Maltese Lira (instrument)

The Maltese lira is a string, bowed instrument which has maintained its basic physical properties across history. The main characteristics are three strings; tuning pegs fitted perpendicularly to the head; absence of a fingerboard or frets; mobile bridge and soundpost; generally fretted with the back of the nails; held vertically on the knee or between the legs; the body is carved out of a single block of wood with a wooden soundboard; in most cases the tuning is IV-I-V.

[[File:Ettore Castagna Maltese lira 8 June 2013 Għanafest Argotti.jpg |330px|thumb|right|Ettore Castagna]]