Barbitos

Ancient Greek Barbitos

The ancient Greek Barbitos follows the same principles that guide the construction of our ancient Greek lyres, as it belongs to the same musical family and bears a close structural and acoustic relationship. However, its musical role and sonic character clearly differ; the Barbitos speaks with a deeper, warmer, and more grounded voice. For this reason, it beautifully supports both male and female voices, offering balance, richness, and sustained resonance.

Like our lyres, we build the Barbitos using shell-inspired wooden soundboxes. Each soundbox is carefully shaped so that it functions as an efficient acoustic resonator. The overall construction respects ancient proportions while responding to modern musical demands. Compared to the lyre, the Barbitos uses significantly longer strings, and this increased string length shapes its sound and expands its lower register; but at the same time, this requires greater control and precision from the performer.

Because of these characteristics, the production of harmonics on the Barbitos demands an attentive technique. When the player achieves the necessary balance, the instrument responds generously. Harmonics emerge with clarity, depth, and stability. In turn, the Barbitos rewards the musician with a sound that combines strength, warmth, and expressive beauty. This response makes the instrument especially suitable for vocal accompaniment, where resonance and support play a central role.

The Barbitos is an instrument of “presence.” Its sound fills space without force. It remains stable, yet flexible, as ancient form and musical depth join together in a coherent whole. This instrument offers strong expressive potential for refined performance, allowing the musician to explore subtle dynamics, sustained tones, and modal nuance.

More than merely a historical reconstruction, our Barbitos exists as a fully playable ancient Greek musical instrument. Rooted in antiquity yet alive in the present, it preserves the identity of a fascinating branch of the ancient lyre family while speaking with its own distinct voice.

Starting from 1.150€

Historical data of Barbitos

Barbitos, is typologically related to the lyre, with which it has several elements in common. The most important difference between the two instruments lies in the much longer arms (braces) of the barbitos, thanks to which it produced music of a particularly low pitch, suitable for vocal accompaniment. The barbitos is known only from performances and was particularly popular in Attic vase painting until 430 BC, accompanying comastes, symposiasts, and even female musicians, as well as divine and mythological figures associated with music, song and the symposium. Aristotle excludes the barbitos from the education of young people, as it was intended only for pleasure, and indeed the performances of music schools where playing the instrument is taught are few. What is certain is that it was an instrument that enjoyed great honor in the school of Lesvos (Terpandros, Alcaeus, Sappho, Anacreon).

Testimonials

Dr. Nikos Xanthoulis, Musician & Resercher, Athens, GR

“George Nikas of the luthier atelier Palmos crafts exceptional lyres that bear the mark of a lifelong pursuit of sonic beauty. Each instrument is the result of a profound understanding of materials, chosen not only for their acoustic properties but for their inner life. His work reflects artistic maturity, patience, and a rare depth of perception. George Nikas is a maker who listens with his hands—shaping sound before it is born, allowing the lyre to speak with clarity, warmth, and truth.“

Sonia Charalampidou, Musician, Athens GR

“A good instrument does not simply play the notes you ask of it; it whispers those you never imagined. In professional sound, quality is not a luxury but a prerequisite. When craftsmanship meets the exceptional construction of the master luthier atelier Palmos, music ceases to have limits.“

Sakis Tolis, Musician, Athens GR

“Thank you, my friend George, for rekindling my primordial sense, with the amazing lyre you made with great craftsmanship. A wonderful journey, indeed. I wish you good luck and always to be creative.“

Giorgos Tabakis, Musician, Athens GR

"Sports performance" instruments with quality and personality that perform in any condition and produce a truly unique sound! I feel lucky to be working with George Nikas - a man with love, interest, and dedication to his art!“

Alexandros Charalampous, Musician Athens GR

“Through the research and work of the master luthier atelier Palmos, i acquired the primordial sense of natural sound“

Rossano Munaretto, Musician, IT

“The craftsmanship of the instrument is of an exceptionally high level, allowing for a rich and balanced sound with clearly articulated overtones. This quality reflects the experience and refined skill of George Nikas as an instrument maker.“

Sunitha Francis,Musician, India

Every harmonic sound of this instrument is deeply enriching. The craftsmanship is excellent, and the lyre supports me in designing meaningful experiences for my group facilitation work. I feel blessed to be part of the international lyre community, and this 7-string lyre holds a special place in my heart.

Pandion, Musician, Athens GR

“For the musicians, music is mostly a sense. Especially when the feeling you want to create belongs to a historical past, i cannot imagine anything better than an instrument made with respect and based on historical research like the instruments of the master luthier atelier Palmos“

Nicolo Manicardi, Musician, Badalona, ES

Palmos Lyres are the perfect instrument for professional musicians and for beginners. The lyres have a clear sound, sparkling and defined harmonics along with the best playability you can find in a contemporary reproduction of an ancient greek instrument! The most stunning thing of George’s lyres is that you can feel the sound all along the instrument and this allows for the delivery of it to the audience. George is a very kind and honest man willing to listen to you and to create the best instrument for his clients.