Fiddle Vs Violin

I was much distressed by next door people who had twin babies and played the violin; but one of the twins died, and the other has eaten the fiddle, so all is peace. - Edward Lear

There are many concepts in music that are really unknown to people. Some of these concepts include the playing styles of the musical instruments, their physical features, and their uses. There are some musical instruments which have many things in common, due to which individuals get confused as to what their identity is. One such factor that puts aspiring musicians into question is the fiddle and violin comparison. A lot has been told and studied regarding the comparison of both instruments.

The Differential Points

Following are some of the differences that can be found in fiddles and violins. However, some may say that there is no difference in both these instruments.

Terminology: A fiddle is a wide term that can be related to any stringed musical instrument which is supposed to be played using a horsehair bow. A fiddle can serve as a suitable name for instruments like the Byzantine lyra, Chinese erhu, Welsh crwth, Hardanger fiddle, and many other similar ones. The cello is also referred to as a fiddle. The violin is considered to be in the primary category of fiddles. It is a single instrument that does not have a wide concept, but a generic one. The word 'violin' emerges from Italian cultures, whereas the word 'fiddle' comes from German traditions.

Style of Music: Traditionally, it is believed that a fiddle is used for folk enjoyment and dance purposes, and a violin is used for cultural purposes. The fiddle is used in folk and bluegrass music, whereas the violin is used to create cultural and classical music. Fiddle music relates to an up-beat tempo and folk-dance music type, and the music produced by violins may relate to soft and slow. Just by taking a look at the instrument, you will not be able to determine if it's a fiddle or a violin.

Physical Characteristics: Apart from the differences in terminology and musical style, there are few differences in the physical characteristics as well. Musicians may play the fiddle with strings made out of steel or metal, whereas violin strings are usually made out of gut or other synthetic substances. In a fiddle, the bridge is set lower and flatter than that in a violin. This bridge adjustment enables a fiddler to use double-stops and chord techniques on his instrument. It also allows the musician to quickly change notes on the strings.

Nowadays, keeping aside the fiddle vs violin comparison, musicians use both terms interchangeably. Another minor difference is the price, with a violin being more expensive than a fiddle. So you can purchase a fiddle and sell it off as a violin. Therefore, the only notable difference between fiddle and violin is the music type they are used for and some adjustments in the physical characteristics.