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Viola da gamba

Bass viol with sloping shoulders, deep ribs and C-shaped soundholes. Two-piece spruce top. Back and ribs made of flamed maple. Ivory binding on top (possibly not original). Two large repair patches to inside of back. Ebony fingerboard and nut. Round-shaped finial with inlaid ivory and ebony rings (possibly not original). Eight ebony friction pegs, with ivory button inlay, and eight strings (one copper-wound, three silver-wound and four gut). No frets. Modified tailpiece of rosewood, with tailgut fixing, endpin and saddle. This instrument is part of the Albert C. Spencer collection.

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  • Decorative elements:Engraved ivory-inlaid tailpiece with foliage, a perched bird (peacock?), and two garden scenes (trees, potted plant). Engraved ivory centerpiece on finial, with floral motifs.
  • Inscriptions:
  • Hornbostel-Sachs category:321.322-71 Necked box lutes or necked guitars sounded by bowing with a bow
  • Repository:Royal Pavilion and Museums Brighton
  • Measurements:Height: 1165mm; Width (lower bout): 390mm; Width (upper bout): 315mm Depth: 125mm