Lute

A lute was a stringed instrument with a neck and a wooden soundboard, which was often ovoid or shaped as a teardrop. Lutes were often used by bards of the Realms.

Description
Lutes typically had a round back, so they rested easily on the player's stomach. Doubled strings could be used to emit a fuller sound, and these were easily tuned by pegs.

Usage
They were popular instruments for minstrels playing in royal courts and were known to be played as far north as Sundabar.

Availability
Several types of doubled-string lutes built by craftsmen in Calimshan were available for purchase through Aurora's Whole Realms Catalogue.

Halambar Lutes & Harps in Waterdeep was a well-known musical instrument shop that sold lutes. Kriios Halambar's lutes produced a distinctive mellow sound recognized all along the Sword Coast.

Notable lutes

 * Doss lute: One of the seven Instruments of the Bards. Superior magical lutes, capable of channeling spells when played.