The Fiddle Handbook

Chris Haigh has done the musical world a great favor by writing this book. Many people who learn to play the violin are curious about the fiddling world, the non-classical side of violin playing, but they don't know where to begin nor do they understand the finer points of distinction between fiddling in different styles or from different geographical locations. Many classically-oriented violin teachers haven't explored the fiddling world so they can't help their students very much. Chris Haigh has created a great resource for people to learn more about all the various fiddling styles and regions. He has done so in a well-organized manner, providing lots of music examples in the book as well as on the accompanying CDs so each point is clearly explained and demonstrated. Everybody who wants to be a more well-rounded violinist as well as people who simply are curious about the fiddling world should buy this book!

Lots of interesting information in this book, and I am not sorry I bought it. But, it is missing so much that I might expect in a Fiddle Handbook.I expected a bunch of exercises, like the 40 or so bowing exercises basic to skilled fiddling in Randy Miller's "Fiddler's Friend", or in Gordon Stobbe's "Red Book".The Bluegrass chapter has some developmental exercises, and a few bars of stuff is scattered about, here and there, but developing the skills of the fiddler seems to be "kept for another book".Each chapter includes a basic tune or two, to illustrate the style it covers.Good book with some good information, but it could have been a great book.

I've never seen a finer resource for a fiddler when it comes to presenting and elucidating the history and methods of the various popular styles available to one of intermediate skill. Only country and jazz seem a bit short-changed, with no popular tune examples. Perhaps that was for copyright reasons. But even they have well-explained samples of their particular approaches, and, with study and memorization of the chords, set a player up to begin jazz improvisation. All that and the author's always funny and sometimes laugh-out-loud humor make this a wonderful bargain. Thank you, Mr. Haigh.

This collection of fiddle style information not only presents an excellent detailed analysis of how each genre began and developed, but also presents their current position in the world of fiddling. Each style is broken down into its important elements, and examples for playing special style-tunes and important licks are included in notation and on the accompanying CDs for those who appreciate aural learning. An excellent source for fiddlers (or those who appreciate fiddle music) to perhaps learn a bit more detail about their own favorite fiddle style as well as to appreciate the style elements of their peers. The book's cover, binding, materials, layout, graphics and general usability are no less than outstanding.

This is a book that I highly recommend. I liked it so much that after renewing it from the library twice I decided to purchase it. Not a book of pieces, but a book about history, style, technique, and ornaments that relate to the many different styles: Cajun, bluegrass, Irish, Scottish, English, Klezmer and others. Comes with 2 CDs. A real bargain for the fiddle player/teacher/musicologist. Every fiddler/teacher I've show it to has wanted to buy it or borrow it.

I'm a little disappointed that this book didn't rise to the standards I expected with this series of instructional books. The CD's in the back certainly help; somewhat, but they were hard to get out of the sleeves and putting them back was impossible. Usually in these books you can read and understand how to play a certain style. No so with this book. Had to actually listen to the CD and even that didn't really trip my trigger.I do better just listening to all kinds of music on line and playing along. Book is for a more advanced player and didn't really help me at all.

What a treasure! This is a great book, hardbound, but also spiraled so lays open easily. History, sheet music, cds, this book has it all and the author has a fun way of writing that is very engaging. I took up the fiddle just recently and am admittedly hooked on the subject anyway, but this is just great.

Well written and researched. Good coverage of the fiddling styles, their history, variations, and nice sample music printed in the book. Chris Haigh has a very readable and witty writing style.

I read a recommendation for this book in an issue of 'Strad' magazine, so I had no hesitation in buying it. The huge strength of this publication is the inclusion of 2 CDs to illustrate the many features explained in the various chapters. Even if you don't play the violin, the book is worth having. And if you do, there is a wealth of material to inspire for years.

Bought as a present. Very well presented ring bound book, it looks great. It has different chapters on the fiddle as played in different countries/styles. This is accompanied by music sheets and CD's. My only complaint is that the pages do not always flow over the ring binder. Overall, a great buy.

I agree with all the previous five star reviews. A book to broaden horizons, entertain and challenge, but presented in a very accessible and entertaining way. I am a relatively new to the violin (circa grade 4), but this book has given me a whole new instrument to play and a great deal to keep me interested for years to come.

A great reference book and guide to fiddle playing in different genre. No point in asking me if I want to sell it on, this stayes on my bookshelf

Very good all round education to the fiddle. Made into a format that opens flat for ease of playing. Am impressed with it!