Cittern
The cittern or cithren (Fr. cistre, It. cetra, Ger. Cister, Sp. cistro, cedra, cítola)[1] is a stringed instrument dating from the Renaissance. Modern scholars debate its exact history, but it is generally accepted that it is descended from the Medieval citole (or cytole). Its flat-back design was simpler and cheaper to construct than the lute. It was also easier to play, smaller, less delicate and more portable. Played by people of all social classes, the cittern was a popular instrument of casual music-making much like the guitar is today.
"Cither" redirects here. Not to be confused with zither or gittern.Other names
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(necked box lute, plucked with fingers)
16th century
Citterns and cittern research at the Musikinstrumenten-Museum der Universität Leipzig