Tuning different for Irish fiddle?

Subject: RE: Tuning different for Irish fiddle?
From: katlaughing
Date: 18 Mar 99 - 12:13 AM

Please see the other new thread, "Ancient Irish fiddle? 2-3 stringed?"

I goofed! kat

Subject: Ancient Irish fiddle? 2-3 stringed?
From: katlaughing
Date: 18 Mar 99 - 12:12 AM

Bear with me folks, please. My training was all in classical violin, with my ear learning old dance tunes and cowboy songs from my dad with a bit o' the Irish thrown in.

My husband keeps telling me about something he saw 20-30 yrs. ago and I've not heard of it, so I told him I'd post a question here and I KNEW you all would settle it for us!

Apparently there was a group on Boston tv who had what he says was an "Irish fiddle" which was not of the usual shape and thinks it had two or three strings to it, with different tuning than the four string I'm used to. If he remembers correctly, the person playing held it upright on their knee and played with an arched bow. Obviously something from "pre-Strad" times, eh?

Anyone have info? Thanks!

katlaughing