This instrument has nothing in common with the German-Austria five-string violin (Nr. 37). We are dealing with a completely new invention here, which arose in France around 1710 and fulfilled completely different tasks. The tuning is like a violin below (g-d-a) and like a viol above (a-d-g), and held between the legs, this instrument allows an noble person to perform the repertoire of the violin with ease. Mme Henriette de France, daughter of Louis XV, was proficient on this and also the pardessus de viole.
