I am searching for information on the history of the above instruments. I unserstand that they are similar to the violin, viola, cello, and bass in the strings family, but where did they originate? What countries have a similar instrument? Does anyone know how to play any of them? :) Just doing a quick google search, I have learned that the above are used in Bluegrass, Folk, Irish, Medieval/Renaissance, and Rock music. Any other ideas? Blessings, Alia