Frank's Fiddles Owners

BJ2

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 21:22:01 -0800

B.J. Cherryholmes, fiddler for the Cherryholmes, began playing fiddle in 1999 at age 11 and has amazed all of those who have watched him over the years. His fiddling adds an excitement to the music not possible by most young musicians. He has been compared to such stellar fiddlers as Stuart Duncan and Aubrey Haney, and has performed with some of bluegrass's finest. B.J. also plays mandolin and sings lead and harmony vocals for the group. B.J. plays two of Frank’s fiddles, #33 and #98, and he is trying out #149 the beautiful light-colored quilted maple fiddle featured on the Latest Projects page. Check out the Audio page to listen to BJ and Molly on the Cherryholmes’ latest albums and follow their busy schedule at www.cherryholmes.net or contact them at www.myspace.com/cherryholmesband.

Molly1

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 21:22:01 -0800

Molly Kate Cherryholmes, fiddler for the Cherryholmes, began playing in 1999 at age 6. This young, left-handed fiddler's aggressive, soulful style and song writing abilities amaze everyone who sees her. Debuting on the Grand Ole Opry at age 7, Molly has a beautiful voice and adds her lead and harmony vocals to Cherryholmes' versatile vocal structure. Frank got acquainted with the Cherryholmes in 2001 through Jeremy Garrett, fiddler for The Infamous String Dusters. Frank was commissioned to make a full size left-handed fiddle for Molly, and B.J. also bought his first fiddle that year. Molly now owns three of Frank's left-handed fiddles. Check out the Audio page to listen to BJ and Molly on the Cherryholmes' latest albums and follow their busy schedule at www.cherryholmes.net or contact them at www.myspace.com/cherryholmesband

PatWhite

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 21:22:01 -0800

Pat White, Country Current Bluegrass Band, was the second professional player to purchase one of Frank's fiddles, #46, in June 2006 at Grass Valley, CA. Pat has performed with this instrument since that time. In July, Pat tried out and purchased #147, a 4-string made from a beautiful piece of quilted maple (see Latest Projects). It is incredibly humbling for Frank to know that his instruments are being played for dignitaries from all over the world and for bluegrass and country audiences throughout the United States. For more information about Pat and the Country Current band, checkout their web site at: www.navyband.navy.mil.

ChrisSexton

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 21:22:01 -0800

Chris Sexton is pictured at Parker, Arizona with his new 5-string, #139. Chris plays fiddle for the bluegrass band Nothin Fancy. Frank had the opportunity to hear Chris play the 5-string on stage at Parker as well as at the Plymouth, CA bluegrass festival. When Chris isn't playing bluegrass, he's teaching strings at private studios in Chantilly, Fredericksburg and Falls Church VA, as well as recording for the Discovery Channel and participating in numerous session projects. In the fall of 2005, Chris released his first solo disc on Pinecastle Records, "Coffee at Midnight". To learn more about Chris and the other band members go to www.nothinfancybluegrass.com.

AdamHaynes

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 21:22:01 -0800

Adam Haynes of The Larry Stephenson Band, is pictured at IBMA with his Frank’s fiddle

glenharrell

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 21:22:01 -0800

Professional fiddle player Glenn Harrell

rachel

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 21:22:01 -0800

Rachel Burnett is part of the talented Burnett Family Bluegrass Band from Flagstaff Arizona. She began on the fiddle at age three and her charismatic playing adds excitement, expression and emotion to the mix that makes up Burnett Family Bluegrass. Rachel has won various musical competitions proving herself to be a shining star in the Bluegrass heavens.

GeorgeBoyle5string

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 21:22:01 -0800

George Boyle at LaGrange, Georgia Bluegrass Festival with his new 5-string

MikeAndFrankGV

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 21:22:01 -0800

Mike and Frank at Grass Valley

Shelby

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 21:22:01 -0800

Shelby Gold plays and sings with her two sister’s, Analise and Jocelyn, in their band Gold Heart. Their debut album "Journey to Heaven’s Bright Shore" was produced by James King & Kevin Prater and released in 2006. While Shelby was working on the album she got to play Adam Haynes’ Frank’s Fiddle #73 and ended up buying it from Adam. Shelby is a proud owner of a Frank’s Fiddle and just placed #1 Jr. Entertainer at the VFMA—Virginia State Competition. According to Dad, Trent, Shelby was "AWESOME". For more information about the band, go to www.goldheartbluegrass.com.

NickDumas

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 21:22:01 -0800

Nick Dumas is an award winning bluegrass fiddler who with band mates from the former Three Generations Bluegrass Band, formed Northern Departure in 2008. Frank and Karen first met Nick’s family at the 2006 Darrington, Washington festival when Nick tried out Frank’s #132 fiddle, an instrument with a beautiful Myrtle wood back. Before the weekend was over, Nick’s Grandma Dumas purchased the instrument for him. When we saw Mrs. Dumas at Wintergrass 2007, she told Frank "this fiddle is the best investment I ever made". For more information about the band, go to www.northerndeparture.com or www.myspace.com/northerndeparture.

