Welcome to Frank's Fiddles

This small business located in Meridian, Idaho sells violins / fiddles and violas handcrafted by the owner, Frank Daniels.  Frank also does repair work, and sells used instruments and violin accessories.

Frank's Fiddles has been in business for eleven wonderful years thanks to all who have purchased and who play Frank's instruments.  Frank and his wife, Karen, have quite an extended family with all the great people they have come to know and care about through this business.

As of February 2008, Frank has completed 161 instruments.  This number includes 122 violins / fiddles; 25 five-string fiddles; 7 left-handed fiddles; and 7 violas (15-1/2 - 16-5/8).  Frank's hand-crafted instruments are recognized for their excellent tone, evenness, good projection, ease of playability, and their beautifully figured wood.

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

Award Winning Fiddles
At the Violin Makers Association of Arizona, Intl. (VMAAI) annual competition, Frank has won numerous tone awards for his instruments.  At the 1997, 1999, 2005 and 2006 competitions Frank's 11th, 34th, 113th and 120th steel-string fiddles placed first in tone.  In 1998 his 23rd violin placed 2nd in tone in the gut-string category.  In 1999 and 2000 his large violas placed first in tone and in 2005 his 7th viola placed 3rd in tone and in workmanship.

In 1999, his 34th instrument, a steel-string violin, was awarded the Bob Wallace Memorial Grand Championship Award.  This instrument was judged best in tone (by playing and listening judges) out of over 80 gut-string and steel-string violins.

Cherryholmes with two of their Frank's Fiddles at a festival in Arizona, Oct. 2006.

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

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

The trophies Frank has won since 1997