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The Carolina Fiddle Story
During the 80’s and
90’s I played in various folk blues and country groups on a variety of
instruments. (That's me on the right with my old Gibson B-25). I have always been fascinated with the blend of art and science
incorporated in a good hand made musical instrument.
 I have been collecting pre-war Gibson instruments since the 70’s, and also
have a few early Martin, Washburn and similar period pieces. Necessity taught me
maintenance and repairs on these fine old antiques. I admire Orville
Gibson and Leo Fender.
As time went on, I
began assembling miscellaneous necks and bodies to make whimsical instruments.
Out of this grew the idea to construct really good quality cigar box
instruments. I have been building cigar box fiddles for several years now. The
fiddle designs are my own ideas, based on traditional violin technology.
Watch out! I have ideas for additional fun and funky traditional and wacko
instruments. (And you know, you have to watch out for those guys who think too
much and have time on their hands!)
My shop is in Asheville, NC, USA.
Different Types of instruments.
Each instrument is unique, as I use different materials
for the neck, select an appropriate box, and decide whether it will be 4 or 5
string.
4 String Fiddles
4 string violins are full sized instruments. They are designed to
fit the hand in the same way as traditional instruments.
5 String Fiddles
5 string instruments have an expanded range, and are fun to play in
the key of "C" as well as traditional fiddler's keys of
"G" "D" and "A". The additional string
is a "C" below the low "G" string. I use Supersensitive
Octava Viola strings for the low "C".
Stick Fiddles
Stick fiddles are silent violins without a sound box. They are
great practice instruments, and are wonderful for pack along. They are
in the tradition of the ballet master's instruments. They are usually
offered in an electrified version.
Fretted Instruments
I am now building fretted
instruments. These include Mandolins, Tenor Banjos, Long-scale Mandolins (Bazouki),
5-string Banjo, Ukulele and Guitar.
Technical information about Cigar Box Fiddles
Carolina Fiddle cigar box violins are built to conform (as
much as possible) to standard 4/4 technical specifications.
How
to Make a Cigar Box Fiddle
Here are pdf files showing you how to make your own
fiddle or ukulele!
This is a mostly up to date complete list of the Carolina Fiddle oevre. There
are embedded photos of almost all of them.
People who play Carolina Fiddles
and other
Cigar Box and other Wacko Instruments
A
Secret Life of Banjo Mary Z. Cox's blog about
her life and times as a banjoist.
The
Pratie Heads More
or less Traditional Music of the British Isles
Belly Jelly Music
Bill Jehle's outrageous
electric Cigar Box Guitars
Fiddlerwoman Luke
made a fiddle for Beverly Conrad. Northern Appalachian Music.
Bluesboy JAG
Bluesboy's cookie tin and cigar box instruments.
Scotty's Cigar Box Guitars
Join the Revolution!
Daddy Mojo Custom Cigar Box
Guitars. Daddy Mojo makes and plays some very fine resonator cigar box
guitars.
Poles Apart Stilts Company. Not
merely an amazing stilts showman, Ian Harris is a mandoln, lute and musical saw
virtuoso.
The Fingerlakes Cigar Box Guitar
Festival The 1st Annual
Fingerlakes Celebration of the Cigarbox Guitar was held Oct 3rd and 4th, 2008
Can you believe it?
Where to obtain a Carolina Fiddle
Carolina Fiddles are available at
Seven Sisters Gallery in Black
Mountain, NC.
Carolina Fiddles are also (occasionally) offered on ebay under the seller
name CarolinaStrings (one word).
The offering varies and all instruments are subject to prior sale.
E-mail me with your interest. Currently available items
are listed on the What's New page. I might also be
persuaded to build a custom item for you.
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Other Stuff I do:
When I'm not making musical
instruments, I own and operate a cabinet shop in Asheville, NC. We make and
install cabinets, custom built-ins and manage home remodeling projects. I also
build music stands and related musical furniture.
 
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