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The top of a French bass viol, with linen reinforcement strips along the joints and around the most delicate areas.
The foot of the neck, which extends inside the body and acts as the upper block on some French instruments.
17th century viols were often built without corner blocks, with a simple linen strip securing the ribs mitre from the inside. The joint between the ribs and back was also reinforced with linen.
Backs and ribs of a bass and a treble viol, with the usual soundpost plates and gray linen strips. The intentional burn marks inside the back of the bass are found on a few 17th century instruments, and are thought to act as an insect repellent.
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