Viol

Viol, forerunner (15th–17th centuries) of the violin. Viols have sloping shoulders, frets, a low bridge, and a soft, mellow tone. The 6 strings are tuned in fourths. The treble, alto, tenor, and bass (viola da gamba) viols are all held upright, as was the double-bass violone, which became today's double-bass. Interest in the viol has revived in the 20th century.