Fiddlesticks--A Home For Violins, Fiddles, Violinists and Fiddlers
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Fiddlesticks
The Violin is Called the King of Strings, and rightfully so. There is almost no genre of music in which the violin (or fiddle) doesn't play an integral role. Whether you are listening to Classical symphonies, Bluegrass breakdowns, Cajun, hot Jazz, Hip Hop, Broadway Show Tunes, Romantic Ballads, or Rock n Roll, there's a pretty good chance that you are going to hear a violin! (Although you might not recognize it!)
But in this lens we're going to focus a little more on the FIDDLE! And just what is FIDDLE? We'll talk about that in just a little bit. But first . . .
How Many of These Violin Questions Can You Answer?
Take the Quiz! The Answers Are A Little Further Down the Page!
1. You probably know that at one time violin strings (as well as viola, cello, and bass strings) were made of a substance called "catgut." What was the major ingredient in catgut?
2. Although many parents find it a bit of a fight to get their violinist to practice, playing the violin is usually a non-contact sport. But the name of at least one part of a violin might remind you of boxing. What might that (those) part(s) be?
3. You've heard that Stradivarius violins can be very expensive. You've heard how rare they are and how well they are made. How many violins did Stradivarius make?
4. Violinist Mark Wood calls himself the "first heavy metal violinist." He plays an innovative electric violin called a "Viper." What notes are the strings on Mark Wood's Viper Violin tuned to? (Hint...The Viper has more than 4 strings.)
5. Most violins are made of wood. How many kinds of wood are there in most violins, and what woods are violins usually made of?
6. Which character on the old television show Hogan's Heroes played the violin? Extra Credit Question: Which character on The Cosby Show played violin for one episode?
7. Many people associate wearing black clothing with singer Roy Orbison. Some call Johnny Cash, "the man in black." What famous violinist from the past was notable for wearing all black clothing?
8. Three men were involved with writing the Declaration of Independence which declared that the American colonies were independent from their British rulers. Which of the Declaration of Independence's authors was renowned for, among other things, playing the violin?
9. Where are the strings on a Hardanger Violin?
10. The organ is often referred to as the "King of Instruments." What royal nickname is bestowed upon the violin? (If you were paying attention, I've already given you the answer to this one!)
Fiddle T-Shirts
Show your love for the violin and for music. Great Gifts!
So Just What is a Fiddle?
And Is It Different from a Violin?
Often fiddlers will use strings that produce a "brighter" sound, to give their fiddle that twang that people traditionally associate with fiddle playing. But then you'll listen to a fiddler play a waltz and you toss that stereotypical bluegrass twang right out the window.
Sometimes fiddlers will alter the height of the bridge to "make string changes easier." But I've not noticed Hilary Hahn or Joshua Bell have any more trouble changing strings or playing double stops (more than one string at a time to produce a chord)than Bill Monroe or Charlie Daniels. So I guess bridge height is secondary.
Some fiddlers change the tuning of the strings. But classical violinists have been doing that for centuries. The technique is called "Scordatura." So the tuning is not the key to defining a "fiddle."
When people ask me the difference between a fiddle and a violin I usually tell them that one of these things.
-The difference between a fiddle and a violin is the difference between "Father" and "Daddy." It's the same guy. The role is the same, the love is the same. But "Father" is the man you approach and shake his hand or give him a hug. He teaches you the rules, and sometimes has to correct you. "Daddy" laughs, picks you up, swings you around, and tells you that everything is all right.
-A Violin is a Fiddle with a degree.
If I sell it to you, it's a fine violin. If you sell it to me, it's an old fiddle.
What are the Parts of a Fiddle?
This diagram of a Violin is a reproduction of a diagram I made and placed on the Violin Student Central website several years ago. If you go to the original you will find that by pointing your cursor at various parts of the violin and clicking you will be taken to photographs and descriptions of those parts, along with some very interesting links.
