Early Bowed String Instruments
The REBAB, (8th – 10th Century) is a 1-3 stringed bowed instrument from the Far and Middle East, which then traveled to Europe and influenced the Rebec. In Turkey, the Rebab was nicknamed the “Spike Fiddle.” Rebabs came in all sizes and had a spike on the bottom to help support the instrument.
The REBEC, (11th-16th Century) Europe. Rebecs had a one-piece, pear-shaped, carved-out body. Musicians often constructed their own Rebecs. Rebecs accompanied popular song and dance. They ranged from 1 to 5 strings, but, 3 strings was the most common.
The VIELLE, (13th-15th Century) Europe. This long bodied instrument was used by travelling French folk musicians called troubadours and jongleurs. The Vielle was also called the fidel in French, suggesting why the violin is sometimes called the fiddle.
The VIOLA DA GAMBA was the most popular member of the viol family, (mid-15th Century-present), and it originated in Europe. The name was shortened to Gamba. The Italian phrase daGamba means “of the leg.” The Gamba is played with the instrument placed between the legs, much like today’s modern cello.
The Gamba came is six sizes, had frets, a flat back, and sloping shoulders. Early viols lacked the supporting piece of wood inside their bodies, called a sound post, which modern members of the string family have. This gave the viols a softer sound because of their lower rate of vibration.
The viola d’ amore – viol of love – was a popular form of the viol, as was the viola d’braccio. It was positioned much like the modern- day violin and viola.
The word braccio refers to the arm. Some gambas had up to 7 strings!
