Viol
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The Viol is a six-stringed instrument that has frets like a guitar, but is played with a bow. The bass viol, shown here, was popular as a solo and ensemble instrument during the 16th and 17th centuries. However, it was gradually replaced by the cello.
| Family |
| Strings |
| Pitch range |
| About three octaves. |
| Material |
| Wooden body, gut strings, and a wood and horsehair bow. |
| Size |
| Variable : from 24 in (60 cm) tall to 6 ft (1.80 m) tall. The bass viol, shown here, is 4 ft 2 in (1.30 m) tall. |
| Origins |
| The viol was invented in southern Spain in the mid-15th century by using the bow of the rehab andaluz on the vihuela (a type of guitar.) The instrument was further improved in Italy. |
| Classification |
| Chordophone: an instrument that produces its sound by the vibration of strings. |
| And also... |
| Different-sized viols were usually played together. The bass viol was also popular as a solo instrument. |
