FIDDLE/VIOLIN: The fiddle is the same instrument as the violin. The only substantial difference between a fiddle and a violin is the way the bridge ( a carved piece of wood that supports the strings) is shaped and the way that musicians play. A violin player usually plays highly structured classical music, while a fiddle player plays in a much freer traditional folk style.

 

The fiddle/violin is a small stringed musical instrument which has a high pitch, producing a brilliant sound. The fiddle/violin has four strings, extending from G, the lowest open string, upward nearly four octaves. Sound is created by bringing a "bow" into contact with the strings. Its four strings are stretched over a high arched bridge that permits the playing of one or two strings at a time, as well as the nearly simultaneous sounding of three or four as chords. The overall length of the fiddle/violin averages about 60 cm (2 feet). The instrument is held on the left side of the body, while the right hand holds the bow. The wider end of the instrument is placed between the player's left shoulder and chin, while the left hand encircles its neck, the fingers stopping the strings to produce the various pitches. The fiddle/violin has 2 f-holes also known as sound holes. The tuning pegs are housed on the scroll which is located on the neck. The neck itself is made separately and out of a harder wood then the body of the instrument. On top of the neck lies the finger board. The strings themselves run across the finger board, over the bridge to the tailpiece.

 

The fiddle that Larry used on tour with Bob Dylan was made by Don Penix in Lexington, Tennessee. He also owns two other fiddles that he uses in the studio made by Paul Davies in Castlemaine, Australia. Read a story about the second fiddle that Larry obtained from Paul Davies.

All the photos on this page are of the second fiddle that Paul Davies made for Larry.

 
 

In addition, Paul Davies recently made Larry an semi-acoustic violin. He sent him the prototype test model. This is an instrument that Paul has been developing for a number of years. He designed it to be amplified yet have the acoustic characteristics of a regular (acoustic) violin. As it is partly acoustic and not fully electric, he calls it a semi-acoustic violin.