Precursor to the violin:This treble viol was built in 1958 by Arnold Dolmetsch. Viols are bowed stringed instruments with frets and six or seven strings. They were important ensemble instruments from the 15th to the 17th century. Unlike modern instruments in the violin family, most viols were played upright. Viols were built in four principal sizes--treble, alto, tenor, and bass--and were played in ensembles called consorts.