All of my French viols have a carved head –  the model is determined with the musician.

English viols have either a carved head or an open scroll.

 

Decoration can range from sober to flashy.

Here are some examples:

– double purfling

– decorative purfling

– carved, painted, or inlaid rose

– initials in monogram

– painted motif on front or back

– fingerboard/tailpiece: purfling, inlay, cut-out, carving

– carved pegbox

– carved bridge

 

 

HEAD, PEGBOX, NECK

FRONT, BACK, RIBS

TAILPIECE, FINGERBOARD, BRIDGE