Welcome to Frank's Fiddles

Thank you for visiting Frank's web site.  Frank's Fiddles, located in Meridian, Idaho is owned by Frank Daniels.  Frank has completed 143 four-string violins/fiddles; 34 five-string fiddles; 7 left-handed fiddles; and 7 violas (15-1/2" - 16-5/8").  Frank's handcrafted instruments are recognized for their ease of playability, their beautifully figured wood and their excellent tone, evenness, and projection.

In addition to selling his handcrafted instruments, Frank does repair work and sells used instruments and violin accessories.  If you would like more information about Frank's handcrafted instruments after exploring the web site, or if you are interested in visiting his shop, you are welcome to email him (click here).

As you can see by the picture to the right, Frank and his wife, Karen, are adding another dimension to their business - Frank's Fiddle Shop on the road.  The portable shop in the toy hauler enables Frank to do more repair work at festivals and to craft new instruments while on longer road trips (hopefully to warmer climates).  Speaking of warmer climates, Frank and Karen recently traveled to Arizona to attend their first bluegrass festivals for 2011.  This was a great trip and they enjoyed spending time with family and friends and listening to great music.

Frank is proud to announce that Daniel Foulks, fiddler for the IIIrd Generation Bluegrass Band and Justen Haynes, fiddler for Russell Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out are now endorsing Frank's fiddles.  Daniel began playing classical music at age four.  He has a Bachelors of Music Education degree from OU.  When not playing bluegrass with the band, Daniel teaches orchestra and also teaches various instruments to a number of private students.  Justen grew up in a house where his mother and father toured with the gospel bluegrass band Sonrise.  Justen attended Shenandoah Musical Conservatory and played with Michelle Nixon and Drive before joining IIIrd Tyme Out.

Award Winning Fiddles
In 1999 at the Violin Makers Association of Arizona, Intl. annual competition, Frank had the prestigious honor of his 34th instrument, a steel-string violin, being judged best in tone (by playing and listening judges) out of over 80 gut-string and steel-string violins.

Frank has won numerous tone awards for his instruments over the years - in 1997, 1999, 2005 and 2006 competitions Frank's 11^th, 34^th, 113^th and 120^th steel-string fiddles placed first in tone.  In 1998 his 23^rd violin placed 2nd in tone in the gut-string category.  At the October 2009 competition his 174^th violin placed 3^rd in tone in the first round and in October 2010 Frank's 180^th violin tied for 4^th in tone in the first round and 5^th in tone after the third round.  In 1999 and 2000 his large violas placed first in tone and in 2005 his 7^th viola placed 3^rd in tone and in workmanship.

Rewards of the Business
Frank and his wife, Karen, feel very fortunate to be able to travel and share Frank's instruments with professional musicians as well as players at all levels.  Frank feels blessed that his instruments are being played at venues throughout the United States and abroad.

Many of our customers, whether at home or on the road, have an inspiring story to share.  Frank recently sold his #182 fiddle to a Grandfather for his Granddaughter Ludi.  Ludi has played fiddle since age four and comes from a family of musicians.  Even though she is a very busy teen who performs with the Junior Jammers of Idaho, plays sports, draws, and spends quality time with her family and friends, she has found time to share her music in an amazing way.

Ludi has recorded two CDs of her favorite fiddle tunes and has donated all of the proceeds to promoting Breast Cancer Awareness.  To date, she has donated over $3,000 to this cause.  What an amazing young lady she is.  Frank and Karen hope to have some of Ludi's CDs with them as they travel around to festivals this year.

Frank Daniels in his workshop.  More construction photos available in the Photo Gallery.

The new mobile fiddle shop on the road

Karen and Frank with Daniel Foulks & Family

The trophies Frank has won since 1997

Aimee Anderson of Anderson Family Bluegrass plays Frank's fiddle #146.  Here are the Andersons at the California Bluegrass Association's Fathers Day Festival this past summer (June 2010).

See more performers and owners in the Photo Gallery or listen to some audio samples of Frank's Fiddles on the Audio page.

"As a maker, my goal is to craft great sounding instruments that will be played and enjoyed by many throughout the years to come."