r/Fiddle

Anyone have suggestions for the very best microphone out there for performing on the fiddle? Both with a band and solo?

Hi everyone! My friend and I have decided to embark on a journey to recreate some older folk instruments. The two we have decided to start with are the bladder fiddle (pūslinė) and the devil's fiddle (diabelskie skrzypce).

We plan to start making prototypes with extremely simple materials. For the diabelskie skrzypce, I am considering a piece of plywood in the back and maybe an old ukelele body for the resonator box in the front (and use the tuning pegs for the bladder fiddle). Some cheapo used cymbals where I can get them, monofilament trimmer wire, and an old broomstick. For the bladder fiddle, I am considering just foraging a decent branch or buying some long-grain wood for cheap (if I can find it) and steam-bending it. Trimmer wire, and maybe a balloon for the bladder.

I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions, hard not-tos, or critiques on this type of setup. The ideal (for now) is to create an instrument that will produce some sort of sound and not snap in half.

We have access to an retired luthier's shop if that information is of any use.

I'd love to know everyone's thoughts!

Has anyone dealt with their left ear going into airplane/high altitude mode when droning or playing double stops? I sorta lose hearing or feel like my ear is going to pop - like at high altitude - when I play drones/double stops for a period of time. If so, how did you deal with it?

Ok. Two months owning the thing. Three lessons in. I’ve got one song I can play decently well and one I’m… working on.

But I feel like I’m playing the violin, not the fiddle. I read the notes, I play the notes. What makes it fiddling and how/when do I learn that as opposed to playing violin?

I have just started taking violin lessons (just had lesson 1, going to buy an instrument this weekend) because I want to learn fiddle and that seems like the best way to start giving where I live.

Does anyone have any advice?

What is up with Chorus Jig in the New England Fiddlers Repertoire. It’s not a jig, but maybe a reel? Make it make sense

I’m an adult student who has been taking classical violin lessons for the past few years, and I’m finally going to start learning fiddle, which has been one of my goals from the beginning.

What would you recommend as a good first fiddle tune?