I was watching the Antiques Roadshow on PBS the other day when they showed a banjo-fiddle.
The instrument was a fiddle, spruce top, pegs, compound curved fretboard, played with a bow while holding it under the chin.
However, the body of the instrument was round. It had a tone ring, and then a resonatorish thing on the bottom (I wouldn't call it a resonator or a bottom piece, it was almost as if it was just there for looks)
Has anyone ever heard of these instruments before? My reserch has turned up a bare minimum on the subject, a single photo in an old violin making manual at my university with no description attached other then "Banjo-Fiddle".
Urger, the round thingie on the bottom was undoubtedly a bodhran. I suspect if you look close, you'll also find six holes and a fipple carved into the neck. Clearly this is ACME's "Complete Irish Session in a Box," playable by one person. Saves you from all those hassles with daggy session mates, plus you've no competition for the free pints....
Banjo Fiddle
Banjo Fiddle
I was watching the Antiques Roadshow on PBS the other day when they showed a banjo-fiddle.
The instrument was a fiddle, spruce top, pegs, compound curved fretboard, played with a bow while holding it under the chin.
However, the body of the instrument was round. It had a tone ring, and then a resonatorish thing on the bottom (I wouldn't call it a resonator or a bottom piece, it was almost as if it was just there for looks)
Has anyone ever heard of these instruments before? My reserch has turned up a bare minimum on the subject, a single photo in an old violin making manual at my university with no description attached other then "Banjo-Fiddle".
# Posted on September 1st 2004 by Urger
Re: Banjo Fiddle
Urger, the round thingie on the bottom was undoubtedly a bodhran. I suspect if you look close, you'll also find six holes and a fipple carved into the neck. Clearly this is ACME's "Complete Irish Session in a Box," playable by one person. Saves you from all those hassles with daggy session mates, plus you've no competition for the free pints....
# Posted on September 1st 2004 by Will Harmon
Re: Banjo Fiddle
Sounds like it would be horribly uncomfortable to hold.
# Posted on September 1st 2004 by Murph
Re: Banjo Fiddle
I've heard of such things, but same as you I only ever saw one in a "Antiques Roadshow" type of scenario.
# Posted on September 1st 2004 by showaddydadito
Re: Banjo Fiddle
This link should take you to a page with a picture of a banjo fiddle.
http://www.bolick.net/recordings/banjo/instruments.html
Steve
# Posted on September 2nd 2004 by SteveKendall