They need to be tuned more often and react faster to changes in humidity. Hey there! The violin is the lead instrument in most classical orchestras, and its alter ego the fiddle—which is in fact the same instrument—stars in folk music traditions stretching from the west coast of the Americas through just about every country in Europe and as far east as India. As mentioned, this is a bit of a trick question. While this makes the instrument easier to play, the low string action also sacrifices some of the tone clarity, dynamics, and volume that comes with having a higher string action. One is known best as a classical instrument, while the other is showcased in the folk and bluegrass worlds. The violinist uses the whole range and plays basically everything – from the lowest note to the highest. The flatter bridge decreases the angle between strings and allows two or more notes to be played at a time, which is desirable to many fiddlers. Aside from setup, a fiddle and a violin are basically the same instrument. The instrument is very similar but not identical. Find out how one can tell the difference when it comes to violin vs fiddle, and why one instrument has two names. Basically they are the same instrument. They are basically the same instrument, but they are meant for different music genres. Violin Prices (part 1): What Do They Cost? Silent. The name Stroviol refers to a violin, but other instruments have been modified with the amplification device, including the viola, cello, double bass, ukulele, mandolin, and guitar. I have been a film composer for over 10 years, delivering music to feature films, documentaries, video games, and commercials. The main thing that makes a fiddle a fiddle and a violin a violin is the type of music that is played on it. ANY Bowed string instrument may be informally called a fiddle, but "Violin" refers to a SPECIFIC INSTRUMENT. Because a fiddle and a violin is basically the same string instrument, although with certain modifications. Actually there is no difference in the instrument itself, only in the way that it is played. Many fiddlers prefer a different set-up than many violinists. Violin Price (part 2): The Finest Instruments, Electric Violin (part 1): Making the Acoustic Electronic, Electric Violins (part 2): Prices, Accessories. The fiddle and violin are two names for the same instrument! Not much. Those differences are in the style of play, how to play and not so much in the overall design of the two instruments Find out how one can tell the difference when it comes to violin vs fiddle, and why one instrument has two names. The answer is a surprising “no.” A violin and a fiddle are the same four-stringed instrument, generally played with a bow, strummed, or plucked. Violins and Fiddles are essentially the same instruments, although there may be differences in the way they are set up. Whether searching for a job, learning about the "Mozart Effect," looking for a summer music camp, or choosing the right instrument string, you need look no further. When flattening the bridge, it is now much easier to hit 2 or more strings at the same time. It includes a lower 5th (Viola) C-String, left and below the G string. Also, as I mentioned earlier in this post, a fiddle can have more than 4 strings, which is the standard for a violin. How many fiddles can you spot in this video? The fiddle playing style is not so technically advanced, or complex as the violin, but the melodies are often very fast-paced. Fiddle, in contrast, is associated with a wide variety of music styles including Cajun, bluegrass, folk, and country. A bow. Indeed, the exact same instrument may be played as a violin or fiddle, it is almost completely an issue of style and intent. There is a lot of truth to this . They are identical in their physical appearance. Leypoldt Media is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. First things first, the fiddle and violin are basically the same instrument and to the untrained eye they may both appear identical. Setup:Also, a fiddle and a violin are set up a little differently: the fiddle has a flatter bridge, resulting in it being easier to play two, or more notes at the same time. Imagine being in a pub with a lot of people and a fiddler playing upbeat music in the corner. A fiddle is an important string instrument in folk music, while the violin is mostly used in classical music. But is that really true? What follows is a more in-detail look at their respective setups: Some of the benefits of using steel strings are that they are easier to play, have less complex overtones, a clear and direct sound, and last longer than other string types like gut and synthetic strings. To play the fiddle/violin you can pluck the strings with your fingers, or you can use a bow. The playing style of a violin is technically more advanced, with the violinist having to master several different techniques, like pizzicato, col legno, spiccato, ricochet and many more. The REAL difference between a violin and a fiddle is the difference between a Man and a Mammal. Actually, we will have a closer look at the differences between the fiddle playing style and the violin playing style later in this post, so keep on reading! Fiddle VS Violin:The main difference between a fiddle and a violin is the types of music they are playing. Many electric violin -- also called electric fiddle – manufacturers such as NS offer five-string models with that same additional C string. In a string quartet, there