EARLY FIDDLES refers to the stringed instruments that were popular in Europe during the Renaissance period. Viols, which are five-letter words, were one of the earliest fiddles and were used to play a variety of music from folk tunes to classical pieces. They were typically made of wood and had four strings, and were played with a bow. The sound of the viol was softer than that of the modern violin, and it was often used to accompany singing or other instruments.