These four types are categorized by the way in which the strings are positioned in relation to the body of the instrument: (1) lutes, in which the strings are stretched over a neck and a resonator (sound chamber) (2) zithers, in which the strings run the length of the instrument body (3) lyres, in which the strings run over a resonator to a yoke consisting of two arms and a crosspiece and (4) harps, in which all the strings lie in the same plane but run at an angle to the resonator. Within the generally accepted classification system of musical instruments, there are four basic types of stringed instruments. Wire strings can now be single, double, or even triple-spun in layers of copper or mixed metals.
Cast-steel wire used in pianos gave the instruments more strength and volume. Steel wire, which had been introduced as early as the 16th century, then became the favored material.
Wire strings originally were spun of brass, a practice that lasted into the 19th century. Some gut strings, especially larger ones that produce a lower pitch, are covered with a spun surface of aluminum, silver, copper, or a mixture of metals. Strings made of gut-the term is a shortened form of catgut-are in fact fabricated from the intestines of goats and sheep, with lamb being the animal of choice because of its strength and pliancy. Violin strings of gut, wound with metal, are still in use. In general, modern instruments of all cultures use strings of wire, plastic, or combinations of both materials. Since that time gut, wire, and plastic have been used, with only wire strings found in such instruments as the piano. This discovery also led to the invention of keyboard instruments with strings-such as the virginal, clavichord, harpsichord, and piano (or pianoforte). Wire was not used until the 14th century, when the craft of wire drawing was invented. Asian instruments were generally strung with silk. Gut strings were used in antiquity by the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. In Western countries the favored material for strings has been gut, wire, or plastic.
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