AK Ancient Greek LYRA Version 1.01

AK LYRA is a reconstructed ancient Greek musical instrument, originally called Chelys. The tortoise-shell Lyra was invented by god Hermes, who gave it to Orpheus. "Orpheus taught Thamyris and Linos, and Linos taught Hercules." The strings (neura) were made of animal gut of sinew, but there are also references of strings made of linen or hemp. Lyra was mainly used for the musical education of the young, and by amateur players in general. It was played with a plectrum.

This SL musical instrument is reconstructed according to ancient Greek paintings and statues. It was played by striking the strings with a plectrum.

AK LYRA comes with two animation sequences: one resting, starting as soon as you attach the instrument and one performing. They are both visible while standing or sitting.

Wear the instrument first(or attach it on your left hand). Optionaly you may wear (attach right hand) the plectrum as well.

To use it you must first click (TOUCH) the body of the AK LYRA. You can give new instructions by clicking on it again. After clicking you will be presented with a choise menu. This interface causes the minimum of lag.

If you choose to Loop or Play one of the Ancient Greek soundbits you will be presented with a second menu, in order to select one of the 11 available soundbits. One may switch from one loop to another, making a live mix and may conclude a performance by just Play(ing) a soundbit. Performing musicians using their own streaming sound play in "Silent" mode.

The soundbits are edited and recorded by Alexander Kyrkos with sequencers and sound modules http://www.kyrkos.nl. They are based on reconstructed midi files and Ancient Greek score available by the Austrian Academy of Sciences http://www.oeaw.ac.at/kal/agm/index.htm. AK creations has the persmission to use them in SL, for which we are greatful.

AKoustik are exclusive instruments built by AK creations. Visit us in SL.