Kither

A Kither (sometimes spelled Kyther) is a term with historical usage, primarily referring to a type of stringed instrument. While not a widely recognized term in modern musicology, it generally denotes an archaic or regional variant of a zither or similar flat-bodied stringed instrument.

The exact characteristics of a "kither" are often vague and depend on the historical context in which the term is used. It may refer to:

• A general zither-like instrument: Encompassing a family of instruments with strings stretched across a flat soundbox. These instruments are typically played by plucking or strumming the strings. The specific number of strings and tuning systems vary depending on the region and time period.

• A specific regional variant of the zither: In some localities, the term "kither" might have been applied to a distinct type of zither with unique construction or playing techniques. Detailed information on these specific instruments is often scarce.

• An archaic or obsolete term for a zither: The term "kither" may simply be an older or less common way of referring to instruments that are now generally called zithers.

The instrument should not be confused with the kithara, an Ancient Greek stringed instrument related to the lyre. The spelling difference, though subtle, signifies a distinct lineage. While both are stringed instruments, the kithara possessed a frame, similar to a harp or lyre, rather than the flat soundbox characteristic of the kither (zither family).

Further research into specific regional musical traditions and historical instrument inventories would be necessary to determine the precise nature of a "kither" in any given context. Due to its relatively infrequent usage and lack of standardization, the term remains somewhat ambiguous.