A stringed instrument of old is a LYRE, which is a four-letter word, and a LUTE, also a four-letter word. The LYRE is an ancient Greek stringed instrument that was used in religious ceremonies and for entertainment. It was typically made from wood and had strings made of animal gut. The LUTE is a plucked string instrument that originated in the Middle East and was popular in Europe during the Renaissance and Baroque periods. It has a pear-shaped body and a neck with frets. Both the LYRE and the LUTE are still used today in folk music and other genres.