Archive for the ‘Fiddles’ Category
Fiddle 101
The term fiddle is used to describe a wide range of bowed instruments. While the definition of fiddles is somewhat ambiguous, it now usually refers to a violin-type instrument. The earliest versions of the fiddle (bowed instruments) appeared in Asia in roughly 3000 BC.
Today the fiddle is a staple in bluegrass music. Although it closely resembles the violin, the two have a vastly different price range. Typically, the fiddle produces a more twangy and rustic sound than the classical violin.
While it is commonly believed to be a specific instrument, fiddles can be any bowed string instrument. A violin, viola and cello, all a part of the violin family, may sometimes be referred to by their players as a fiddle.
Over the years, there have been a number of clichés used to describe the differences between a fiddle and a violin. Three of those clichés include: “When you are buying it, it’s a fiddle. When you are selling it, it’s a violin.” “What’s the difference between a violin and a fiddle? About $10,000.” “A violin uses strings and a fiddle uses strangs.”