IMG_3140

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 21:22:01 -0800

Aimee Anderson of The Anderson Family Bluegrass Band takes delivery of her completed Frank's Fiddle #146 at Plymouth, CA Festival in Sep. 2007. See the Fiddle Gallery for additional photos of this fiddle.

DSC_0263

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 21:22:01 -0800

Lynn Miller is pictured here holding her new 5-string purchased from Frank at the Annual Father's Day Festival sponsored by the California Bluegrass Association at Grass Valley, CA. When Lynn tried out the 5-string on Saturday, she came back to our booth with tears in her eyes. In just a few minutes of playing, she had truly bonded with the instrument. Lynn plays with the Old Time Fiddlers and several other groups in the Grass Valley area.

KenVirt_126_128

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 21:22:01 -0800

Ken Virt, Green Bay, WI, is the proud owner of two of Frank's fiddles, #126 and #128. Ken heard about Frank's instruments from B.J. and Molly Cherryholmes at a festival and purchased his first instrument in August 2006. When Ken decided he would like to have a second instrument to keep at work, he contacted Frank and purchased his second instrument in October 2007. Ken is pictured here with #126 on his right and #128 on his left.

MrVirt_160_164

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 21:22:01 -0800

Mr. Ken Virt, Green Bay, WI, is pictured here with his custom ordered instruments: #160, a 4-string Guarneri model with a Myrtlewood back and #164, a 5-string Maggini model with a Myrtlewood back.

CatieJo

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 21:22:01 -0800

Catie Jo is pictured here with her new Frank's fiddle, #112. According to her Mom, "Catie Jo is totally in love with her new fiddle." Catie Jo plays with The Whistlepig String Band and you can visit their website at http://www.whistlepigs.com.

DavidRietz

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 21:22:01 -0800

This photo of David Rietz was taken at Plymouth, CA. David purchased his 5-string in 2008 and plays with several bands in the Sacramento area.

FRANKS174FIDDLE008

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 21:22:01 -0800

Ken Virt is pictured here with his award winning Frank's fiddle #174. This instrument placed 3rd in the first round steel string division at the Arizona Violin Makers competition in October 2009.

JessBarry.jpg

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 21:22:01 -0800

Jess Barry plays one of Frank's 5-strings, #77. Jess played with Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver in 2003. He now plays in several bands in Arizona and New Mexico.

JohnMuellerMay2008

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 21:22:01 -0800

John Mueller of the Mueller Family Band is pictured at Branson, MO with his new Frank's fiddle, #159. Visit the Muellers at http://www.muellerfamilymusic.com.

LaurahAndSarahMueller

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 21:22:01 -0800

Sarah Mueller, left, and Laurah Meuller, right, are pictured at IBMA, Nashville in 2006. Frank had just delivered their new instruments, #136 and #135. Visit the Muellers at http://www.muellerfamilymusic.com.

LouFonteAndFrank

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 21:22:01 -0800

Lou Fonte, Jr. is pictured with Frank at Grass Valley, CA where he just received his custom ordered 5-string. Lou also owns one of Frank's 4-strings so now he says he has a matching set.

MeghanHalCieraSchulthies

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 21:22:01 -0800

From left to right are Meghan Schulthies, her Grandfather, Hal, and her sister, Ciera. Hal Schulthies purchased Meghan's fiddle, #49, in 2001 and Ciera's fiddle, #138 in 2006. They are a great family!

Mikayla

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 21:22:01 -0800

Mikayla Lee, a young lady from Boise, is pictured playing her custom made fiddle, #175. Mikayla has been playing just a few months and will be playing in her first fiddle contest in June 2010. What a talented young lady!

Rachelle1

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 21:22:01 -0800

Rachelle played her new Frank's fiddle, #163, in the Tehachapi Fiddlin' Down The Tracks contest one week after Frank delivered it. Rachelle placed 7th out of 25. Great job Rachelle!

SandraArvold

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 21:22:01 -0800

Sandra Arvold is pictured here with her new Frank's fiddle, #168. Sandra was the lucky winner of the fiddle raffle at the 2010 Bluegrassin' on the River festival. Sandra plays violin at church and loves bluegrass.

SumbureruSisters

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 21:22:01 -0800

The Sumbureru sisters, Sekayi, Fara and Nyasha are pictured here with their Daniels fiddles. Fara and Sekayi perform with the Jr. Jammers and Nyasha is involved with the music program at college.

AndrewMorton27

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 21:22:01 -0800

Andrew Morton recently purchased Frank's #27 fiddle that was previously owned by the late Floyd Strickland. Andrew is now a member of Brightwater Junction, a band from the midwest. He e-mailed that he "loves this fiddle and can't say enough about it".

