The violin became very popular in Greece its name was a general term for music. Three strings were introduced in the 10th century and four strings, the violins present form, were introduced in the 15th century. It was introduced to the Europeans by the Arabs. The first violin appeared in the 7th century and it had one string and a bow. VIOLIN: The violin has been a principal instrument for over 400 years. While the performer on the Cretan lyratouches the strings with his nail, the Pontos player taps on the strings, producing a completely different sound since he taps continuously on the middle string to create 4th and 5th intervals with the other two strings. LYRA OF PONTOS (BLACK SEA) or KEMETZES: Usually made of wild plum-tree wood, this lyra has three steel strings the first called jil the second, messea (middle) and the third, hamba. There are also many kinds of lyras in Thrace-Macedonia that are made in different sizes as well as in the shape of a pear (Achladolyre).
In Asia Minor and many islands there are lyras with four strings, that can be tuned exactly like the violin e-a-d-g. There are many kinds of lyras in Crete, and they come with different bows. The player does not tap on the strings but touches them with his nail from the side.
It has threesingle strings and it can be tuned up a-e-a or a-d-a. The top of the lyra is made of cedar wood.
CRETAN LYRA: This instrument is usually made of mulberry wood and carved to become the sound-box of the instrument.