True
viols are always played between the knees. That is why they were called
the viola da gamba ("leg viol"). The viol preceded the violin but was generally
contemporary with it during the 16th century. Although superficially similar
to the violin, the viol has major distinguishing features, notably its fretted
neck (characteristic of the Renaissance lute). Also, the viol's tone is
soft and delicate, more suitable for domestic and chamber music than for
the concert hall. As a result, the viol had become less popular than the
violin by 1700.Information provided by: http://www.latms.berkeley.k12.ca.us