ClayJohnson62

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 21:22:01 -0800

Clay, a young man from Oregon, is pictured in the practice room at the Nat'l Old Time Fiddle contest at Weiser. Clay competed with his Frank's Fiddle #62. He didn't make the second round but played very well.

Jeanie Ramos178

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 21:22:01 -0800

Jeanie Ramos is pictured here with her new custom ordered 5-string. Jeanie plays guitar and keyboard and has a wonderful voice. Her husband, Terry, wanted her to have a very special fiddle.

KlancieSeilerwFranksFiddle5

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 21:22:01 -0800

Klancie Seiler is pictured here with her Frank's Fiddle #5. Klancie served as Miss Jr. Rodeo Idaho in 2009-2010. Klancie performs with the Junior Jammer Fiddlers who perform in the Treasure Valley.

LisaRay30

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 21:22:01 -0800

Lisa Ray is pictured playing her Frank's Fiddle #30. Lisa performed with Cedar Hill for a number of years before she became a full time caregiver for her Grandmother. Lisa teaches fiddle, mandolin and guitar in Harrison, AR and plays at local events.

TomGunterman176

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 21:22:01 -0800

Tom Gunterman is pictured here with his new 5-string, #176 along with his dog Charlie Girl. As well as being an excellent musician, Tom teaches Japanese. He considers himself a jazz violinist, but also plays in a rock band called "Walking Spanish".

Layne76

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 21:22:01 -0800

Layne is pictured here with her Frank’s fiddle #76. Layne met Frank a number of years ago and expressed a desire to some day have one of his instruments. She explained that in school she was first chair violinist in the orchestra. Years later she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and now that she is in a wheel chair has difficulty playing. In 2010, Layne’s dream of owning a Frank’s Fiddle became a reality at the Bluegrass Festival in Lake Havasu City, Arizona when she got #76. Layne promised Frank and Karen that she would play them a tune that fall at the Bluegrass Festival in Plymouth and she did. What a moving experience that was. Layne found that the fingers of her left hand were becoming stronger since she is playing again, and she is working hard on her bowing and strengthening her right hand.

MakalaShippey179

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 21:22:01 -0800

Makaela’s Grandfather bought her Frank’s fiddle #179 in January 2011. Makaela is a very talented young lady who performs with the Junior Jammers of Idaho and with her sister and grandparents. She has competed at the Idaho Open Fiddle Contest and at the National Fiddle Contest held in Weiser, Idaho. Her grandparents shared with us that Makaela organizes a talent show each year with her sister and cousins and they perform for the whole family. Frank and Karen had the privilege of hearing Makaela perform on her new fiddle at the Country Gospel Hoedown in March and were impressed by how well she played and how good #179 sounded.

Justen Haynes180

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 21:22:01 -0800

Justen Haynes, fiddler for Russell Moore and IIIrd Tyme Out, is pictured here with his Frank’s fiddle #180. Justen’s love of music was influenced at an early age by his parents who played in the Gospel Band Sonrise. He developed a passion for bluegrass music and learned to play all of the instruments. At age 9 he started his first tour gig by playing bass with Sonrise, but enjoyed playing the banjo and the fiddle off stage. In high school he participated in the Virginia State Orchestra and at Shenandoah Musical Conservatory he sat first chair. While in college he began playing with Michelle Nixon and Drive and after three years had an opportunity to begin playing fiddle with IIIrd Tyme Out.

DanielFoulks181

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 21:22:01 -0800

Daniel Foulks, fiddler for the Mark Phillips and the IIIrd Generation Bluegrass Band, is pictured at Bullhead, Arizona with his Frank’s fiddle #181. Daniel comes from a classical background and received a BME Bachelors of Music Education degree from OU. When not playing with the band, Daniel teaches orchestra and teaches various instruments to about 20 private students. He has produced a CD titled "Gypsy Wind Zigeuner Threads" and a CD recorded with the Cleveland County Ramblers. Because of his musical background Daniel adds a very versatile sound to the band.

Ludi182

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 21:22:01 -0800

Ludi’s Grandfather purchased Frank’s fiddle #182 for her in December. Ludi has played fiddle since age four and comes from a long line of musicians. Even though she is a very busy teen who performs with the Junior Jammers of Idaho, competes at fiddle contests, and plays sports, she has found time to share her talent 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 watched Ludi perform at the Country Gospel Hoedown in March and thought Ludi played well and #182 sounded great.

Caroline184

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 21:22:01 -0800

Caroline "Charley" Blessing purchased her Frank’s fiddle #184 at the Lake Havasu City, Arizona Bluegrass Festival. Caroline began playing classical music at age 7, has studied old time fiddle and is now working on her bluegrass/fiddle music. She recently wrote to us saying that her "new Frank’s Fiddle is so fun and easy to play and that about every day several tunes just have to be fiddled." Caroline and Jerry Turner organize Bluegrass Jamming Tours through www.cruise2jam.com. Check this website out for a great opportunity to partake in several days of jamming while enjoying some fun in the sun.