The Viola

        The viola is bowed stringed instrument. It is the "middle voice" of the violin family, being one-fith of an octave higher than the violin, and one full octave higher than the cello. The viola is constructed similarly to the violin. Except that the viola is about one-four inches larger. It also uses larger strings, which are spaced farther apart, and a larger bow than a violin. 

         Electric Violas are also "a thing". Amplification and equalization can make up for the weaker output of a violin string tuned to notes below G3, so most electric instruments with lower strings are violin-sized, and as such, are called "violins." Comparatively fewer electric violas do actually exist, for those who prefer the physical size or familiar touch references of a viola-sized instrument. Welsh musician John Cale, formerly of The Velvet Underground, is one of the more famous users of such an electric viola, who has used them both for melodies in his solo work and for drones in his musical works.

         In the mid 1500's, Lionel Tertis was among the first to use this instrument. The instrument had been around for some time, documented as far back as the early 1400's, but Lionel recognized its great potential in orchestral music. Sense then it has been used by many famous musical composers, such are J. S. Bach, Franz Anton Hoffmeister, York Bowen, and Felix Mendelssohn. The viola is mostly used in classical and orchestral music. However, it is commonly used in folk, contemporary pop, and progressive rock. 

Check out Lady GaGa Pokerface on Viola. Or don't, I don't care. Here is photographical evidence I did not just make this instrument up: