Valiha – Zither traditionally made of a bamboo tube strung with metal (or rarely bamboo) strings stretched lengthwise all around the tube. Madagascar.
Vanlig fele – The vanlig fele refers to the common violin in Norway. In the ancient Norse literature of the years 800 to 1350, an instrument called fidla is referred to. This name is probably a variant of the European fidel, a flat-bottomed string instrument with three to five strings, one or two of which functioned as drone strings. Later written sources mention instruments such as the rebekk, gige and gigja, and it is believed that these names refer to medieval instruments that are still in use, but which formed part of the basis for the development of the modern violin in Italy in the 1400-1500s. The violin in its modern form is assumed to have arrived in Norway early in the 17th century. (Source: Folknett Norway)
Vargan – Russian jew’s harp.
Veena – A south Indian plucked lute. It has 24 copper frets with four playing strings and three drone strings. There are many other types of veenas, including the rudra veena (zither), saraswati veena (bowl lute), mohan veena, vichitra veena, etc. Also known as vina. India.
Velas delis – Washboard used as a scraper. Latvia.
Ve Ve – Bamboo buzzers from the highland regions of Vietnam. Similar instruments are found in many regions of Southeast Asia, the Philippines, and Indonesia. They have become a common instrument in dance music. Source: Khac Chi Ensemble.
Vibraphone – Xylophone with motor-driven metal resonators.
Vielle – Hurdy gurdy in French.
Vihuela
1. An important plucked instrument in the Renaissance developed in Spain. The body of the vihuela was guitar-shaped but its strings were tuned like those of a lute. It was used predominantly in Spain, where it was usually associated with the nobility. It is considered the predecessor of the guitar.
2. Plucked instrument of the guitar family popular in parts of Spanish-speaking America. It is very similar to the Spanish Renaissance vihuela. The vihuela design includes a belly for added resonance and has five single courses of strings.
Viola – 1. In the violin family, the alto instrument, played under the chin . 2. Classical guitar. Argentina
Viola amarantina – Guitar with 5 pairs of metal strings. The sound hole is shaped in the form of two hearts. Portugal.
Viola braguesa – Guitar from Braga with 5 pairs of metal strings. Portugal.
Viola beiroa – A highly ornamented guitar. Portugal.
Viola campaniça – A guitar that has nearly disappeared. Long ago it was popular in most of Low Alentejo region, but nowadays it is circumscribed to only two or three counties and barely half a dozen players. The characteristic sound is made by five groups of double strings, made out of steel and brass. Its use, today, is practically reduced to the accompaniment of songs. Portugal.
Viola da gamba – Fretted instrument payed upright. also known as bass viol. Europe.
Viola d’amore – fretless viol with sympathetic strings that vibrate when other strings are played directly. Europe.
Viola d’arame – Guitar from Madeira with steel strings. Portugal.
Violâo – Classical guitar. Brazil.
Violin – A bowed 4-string European instrument, originating during the 17th century, characterized by rounded backs and shoulders. The folk violin is known as fiddle.
Volynka – Bagpipe with 1 or 2 drones. Also spelled volinka. Russia and Ukraine.
Vyola – 4-5 string Spanish medieval instrument.
Francisco Luengo and César Árias recreated the vyola inspired by the Portico of Glory, Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela (12th century)
