To the untrained eye, a violin and a fiddle may appear to be the same instrument. Yet for those who know their instruments, violins and fiddles are actually quite different. Although these differences can be subtle, they make all the difference in how the music sounds. In the most simplistic terms, violins are more fanciful and sophisticated while fiddlers are more folksy and simple.

What makes a violin and fiddle different from one another is that there are different types of music played on them. Generally speaking, violinists play composition-based music such as classical music from Western and Indian cultures. Fiddlers tend to play folk-based tunes such as Cajun and Irish music.   

Otherwise, violins and fiddlers are pretty much the same type of instrument. Many artists will use the terms interchangeably, while others are fussier and stick to one name or the other.

From a physical sense, violins and fiddles have the same wooden box. These parts are considered to be the “unchangeable” part of the instrument, and they look exactly the same across instruments. However, violinists and fiddlers sometimes prefer different setups when it comes to the “changeable” parts of their instruments. These parts, called the “setup”, include the strings, bridge, shoulder rest, chin rest and pickup.

Traditional fiddles have four strings, but it’s not uncommon for fiddles to have five strings. Standard violins also have four strings, and these strings can be made from a variety of materials such as steel or metal. Either way, all types of strings are prone to breaking, which is why both violinists and fiddlers need to replace them often.   

So is one instrument more difficult to play than the other? No. Both instruments require a great deal of skill, patience and attention to detail, and there are different skills required for each. If you’re interested in trying out a violin or fiddler, come to Catfish Music where we have a variety of high-quality instruments on consignment or used for less.  


Source: About.com

If it’s broke, we can fix it!

How many times have you read this statement, but did you think it could apply to musical instruments?

At Catfish Music, we can restore your instruments back to new condition. Many people believe that when their musical instrument breaks, they have no choice but to trash it or sell it for parts. These musical devices are expensive, and there’s no reason why you should have to throw away your hard earned money, especially if it’s an instrument that you’ve grown to love.

Why Choose Catfish Music for Instrument Repairs

It’s true that we repair instruments for our customers, but there are a few factors that give our company the edge. First, we offer some of the best repair rates in the area, which means you probably won’t find a better deal on your restoration. We strive to be affordable and fair, so don’t hesitate to ask us about our repair rates and how they can save you money while restoring your precious companion.

Second, we have the most experienced luthiers who understand how to repair instruments and bring them back to their original condition. This knowledge and expertise is not something that comes natural, and not all repair companies can offer this level of expertise. For Catfish Music, we’ve found the perfect balance between high-quality craftsmanship and fair prices.

Best of all, our team of experienced luthiers can fix a bunch of different things, from stringed instruments to woodwinds. We have quick turnaround times so you won’t have to wait long for your instrument, and we guarantee that we can fix all broken instruments. No repair deposit is necessary, so drop by today. For more information on repair prices, click here. 

All ages benefit from music lessons, and our expert team of music teachers can attest to that. With a true passion for music and creative freedom, the music teachers at Catfish Music are available to teach a variety of lessons, including:

-      Guitar

-      Drums

-      Clarinet

-      Bass Clarinet

-      Bass

-      Saxophone

-      Piano

-      Mandolin

-      Ukulele

-      Percussion

-      Bassoon

-      And more!

It can be hard to find specialized lessons, especially from those who are skilled in what they do. At Catfish, we have a variety of qualified teachers who offer one-on-one lessons. These in-depth lessons have a variety of benefits, including:

-      Better memory and attention skills

-      Improved discipline and positive work ethic

-      Enhanced school performance and test scores

-      Positive encouragement and reinforcement from teachers 

-      Strengthened creativity and imagination

-      An increase in self-confidence, patience and coordination

-      Passion for a healthy and mentally stimulating activity

We encourage you to read our teacher profiles so you can get to know each instructor and the unique perspectives they bring to the table. All lessons are 30-minutes each and offered in a clean, safe and friendly environment.

We believe that music lessons should be fun and relaxing, and many of our students use music as an outlet to release stress and tension. No matter what the reasons for taking music lessons are – the desire to be in a band or orchestra, to be a professional musician, to supplement an existing musical program or for enjoyment – you can count on our teachers to provide you with the ongoing education you need.

Image c/o: futurity.org 

Musicians do what they love – sing and play instruments – but that doesn’t mean they get the paychecks they want. Many musicians play in a band or orchestra outside of their normal work hours, so when they welcome a new member onto their team, they may not have the money to purchase a new instrument. If you’ve been faced with a similar situation, there is a solution that will work for everyone: buying used instruments.

Let’s face it; musical instruments are expensive. They have complex intricacies that make them pricey, and the better quality the instrument is, the more you’ll pay. You certainly want everyone in the band or orchestra to have the very best instruments available to them, but having to pay the cost of these instruments can be too costly for the average group.

At Catfish Music, we have a good selection of used instruments and instruments on consignment. We encourage our customers to check back often, as our selection is always changing. We inspect all instruments that come through our door and ensure that they are up to the quality you expect them to be. Buying used instruments is a great way to save money while still having the very best musical talent in your band or orchestra.

If you want to sell an instrument, don’t hesitate to take advantage of our consignment services. Our unique experience and professional expertise is what guides us to selling musical instruments at a fair price. We assess the condition of the device as well as the manufacturer to determine the best price. With so many individuals experimenting with new instruments for fun and leisure, now is a wonderful time to sell us your used instrument or shop for those on consignment.    

Image c/o: Catfish Music