Bows
These are based on the typical bow which appears in paintings throughout the 16th and 17th centuries. They have a clip in frog and work particularly well with the Linarol viols, but are well suited to all types of viol up to the 18th century. This type of bow, rather than one adjusted by a screw-fitting, was the typical bow for stringed instruments from around 1500—1700. My bows are made mainly from beech, which is less dense than pernambuco, but there are sometimes larch, oak or green-heart bows available in a variety of lengths and weights. More details available on request.
Hair length : 600 –670 mm Weight : 30 –75 gms | Richard Jones Viols Models and Bows - Ordering
Viols are made from locally grown hardwoods from sustainable sources wherever possible. "We have a hardwood planting policy to ensure we grow more wood than we use."
Choice of timber: typically ripple sycamore for the back, ribs, neck and fingerboard; spruce for soundboard (not grown locally) and boxwood or fruit-wood pegs, but clients may specify other woods. Should a repair ever be necessary in the future, this is simplified by the use of hide-glue in making all our instruments.
Strings are all gut. George Stoppani Real Guts or Catlines as standard for the lower strings.
Finish: Oil-varnished to a rich golden colour to bring out the natural beauty of the wood.
Current models:
These sizes work well at a pitch standard or A440 and go as low as A392, as on some of the music examples. Please note that Model B viols work best at A440. Viols at other pitch standards and other sizes are also available.
Cases : I can provide well padded soft cases to order with your viol.
The Workshop: The workshop also makes other renaissance string instruments, and welcomes enquiries for commissions.
4-course Guitar: based on 16th century illustrations.
Vihuela: [6-course] based on an illustration in Luis Milan's 'el Maestro'.
Ordering
Contact me for current prices and availability.
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