How Do You Spot The Difference Between A Fiddle And A Violin?
• Be aware of terminology. • Violinists play the violin; fiddlers play the fiddle. • Consider the style of music played. Violinists usually play classical music by reading notes. Fiddlers usually play old-time, bluegrass, folk, or country music by ear. • Note the difference in string type. Violins are generally set up with mellow sounding gut or nylon strings while fiddles are generally set up with steel strings. Check the bridge. There may be minor differences in the shape of the bridge of a violin or a fiddle. The violin bridge tends to have a pronounced arch to it, which makes it easier for the violinist to play a single string without touching the adjacent string with the bow. The fiddler often prefers the flatter bridge, which makes it easier to play two or more strings at the same time.
• Be aware of terminology. • Violinists play the violin; fiddlers play the fiddle. • Consider the style of music played. Violinists usually play classical music by reading notes. Fiddlers usually play old-time, bluegrass, folk, or country music by ear. • Note the difference in string type. Violins are generally set up with mellow sounding gut or nylon strings while fiddles are generally set up with steel strings. Check the bridge. There may be minor differences in the shape of the bridge of a violin or a fiddle. The violin bridge tends to have a pronounced arch to it, which makes it easier for the violinist to play a single string without touching the adjacent string with the bow.
