Vihuela Strings
A plucked chordophone of the viol family on which the strings are generally arranged in six or seven courses, each paired in unison. Classified as a lute, it flourished mainly in Spain in the 15th and 16th centuries. It is a large instrument with a body-length of 58.4 cm. There is comparatively little inward curve at the waist and the body is shallow in relation to the surface area. The neck is long and narrow and the head is flat and set back at a slight angle. Multiple roses set into the soundboard add to the distinctive appearance of the instrument. Courtesy of New Grove DMI © 1995.
