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![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d493e7_a1a4702c1d484989a71ada2d341b4725~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_600,h_400,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/d493e7_a1a4702c1d484989a71ada2d341b4725~mv2.jpg)
The top of a French bass viol, with linen reinforcement strips along the joints and around the most delicate areas.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d493e7_bf4868d6435e4116adf5625ad8645a45~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_600,h_370,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/d493e7_bf4868d6435e4116adf5625ad8645a45~mv2.jpg)
The foot of the neck, which extends inside the body and acts as the upper block on some French instruments.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d493e7_2446f31053854fc09372e0ac8476a045~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_400,h_600,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/d493e7_2446f31053854fc09372e0ac8476a045~mv2.jpg)
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.
![](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/d493e7_1953b1e251ed49f88e33bf75a8adefa1~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_108,h_63,al_c,q_80,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,blur_2,enc_auto/d493e7_1953b1e251ed49f88e33bf75a8adefa1~mv2.jpg)
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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