are usually two violins (and one cello and viola). Are a fiddle and a violin the same thing? Examples of folk music where the fiddle plays an important part: The violin is actually a descendant of the fiddle – its ancestor that we now know is mostly used in folk music. What most people call fiddling consists of traditional styles that were historically taught by ear and passed down between generations. In addition, folk music tends to be very rhythmical, so the fiddling playing style means that the fiddler needs to be a very skilled rhythmical beast in order to get people to sing and dance. In fact, if we make a fiddle vs violin comparison we’ll see more than one. Look closely, however and you’ll notice differences in the set-up of each instrument. The terms are usually used to denote different playing styles. It is first and foremost in classical music where the violin plays an important part: The violin is an essential part of classical music. A fiddle is a bowed string musical instrument, most often a violin. A fiddle being a bowed string instrument requires regular practice so as to maintain the … What distinguishes a violin from a fiddle is the style of music that is played on the instrument; it’s all in how you play it. Indeed, the exact same instrument may be played as a violin or fiddle, it is almost completely an issue of style and intent.A very recent development in modern instruments is the introduction of the 5-string Fiddle. Cajun music, Irish trad, and klezmer ), and violins play composition-based genres (e.g. Fiddle is basically the same instrument as a violin. While the fiddle often focuses on creating rhythmical, fast-paced music, the violin is often used in music that focuses mostly on techniques like vibrato and sustained notes. A Fiddle is basically the same as a violin with the main differences being how the instrument is played and how it is set up. Playing Style: The playing style of the fiddle is less technically complex than the playing style of a violin. On occasion, a fiddle player might have the bridge reshaped to have a slightly flatter curve and lower string height than what a classical violinist might like. At some point, every gear-hungry film composer must have wondered: what equipment does Hans Zimmer use? I usually answer, “They’re really the same instrument, just different kinds of music.” You know: violin is for classical and jazz while fiddle is for folk, country, and bluegrass. Fiddlers, on the other hand, have much more freedom in how they interpret a piece of music and in creating their own playing style. Lastly, in classical music, you will find the violin in string quartets. Fiddlers tend to fit their instrument with a flatter bridge than a violinist. Posted by 3 years ago. Fiddle playing uses a looser interpretation of rhythm and generally appears in folk music. Just played differently@blakeshelton #VoiceBlinds — Larry Dudley (@dudman1961) March 17, 2020. The fiddle is associated with rhythmic folk music and quick note changes. Don’t let the name fool you. Fiddle music generally refers to bluegrass, country and other folk styles of music. Fiddle music generally refers to bluegrass, country and other folk styles of music. In general, a violinist’s task is often to play the way that the composer intended, in the most truthful way possible. I often times get asked what the difference is between a fiddle and a violin. In construction of the actual instrument, fiddles and violins are exactly the same. Music played on the violin tends toward a more traditional interpretation of the instrument. The fiddle and violin are basically the same instrument That is about the size of it with the fiddle being called the traditional violin. The “difference” nowadays is the player’s intent, the instrument’s purpose and the style of music being played. The difference is the style of music that is played on each. The fiddle has been a very important instrument in a wide range of ethnic and folk music all over the world since way before the violin even existed. Leypoldt Media is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Since 1976 Johnson String Instrument has provided teachers with exceptional customer service. Take, for example, Irish folk music. Now that you have read to this point, you will hopefully have learned the difference between the fiddle and the violin. Traditionally violins are made of maple (for the neck, scroll, back plate, ribs, bridge), spruce (for the top plate) and ebony (for the fingerboard* and tailpiece). The violin is more common in classical music. In many ways, the violin and mandolin are quite different. The Fiddle, Violin, and Viola come from the same family of bowed string instruments and are all very similar. 