Strings
The violin is the best known and most widely used of all string instruments. The first reference to violins appeared in Persian and Chinese 
writings around the year 800. The violins as we know them were first built around 1500 – present. The modern bow, consisting of about 150 horsehair threads, was developed in the late 1700’s by a Frenchman named F. Tourte.
The viola (not pictured) is similar to the violin in shape and the way it is played, but it is a little larger and is tuned a fifth lower. Viola is the alto voice of the orchestra but sometimes is used as a solo instrument.
The cello, or violoncello, is played with a bow and resembles the violin and viola, but is larger. The instrument rests on the floor and against the player’s knees. It has four strings and is pitched on octave below the viola.
The bass is the largest and lowest pitched of the string family. The modern bass has four strings, tuned in fourths and sounds one octave lower than the music is written.
