Editing Hardanger fiddle (section)

{{Short description|Traditional Norwegian stringed instrument}}
{{Infobox Instrument
|name=Hardanger fiddle (Hardingfele)
|names=
|image=FeleHel (2).jpg
|classification=[[Bowed string instrument]]
|hornbostel_sachs=321.322-71
|range=
|related= 
* [[Fiddle]]
* [[Violin]]
}}

A '''hardanger fiddle''' ({{langx|no|'''hardingfele'''}}) is a traditional [[stringed instrument]] considered the national instrument of Norway. In modern designs, this type of [[fiddle]] is very similar to the [[violin]], though with eight or nine [[strings (music)|strings]] (rather than four as on a standard violin) and thinner [[wood]]. The earliest known example of the {{lang|no|hardingfele}} is from 1651, made by Ole Jonsen Jaastad in [[Hardanger]], [[Norway]].<ref>Aksdal 1993, 21</ref> Originally, the instrument had a rounder, narrower body.<ref>Aksdal 1993, 22</ref> Around the year 1850, the modern layout with a body much like the violin became the norm.

The [[F-holes]] of the hardanger fiddle are distinctive, oftentimes with a more "sunken" appearance, and generally straighter edges (unlike the frilly, swirly F-holes of a violin). Four of the strings are strung and played like a violin, while the rest, named understrings or [[sympathetic strings]], [[resonate]] under the influence of the other four. These additional strings are tuned and secured with extra pegs at the top of the scroll, effectively doubling the length of a Hardingfele scroll when compared to a violin. The sympathetic strings, once fastened to their pegs, are funneled through a "hollow" constructed fingerboard, which is built differently than a violin's, being slightly higher and thicker to allow for these extra strings. The resonant strings lie on the center of the special bridge, attached to extra hooks (or fine-tuners) on the tailpiece. Carved out within the center of the bridge is a smaller secondary "bridge", or opening, designed specifically for these resonant strings to pass through. This is where the resonance is picked up and reverberated. As notes are played, the vibrations are sent through the bridge, where the sympathetics echo those notes. 

The Hardingfele's bridge is unique compared to other bowed instruments. It is somewhat taller and wider, resulting in the strings being slightly lower and further apart; this allows for the easy execution of double-stops (playing of two strings at once). A similar technique is seen in some American old-time and bluegrass fiddlers, who intentionally move their bridge back a few millimetres closer to the tailpiece, for better double-stops. This technique lowers the action, but may not make double stops easier, as the radius of the top of the bridge needs to flatten more to make double stops easier.

The {{lang|no|hardingfele}} is used mainly in the southwest part of Norway, whereas the ordinary violin (called {{lang|no|flatfele}}, 'flat fiddle', or {{lang|no|vanlig fele}}, 'common fiddle') is found elsewhere. The {{lang|no|hardingfele}} is used for dancing, accompanied by rhythmic loud foot stomping. It was also traditional for the fiddler to lead the bridal procession to the entrance of the church, but not inside.

The instrument is often highly decorated, with a carved animal (usually a [[dragon]] or the [[Coat of arms of Norway|Lion of Norway]]) or a carved woman's head as part of the [[Scroll (music)|scroll]] at the top of the [[pegbox]], extensive [[mother of pearl]] [[inlay]] on the [[tailpiece]] and [[fingerboard]], and black ink decorations called '[[rosemaling|rosing]]' on the body of the instrument. Pieces of bone are sometimes used to decorate the pegs and the edges of the instrument.