The back of the open back
Among the types of fiddles, the open-back model is known for its clear, intense and sharp sound. Another name of these fiddles is Lori fiddle. The use of open back fiddles is more common in certain regions of the country such as Kermanshah, Damghan, Chahar Mahal Bakhtari and Lorestan.
The origin of this fiddle goes back to Lorestan. The bowl of open-back fiddles is conical in shape and is much lighter than other fiddle models. For this reason, it will be easier to use. In the not-so-distant past, most open-back fiddles had three strings. But with the passage of time, to produce a better and more diverse sound, another string has been added to it by the masters of this field. For this reason, the types of fiddles available in the market today mostly have four strings, and there are few models that have three strings.
Closed models are more popular than other types of fiddles, and you have probably seen this model of fiddle. As its name suggests, the closed back fiddle model can be seen as the opposite of the open back models. These types of fiddles are mostly used to play national, epic and authentic Iranian music.
The closed fiddle is a little heavier than the types of fiddles available in the market; Because the whole fiddle is produced in one piece. The wood used to make the back fiddles is usually walnut. But it is also possible to use other woods such as mulberry wood to make it. To make this instrument, they usually place the splinter on a bent mold and produce the instrument. For this reason, turning the tool for parts that need fast turning will be a little more difficult than the open back and alto models. Unlike the open-back model, the closed-back fiddle produces a softer, more nasal sound.
Alto Kamanche
Among the types of fiddles, the alto fiddle is different from closed-back and open-back fiddles both in terms of appearance and sound production. The alto fiddle is very similar to the viola (alto violin). Its fingering and note reading are also similar to the viola.
The tuning in this fiddle is in the order of the strings in the form of "La R C D". The voicing of the instrument is also in the range of the key of two third lines of notation. Regarding the dimensions, it should be said that the alto fiddle has the largest size among the types of fiddles. The sound produced by this instrument is lower and softer than other fiddles.
Alto fiddle fingering is also different from other fiddles. In this instrument, fingering is a little more and open. Its strings are also different from ordinary fiddle strings. Normal fiddle strings are also used in the alto fiddle; But by doing this, you will lose the softness of the sound of the alto fiddle.
Regarding the naming of the strings of the alto fiddle, it should also be said that the alto fiddle has no strings. The first string of this instrument is called La, the second string is R, the third string is C, and the fourth string is also called Do.
Azeri Kaman
Players of this type of fiddle draw bows a little further from the bow and their playing is in accordance with Azeri music. The handle of Azari fiddle is shorter than other types of fiddle. The strings of this fiddle are springy and thick and make the sound of the instrument muffled and bassy. The appearance of Azari fiddle is attractive and beautiful, and the various colors of this instrument attract the attention of every viewer. The instrument handle is made of walnut and ebony wood, and it is easier to finger the instrument strings. The tuning of the Iranian fiddle is mi la mi la, and the tuning of the Azeri fiddle is sel do sel do, and its sound is one and a half steps lower than the Iranian fiddle.