MANDORA (alternatives to the Mandola or Mandolino)
Throughout much of the 18th century these three terms for the small, high-pitched instrument in fourths were used. The curved type of peg box usually ended with a decorated square finial.

PANDOURA
This is the long-necked Greco-Roman Lute which appeared in Greece in the 4th Century BC with its roots in more eastern countries. It was played in Byzantium and even now in Armenia, the long-necked Lute is called a 'Pandir'.

LIRA/LURA
In the Byzantine Empire bowed instruments were known as 'Lura' and in the Islamic Empires as 'Rabab'. They have continued to be played in these regions until the present day, with few changes. The instrument available is based on the Greek Lyra (without the sympathetic strings) in the Pitt Rivers Museum, Oxford.

MAJORCAN (ARANGONESE) RABAB
This Rabab developed from the North African Rabab which was a boat-shaped, two-string fiddle with no frets. This Moorish Rabab from the Kingdom of Aragon dates from the late 14th/early 15th century. It is part of a panel in the church of Santa Maria del Puig, Pollensa. It is played in downward, 'a gamba', position.

ARPANETTA
Popular in the second half of the 17th century and the first half of the 18th century in Germany and the Netherlands. The Arpanetta is thought to have first appeared in Italy. It is an upright double Psaltery for domestic use. It has a soundboard on each side, with and internal partition board serving as a 'false' back to each sounboard. The Arpanetta available is based on an x-rayed example in Schloss Stolzenfels, Germany.

SPECIFICATIONS
Length: 970mm
Maximum width: 330mm
Depth: 80mm
Tuning: f to d"'-

ARABIC UD

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