Bass String Instruments

Violone

~ at left

~ is the bass member of the viol family

Double Bass

~ at right

~ is the bass member of the violin or string family

Spot the difference

VIOL FAMILY

These are a group of bowed, string instruments developed in the Renaissance period ( 14th to 16th centuries ) and then superceded by the violin or string family. However the instruments are revived today for performance of early music.

Viols came in four different sizes, just like the modern string family and were called treble, alto tenor and bass. A group of viols was called a consort or chest which usually consisted of six instruments. A wealthy family often had a chest of viols.

They resembled that of a later violin but had flat back, ridges called frets, and C-shaped soundholes. Notice this difference in the above pictures of the violone and double bass.

They usually had six strings but some had five strings eg french viols.

The bow had a large outward curve and was held above the hand as opposed to the violin where the bow was held below the hand. Fingers controlled the tension of the horse-hair.

All viols were played downwards with the smaller ones resting on the knees and the larger ones resting between the legs. They produced a thin tone.

In the 18th century, the violin took over from the VIOL as people preferred the louder sounds that it produced.

If you are interested in making sounds on the DOUBLE BASS then you need an INSTRUMENT and SHEET MUSIC

Cello Sounds

There were a number of cellists through the ages who have created great sounds on the cello. 

Here are just a few:

Jean-Pierre Duport (1741-1818), Pablo Casals (1876-1973), Pierre Fournier (1906-1986) ,Jacqueline du Pré (1945-1987), Julian

Lloyd Webber (1951) picture to right

Cello sounds can be heard in a variety of settings which gives the player interesting music to play. You can find cellists playing

~ in the orchestra: there are a variety of different orchestras - a symphony orchestra has 8 - 12 players

~ as a soloist: in concerto with orchestral backing or on own

~ in chamber music: traditional string quartets and other ensembles like trios, quintets 

~ popular and jazz music: this is less common than classical music

~ bluegrass and folk music

If you have not got a cello you may want to learn to create some great sounds or know someone who does. Then you need a CELLO

Sound-Colours of a Violin

Violins vary in quality and a violinist varies the wrist movement as he or she presses on the strings and on the way the strings are stopped. Hence the tone or sound-colour varies depending on instrument and player.

If a player wants a warm tone then vibrato is used ie the wavering of fingers on the strings. If a player wants a loud, harsh sound, he plays with the bottom of the bow, called a heel. A hollow sound can be obtained by drawing the bow very near the bridge. A softer tone can be produced by placing a mute ( small piece of wood or metal that lessons string vibrations)on the bridge. An effect called pizzicato is produced by plucking the strings with the fingers instead of using the bow.

If you have a violin you are most likely using these techniques. But why not grab some MUSIC to really enjoy yourself.

If you have not got a violin you may want to learn or know someone who does.

Then you need a VIOLIN

And LESSONS

Have fun with the sound-colours of a violin.