Fiddle and violin

The fiddle is essentially the same musical instrument as the violin, though the bows used differ. The term "fiddle" is used to describe a violin when played in folk music or sometimes Jazz. One slight difference between fiddle and violin occurs in American (e.g., bluegrass and American old-time music) fiddling: the violin bridge is shaved down so that it is essentially flat. This makes it easier to play double stops.