different types of stringed instruments with pictures

The violin was gradually developed over the course of the 16th and 17th centuries: it did not gain its classic outline until around 1550 and a fourth string was not added until later. During the 11th and 12 centuries the lira, along with the Islamic rebab, spread throughout Europe. The earliest evidence for bowed string instruments in Europe is the lira of the 9th century Byzantine Empire. The violin by Robert Thompson has a later carved capital thought to represent Georgina Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire. The body shape differed considerably from the 'classic' style. Among the instruments is a violin that has been crafted from the material remains of an earlier viola d'amore.

The instruments in the Bate Collection have been 'set up' to reflect the style of instrument being used during the 18th century and can be used to form a baroque string quartet. The violin design we are aware of today is derived from the types of instruments being made in the Cremonese workshops of the great Italian makers. The bowed string instruments of the violin family, which include violins, violas and cellos and other types of string instruments such as viols. The violin design we are aware of today is derived from the types of bowed string instruments such as viols. These instruments were played together in groups and were known as consorts. The violin and viol families were created during the renaissance. It is probably French and dates to the early 19th century and is an example of the Spanish guitar type, from which our modern guitar is ultimately derived. The guitar was cheaper to make and easier to play than the lute and so appealed to far more people. The Bate Collection houses a highly decorated guitar. The English guitar on display is typical of the late 18th century, by which time the lute had fallen out of popularity. This type of instrument originated from the Arabic oud (meaning 'wood'), which was introduced to Europe via the Moors in the Medieval period. Many of the plucked string instruments on display can be traced back to the lute.

Different types of stringed instruments with pictures