The violone (pronounced: "Vee-o-LOH-ne") is a very big string instrument that used to be used in the 16th and 17th centuries. It is like a double bass, but it belongs to the viol family. The name "violone" means "large viol". It was really a "double-bass viola da gamba". It usually had six strings, and the fingerboard had frets (like a guitar) which showed where to put the fingers of the left hand to make the notes. The bow was held underhand (with the palm of the hand facing up).
Violone
Questions and Answers
Q: What is a violone?
A: A violone is a large string instrument that was used in the 16th and 17th centuries.
Q: Does the violone belong to the viol family?
A: Yes, the violone belongs to the viol family.
Q: What is the meaning of the name "violone"?
A: The name "violone" means "large viol".
Q: How is the violone different from a double bass?
A: The violone is similar to a double bass, but it is a "double-bass viola da gamba".
Q: How many strings did the violone usually have?
A: The violone usually had six strings.
Q: Did the fingerboard of the violone have frets?
A: Yes, the fingerboard of the violone had frets.
Q: How was the bow held when playing the violone?
A: The bow was held underhand with the palm of the hand facing up when playing the violone.