John Silakowski Five-String Violin

This John Silakowski violin is owned by Peghead Nation Fiddle Sty Brittany Haas demonstrates her primary fiddle.

This John Silakowski violin is owned by Peghead Nation Fiddle Styles Workshop instructor Brittany Haas, who purchased it new about ten years ago. Haas tunes the five-string instrument’s low string to a C, which gives her access to the viola range, even though the instrument is otherwise built with standard violin dimensions. “The strings are a little close together than on a regular fiddle, so it takes a little getting used to,” says Haas. “I completely adore it; I love the sound, and it’s also easy to play.”

To study fiddle with Brittany and guest instructors such as Darol Anger, John Mailander, Suzy Thompson, and others, enroll in Peghead Nation’s Fiddle Styles Workshop today!

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