Maple Hardanger Fiddle, 2003

Sitka Spruce (top) and Curly Maple (back, sides, neck). Ebony fingerboard and tail piece, with curly maple and mammoth ivory inlay.  Mammoth ivory inlay in the double purfling on back and front. Hand carved ebony tuning pegs, tipped with mammoth ivory. Inlaid ebony and ivory faceted star on head. Length 61 cm.  Width 21 cm.

This fiddle has a one piece back and top. Four playing strings, four sympathetic strings

This instrument borrows design ideas from Antonio Stradivarius, particularly his Aiglon (1734) and Hellier (1679) violins. Sympathetic strings are common on Baroque viols, and on Norwegian Hardanger and Setesdal fiddles.

Hardanger Fiddles (hardingfele) originated in the Hardanger fjord area of southwestern Norway around 1650. Great variations exist, but the distinguishing feature is a set of sympathetic strings under the fingerboard which add resonating overtones to the sound.

Not For Sale:  this is the instrument I play most often.