Fiddle What's the difference between a violin and a fiddle? A violin has strings and a fiddle has strangs! Fiddling is just the style of playing a violin in bluegrass music. It is known mainly as melody instrument, but no instrument can play melody all of the time. Left - Ernst Heinrich Roth Violin - Any traditional violin can be used for bluegrass music. The main thing to look for is the use of solid woods in construction. Violins should have a solid spruce top and a solid maple back and sides. The fingerboard should be genuine ebony and the pegs should be hardwood - like ebony, rosewood, or boxwood. Right - Glasser Carbon Composite Violin - Some bluegrass fiddlers are finding more options in modern violins. They can be found in 5-string models and made from durable materials like carbon fiber. Additional items like geared tuning pegs and pickups can make for very versatile instruments. A 5-string violin adds a low C string - like a viola. This low string sounds especially good when used for rhythmic accompaniment.

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Mandolin With Bill Monroe being known as a mandolin player, it is an instrument that finds a welcome home in bluegrass jams. It serves as both a melody instrument and as an important rhythmic instrument. There are many different types of mandolins but due to their style of construction, there are two main types that tend to be used in bluegrass music - A-style and F-style. If you're just starting out, an A-style mandolin will offer higher quality at a more affordable price-point. The main thing to seek in a mandolin is solid wood construction. The top should be hand-carved solid spruce while the backs and sides should be solid maple. Additionally, a bluegrass mandolin should have f-holes as these add to the traditional sound. Left - Eastman MD605 - This model is several years old and there have been some cosmetic changes. It is made with a solid sprue top, solid maple back and sides, and ebony fittings as well as an internal pickup. Right - Eastman MD305 - This is Eastman's most affordable model and is well-loved. Although it comes with a matte finish - which is a little "loud" when it rubs - it can be buffed to a semi-gloss. *Not Pictured - Eastman MD315 - This is Eastman's most affordable F-style mandolin. Again, if money is a consideration, the A-style is the way to go. Other reputable entry brands are Kentucky , Gold Tone , and The Loar .