Lute
OriginEurope
Year1300
FamilyString
About the Lute
The most important instrument of the Renaissance. A pear-shaped body with a bent-back pegbox. Usually 15 strings in courses of two. John Dowland was the greatest lutenist. The ancestor of the modern guitar. Over 3,000 pieces were written for solo lute.
More String Instruments
Guitar
Over 50 million guitars sold annually worldwide. The classical guitar has nylon strings, t...
Violin
The queen of instruments. Antonio Stradivari violins sell for over 15 million dollars. Ove...
Cello
The closest instrument to the human voice according to many. Four strings tuned CGDA. The ...
Harp
One of the oldest string instruments. Modern concert harps have 47 strings and 7 pedals. E...