I wouldn't worry about a specialized "fiddle" setup, especially planing the fingerboard. Just start with a regular violin.
If you're in Louisville, have you checked out any of the local shops? It looks like there are several. This is one situation where it really pays to "buy local," because a relationship with a local luthier is very valuable.

Don't worry about subtle differences in set-up. Sure, it's easier to bow two strings at once with a flatter fingerboard and especially a flatter bridge, but it's really more a matter of just playing an instrument than obsessing over set-up details. I currently have three fiddles, all with differently curved fingerboards & bridges. It takes me less than fifteen seconds to adjust to 'em.

Just get a decent fiddle with a great setup and you'll be good for several years if not longer. Dont forget a good bow too, almost more important then the fiddle! Local shop is the way to go. Fiddles off the Net are almost aways poorly set up.

Doug, Al, thanks. The shop that carries the Gilga instruments is owned by a long time luthier. Nice fellow, and I always try to support local shops when I can.

Good to hear I don't have to worry about specific setups

Ed, thanks for the advice.

Funny thing, right before I checked back here for any replies I finished listening to River in the Rain by Roger Miller.
youtu.be/6nZNwR2maas?si=N1gfq48q90h-cscy

At the 2:37 mark, the video shows the fellow in your avatar.

That's one of the first songs I'm going to tackle.

quote:

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Originally posted by Hugh Walter Jennings

Doug, Al, thanks. The shop that carries the Gilga instruments is owned by a long time luthier. Nice fellow, and I always try to support local shops when I can.

Good to hear I don't have to worry about specific setups

Ed, thanks for the advice.

Funny thing, right before I checked back here for any replies I finished listening to River in the Rain by Roger Miller.
youtu.be/6nZNwR2maas?si=N1gfq48q90h-cscy

At the 2:37 mark, the video shows the fellow in your avatar.

That's one of the first songs I'm going to tackle.

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Wow! To be honest I have no memory of where and when I came across my avatar pic. I just liked it and said why not?

quote:

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Originally posted by Hugh Walter Jennings

Hi folks, I have two questions.

I'm planning to buy my first violin and will be playing fiddle style. I understand fiddles are set up a bit different than a violin. Is it crucial I get one with the fingerboard planned to a flatter radius ? I don't plan on playing blazing solos.

Also, is a Gilga a decent choice ?

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Although some fiddlers ask for a flatter bridge to reduce the distance between strings in string crossings and double stops, flattening the curve of the fingerboard as well is not a practice that's done intentionally by luthiers. Doing this will lead to much more difficulty in playing. Especially if you're new to the instrument, find one that has a good setup to start with. The "fiddler bridge" is not something that's necessary or even considered to be standard, as many players use a standard bridge curvature. Fiddling is about the playing style, not the equipment. As another example, many fiddlers use and recommend steel strings, but that is not what is responsible for the nuances of any fiddling style, especially given that steel strings were not in existence when the majority of fiddle repertoire was composed. A violin that's set up well can be used for any stlyle of playing.

Gliga is the biggest and most recognizable Romanian factory. The instruments that come from that company are generally well made and have good tonal potential. I would caution against buying one that's varnished by Gliga, however. As decent as the woodworking is in them, the varnish tends to be very thick and plastic, and it can really choke the sound out.

Because the factory has been around for a long time now, there are plenty of businesses that have been started by people who have worked for Gliga and then gone out on their own to make violins that are comparable. Romanian violins in general tend to have a more bulbous arch shape and more pronounced edges. This lends itself to a darker tone that favors the lower registers, something that can be appealing for fiddlers.

As a first time buyer, I would recommend you instead set a price range for yourself and try violins that fit that range. If you're unsure what is best for you, find a knowledgeable luthier or a player who has a good ear for violins and ask for guidance in picking one out.  Make good setup a priority and don't get conned into buying violins at deals that are clearly too good to be true, as you'll find out in the end why the price was so low and you'll be stuck with problems and a violin that you can't return, trade, consign, or resell. 

@Lonesome Fiddler

I just got a kick out of seeing your avatar.

All good.

@The Violin Beautiful ,

Thanks for the heads up on the varnish issue as well as the other info.

I'll take my time and see what I can find locally.

You just want to know that the fiddle is set up reasonably well. Most of what is considered "fiddle" setup (as opposed to "standard" or "classical") is about setting up optimally for steel strings rather than gut-- the difference is usually way too subtle for a beginner to worry about.

IMO the quality of your first bow is far more important than the quality of your first fiddle. If you're learning American style (old-time, bluegrass, Cajun, whatever), I'd suggest looking for one that's got plenty of "spine" (stiffness). A few extra grams of weight wouldn't hurt, either. You want a bow that wants to move in a straight line and pull a clear sound from the strings naturally with its own weight and balance. You don't want to have to grab that stick like a hoe handle to keep it from wobbling and bouncing around.