The medieval fiddle
Early forms of the fiddle (german: Fidel) can be found in numberous illustrations and paintings since 9th century. Till 13th century the shapes become more similar: An oval outline with a more or less bent waistline that allows a better playability with the bow and without the need of a very high bridge. Top and back are flat, sound holes in C-shape and the neck is attached to the body.
Fidels are played either laying on the arm - sometimes fixed with a leather strap around the ellbow - or they were played in an upright position standing on the lap or even “da gamba” - between the legs.
At the moment we offer two different types of the Fidel: