fiddle for bluegrass?

Question:Is there anything to look for or consider when buying a violin / fiddle to play bluegrass as opposed to classical and orchestra?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: Is there anything to look for or consider when buying a violin / fiddle to play bluegrass as opposed to classical and orchestra?

Set up for a fiddle is usually a bit different from classical violin set up -- most fiddlers tend to prefer a bridge with a slightly flatter profile, to make doublestops and open string drones easier. Also, most fiddlers (but not all) prefer steel core, or steel rope-core strings to perlon core strings -- the steel core strings tend to provide more volume and clarity to make yourself heard over the other instruments in a loud bluegrass band.

But all those set up issues can be taken care of by a good violin repair person. Don't overlook an otherwise good fiddle simply because its set up for classical violin playing.

The good thing about bluegrass fiddling is that you don't need to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a violin, the way a lot of classical players seem to think they have to. Some of the best bluegrass and old-time fiddlers play relatively inexpensive instruments -- less than $1000 -- and sound just fine. If you plan to attend a lot of outdoor bluegrass or old-time festivals where you'll be camping and playing outside a lot in summer, you might not want a temperamental, expensive instrument anyway.

Go to a violin shop and try out a bunch of different instruments in your price range, find the one that has the sound you want. As an old-time/bluegrass fiddler myself, I find myself drawn to the sound of older, played-in instruments rather than shiny new ones, but of course YMMV.

pay attention to the bridge if it look like its gonna fall off obviosly dont buy it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!