The difference between a fiddle and violin is a matter of technique and attitude. Since all traditional music can be played in the first position, the left hand does not need to move up or down the neck, and the fiddle can be held against the chest with the neck resting against the palm of the left hand. The left hand thus supports the fiddle rather than in the classical position where the violin is supported at the neck. In doing so, the left hand is bent back, which can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome, a frequent injury experienced over time by old-time fiddlers. Anyone learning to play the fiddle would be best advised to use the classical position to avoid future injury. Holding the instrument in the palm of the left hand also makes vibrato impossible, and this may explain why vibrato is not used in traditional fiddling.

Another characteristic of traditional fiddlers is not to wipe the rosin from the strings or the top of the fiddle. This may not just be a matter of laziness or disrespect for the instrument, but it results in a thinner, more nasal tone that is associated with traditional playing. Accumulation of rosin on the top of the fiddle deadens the vibrational properties of the wood and degrades the tone. But then tone quality is not of great concern by traditional fiddlers.

Another difference in technique is in how the bow is held. Many styles of traditional playing use a short, vigorous bow stroke. Many traditional fiddlers will hold the bow about a third of the way up from the frog with a wide variety of grips.

Cheers, S. in Seattle