Get A Fiddle Bargain on ebay?
Some Good Pricing If You Pay Attention!
As with all online auctions, you need to be careful, but you can find some good violins on online auctions. I personally bought two of my four violins through eBay. And I like to go to eBay regularly just to see what is out there in the marketplace! Every once in a while something just tickles my fancy! Don't forget to check the reputation of the seller and the return policy. Make sure to read the description well and ask questions. But even if you are not looking to buy a violin right now, take a look at what's here! Which one of these do you like?
Can I Learn to Play Fiddle All By Myself?
Playing the violin is not a naturally acquired skill. Some people say that there are too many things, at too many angles, going in too many directions all at once. Some people pick up the instrument, and when they have made the first scratchy, cat-howl of a screech, put the instrument down...never to be picked up again. The lucky people, the persistent people, the determined people, however, can learn many of the basics of fiddling themselves. I suggest getting a teacher, or at least a mentor. There are some online resources that can help. There are also some very good videos you can purchase. Get started in the right direction and you can go far!
Today's Violin Tip
Click the Bunny to See Today's Violin Tip--A New Tip Every Day!
There's a new violin or fiddle tip every day. Go ahead and click...your tip will open in a new window!
What Are Fiddlesticks Anyway?
It's a Cute Word, but Are There Really Fiddlesticks?
According to Wikipedia:
"Fiddlesticks are traditional instruments used to add percussion to old-time and Cajun fiddle music, allowing two persons to play the fiddle at the same time. While the fiddler plays in normal fashion, a second person uses a pair of straws, sticks, or knitting needles to tap out a rhythm on the strings over the upper fingerboard (between the bow and the fiddler's fingering hand)."
Videos Can Be a Big Help!
Don't Have a Teacher? Here Are a Few Videos That Might Help!
It's always easier to learn something if you have somebody or something there to guide you! But sometimes finances, timing, geography, and a host of other problems get in the way, and a teacher is just not going to happen! If you follow the instruction on these videos, though, you can learn some of the basics right there in your own home!
He Plays the Violin
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byFiddlin' for the Holidays
The King of Strings for the King of Kings
Great Seasonal Shirts for the YuleTide
It's always the time of year when you can have fun fiddling. The main differences are what tunes you play and what shirts you wear! Here are a couple that are appropriate right now. Go ahead and Click One!
You Love Bowed Instruments -- What Instrument Do You Play?
For a Furry Li'l Critter---This Guy's Good!
Improve Your Fiddlin' and Have Some Fiddlin' Fun at the Same Time!
I believe that more people have picked up the violin because they loved the music, then put the instrument back down because they just weren't having fun than for any other reason. Sometimes progress can be frustratingly slow. Sometimes the standard repertoire just doesn't tickle a student's fancy. Sometimes EVERYBODY just needs a change from the everyday routine. A new genre of music can provide just that. Whether it be in the form of a period of time when you just take a break from the routine, or you add a new genre to your practice on a regular basis, non-traditional fiddle can be a tremendous help. (It can build strength, speed, and an understanding of keys as well!)
How Electrifying is Your Fiddling?
Or should that be How Electrified is Your Fiddling?
I played with a fellow once who was a true traditionalist. He even referred to a microphone on a stand as the introduction of "electric distortion" to the sound of the violin. The question here regards how "electronically distorted" your playing is.
Read About Violins!
Are You Ready to Build Your Own Violin?
The Art of Violin Making
Amazon Price: $63.59 (as of 02/16/2012)
This is an outstanding guide to violins for either the motivated beginner or the experienced craftsman. A truly excellent guide to violin craftsmanship.
Another Violin Building Reference
Violin Making, Second Edition Revised and Expanded: An Illustrated Guide for the Amateur
Amazon Price: $12.25 (as of 02/16/2012)
This is a very good guide for beginner and intermediate builders, but at a more reasonable price.
