Date: Tue, 20 Apr 2004 13:52:07 -0400
Subject: fiddle vs violin

I've been told, probably erroneously, that a fiddle has one less string than a violin. What precisely is the difference between a fiddle and a violin? Are fiddles tuned differently than concert violins. Thanks in advance for you help.

Greetings,

A violin is a fiddle; a fiddle is a violin. There are no differentiating features period. The only true reason you'd call one instrument a violin and the other a fiddle is the approach...someone who plays fiddle tunes, a fiddler, will address their violin as a fiddle.

Some fiddlers will shave their bridge flat to ensure an easily attainable double-stop (two strings played at once)...so the set-up may be different on a fiddle...they're still one and the same instrument.

Mickey

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Subject: Re: Question
Date: Sun, 11 Apr 2004 22:13:00 +0100

Hi,

I've a question, what's the difference between a Fiddle and a Violin?
Is it just the style you play or are the instruments different?
Finally which is the best style to learn I'll be mainly playing Irish tunes.

Regards,

Colin Forster.
Ireland.

Greetings Colin,

Essentially, a violin and fiddle are one and the same instrument...the approach to the instrument differentiates its label as a fiddle or a violin...additionally, some fiddlers will flatten their bridge so that they can play a double-stop with ease (this is when the fiddler plays two stings at once)...hence, the set-up of the violin can also reveal the violin as a fiddle...or at least intended to be played as a fiddle.

For Irish Tunes, you'll be pursuing the fiddle...the violin is normally played within a classical context...

Hope this helps...Mickey

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Date: Sun, 7 Mar 2004 20:53:39 -0800 (PST)
Subject: beginning violinist/fiddler


Greetings Nick,

Glad to assist:

Hello, I'm interested in learning the violin/fiddle. However, I'm completely new to the instrument and don't know alot about it. So, naturally I have some questions. I have been playing the accoustic guitar for a few years now and though I'm not very good, I'm progressing. What is the difference between a violin and a fiddle?

There is no difference other than the approach...a violin is a fiddle; a fiddle is a violin. Some fiddlers use a different set up...such as flattening the bridge so that two strings (double-stops) can be played more easily. I play both classical and fiddle and use the standard set-up on my violin...

Be sure to check out our FAQ database where we answer this question in a variety of ways:
http://www.folkofthewood.com/page142.htm

How does playing the guitar compare to the violin/fiddle?

This is subjective...both are played entirely different from each other...a guitar is easier to learn...fiddle can involve many more mechanics before you can attain a nice tone...both are next to impossible to master...

What is a good choice of violin/fiddle for a beginner?

There are many great choices and great values...currently, we feel the Maestro is one of the best compromises for a decent violin/fiddle at a great price...

How long will it take for my violin/fiddle to ship?

If we have the one you're looking for in stock, you would be looking at 2-3 days via USPS Priority Air Mail (25.00)...

Thank you for your time in answering theses questions and I look forward to doing business with you very soon and in the future.

Hope this helps...and be sure to check out our violin orientation lessons...Mickey

Nick

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Date: Tue, 22 May 2001 17:53:41 -0700
From: steven george tepper
Subject: fiddle verses violin

hi,
my friend just told me that there is an actual physical difference between
a "violin" and a "fiddle." he says the "fiddle" has a different shape from
a violin and has a differnt bridge. I have never heard of this "fiddle"
instrument before, nor have I ever read about this violin/fiddle
distinction. can you expand on this?
thanks-steven

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Greetings Steven,

Just to let you know, I've never seen a violin that was considered strictly a fiddle unless it was possibly an American-made fiddle that deviates completely from any standard violin dimensions/design...which, I did used to own a violin with rounded edges...which would be considered a folk instrument and be more classified as a fiddle than a violin.

Now, no doubt about it, many old-time fiddlers will flatten their bridges so that they can play a double-stop easier (two strings at once)...I, personally, am learning the fiddle, and have found that the standard violin bridge set-up does not impede my ability to play double-stops.

Ultimately, a violin is a fiddle; a fiddle is a violin...the classification would be more dependent on the style of music being played on the instrument.

Hope this helps. Mickey