Instruments

Contrary to most violins and violas, there is a tremendous variety of violas d'amore. Here we showcase some examples with some notes on their peculiarities. The list below provides a quick summary of some of the salient features. Click on the "Link" to see images and further details of the particular instrument. If you would like to show your instrument(s) here, please contact the webmaster.

Bows

The bows used to play viola d'amore are significantly different from those use for modern violin and/or viola. They tend to be much lighter, have narrower hair, and many players use an old-style baroque or transition bow. The list below provides a quick summary of some of the salient features. Click on the "Link" to see images and further details of the particular bow. As with all bows for stringed instruments, personal preference is paramount.

A selection of bows. From top to bottom:
Old-style short baroque bow with black hair (Pieter Affourtit, 2007)
Baroque style regular length (72 cm) bow with white hair (Pieter Affourtit, 2007)
Long Baroque bow with white hair (Pieter Affourtit, 2007)
Transition pernambuco bow (Brazilian, n.d.)
Classical viola bow (Albert Fischer, n.d.)