Bass viola da gamba

Viola da gamba built in the first half of the 18th century in Amsterdam by Pieter Rombouts (1677-1749), a pupil of Hendrik Jacobs, his stepfather, one of the most important Dutch luthiers of the seventeenth century.

The instruments made by Rombouts are quite well considered. The early still bear similarities to Jacobs' work, but Rombouts would develop his own style.

The viola da gamba appeared in Europe in the late 15th century and became one of the most popular instruments of the Renaissance period, having reached the peak of its popularity in the seventeenth century. As a solo instrument it continued to flourish until the mid-eighteenth century.

Due to its large dimensions, this instrument was played against the lap or between the legs, a custom that gave rise to the italian name "viola da gamba" which literally means "viola on the leg". These violas were built in different sizes, each corresponding to the different tones of the human voice.