0 3 3 330. The difference in the bridges lends itself to each style. Something that is very common in fiddling. Helpful "how to" videos and useful information about JSI and the products and services we offer. In a symphonic orchestra, there are multiple violins. (But there are some physical differences as well, which you will discover soon). There is no deviation from the music as it was written by the composer. Instead, a … Both a fiddle and a violin are alike in physical appearance. Archived. You have probably seen and heard them both. This site is owned and operated by Leypoldt Media. If your initial thoughts were that the violin is a more ‘dressy’ alternative to the fiddle, you were sort of right. Making a fiddle sound like a violin does not require much effort on the part of the player since a violin and fiddle are the same instruments. TIL fiddle and violin are the same instrument. Does a Fiddle and a Violin Have Different Playing Techniques? link to What Studio Equipment Does Hans Zimmer use? A humorous answer to the first question is “a fiddle is a cheap violin covered in rosin dust with a flattened bridge”. Mainly played by classically trained musicians, the violin is a critical part of an orchestra, along with its fellow bowed strings: cello, violas and double basses. Although they are visually almost identical, some differences exist, including the number of wires, the material they are made of, and the bridge appearance. The difference is all to do with style. What this does is reducing the bow range and the arm-motion. This reduces the range of right-arm motion required for the rapid string-crossings found in some styles, and is said t… For the last couple of months, I have been searching heavily for the very best VST instruments out there that you don't need money to buy. The Best FREE VST Instruments You Need to Try Today. Generally, fiddles play folk/traditional genres (e.g. It’s a more “technical” way of playing. A fiddle and a violin are basically the same instrument; the difference is in the approach to the music and the overall style of playing. ArtistWorks Fiddle instructor, Darol Anger, talks about what makes a fiddle different from a violin. The same instrument – with different music, style, and attitude Violin and fiddle are two different names for the same instrument. In fact, it says a lot about just how adaptable this instrument is that it’s equally at home in your local bluegrass venue as it is in Carnegie Hall. In the infographic I have created below, you can easily get a quick overview of the differences between the fiddle and the violin. But the base word is clearly the same. You might wonder why I mention both violin and fiddle. A. Q. The long answer is a little bit more complicated. Some fiddle players prefer to have a flatter bridge instead of the more traditional arched bridge. I share everything I have learned on this website, to hopefully be of help to your own development as a musician. Yet, the music that a fiddler might play is deceptively simple I will add, because the fiddle playing style has a lot of nuances and bow-movements that by all means need disciplined practice to master, just like the violin. They're basically the same instrument, but they have different sounds, techniques, and heritages, and are played in different contexts. A Fiddle is basically the same as a violin with the main differences being how the instrument is played and how it is set up. They will tell you it is the style of play more than anything else that is the difference. The Stroh violin or Stroviol is a type of stringed musical instrument that is mechanically amplified by a metal resonator and horn attached to its body. “Fiddle” and “violin” are used to describe the same instrument in different genres of music. Both a fiddle and a violin are alike in physical appearance. While the body of the instrument is the same whether it’s a violin or a fiddle, the set-up of the instrument can vary between violins and fiddles. The playing style of the fiddle is also quick, without vibratos and is often played by self-taught people. They are essentially the same, but they may also have subtle differences with the instrument itself. What distinguishes a violin from a fiddle is the style of music that is played on the instrument; it’s all in how you play it. Depending on whom you ask, the fiddle and the violin are basically the same instruments, or they are not. Playability. The difference is all to do with style. On the other hand, when we think of the fiddle, we might get more ‘jovial’ and maybe even rural associations. Are a fiddle and a violin the same thing? Aren’t those the same thing? Even on slow tunes, the vibrato is used quite rarely. A fiddle and a violin are the same instument. Some small differences have more to do with the culture of folkie music versus classical music, and the approach to the music. The terms are usually used to denote different playing styles. A very recent development in modern instruments is the introduction of the 5-string Fiddle. In the rock and jazz idioms, the terms are used more interchangeably. Making a fiddle sound like a violin does not require much effort on the part of the player since a violin and fiddle are the same instruments. The difference is the style of music that is played on each. Information and helpful articles about the music and instruments we love. A charitable foundation whose goal is to provide high-quality instruments to children who live in under-served communities and who are participating in El-Sistema-inspired programs in Massachusetts. The term “fiddle” is generally used associated with music styles such as traditional Scottish, Irish or French music, as well as Bluegrass, Old Time, country and folk.While there are no differences between fiddle and violin in terms of body and neck (the non-changeable parts), fiddlers often prefer a different setup for their instrument compared to classical violinists. But the playing style is fast and rhythmic, which calls for the fiddler to be skilled in producing a steady rhythm to get people engaged. Western classical music, Indian classical music, and jazz ). Fiddlers generally prefer a flatter curve on the top of the bridge and four