MIMF

I'm making my first viola da gamba and am wondering if there are any plans available for a bow? I read somewhere that the tension is static, that you don't tighten or loosen it. Is that true?

Also, I'm thinking about tied gut frets. I know that the traditional thing is to use an old gut string, but since this is my first instrument I don't have one. Should I buy an extra string and use that? Where could I find increments for a tenor viola da gamba?

Thanks in advance!

Is there a violin maker near you? This might be a source of fret material from discarded violin /violin strings.
Good luck with your build!