Pronunciation: [bˈʊl fˈɪdə͡l] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "bull fiddle" can be confusing because it is sometimes spelled "bullfidle" or "bully fiddle". This musical instrument, also known as a double bass or upright bass, has a long history in jazz and classical music. Its name comes from the way it is played, with the player holding the instrument against their body like a bull in a pasture. The IPA phonetic transcription for "bull fiddle" is /bʊl ˈfɪd(ə)l/.
The term "bull fiddle" refers to a large, stringed musical instrument commonly employed in various genres, particularly in jazz and folk music. Also known as the double bass or upright bass, it is the largest and lowest-pitched member of the orchestral string section.
The bull fiddle consists of a long, hollow wooden body, typically crafted from spruce or maple, with a prominent soundhole on the top. It is usually around six feet in height, with a deep, rounded shape that tapers towards the neck. The neck itself is attached to the body, extending upward and featuring a fingerboard, where the strings are pressed down to produce different pitches.
Traditionally, the bull fiddle is played while standing upright or seated on a high stool, with the instrument resting on its endpin. Its deep resonant sound is produced through the action of bowing or plucking the thick, steel or gut strings which are stretched across the fingerboard. The double bass can also be played by tapping or slapping the strings, creating percussive effects.
Due to its large size and deep tone, the bull fiddle provides a solid foundation to the rhythm section of an ensemble, lending a rich, low-end resonance to the overall sound. Its versatility allows it to seamlessly blend with other instruments, providing harmony, rhythm, and melodic support. Overall, the bull fiddle is an essential component in many musical genres, providing depth and texture to the overall composition.
The term "bull fiddle" is a colloquial name for a double bass or string bass. Its etymology is unclear and has multiple possible origins.
One possibility is that "bull fiddle" originated from the use of a bull's bladder as the resonating chamber for an early form of string bass. In the past, animal bladders were sometimes used to amplify the sound of stringed instruments. However, this theory lacks concrete evidence and is considered speculative.
Another theory suggests that "bull fiddle" may have a connection to the slang term "bull", which was used in the 19th century to refer to something large or powerful. Since the string bass is the largest and deepest instrument in the orchestral string family, it may have been called a "bull fiddle" due to its size and powerful sound.
