Crossword Genius

Two unknowns cut perfect instrument (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

xylophone

'instrument' is the definition.
(xylophone is a kind of instrument)

'two unknowns cut perfect' is the wordplay.
'two unknowns' becomes 'XY' (algebra).
'cut' becomes 'lop' (lopping is a kind of cutting).
'perfect' becomes 'hone' (synonyms).
'xy'+'lop'+'hone'='XYLOPHONE'

(Other definitions for xylophone that I've seen before include "Oxyphenol (anag.)" , "Percussion instrument with wooden bars" , "Patrick Moore's instrument" , "Musical instrument with bars" , "Instrument with wooden bars to be struck" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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