Possible Clues:

• Old stringed instrument with a pear-shaped body
• Minstrel’s strings
• Broadcast spoils instrument
• Stringed instrument spoils broadcast
• Renaissance faire instrument
• Instrument that becomes another instrument if you add an F at the beginning
• Old instrument that thief makes off with reportedly?
• Stringed instrument with a neck and a deep round back
• Serenade need, perhaps
• Gentileschi's "Self-Portrait as a __ Player"