Old strings (4)
I believe the answer is:
lyre
'old strings' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for lyre that I've seen before include "Rely (anag.)" , "Ancient Greek stringed instrument" , "Plucked instrument" , "Harp used by ancient Greeks" , "Ancient stringed musical instrument with U-shaped frame" .)