Fiddle Box vs. Misfit

[redwad]

This year I got a fiddle box from Marlin Watkins. For those of you have both of his styles of box call how would you describe the difference? TIA

[Greg Massey]

I really don't have a preference in using either one, they are both great calls. The Misfit will get your fingers away from the sides of the box... but you can also play it like a fiddle box depending on how you want to hold either one.  The handle on the Misfit gives it a little more look / character .. IMO

[paboxcall]

Misfit doesn't have a base, so its a bit different but still that iconic Watkins yawk of a yelp. I prefer the misfit.

[3bailey3]

I don't have a misfit but have two fiddles, hard for me to believe anything coming from Marlin woundn't sound amazing!

[Lcmacd 58]

I have a few of each
Both play well
If i had to pick i would go misfit

[crdierlam]

I just got on his list for a misfit and a paddle box. I have pretty big hands and always preferred boxes that have the "handle" coming off the bottom which is why I went with the misfit. I currently have a few Matt Van Cise boxes that are that same style and I love them. That is the style box I learned on and have always preferred for whatever reason. It sounds like everything Mr. Marlin puts out sounds great so I'm sure you cant go wrong.

[Zobo]

My two cents: The fiddle box might be a bit easier to control for some, especially kids. I think boxes with handles..longboxes, hen boxes, misfit types(shortys) too..take just a bit more time to master. But remember, the shorty/misfit types have springs whereas hen boxes don't and most longboxes don't either. So your misfit will be the easiest of the handled boxes to play well.