Today's Music History Profile
from http://www.ViolinStudent.com
It's always fun to play new music, especially if the music is something that you are picking out yourself. Whether you are purchasing etudes assigned by your violin teacher at school, or the next set of CD's that your Suzuki teacher has prescribed...whether you are just trying to play a song you heard in a movie last week, or you're playing a solo piece for your best friend's wedding...whether you are preparing for an audition for a symphony orchesra, or you just want to look good at a fiddle festival sometime next Summer, you need to have some sort of guide to play by. For many, sheet music is the answer. Maybe you can get by using lead sheets, and improvise from there. Perhaps you just want a DVD as an introduction for a new style of fiddling that you've never tried. Sheet Music Plus is a great place to start looking. A good selection of music. Discount prices. Fast service. Monthly specials. Save money and save time by looking at Sheet Music plus. How Many Questions Did You Get Right?
2. The "sides" of a violin are called "bouts," another definition of which is, "a contest or trial of strength, as of boxing."
3. Trick Question! How many violins did Stradivarius make? NONE. The famous luthier's name was Antonio Stradivari, not Stradivarius.
4. From highest to lowest, the strings on Mark's Viper are E, A, D, G, C, F, B-Flat. Seven strings!
5. Typically there are three woods used in a violin. The back and bouts are maple. The belly, or table, is spruce, and the fingerboard/tailpiece/chinrest are made of ebony, or boxwood or rosewood.
6. On at least one occasion, Colonel Klink played the violin in his office. And that bonus question? The answer to that one a little bit further down the page.
Question of the Month. . .
Some Do. Some Don't
Do You Use a Shoulder Rest When You Play Your Fiddle?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byAbsolutely! It's a Whole Lot More Comfortable With a Shoulder Rest.
fluffyclouds says:
It's like any modern technology...now that we have it - why not?
Posted March 21, 2011
ViolinStudent says:
I prefer a shoulder rest! I used a KUN for quite a while but am in the midst of trying some different models. My old shoulder rest got run over in a parking lot. Don't ask, it's a long story.
Posted September 28, 2009
NO WAY! Not only does it Affect the Sound. It Doesn't Let Me Move Around!
Nina says:
I never use anything under my violin! None of the shoulder rests fit me. My violin always ends up feeling bulky and cumbersome.
Posted March 14, 2010
Do You Use a Shoulder Rest?
Some Do. Some Don't. Here are Some Shoulder Rests on eBay!
I Especially Like the Bon Musica
Completely Adjustable....Very Comfortable
We've mentioned that the Violin is known as "The King of Strings."
What is known as the "King of Instruments?"
7. Paganini was the original "man in black." He was said to be so good on the violin that many people suspected he had made a pact with the devil to give him that skill. His clothing choice did not help them change their minds.
8. A song from the Broadway musical 1776 has Martha Jefferson sing about her husband.
He plays the violin
He tucks it right under his chin
And he bows, oh he bows
For he knows, yes he knows
That it's hi-hi-hi-diddle diddle
It's my heart, Tom and his fiddle
My strings are unstrung
Hi-hi-hi-hi
I am undone
Among other skills, future President Thomas Jefferson was an accomplished violinist.
9. On a Hardanger violin, four strings are in the traditional place above the fingerboard, and several sympathetic strings are below the fingerboard.
10. The violin is called the "King of Strings." I told you that in the introduction! (If you take pictures of the violin and print them out, does that mean you have the "Prince" of strings as well?--I'm sorry, I'll be quiet for a while.)
And that extra credit question...Heathcliff Huxtable's (Bill Cosby's) daughter RUDY had the good fortune to be chosen by her teacher to play the violin. Unfortunately, she wanted to play cymbals!See the episode on The Cosby Show: Season 4
So, how many did you get correct? All ten? That's phenomenal! Have you considered a career teaching music? Five? You're probably still above average! But no matter how many you got correct, you've probably learned something you didn't know about one of the most beloved instruments in the world, and that's a good thing!
