Hardanger Fiddle

by E.M. Peters

Originally published in American Lutherie #7, 1986



The Hardanger fiddle differs from the conventional violin in several respects. Most apparent is the fact that it has eight strings. It has four strings which are bowed in the usual manner, and in addition it has four strings on a lower level, running under the fretboard. These lower four, sympathetic strings resound to the vibration of the four upper strings when these are stroked with the bow.

There are other differences between the Hardanger fiddle and the common fiddle, too. The bridge and the fingerboard are flatter, making it easier to stroke two strings at the same time. Much of the time they are stroked two at a time, one open and one stopped. The usual fiddle is tuned one way (E, A, D, G), but the Hardanger fiddle, in the hands of an expert, may be tuned in over twenty ways.