Stroh One-String Jap Fiddle: Museum Object and Cultural History

The object in the museum catalogue

This Stroh One-String Jap Fiddle patented by John M. A. Stroh, British Patent #9418, 1899 and manufactured by George Evans & Co. in London, England 1904-1942. John Mathias Augustus Stroh and an associate, Charles Wheatstone produced numerous innovations in telegraphy and the study of acoustics. They collaborated with Stroh’s son, Charles Stroh and George Evans, both violin makers, in the development of “Stroh” instruments. The patent application refers to the attachment of an aluminum diaphram and horn to amplify the sound of a vibrating string. The concept was adapted for use on modified violins, violas, cellos, mandolins, and guitars.

This instrument is often known as the Japanese fiddle or One-String Jap fiddle. The name likely originated from the Japanese exhibition held in London at the end of the 19th century. It was produced in three models: “Home,” “Concert” and “Professional,” priced at 35s, £3 and £12 respectively. George Chirgwin popularized the Jap Fiddle on the British music hall stage. The body, neck, “pegbox” and “scroll” outline of this instrument are fashioned from a single narrow piece of mahogany with a dark red-brown varnish. There are aluminum knee grips and a single gear tuning mechanism.

Materials, dates and provenance

• Date made: 1904-1940
• maker: Stroh, John M. A.
• Object Name: jap fiddle
• Physical Description: mahogany (overall material)
• Physical Description: aluminum (knee grips material)
• Measurements: overall: 35 in x 13 3/4 in x 7 3/8 in; 88.9 cm x 34.925 cm x 18.7325 cm
• place made: United Kingdom: England, London
• ID Number: MI.72.06
• catalog number: 72.06
• accession number: 297494
• Data Source: National Museum of American History

Sources and reuse

Catalogue descriptions and facts adapted from National Museum of American History through the Smithsonian's official Open Access dataset. This record explicitly marks its metadata CC0 1.0; formatting and selection have been changed.