orpharion

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orpharion. Development of the cittern very popular in Eng. in 16th and 17th cents. Had 15 frets and wire strings. Bridge was fixed and the str. ran over a small metal saddle into the bridge and were fastened to small metal pegs driven into lower side of bridge. Orig. had 6 courses but a 7th was added c.1600. Specified as alternative to lute in several books of lute tablature.

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