pennyviol

Pennyviol refers to a stringed musical instrument that emerged in the early 20th century, specifically developed by American luthier and inventor Lloyd Loar. Loar, known for his work with Gibson, aimed to create a new type of instrument that would bridge the tonal qualities of the viola and the violin. The pennyviol is characterized by its unique construction, often featuring a deeper body than a typical violin and a slightly shorter, wider fingerboard. Its tuning is also distinctive, typically set a fifth lower than a standard violin, which contributes to its richer, more resonant sound. This tuning often places it in the range of a viola, but with the agility and playability more akin to a violin. The instrument's name is thought to be a portmanteau, possibly combining "penny" with "viol," although the exact origin remains somewhat speculative. Pennyviols were not widely produced and remain relatively rare, often sought after by musicians interested in exploring alternative string instrument timbres and Loar's innovative designs. Despite its limited historical prevalence, the pennyviol represents an interesting experiment in instrument design and a testament to the ongoing exploration of musical sound.