I have an article in the Members Articles about an American Folk Fiddle my Grampa made in May 1953, before I was born. I have recorded three songs today with it and am going to share them with you in this thread. 

Si Bheag, Si Mhor (aka Sheebeg, Sheemore)

Minuet No. 1 - Bach

South Wind

Here is a link to Member Article about Grampa's Folk Fiddle

Grampa's. Folk Fiddle

This American Folk Fiddle is kind of different from other fiddles. My Grampa was not a professional luthier and used what he had, including tools. The wood is much thicker with this folk fiddle, than normal fiddles and violins. It is a bit heavy. This would probably explain what the luthier found when he refurbished it. The fingerboard was not on it when I received it, there was a board, but not the fingerboard now on it.

When the luthier removed what was the fingerboard, he found the neck was hollowed out. This was probably because it made it lighter. The neck, as my luthier described it, is like a baseball bat! LOL I have to agree, but strangely, it is easy to play. The luthier filled it with glue, sawdust, etc. 

Another thing, my chin rest fell off and I did not know why. Then it dawned on me. You know the ridge or lip around the outsides of the violins, violas and cellos, next to the purfling? This ridge or lip is not on this folk fiddle. It is curved up a little around the purfling, but no ridge or lip. There is nothing to hold the chinrest in place. Now that I know this, I am aware and it has not fallen off because I check it periodically.

I have found this violin/fiddle to be easy to play. The weight is not noticeable, except if I take it off the rack after I have played the lighter weight violins. When I am playing it, I do not notice.

I don't think it shows up as much in my recordings, but it really does have a very nice sound and projection. It is not hollow sounding. Maybe due to the thick wood? The videos were done fairly quickly while the house was quiet. 

In my article, there of photos as it was when I received it. Here are a couple photos of how it looks now that it has been fixed up. I need to order another Holstein chinrest for this, soon. I really like those.

If you haven't read my article about how I came upon this American Folk Fiddle, click the link above.