The English Square Fydell

This instrument is based on a carving in Gloucester Cathedral, which was made around 1280. A number of other depictions of rectangular fiddles occur in England throughout the Middle Ages (for one in Beverly Minster, see below).  The two fiddles recovered from the Mary Rose Flagship also have this unusual square shape.

The development of this model fydell is a collaboration between myself and Daniel Larson.  It has a maple body with a bent spruce top.  Because there are only three strings in the carving, we chose to tune them in fifths, middle C, g, and d, to accommodate melodic playing rather than drone playing.  The body length is 20 inches, and it is intended to be played down on the arm like the rebec (although leg playing works as well.  See Tips for playing).  The vibrating length is 34 cm (13.25 inches).

Pricing

Another Square Fydell in Beverly Minster:

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