Germany
Wulf-Schulfidel

Wood, gut strings, bone, metal
1959 
Length: 27 in; Width 9 in
Strings – Lutes – Violin Family

Label inside:  WULF / SCHULFIDEL / No. 681 / 15.8.1959.  (Aug 15, 1959)

This is a master crafted six string viola da gamba (viol or viole) made by Wulf-Schulfidel in 1959. The viola da gamba is any one of a family of bowed, fretted and stringed musical instruments that first appeared in Spain in the mid to late 15th century and was most popular in the Renaissance and Baroque periods.

This member of the viol family was typically played “on the leg” which the Italian name (da gamba) implies.  It is strung with 6 strings and the neck is tied with 7 gut frets.  There is no sound post inside which makes the volume softer.  When played the bow is held underhanded, with the strong bow stroke being the inward stroke, as opposed to the downbow of the violin family. 

Beginning in the Baroque era, the viola da gamba served as a consort (ensemble) instrument and maintained that role, especially in England, for several decades.  However, in Italy, during the late Renaissance, the viola da gamba was completely replaced by the popularity of the viola bastarda (a medium-sized instrument, larger than a treble viol but smaller than a bass viol).  Like other viols, it had frets on the fingerboard, six strings, and was played with a bow.