It has a multi-scale fingerboard: the nut and bridge of an orpharion are typically sloped, so that the string length increases from treble to bass.

Due to the extremely low-tension metal strings, which would easily distort the notes when pushed down, the frets were almost flush with the fingerboard, which was gently scalloped.

[1] As with all metal-strung instruments of the era, a very light touch with the plucking hand was required, quite different from the sharper attack used on the lute.

The orpharion was invented in England in the second half of the 16th century; in sources of English music it is often mentioned as an alternative to the lute.

It was entitled A new book of tablature for the orpharion, containing sundry sorts of lessons, collected together [by William Barley] out of diverse good authors, for the furtherance and delight of such as are desirous to practise on this instrument.