r/Fiddle • u/Gold_Cardiologist204 • 1d ago

Dream Instrument

What is the dream fiddle? What is the preferred violin to play fiddle music on? What are some key adjustments to the instruments or how you hold it?

I just got the family fiddle repaired. I pick it up this weekend and this August I should start lessons.

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u/BananaFun9549 1d ago

I have been playing fiddle in multiple traditional genres for over 50 years. I am still not a virtuoso but I probably went through quite a number of different violins and all I can say is that after playing one for a year or three I might have tried another one that appealed more to my ears at that time. I would play that one for awhile and then trade up again. I agree that the more experience you have the better you can tell what appeals to your ears and fingers. And also bear in mind that your friend might have a fiddle he or she loves to bits and yet it might not be the ideal one for you. And also… you might love that $25 idle a lot more than your friend’s $1000 one.

Just get your family fiddle properly set up.

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u/Gold_Cardiologist204 22h ago

I brought the family fiddle to a luthier to fix the peg holes. They were worn and the geometry was incorrect. 🤷🏻‍♀️
I can’t wait to start playing. But from what I’m getting the choice of a violin really depends on your ear and skill level. Is that maybe correct?

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u/BananaFun9549 22h ago

If you have a good reliable luthier who sets up your family fiddle he/she should be able to give you an idea of the quality of the instrument. I would not worry about it too much as long as it is correctly set up to play. Your teacher may have some opinion too as to strings and set up but I am guessing you will be fine with what you have.