Difference Between violin and fiddle
A violin and a fiddle are similar musical instruments, some folks state that the fiddle is a nickname for the violin. This is not the case. The violin and Fiddle are both bowed string instruments that look alike because they have four strings.
Violin
Violin and fiddle are two musical instruments. Violins are played in classical music concerts and jazz. With viola and cello, it is the smallest family member of the stringed instruments. It has high pitch sound and as its tone stand out, it has been an integral part of classical concerts since the Baroque period. An expert violin player can play difficult notes in different melodies.
Fiddle
Fiddle, on the other hand, is referred to any bowed string instrument. Be it the Hardanger fiddle, a violin or the Byzantine lira, these are broadly classified as fiddle. Since times immemorial, people gyrate and sway on the upbeat, fast and peppy tunes of fiddle. It is played by musicians while they themselves are tapping their feet on its music and fast melodies.
Most musicians are of the opinion that the bridge creates the difference between violin and fiddle. The arch bridge of violin helps musicians to play each string individually. It imparts a clearer sound to the instrument whereas the flatter sound of fiddle is mainly because of the flat and shaved bridges. Only two strings of a fiddle can be played at a time. Fiddle music is more of an amateur type. One can play whatever is in mind and channelize the rhythm through fingers. It is easier to learn.
On the other hand, violin needs training. By reading the sheets of notes and a good training at vibrato is necessary to create good music on violin. The voice of violin spells beauty, mystery and power whereas fiddle symbolizes rhythmic energy.
Thus, it is clear that violin and fiddle not only differ from the aspect of bridge but also by the music they create.