What’s the Difference Between a Fiddle and a Violin?

What’s the difference between a fiddle and a violin? It’s a question many people have. Both instruments look the same, right? So, is a classical violinist in the London Symphony Orchestra playing the same instrument as the fiddler in the Zac Brown Band?

To give you the short answer, yes, they are playing the same instrument. There isn’t a difference between a fiddle and a violin… at least not physically.

The difference between a fiddle and a violin is simply in the style of music they are used to play. As you likely know, violins are typically used to perform classical music, such as in symphonies and string quartets.

Fiddle players, on the other hand, typically perform country and bluegrass, as well as Celtic and other folk music.

Stay tuned for future content exploring folk music from around
the world which features violins and fiddles!

The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians defines the word fiddle as “a generic term for any chordophone (stringed instrument) played with a bow.” This is a bit problematic, since that definition also applies to a violin, a cello, or a piece of shoestring tied between two sticks

 

 

So… What is The Diffirence

 

By and large, fiddling is simply a different form of playing. Classical violinists adhere strictly to written music, while fiddlers follow a more freeform play style. As opposed to the more technical nature of violin music, fiddlers often use alternative techniques, such as string bending and extended double stop and triple stops (where two or three strings are bowed simultaneously).

Sometimes fiddlers hold their instruments differently, too, to accommodate their playing style. Oftentimes, you’ll find that fiddle players prefer to rest the palm of their left hand against the neck. Sometimes they hold the bow a bit up on the stick instead of at the frog.

Violin music is usually much more complex and formal. Meanwhile, while a fiddle tune is simpler, at least on paper (oftentimes fiddlers never leave first position), fiddling music tends to be more raucous, and many times much faster, than violin playing. While it may not be as technically difficult as violin music, fiddling does require a lot of skill in terms of rhythm and melody.

A skilled fiddler and a skilled violinist are simply two different breeds of musicians.

It’s a matter of technical vs. a more spontaneous, organic playing style, if you will. If the violin is Spock, the fiddle is Kirk.

 

Physical Differences

 

While the primary difference is in play style, there sometimes are tangible physical differences between the violin and fiddle. A classical violin player will typically use gut or synthetic-core strings, while fiddle players usually use steel strings, due to their sharper sound.

Fiddlers may make physical modifications to their instruments. Some flatten the curve of the bridge to make double stops easier or cut the bridge lower for easier action since a flatter bridge decreases the angle between strings. This makes it easier for fiddlers to play two or more notes at a time, an asset for the fast nature of fiddle music.

More recently, the five-string fiddle has come onto the market. This instrument adds a lower fifth C-string.

 

Dolce and Fiddles

 

Dolce Violins also does business with many fiddlers!

In some violin shops fiddlers might encounter a snobby attitude, but that couldn’t be further from the truth here at Dolce. We treat all musicians with respect, whether you’re San Francisco Symphony concertmaster or a fiddler in a Celtic band at a local pub!

For example, we recently sold this finely-made Axel Rundström 1922 to local bluegrass fiddler David Pascoe.

For any and all fiddle and violin inquiries contact Dolce Violins at +1 (415) 453-1517