Violin: Living Through Playing
The Musings of a Violinist
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Fiddler? Crabby? Is it Possible???
Take a Look at These and You'll See!
Internet Resources for Those Who Love Bowed Strings
- Funny Viola Jokes -- Serious Instrument or Just a Big Violin?
- We've all heard viola jokes. We've all laughed at viola jokes. Here's a collection of viola jokes...some new, some old. Take a look!
- Violin Student Central
- A website for violin students of all ages. There is a Today in Music History Page as well as a Violin Tip of the Day.
- Violin Rocks
- A place for those who like to add "more power" to their playing.
The "King of Instruments" . . .
The Pipe Organ
Violin and Fiddle Resources on Squidoo
Don't See a Violin or Fiddle Resource You Like?
Let us know what it is and why you like it!!! We're always looking for more!
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fluffyclouds
Mar 21, 2011 @ 12:46 pm | delete
- F-hole. That always made me giggle when I was learning violin as a kid.
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tembrooke
Dec 13, 2010 @ 7:13 pm | delete
- Awesome lens! I love string instruments -- I'm really into the Vitamin String Quartet and Zoe Keating right now. Blessed!
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JoyfulPamela
Sep 22, 2010 @ 4:34 am | delete
- Thanks for all the violin info! You've done a great job with these lenses. : )
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Christy_WYO
Sep 8, 2010 @ 9:28 pm | delete
- Love the lens. My daughter plays viola. The t-shirt of the witch riding a viola for Halloween is awesome.
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ChapelHillFiddler
Nov 18, 2009 @ 6:54 am | delete
- I'd like to feature this lens on my new squidoo music blog at sandy beach, but I don't hold with music lenses with no music! Maybe you could add some of your favorite fiddle playing, with youtube video modules or amazon mp3s (either of these will play while people read a lens). Wish there were more lenses like this on squidoo! Thanks.
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Violin and Fiddle in the Blogosphere
- Young fiddler hosts concert to raise funds
- Then, her teacher hosted a fiddle camp. Lipes felt she could express herself more with fiddle than she could with violin. "From then on, I fell in love," she said. The Lipes family found Wyoming Fiddlers' Association District No.
- Light in Winter Scales Down
- This year the festival unwinds the weekend after Valentine's Day and will feature highlights such as a special winter recess edition of Science Cabaret, an exploration of the intersection between the Devil and the violin by physicist and fiddle player ...
- Jim Cuddy / Doug Paisley Massey Hall, Toronto ON February 14
- An incendiary fiddle solo by multi-instrumentalist Anne Lindsay set figurative fire to the 118-year-old hall. With Lindsay's contribution on fiddle, violin and mandolin, Colin Cripps on guitar and Bryden Baird on trumpet, the dynamic was almost a ...
An Interesting Fiddle Site
Bluegrass Fiddle
So What Do You Think?
We're trying to make Fiddlesticks a good place to stop by every now and then to see what's new, what's interesting, and what's fun about fiddles and fiddling. What do you think about what's here right now? What would you like us to add? Is there anything here that we need to toss into the trash bin? Let us know!
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GonnaFly
Jul 15, 2009 @ 6:12 pm | delete
- Great lens. I only play the guitar (like every other man and his dog). 5*
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LizMac60 Jul 9, 2009 @ 7:41 pm | delete
- Hi, I play classical violin. Have also played for Barn Dance, but still sounding a bit classical.
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Margaret_Schaut
May 20, 2009 @ 11:34 pm | delete
- I loved the title- it drew me here, and I'm glad I came! Blessings and the works- I really hope this finds its audience and that particular community builds and builds here at Squidoo... what a wonderful contribution!
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by ViolinStudent
I started playing violin more than 40 years ago in the public schools of Seaford NY. College days were spent as the founder / first violinist of... more »
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