The rebec is a type of medieval fiddle that is distinguishable by its shape: a round body that tapers into the neck and culminates in a peg box or disk. Related to the Arabic raba-b and Greek lyra, rebecs were introduced into Europe as early as the eleventh century. They were gradually phased out in the fiftheenth and sixteenth centuries as they were replaced by the violin.

Typically rebecs had three strings, though iconographical examples have from one to five or six. Rebecs are relatively small instruments, and function either as solo instruments or as treble instruments in a consort. They are particularly well suited for playing the surviving medieval dance music.

My rebec was hand-crafted for me in 2010 by Kate Buehler-McWilliams (champion of the tromba marina), at her workshop, Unprofitable Instruments. She was extremely kind and knowledgable, and her work is exceptional. I enthusiastically recommend her for anyone looking into acquiring authentic medieval stringed instruments.