Glenn's Instrument Descriptions copyright 2001, D. Glenn Arthur Jr. Last updated 2001-11-06 (cosmetic only).

Viola da Gamba

As you can see in this photo (left), the viola da gamba is supported by the player's calves. Unlike a cello, the gamba has no end-pin. Notice that the neck is not fretted all the way down.

The frets on the gamba, which serve the exact same purpose as the metal frets set into the fingerboard of a modern guitar, are made of gut and are tied onto the neck. Lutes use gut frets also.

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