Is It A Violin or A Fiddle?

Many people say a fiddle is a violin with attitude.

Fiddle has two syllables; violin has three.  The goal of violin music is beauty and power and the goal of fiddling is dance ability.  Violin music is hard to play, fiddle music is usually improvised in part and violin music is rarely improvised.  Violin is for orchestra in a classical setting where as fiddle is usually country, pop and celtic.  Fiddle is a violin played as a folk instrument.

Itzhak Perlman said “it’s a compliment to tell another violinist – ‘that’s a pretty fiddle.’”

Many fiddlers hold their instrument down on the arm rather than under the chin which frees up the jaw.  This can be useful for calling square dancing.  This is NOT acceptable in classical playing.  Many fiddlers have discovered the benefit of classical training in the speed of their playing and note reading skills as well as learning to improvise at studios, like Rysons Music.

There’s actually no different between Violin and Fiddle except for the attitude of the musician playing the instrument.  The instruments are the same but different techniques are used to create the sound.

There are a few physical differences.

• The fiddler’s bridge may be cut so that it is slightly less curved.  The reason for this is that it reduces the range of right arm motion required for the string crossing found in some styles.  It also makes it easier to play double stops, shuffles and makes triple stops possible, allowing one to make chords.
• Classical violinists prefer a more rounded curve to the top of the bridge allowing them to articulate each note easily and clearly.
• Violin players usually use gut strings wound with silver to acquire a rich full quality for orchestral playing.
• Fiddle players most often use steel strings for bright tone and playing mobility.

Either way, layers of rosin binding with varnish, whether violin or fiddle is a no-no as it destroys the quality of sound.

Here’s a well-known stereotype about violins and fiddles: “if it’s over $50, it’s a violin”.

Whether you play a Fiddle or a Violin enjoy the love of music.

Kiwanis Classical Violin competition is taking place on May 4th and 5th.

Kiwanis Fiddle competition is on May 1st.

St. Catharines Downtown Fiddlefest and Car Show is on July 11th.