fine tuners. Even in slow pieces, the vibrato is often kept to a minimum. A violin is also often the solo instrument in a concerto for orchestra (an orchestral setup where a solo instrument is backed by a full orchestra). We are now going to use our hands and … One very slight difference between “fiddles” and ordinary violins may be seen in American bluegrass and old time fiddling: in these styles, the top of the bridgemay be cut so that it is very slightly less curved. Here’s a brief overview: You can often recognize the fiddle on its sparingly use of vibrato. These are modifications that greatly influence their sound and what music genres they thrive in. Clapping and stamping. Unlike the violin, the fiddle has a pretty low string action. It is a colloquial term for the violin, used by players in all genres including classical music.Although in many cases violins and fiddles are essentially synonymous, the style of the music played may determine specific construction differences between fiddles and classical violins. A violin and a fiddle are the same four-stringed instrument, generally played with a bow, strummed, or plucked. And maybe you think of the violin as the dressier, more elegant alternative to the fiddle? One difference has come about due to the introduction of the five-string fiddle, which has an added lower fifth C-string. As a general rule, a violin is used for classical music and a fiddle is used for folk, country, and bluegrass. It contains the false presumption that there is an actual physical difference between the instrument referred to as a violin and the instrument referred to as a fiddle. They are identical in their physical appearance. But both have the ability to sound hauntingly beautiful or upbeat and jovial. A fiddler tends to play by ear instead of reading music. Close. While the body of the instrument is the same whether it’s a violin or a fiddle, the set-up of the instrument can vary between violins and fiddles. Mandolins Share the Same Tuning as Violins. A fiddle has a flatter bridge that is less arched than a classical violin. The set-up includes the strings, the bridge, and any shoulder rests, chin rests, or pick-ups that a player may choose to use. Physically, the two are the exact same instrument. The Fiddle is set up Differently Than the Violin. a fiddle and the violin are basically the same instrument.The difference is the way they are played, tuned and the style of music played on them. With the same body and neck any differences previously mentioned are not that big. ... Violin is skrzypce; fiddle can be called the same or you can say 'skrzypce ludowe' (folk violin) or 'skrzypki' (diminutive of skrzypce). eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'andyaxmusic_com-box-2','ezslot_4',124,'0','0']));So, what’s the difference between a fiddle and a violin? They are basically the same instrument, but they are meant for different music genres. Violins and Fiddles. One example is the Hardanger Fiddle, that has 8-9 strings. And after testing out a vast selection of instruments while... What Studio Equipment Does Hans Zimmer use? The ‘fiddle’ and the ‘violin’ are (physically speaking), exactly the same instrument. Lots of singing and dancing (and surely the occasional fight) going on there! Although they are basically the same instrument, fiddles are seen as more traditional versions of the violin. The short answer is nothing. Yup! Both a fiddle and a violin are similar in physical appearance; however, violin has four strings tuned in perfect fifths. We often consider the violin as a smooth, soft-sounding, and elegant string instrument, playing looong, gentle notes. The violin and the fiddle ARE the same instrument. What they do have in common, however, is tuning. It includes a lower 5th (Viola) C-String, left and below the G string. A fiddle is an important string instrument in folk music, while the violin is mostly used in classical music. Due to the way a violin is set up (high string action etc.,), it generally responds better to gut strings, which have a warm, rich tone, and the synthetic strings, which are by far, the most popular strings. Fiddle players will often employ alternative techniques such as string bending and extended multiple stop bowing passages, depending the style of music they’re playing. By offering the best rental program in the country, a vast selection of new and antique instruments and bows, sheet music, method books, teaching aids, and every imaginable stringed instrument accessory, we help teachers maintain their teaching studios. In fact, these musical instruments are so similar many insist there is no difference, especially when talking about the fiddle vs violin. The ‘fiddle’ and the ‘violin’ are (physically speaking), exactly the same instrument. A violin is used in classical music, while a fiddle is used in all other genres. Fiddle VS Violin: The main difference between a fiddle and a violin is the types of music they are playing. They’re not silent. As I’ve briefly mentioned, the fiddle and violin do have different playing styles. Maybe you’re picking up … A Man IS a Mammal, just like a Violin IS a Fiddle, HOWEVER THE REVERSE IS NOT TRUE. For example, you will rarely hear a fiddle use vibrato. But however you play your violin or fiddle, you’re still dealing with the same four-string wooden instrument that dates back to sixteenth-century models from northern Italy. