Are modern instruments ever considered 'old' in crosswords?

Generally, 'old' in a crossword clue refers to instruments that have been largely superseded by newer forms or are primarily associated with historical music. While a guitar might be old, it's rarely the intended answer for 'old stringed instrument' unless specified (e.g., 'old Spanish stringed instrument').

old stringed instrument crossword – All Crossword Answers

Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "old stringed instrument crossword," you've come to the right place. We provide comprehensive answers and explanations for all word lengths, helping you quickly complete your puzzle.

Solutions for "old stringed instrument crossword" by Letter Count

4 Letters

LUTE: A plucked stringed instrument with a deep, round back, popular in medieval and Renaissance Europe.

LYRE: An ancient U-shaped stringed instrument, often associated with Greek mythology and poetry.

HARP: A large, ancient stringed instrument played by plucking strings arranged vertically within a frame.

VIOL: A family of bowed stringed instruments, popular from the 15th to 18th centuries, preceding the modern violin family.

6 Letters

ZITHER: A flat, wooden stringed instrument, played horizontally by plucking or strumming, with various historical forms.

7 Letters

CITTERN: A plucked string instrument of the Renaissance and Baroque eras, similar to a lute but with a flatter back.

THEORBO: A large bass lute with an extended neck, used in Baroque music for basso continuo and solo playing.

8 Letters

DULCIMER: A stringed instrument, often trapezoidal, played by striking the strings with small hammers (hammered dulcimer) or plucking (Appalachian dulcimer).

More About "old stringed instrument crossword"

The term "old stringed instrument" in crosswords usually refers to musical instruments that predate the modern orchestra or have a significant history. These instruments were once common but might now be considered niche or primarily used in historical performance. Understanding the common examples can significantly speed up your crossword-solving process.

Clues like "old stringed instrument" test your knowledge of musical history and vocabulary. Many of these instruments, like the lute or viol, have distinctive characteristics and roles in specific musical periods. Knowing their general shape, how they were played, or their cultural origin can often lead you to the correct answer, even if you don't instantly recall the name.

Crossword setters often use these terms because they are concise, have unique letter counts, and are widely recognizable within the puzzle community as classic answers. Familiarizing yourself with this category of instruments will undoubtedly improve your performance on historical or music-themed crosswords.

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

Count the Letters Carefully: Always verify the number of letters in the available space. For "old stringed instrument," an answer like LUTE or LYRE fits four letters, while ZITHER is six, and DULCIMER eight.
Consider Historical Context: Think about instruments popular in medieval, Renaissance, or Baroque periods. Crossword clues often lean towards these eras when specifying "old."
Check Intersecting Clues: Use letters revealed by other solved clues as hints. If you have an 'L' in the second position and the clue is "old stringed instrument," 'DULCIMER' (if 8 letters) becomes a strong possibility.
Expand Your Vocabulary: Regularly reviewing lists of common crossword answers for categories like "musical instruments" or "historical terms" can build your knowledge base for future puzzles.

For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are common old stringed instruments found in crosswords?

Common answers for 'old stringed instrument' clues include LUTE, LYRE, HARP, VIOL, ZITHER, and DULCIMER. These instruments typically date back to ancient times or pre-20th century musical eras.

How can I identify the correct stringed instrument answer in a crossword?

Look at the number of letters required for the answer. For instance, LUTE, LYRE, and HARP are four letters, while ZITHER is six, CITTERN and THEORBO are seven, and DULCIMER is eight. Also consider the context of other clues in the puzzle, especially intersecting words.

What makes an instrument "old" in a crossword context?

Typically, "old" in a crossword clue refers to instruments from pre-20th century eras that are either ancient, medieval, Renaissance, or Baroque. They are often instruments that have evolved significantly or are no longer widely used in mainstream modern music.