As soon as orchestras went into fashion, with opera music, about 1600. The string section of an orchestra, consisting of violins, violas, cellos and double basses, was standardized by Corelli with...
no
2 play music DER!!
There are lots of violins and variations of the violin like the viola in an orchestra. It is also a good solo/duet instrument.
making music of course filling up empty guitar shaped cases you have lying around the place..