Apple Using the GarageBand Jam Pack: World Music Instruments - Manual (Page 23)

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Irish Fiddle
The fiddle has long been one of the chief instruments of traditional Irish folk music. It is
ideally suited to playing the long, lilting melodies characteristic of the style, and to the
reels, jigs, and other lively dance pieces played throughout the British Isles. Over the
centuries a rich tradition of fiddle-playing developed, with recognizably different styles
in different regions of the country. Today, those regional styles have merged together
into the modern Celtic style of playing.
The Irish fiddle is identical in construction to a concert violin, but is played using a
slightly different bowing technique that produces a louder, harder sound. The strings
are tuned to the standard G-D-A-E concert tuning. The playing style includes a wide
variety of trills and ornaments; the Irish Fiddle Software Instrument gives you both
upper and lower trills, accessed using the mod wheel.
Japanese Koto
The koto came to Japan from China, and is likely descended from the Chinese guzheng.
It was originally played exclusively in the royal court, but in the 17th century was
popularized by a virtuoso who played both original compositions and popular
melodies on it.
The koto has a long, hollow wooden body. The strings, traditionally made of silk, are
stretched over bridges that the player moves to produce different notes. The koto
typically has thirteen strings that are tuned to the notes of the particular song, and that
the players pluck using picks attached to their fingers.