Which to Learn: Mandolin or Fiddle?

Subject: Fiddle or Mandolin?
Date: Wed, 4 Feb 2004 16:37:42 -0600

Howdy folks,

Greetings Captain Bailey,

From reading your forum this question seems to have been asked many times but I will pose it to you again with a little twist. I'm a Civil War reenactor and I would like to play some music around the campfire. I've purchased a banjo which was a common instrument for the time period but all I can find is bluegrass type music and my attempt at lessons has been about the same in terms of finding someone to help me and, honestly, I'm not liking the instrument as I thought I would.

The type of music played in the 1860s, on banjo, was more of a strumming, or frailing style...with the melody played while playing the chords...this stems from the minstrel influence...and, yes, I suspect it would be quite difficult to find written record of this approach on the 5-string open-back of yesteryear...

So, I'm now considering the fiddle which was also a common instrument of that era and I've seen you answer email stating that the fiddle is a difficult instrument to master. My question is, in what way is the fiddle so difficult to master? From the look of it I would say that with the absence of frets on the neck that it would be difficult on that hand but what about the bowing? Is it really difficult as well? I would just like to get a little detail from you on why the fiddle is so difficult.

Yes, the fiddle is quite difficult to learn...it seems that on average, it takes a year or two before a pleasant tone can be achieved...at least by the average student...

It's not only trying to find the correct note without frets, but a balancing act of holding the violin and bow properly...and keeping all playing elements in harmony with one another...the bowing technique is a lifetime study in itself...developing a loose wrist, understanding the balance of the bow, applying just the right pressure, learning to control the bow with your fingers, and so on...

I'm not trying to discourage you from the fiddle...only trying to make sure that you know what journey lays before you...I, personally, love playing fiddle and feel as if I've been a student for most of my life...the learning process, to me, is quite enjoyable. My suggestion would be to follow your muse...and play the instrument that you feel inspires you the most.

As for the mandolin, I don't have any evidence of its authentic use during the period but I have seen fellow reenactors playing them from time to time and I will consider it as well. Your comments about two-fingered chords are intriguing to say the least as to the ease of learning the instrument but I would put it below the fiddle right now in terms of my desires, however, time is a factor and I would like to be able to play something this year if it's just one or two tunes learned on the fly.

Mandolin requires far less intensive balancing as does a violin...and, with an electronic tuner, it's quite easy to learn a few chords and be playing in no time...additionally, holding a pick is far easier than holding a bow...and, of course, with the frets, you'll always have a point of reference. And, yes, the mandolin was part of Americana history even long before the Civil War...only, most of them in the 1800s were roundbacks...or called bowlbacks (and in folk terms the "Tatter Bug").

Hope something here helps...Mickey

I see that you have both instruments in stock should I decide to proceed. I would greatly appreciate any advice and help that you could give me with this choice. Thank you so much.

Sincerely,

Gregory B. Bailey, Captain, CSA
Office Commanding
C Company, 3rd Georgia Sharpshooter Battalion
Confederate Reenactors
136 Cambridge Lane