The spelling of the word "bass fiddle" may seem a bit confusing since it's spelled with two different "s" sounds but is actually pronounced with just one. The first "s" in "bass" is pronounced like a soft "s" (IPA symbol /s/), while the second "s" in "fiddle" is pronounced like a hard "z" (IPA symbol /z/). So, the correct pronunciation of "bass fiddle" is actually "base fiddle." This is just one example of how English spelling can be misleading when it comes to pronunciation.
The term "bass fiddle" refers to a musical instrument that falls into the family of stringed instruments. It is also commonly known as simply "bass" or "double bass." The bass fiddle is the largest and lowest-pitched member of the violin family. It consists of a long, hollow wooden body, usually made of maple, with a rounded back and two f-shaped sound holes. The front of the instrument is made of spruce, while the fingerboard and tailpiece are typically made of ebony.
The bass fiddle has four thick gut or steel strings, which are tuned in fourths: E1, A1, D2, and G2. To produce sounds, the player plucks or bows the strings near the bridge, while pressing them down onto the fingerboard to change the pitch. The instrument is played either standing or sitting, with the player typically using a bow or their fingers to create the desired notes.
Originally developed in the 16th century, the bass fiddle is a staple in many styles of music, including classical, jazz, and orchestral arrangements. Its deep and resonant tones provide a rich and foundational sound to ensembles and can also be used for melodic solos. Bass fiddles are commonly featured in symphony orchestras, big bands, small jazz ensembles, and various types of folk music.
The word "bass fiddle" is a combination of two distinct terms: "bass" and "fiddle".
The term "bass" originates from the Middle English word "basse", which further traces its roots to the Late Latin word "bassus", meaning "low, deep". Over time, "bass" came to refer to the lowest range of musical instruments or voices, often associated with producing low and deep sounds.
The term "fiddle" comes from the Old English word "fithele" (or "fiedele"), which evolved from the Medieval Latin word "vitula". "Fiddle" was originally a generic term for a stringed musical instrument played with a bow. In specific contexts, however, it became synonymous with the violin family of instruments, including the bass violin.