Crossword Genius

Way to protect wood instrument (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

spinet

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

'way to protect wood' is the wordplay.
'way' becomes 'st'.
'to protect' is an insertion indicator.
'wood' becomes 'pine' (pine is a kind of wood**).
'st' going around 'pine' is 'SPINET'.

(Other definitions for spinet that I've seen before include "organ" , "Small 12" , "Type of early harpsichord" , "Step in with old harpsichord" , "A small harpsichord of old" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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