Folk Instrument of Norway
Fiddle or Hardingfele dates back to 1651 with the Jaastad fiddle
now in the museum at the University of Bergen in Bergen, Norway.
The origin of the Hardingfele is unclear. It could have descended
from the family of baroque instruments found in Europe or possibly
from some early Scottish instruments. The early Hardanger fiddles,
although certainly related to modern Hardanger fiddles , were
really quite different. The early instruments were very narrow
in their body and the arching was extremely high. They have under
strings yet the number of the under strings varied. The patterns
of their decorations were more geometric.
Hardanger Fiddle appeared about 1850 when influences from mainland
Europe began to have a much greater influence in Norway. It is about
this time that the body became very violin like yet kept the unique
style of the "f" hole. The decorative patterns became
more floral in their appearance. Four understrings
became the standard. Recently a fifth understring has been added.
There are many
tunings for the Hardingfele. A very common tuning is E A D A with
the whole instrument raised at least a full pitch. The under strings
are often tuned A F# E D with the A and D being the same pitch as
the upper A and D. Pitch references are from high to low.
I make is individually crafted with tight grain spruce tops and
moderately flamed maple back and sides. Occasionally I will use
alder for the back and sides as many of the old Norwegian instruments
used black alder. Mother of pearl and bone is used for decoration.
The decoration is a combination of traditional patterns and artistic
I supply each
instrument with a quality rectangular case customized for the extended
length of the instrument's peg box.
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