Vielle and Other Early Strings

Beginning with a pair of commissioned vielles,

I have been working with several players and teachers to satisfy the need for historical as well as practical medieval fidels. Above is the original design, with a 15.5” body.

The two original instruments were made with flat tops, bent transversely into an arch. While I still use this method, a stronger instrument results from carving a vaulted arch. The carved top is now my “standard.” The tone of the bent top instrument is a bit bassier, with more echo, but it allows less shaping of the note. The vaulted top gives a brighter, more nasal sound, and allows the player the freedom to mold the sound.

…Later work made it clear that a 14” body, like that of the modern violin, would make it quite a bit easier for players of both to transition between instruments. The smaller body does brighten up the sound in the bass, but still gives a satisfying ring.

To the left is a 14” and a 15.5” vielle side by side.

Below, from left, is the 14” mold, a full-size violin, 14” vielle, and 15.5” vielle.

Below are 14” & 15.5” vielles

Above is a 15.5” vielle and a “proto-violin,”

inspired by Renaissance violas da braccio.

The finished instrument has a carved top.

A “consort” of vielles in progress:

This includes a 14” “discant,” an alto, and a tenor. Not historical, perhaps, but a fine blend.

A tenor viola da gamba in progress:

The same instrument with a treble viola da gamba, and with a hurdy gurdy:

The tenor with an actual-size cup of coffee:

The treble, with several other projects: