Bass viol

This Meares viol (RCM 936) survives in an unusually complete state, retaining its original maple neck and head, as well as its ebony on maple fingerboard and tailpiece. Four of its pegs are also original. The front is made from bent spruce staves and the back of two pieces of maple/sycamore. The ornamentation is particularly fine, consisting of a geometrical design in purfling on the back and a point d’aiguille (cross hatching in imitation of lace) floral pattern on the front.