The kithara is a step up the musical evolutionary chain from the lyre. First crafted by the Greeks as a larger and more complex lyre, having seven strings, which was why it became known as "the seven-tone lyre." Later Roman versions of the kithara had as many as eleven or twelve strings.
Aside from size, there are a few other variations from lyre to kithara, amoung them being that the arms connecting the crossbar to the bowl are solid on a lyre and sometimes made of animal horns, whereas they are hollow on the kithara, adding that resonance. Also, instead of the lyre's usual shallow wooden bowl covered with skin or tortise shell, the kithara featured a joined front, back, and sides.
The major sociological difference between the two though, was that while the lyre remained an instrument for the masses, the kithara was generally only an instrument for the professional musician.
The RealLife kithara was usually played with a large plectrum. I don't own a kithara, so I haven't been able to check whether or not the Elanthian kithara needs a tool to play or not, or how many strings it has. If anyone has this info, please send it to voiclsbard@hotmail.com.
Kitharas are currently only available from Teshi's Instruments, Aesry Surlaenis, Qi'Reshalia, with the following custom work:
| Alder | Basswood | Boxwood | Black ironwood |
| Burlwood | Cherry | Cocobolo | Copperleaf |
| Curly birch | Ebony | Fishtail oak | Hickory |
| Lacewood | Lemonwood | Pearwood | Silver maple |
| Walnut |
| Crafted | Parquet | Inlaid | Lacquered |
| Cutwork | Oiled | Painted | Polished |
| Time-worn | Varnished |