What is a 'keyed fiddle'?

Subject: What is a 'key-ed fiddle'?
From: Stricks
Date: 21 Apr 00 - 01:58 PM

I was browsing through the most recent issue of Acoustic Guitar magazine and saw a photo of group from Sweden(?). One of the members was holding an instrument identified as a "key-ed fiddle(?)". This instrument had numerous buttons along the neck---I assume that pressing a button would depress one or more strings. It appeared to have more than 4 strings and it was played with a bow.

Has anyone seen or heard one of these fiddles? From whence do they originate?

Subject: RE: What is a 'keyed fiddle'?
From: M. Ted (inactive)
Date: 21 Apr 00 - 02:08 PM

It is an instrument that dates back to the Renaissance--related to the hurdy-gurdy except that you bow it, rather than turn a crank--also called the "Nickelharpe" (not sure about the spelling)--in addition to the played strings, I think that it has a number of sympathetic strings--

There are still a number of Scandinavian players who use it for traditional dance music, and I have heard recordings, but cannot put my hands on names, at this point--it is a wonderful sounding instrument, but most likely, very difficult to manage--

Subject: RE: What is a 'keyed fiddle'?
From: katlaughing
Date: 21 Apr 00 - 02:15 PM

We had a fun thread on this last summer, here with sound files etc. I think it's pretty cool as instruments go.

kat

Subject: RE: What is a 'keyed fiddle'?
From: M. Ted (inactive)
Date: 21 Apr 00 - 02:29 PM

Sorry I missed that thread, Kat--unfortunately, not so much interest in Scandinavian music as their ought to be!!

Subject: RE: What is a 'keyed fiddle'?
From: Whistle Stop
Date: 21 Apr 00 - 02:41 PM

There is a CD label that specializes in traditional and traditionally-based Scandinavian music, and has been making a real effort in the last year or so to introduce this music (and their roster of artists) to American audiences. I believe the label is called Northern Music, or some such name. They have put out two compilation CD's over the last year or so that they sell in record stores for absurdly low prices (about $3.00 U.S.), in an effort to get their music heard. The CD's are called Nordic Sounds and Nordic Sounds II, and they both bear a label that says "Cheaper Than Food!", which is pretty funny. And the music on them is great, ranging from very traditional sounds to a variety of modern hybrids. The Nyckelharpa performer mentioned in Acoustic Guitar magazine is named Olav Johannsen, and has released recordings as a solo and as a member of the group Vasen. Definitely worth checking out.