. The lyres have a clear sound, sparkling and defined harmonics along with the best playability you can find in a contemporary reproduction of an ancient greek instrument! The most stunning thing of George’s lyres is that you can feel the sound all along the instrument and this allows for the delivery of it to the audience. George is a very kind and honest man willing to listen to you and to create the best instrument for his clients.