What is a Viol?
A viol is a bowed and fretted string instrument, played vertically on or between the legs. Viols come in different sizes and sizes - usually treble, tenor and bass - and typically feature six gut strings, a flat back, and tied frets, offering a clear, warm sound.
Whilst the bass viol (also often known as a viola da gamba) has a particularly rich and varied solo repertoire extending well into the C18th, viols are more often than not played in consort; that is in groups of 3-6 players, ranging from 1 to 2 of each size of viol. This type of ensemble playing was especially popular in Elizabethan and Jacobean England homes, and this is reflected by a vast and glorious corpus of works by composers great and small - from Byrd to Wiley.
You can find more info about viols on the Viola da Gamba Society website; and you can search online to hear and see viol consorts (e.g. Chelys, Fretwork, Linarol, Phantasm, Rose Consort) or soloists (e.g. Alison Crum, Jordi Savall, Susanna Pell, Vittorio Ghielmi).
Alonsgide the instrument's inherent loveliness, it is this social, 'playing together' aspect of the viol which makes it such a wonderful choice of instrument - and this is where EMFS comes in (read on below)!
Viol Hire
EMFS offers a viol hire scheme exclusively to its members. This scheme is designed to give those interested in taking up the viol the chance to try it out before committing themselves to purchasing their own instrument.
The instruments we have available to hire are generously loaned to us by the Viola da Gamba Society. Subject to availability, we can offer:
-
Treble viol
-
Tenor viol
-
Bass viol (also viola da gamba)
Viol Opportunities
We arrange regular playing opportunities for viol players at all stages - generally in or near Edinburgh (though if you live further afield, and would like us to help organise something in your area, please get in touch).- Viol Improvers: In a new fortnightly format from September 2026, led by professional viol player, Sarah Small, Improvers is a post-beginner group with an informal focus on improving playing together and viol technique. Every other Friday, 7-9pm, Oct 2-Nov 27 inclusive. See our Events page for more information.
-
Viol Consort Café: Informal get-togethers of more advanced players to explore the rich and diverse repertoire of the viol consort. Autumn dates TBC; but please do get in touch if you'd like to find out more about intermediate-advanced playing opportunities.
- Try a Viol: Occasional 'come and try' sessions led by professional violists; aimed primarily at complete beginners but open to all..
