Having played fiddle for many years and collecting some thirty or so and many bows I thought I might know just a little about "buying a fiddle"... maybe not... now hear this... an adult friend with short fingers, today, without my foreknowlege went to a "Music Store" to buy a new fiddle. First the salesperson got out a plastic scale contraption to measure my friends arm length "in order to determine the proper size fiddle" to fit my adult friend. ie, a 3/4 or 4/4 size I assume. To me the scale length that fits my hand (long fingers) for ease of first thru third position without the neck heel being in my way determines my choice of "size".
Question is, has anyone here any input or comment or hands-on experience with the plastic sizer scale described/mentioned above?
My thought is when comparing for example a Strad style copy (short body)to a Steiner style copy (long body) what is the point of measuring ones arm length?
In addition, I sometimes play Cajun style where the body of the fiddle is held against my chest not under my jaw bone.
Also, many many old fiddles can be had for $100 with case. Some i've bought just for the strings on them. Fiddles are everywhere, it's good bows that are hard to find, hair or not. My advice, buy a good bow first.
Any comments appreciated!!
Mountain Tyme