Viols form the most numerous group of instruments within Tielke's oeuvre.as it presents itself today. Günther Hellwig listed seventy instruments in his book, some twenty will be added to the second edition.

The number of instruments without alteration is modest, many have been turned into violoncelli thus losing their original necks or even pegboxes and heads. Therefore, in many cases only the bodies remain as works of the Tielke workshop. Nevertheless, they are of great interest for their sizes, the construction of their backs and the layout of their interior consruction. In addition, the archings of both tables and backs can be studied. The documentation from restoration interventions, both written and pictorial, can be additional sources for enhancing our knowledge of Tielke's viols.

Despite the differences in expenditure and quality of marquetry and carvings there seems to be one consistent feature, i.e. the shape of C-holes. On the other hand, some of the bodies differ in size from the majority, they are smaller, between a true basse de viole and a tenor. Maybe that they are either division viols or were made to be played at a higher pitch.

Take a look at a few pages from the chapter on viols in our book.