Through a comprehensive analysis of literary and documentary material from 1270–1500, this study offers insights into the history and significance of the late medieval string instrument known as the gittern in Western Europe. Source criticism and hermeneutics form the basis of the critical reading of the nearly hundred sources. Through these, a more refined history of the instrument is suggested, focusing on social, symbolic and musical change throughout the period. The gittern is shown to have been an instrument predominately used in noble and royal milieus for half a century before being more widely played among all ranks of society. When its popularity faded in the 15th century, it became a symbol of nostalgia. The sound and playing techniques of the gittern were well suited for the music of the late 14th century, and the decline in use was simultaneous to the developments of new genres and compositional techniques where other sounds were sought.