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'andyaxmusic_com-large-leaderboard-1','ezslot_2',115,'0','0']));report this ad, link to The Best FREE VST Instruments You Need to Try Today. Another difference is the type of strings preferred by classical violinists -- gut or synthetic-core -- vs. the steel core strings typically chosen by fiddlers (and electric violinists) who prize the sharp, crisp sound those strings lend to the music. Unlike a violinist, a fiddler rarely leaves first position. The difference is in how they're played. In fact, it says a lot about just how adaptable this instrument is that it’s equally at home in your local bluegrass venue as it is in Carnegie Hall. In the picture above, I’ve tried to make you a visual explaining what first position is. Violin Vs. Fiddle: What Is The Difference. My name is Thomas and I have been a film composer for over 10 years, delivering music to feature films, documentaries, video games, and commercials. The difference in nomenclature lies primarily in the type of music being played. These differences can also be observed with how the player plays it. A violin has a more arched bridge that is aimed for a note that is cleaner.The Violin, viola, and fiddle also have different tone variations, and the style of playing each instrument is distinct from the other. Playing Style:The playing style of the fiddle is less technically complex than the playing style of a violin. Violins are used for Baroque music, classical, jazz, folk music and rock and roll. I share everything I have learned on this website, to hopefully be of help to your own development as a musician. It uses steel strings and has lower string action, which makes it easier to play. Actually, more than any other instrument in the orchestra. This was music you would hear at a community dance, at house parties, or on the back porch. A silent violin is an electric option. In contrast to the fiddle, the string best suited for the violin demands more care. Fiddle playing uses a looser interpretation of rhythm and generally appears in folk music. Even though the fiddle and the violin are both basically the same instrument, they do differ when it comes to how they are set up. Melodies that are played also tend to be more complex. A fiddle is a bowed string musical instrument, most often a violin. This allows for double stop and triple stop bowing, popular in many types of fiddling music. At one time the terms were used interchangeably in all contexts. Aside from setup, a fiddle and a violin are basically the same instrument. The bridge of the fiddle is often set up with a flatter arch than the violin. But the playing style is fast and rhythmic, which calls for the fiddler to be skilled in producing a steady rhythm to get pe… New Rental / Pre-Registration for School Deliveries, View Wishlists and Student Purchase Lists, Violin Maker (part 2): Assembly, Finishing, Violin Bow (part 1): Length, Playing Surface, Violin Bows (part 2): Construction, History. The fiddle, however, is more playful and open to improvisation and quick-changing notes to produce rhythms suitable for dancing. Folk music is often very rhythmical and quick, aimed to get people dancing and singing. Leypoldt Media also participates in affiliate programs with B&H Photo Video. This content is imported from Twitter. Fiddlers tend to fit their instrument with a flatter bridge than a violinist. Let’s go deeper into the differences between a fiddle and a violin in this post. The former is fretless, while the latter has frets. The term violin is most often associated with classical music, orchestras, symphonies, and chamber music. The same instrument can be played and referred to as either a “violin” or a “fiddle”. A violin is often ‘bound’ to the notes of the composer. A very common way to look at the differences between a fiddle and a violin is: the moment it is used for folk music, it is a fiddle. What is the difference in the structure of a violin and a fiddle? Violin is perceived by many people as a formal instrument because it does not put more focus on technique. For example, when I’m playing classical music in a string quartet or an orchestra, I’m a violinist; when I’m playing The fiddle and the violin are both 4- or 5-stringed bowed musical instruments. More fiddle players will have a fine tuner on every string than classical players, who more often have only one on the E … On occasion, a fiddle player might have the bridge reshaped to have a slightly flatter curve and lower string height than what a classical violinist might like. If I ask you what you think of when you hear the fiddle, you would most likely say that it’s tightly connected with folk music. They are the same basic instrument. It is a colloquial term for the violin, used by players in all genres including classical music.Although in many cases violins and fiddles are essentially synonymous, the style of the music played may determine specific construction differences between fiddles and classical violins. Located in Newton, Massachusetts, Carriage House Violins is the instrument sales division of Johnson String Instrument. The violin is mostly used in classical music, where playing techniques like vibrato are more common. There's no physical difference between a violin and a fiddle. You may be able to find the same content in another format, … Further down the fret, you’ll find the second and third position as well. Classical violinists are very precise in how they play a piece. I'm Thomas Leypoldt, the guy who created Andyax Music.