What's The Differenc Between A Fiddle And A Violin?

Answer 1

A violin is a fiddle; a fiddle is a violin. There are no differentiating features period. The only true reason you'd call one instrument a violin and the other a fiddle is the approach...someone who plays fiddle tunes, a fiddler, will address their violin as a fiddle.

Answer 2

I refer to my violin quite frequently as a fiddle, which really gets up the noses of some orchestral members. As previously stated, it depends on the type of music played but it is essentially the same thing.
The music played by fiddle players is often folk music handed down over generations or even improvised on the spot. Classic examples are American Bluegrass (sometimes on home made instruments that resemble violins in one shape or form) and Irish fiddle music.
Saying that, the folk music of Eastern Europe is referred to more as being written for 'violin' rather than 'fiddle' players - perhaps because of its complexity (at the risk of being shot by the folkies out there).
So all in all, have a listen to some classical/baroque string music and compare to fiddle/folk music and you will soon get the idea.

If you want lessons....:)

Answer 3

a fiddle is a style of music played on a violin, mostly in folk music but is also described in that term in classical music. In folk music however a player is most likely to call the violin a fiddle as are people who enjoy folk music.

actually Gillian O, the word violin is italian, the word fiddle is english, I always thought it was Irish too as growing up in ireland I had always heard them referred to as fiddle.

Answer 4

There is no difference. Fiddle is just another name for a violin. This was told to me by a member of a Symphony Orchestra. I myself think one is an english word, and one is an Italian word for the same instrument.

Answer 5

Nothing. It is purely cultural, and the style of music played.
Listen to Mozarts Violin Concerto No 3 in G, K 216, the third movement (Rondeau). After you hear the 'Violin', Mozarts genius kicks in with an almost Cajun fiddle sound. Ahead of his time...no?

Answer 6

One very slight difference between "fiddles" and ordinary violins may be seen in American (e.g., bluegrass and old-time music) fiddling: in these styles, the top of the bridge may be cut so that it is very slightly less curved. This reduces the range of right-arm motion required for the rapid string-crossings found in some styles, and is said to make it easier to play double stops and shuffles (bariolage), or to make triple stops possible, allowing one to play chords.

Answer 7

A fiddle is smaller than a Violin

Answer 8

a fiddle is irish a violin is english

Answer 9

No one cries when they spill beer on a fiddle

Answer 10

a fiddle is played south of the mason Dixon line