Source: Joe Manser, Appenzell
For a long time, the violin was one of the most important instruments in Swiss folk music. With one or two violins, a hammered dulcimer and bass, the ‘Streichmusik (string music)’ bands played at the alpine dairymen’s ball, as table music or for dancing at the ‘Alpstobeten’ events. With the advent of brass bands and the Schwyzerorgeli accordion, string music waned in importance in most Swiss regions.