Hi, i recently bought a violin over the internet, but i have a theory that it could be a small viola. the top is quite wide compared to other violins and i have trouble fitting it into cases (widthways, not lengthways). Does anyone know what the differences would be or what i should do? thanks.

My violin/fiddle is a bit wider than others but it has a wonderful mellow tone. Hope yours does, too! There are different styles of violins. I imagine that you just got a bit wider one. Did it not come to you in a case???
K.
http://www.folkfiddle.com

Violins do vary a bit. Is it a new one or an old one?

Liz

if you can tell the difference, out of the four stings there should be a very high pitched one on the right side if it`s a violin. It`s a viola if it has two really thick strings on the left hand side.
Hope that helps ; )

Its late 19th century i think.