Yes, We Have 5-String Violins and Fiddles!

Introduction

A 5-string fiddle or 5-string violin is, in its simplest form, a regular violin or fiddle with a fifth string at the low end. The default tuning for this low string is C. So, a 5-string violin can play BOTH the violin range AND the viola range.

Only the cheapest 5-string violins are simply violins with a 5th string. Any high-quality 5-string is going to have at least the following minimal alterations:

• A longer peg box to properly accommodate the 5th string tuning peg
• A wider neck, fingerboard and nut
• The reason for this is to allow for wider string spacing (a playability issue). 
• The best 5-string violins, like our own Fat Strad Deux 5-String Mezzo-Viola ("mezzo" means between a violin and a viola), has a very wide neck, nut and fingerboard, so as to afford string spacing the same as a 4-string violin or fiddle.
• A more substantial bass bar, which is necessary for the low C string to really sound out
• A proper wide 5-string bridge, so that the 5 strings can be appropriately spaced (another playability issue…specifically a bowing issue).
• The very best 5-string violins have higher ribs (sides) than a regular violin. Our Fat Strad Deux 5-String has 37mm high ribs, rather than the 29mm-30mm typical of a standard violin or fiddle. Some are a bit wider as well.

Currently, D. Rickert Musical Instruments sells two 5-string violins/fiddles (via its online store, the Don Rickert Musician Shop)

We our own Fat Strad Deux 5-String and a 5-String Realist(tm) by David Gage. Both are in the same basic price range and really good instruments.

We also have an incredible 5-string travel violin, currently called the Custom Deep Body Travel Violin - Viola, which is available in both 4-string and 5-string versions.

See the product listings at the Don Rickert Musician Shop for details on each instrument:

Links:

Rickert Deep Body Travel Violin (5-string version) Played by Nathan Aldridge (YouTube Video)

David Thames Demonstrating Fat Strad Deux 5-String Mezzo Viola (YouTube Video)

David Thames Playing Fat Strad Deux 5-String Mezzo Viola (YouTube Video)

• David, a violist and cellist (who also plays violin) is accompanying violinist and fiddler, Mary Ann Thames, who is playing her cool Lion Head fiddle. They are playing a baroque liturgical canon. 

The NEW Fat Strad Deux Mezzo Viola by D. Rickert Musical Instruments

See How the Fat Strad Deux Mezzo Viola Works