The one and the same. Almost all are modeled from Italian and French makers from the past. In America, the first were crudely made Church Viols and they pretty much sucked. This was in Mass. Later, European immigrants brought tools and skills and violins! Folk music, tavern music, was fiddling while composed orchestral or ensemble was considered violin playing. There are some really fine instruments made by locals from local wood. Check out the Viator violins. I like calling them fiddles. Hardinger fiddles are Scandinavian and unique.
It's all good,
Craig