Making sound spoils instrument (4)

I believe the answer is:

lute

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'instrument' is the definition.
(I know that Lute is a instrument)

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

(Other definitions for lute that I've seen before include "Plucked, pear-shaped instrument" , "Old stringed instrument with a pear-shaped body" , "Play instrument" , "clay" , "Ancient stringed instrument" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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