question about viola da gamba bows and frets

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Craig Cowing
Posts: 13
Joined: Fri Oct 26, 2018 4:55 pm

question about viola da gamba bows and frets

Post by Craig Cowing »

I'm making my first viola da gamba and am wondering if there are any plans available for a bow? I read somewhere that the tension is static, that you don't tighten or loosen it. Is that true?

Also, I'm thinking about tied gut frets. I know that the traditional thing is to use an old gut string, but since this is my first instrument I don't have one. Should I buy an extra string and use that? Where could I find increments for a tenor viola da gamba?

Thanks in advance!
Fred Battershell
Posts: 21
Joined: Mon Apr 06, 2015 6:23 pm

Re: question about viola da gamba bows and frets

Post by Fred Battershell »

Is there a violin maker near you? This might be a source of fret material from discarded violin /violin strings.
Good luck with your build!
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