The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word LYRE
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
L
Y
R
E
More clues leading to the result LYRE
- Old stringed instrument storyteller talked of
- Provider of notes is bank, half being advanced
- Instrument once used in daily recital
- Instrument battery life will hold up
- Instrument of early recordings
- Somewhat badly restored old instrument
- Old music producer very likely showing up
- Component of early reed instrument
- Fragment of early recording instrument
- Instrument, one deceptive to the audience
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Old stringed instrument" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case old stringed instrument = lyre.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does LYRE mean?
LYRE noun- An ancient stringed musical instrument (a yoke lute chordophone) of Greek origin, consisting of two arms extending from a body to a crossbar (a yoke), and strings, parallel to the soundboard, connecting the body to the yoke.
- A lyre-shaped sheet music holder that attaches to a wind instrument when a music stand is impractical.
- A composer of lyric poetry.