The Violin and the Fiddle

What's the difference between the violin and the fiddle? I've had many people ask me this question. In essence, the violin and the fiddle are the same musical instrument. When playing folk music it is called the fiddle; when playing classical music it is called the violin.

There is one difference, however, that you may sometimes find between violins and fiddles. On the fiddle, occasionally the bridge, a wooden piece where the strings rest, has less of an arc. This makes double and triple stops, which are commonly found in folk music, easier to play.

In the two pictures above can you guess which instrument is the fiddle?