Baroque violin
A Baroque violin is, in common usage, any violin whose neck, fingerboard, bridge, and tailpiece are of the type used during the baroque period. Such an instrument may be an original built during the baroque and never changed to modern form; or a modern replica built as a baroque violin; or an older instrument which has been converted (or re-converted) to baroque form.
Baroque violinists play their instruments using gut strings and baroque bows, and without a chin-rest. Baroque violins have surged in popularity since the 1980s as part of the growing interest in authentic performance. Their renewed use reflects an attempt to rediscover the original style of baroque violin music.
For a thorough iconographical documentation, as well as substantial information on history and performance consult the site of the Orpheon Foundation, www.orpheon.org, under their educational corner.