Interview with Byron Berline, October 21, 2006

Interview Summary

This interview was conducted in Berline's Double Stop Fiddle Shop in Guthrie, Oklahoma. The shop and its inventory were destroyed by fire on February 23, 2019. Some instruments enclosed in fire safes were saved. During this interview, Berline gives a tour of the Double Stop Fiddle Shop, describing various instruments including several that are custom-made. He describes the types of qualities he personally looks for when buying a fiddle, describes the parts of a fiddle and how they work, and talks about the parts of a bow and the importance of a good bow. Berline demonstrates the differences in sound between several fiddles in his shop. He gives advice to aspiring musicians.

Interview Keyword

Double Stop Fiddle Shop Arnold Schwarzenegger Luthiers Lloyd Loar Fiddle players Fiddlers Fiddles Violins

Interview LC Subject

Guthrie (Okla.) Bluegrass musicians Musical instruments. Musical instrument makers. Old-time music. Bluegrass music.

Interview Rights

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Interview Usage

Interviews may only be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.