The viol, an early string instrument, features a flat back, sloping shoulders, and six or seven gut strings. Played with a curved bow, it produces softer, more nuanced tones than the violin. Favored by court musicians, its rich, mellow sound complements both solo performances and chamber music in elegant settings.
You see the viol, its flat-backed body crafted from polished wood. The sloping shoulders and curved bow rest beside six gut strings, stretched taut. Its ornate sound holes and fretted neck promise soft, nuanced tones.