Each instrument has four strings; the body is generally made of two types of wood, spruce for the top and maple for the neck, back and sides. The pegs and fingerboard are also made of wood but they are usually made of ebony, a very hard wood that will endure lots of wear and tear.

Violin
The violin makes the highest pitch sounds of all the string instruments in the orchestra.  It was first used in dance music to accompany dance ensembles, and now is considered one of the most expressive instruments of all to play. It can be found in all types of music, but is most commonly found making up the largest section in the orchestra.  

Viola
The viola is a little bit bigger than the violin and has lower pitch strings than the violin. This combination makes for a lower sounding instrument, placing it second in register of the sting family. It helps to add harmony to the string section.

Cello

Bigger than the violin and viola, the cello must be played while sitting down. To keep it from hitting the floor, the cello has an endpin, which extends out from the bottom. The cello is also a very expressive instrument that has a lower more mellow sound and is often featured as a solo instrument in concert. 

Bass
The largest of the strings instruments, it also has the deepest sounding. Today, the bass can be found in a wide variety of music including: classical, folk, blues, musical theatre and jazz.  It is generally held and played while the player stands up, but one can lean on a tall stool to play, also. This instrument is as tall or taller than the player itself.