Old Stringed Instrument Crossword Clue

Old Stringed Instrument: Unraveling the Crossword Clue

The crossword clue "Old stringed instrument" can be deceptively simple. While it might seem straightforward, the answer depends heavily on the specific crossword's difficulty and the knowledge base of the solver. This article will delve into the world of old stringed instruments, exploring various possibilities for this clue and providing a deep dive into the history and characteristics of each potential answer. We'll unravel the mystery behind this seemingly simple clue, revealing a wealth of musical history and providing you with the tools to conquer any crossword puzzle that throws this challenge your way.

Understanding the Clue: Context is Key

Before we jump into a list of potential answers, it's crucial to understand the importance of context in crossword solving. The clue "Old stringed instrument" is broad. The word "old" can refer to instruments from different eras, and the level of specificity can vary greatly depending on the crossword's difficulty. Consider these nuances:

• Time Period: Does "old" refer to instruments from the medieval period, the Renaissance, the Baroque era, or simply instruments no longer commonly played today?
• Geographic Location: The instrument's origin can be a significant factor. Was it European, Asian, African, or from another region?
• Crossword Difficulty: Easy crosswords often provide more common answers, while harder ones may require more obscure knowledge.
• Crossword Grid: The available letter count and intersecting letters are crucial in narrowing down possibilities.

Potential Answers and Their Histories

Now, let's explore some likely answers to the clue "Old stringed instrument," focusing on their historical significance and distinctive features.

1. Lute: This is a very common answer and a safe bet for many crosswords. The lute, a plucked string instrument with a pear-shaped body and a fretted neck, enjoyed immense popularity throughout Europe from the Middle Ages to the Baroque period. Its delicate and expressive sound made it a favorite among composers and performers.

• Key Features: Pear-shaped body, fretted neck, plucked strings.
• Historical Significance: Used extensively in Renaissance and Baroque music, featured prominently in the works of many famous composers.
• Why it's a good answer: Relatively well-known, fits the "old stringed instrument" description perfectly.

2. Viol: The viol family encompasses various instruments, including the bass viol, tenor viol, and treble viol. These instruments, popular during the Renaissance and Baroque periods, are characterized by their flat backs and C-shaped sound holes, unlike the violin family's more curved bodies and f-shaped sound holes.

• Key Features: Flat back, C-shaped sound holes, played with a bow.
• Historical Significance: Predominant in consort music during the Renaissance, later overshadowed by the violin family.
• Why it's a good answer: Represents a whole family of old instruments, the specificity might depend on the crossword. "Viol" as a general term is a perfectly valid answer.

3. Harp: The harp, a stringed instrument played by plucking its strings, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. While modern harps exist, earlier versions, often smaller and simpler in design, would fit the "old" descriptor.

• Key Features: Vertical frame, many strings, plucked.
• Historical Significance: Depicted in ancient art, used in diverse cultures across the globe.
• Why it's a good answer: The harp's long and varied history makes it a viable option, especially if the crossword has a larger answer space.

4. Lyre: This ancient stringed instrument, often depicted in Greek mythology, features a resonating body made of wood and strings stretched between two arms. Its imagery connects it firmly to ancient civilizations and its age fits the clue perfectly.

• Key Features: Two arms connected by a crossbar, strings stretched between the arms.
• Historical Significance: Associated with Apollo in Greek mythology, representing music and poetry.
• Why it's a good answer: Its ancient origins make it a strong contender for more challenging crosswords.

5. Cittern: The cittern, a plucked string instrument from the Renaissance era, is characterized by its flat back, pear-shaped body and often has a fretted neck. It shares some similarities with the lute but is distinct in its own right.

• Key Features: Pear-shaped body, flat back, often fretted.
• Historical Significance: Popular in Renaissance music, particularly in England.
• Why it's a good answer: A less common but perfectly valid answer for more challenging crosswords.

6. Cithara: This ancient Greek stringed instrument is related to the lyre, but typically larger and often played with a plectrum. Its historical significance is comparable to the lyre.

• Key Features: Larger than a lyre, often played with a plectrum (pick).
• Historical Significance: Used in ancient Greece for both musical performance and religious ceremonies.
• Why it's a good answer: A more obscure but historically valid answer.

Distinguishing Between Similar Instruments: A Deeper Look

Some of these instruments share similarities, making it crucial to understand their subtle differences:

• Lute vs. Cittern: While both are plucked string instruments with a pear-shaped body, the lute typically has a rounded back, whereas the cittern has a flat back. The cittern also often has a more pronounced waist.

• Viol vs. Violin: Though both are played with a bow, the viol family has a flat back and C-shaped sound holes, whereas the violin family has a curved back and f-shaped sound holes. Viols are generally considered "old" instruments in the context of the crossword clue, while violins are still widely played today.

• Lyre vs. Cithara: While both are ancient Greek instruments, the cithara is generally larger and sometimes played with a plectrum, unlike the lyre.

Beyond the Common Answers: Exploring Further

Depending on the crossword's difficulty, even more obscure instruments could be considered. Some examples include:

• Vielle: A medieval bowed string instrument.
• Rebec: A medieval bowed string instrument, similar to a fiddle.
• Sitar: While not strictly "old" in the Western sense, this Indian instrument has a long history.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the most common answer to this clue?

A: The most common and likely answer is probably "lute."

Q: How can I improve my chances of solving this type of clue?

A: Familiarize yourself with the history of stringed instruments and their various eras. Pay close attention to the number of letters available in the crossword grid.

Q: Are there any clues within the clue itself?

A: The word "old" offers a crucial time constraint, helping to narrow down the possibilities. Consider the specific era it might refer to based on other clues in the crossword.

Conclusion: Mastering the "Old Stringed Instrument" Clue

The seemingly straightforward crossword clue "Old stringed instrument" opens a fascinating window into the rich history of musical instruments. By understanding the context of the puzzle, familiarizing yourself with various instruments, and considering their historical significance, you can confidently tackle this challenge and unravel the mystery behind this intriguing clue. Remember to pay attention to the letter count, intersecting letters and the overall difficulty of the puzzle. With a little historical knowledge and some strategic thinking, you'll be well-equipped to master this and similar crossword clues, enhancing both your crossword-solving skills and your appreciation for the evolution of music.