The basolia (Ukrainian: Басо́ля, Polish: basy or Polish: basetla) is a Ukrainian or Polish folk instrument of the bowed string family similar to the cello, although usually slightly larger and not as sophisticated in construction.
Three different types are found in Ukraine: In Poland, the basolia has 2-4 strings, which are usually played with a bow.
It is now rarely found, almost totally replaced by the standard cello in Ukraine, or by the accordion in Poland.
The basolia was an instrument that was often ridiculed for its quality of sound and the skill of the player.
The basolia was introduced into Ukraine from the West after the fiddle had established itself, however, there are mentions which date back to the 17th century in descriptions of the wedding of Bohdan Khmelnytsky's son Yuri, where an orchestra using this instrument entertained the guests.