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.

Ettore Castagna

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