The Fiddler's Almanac
The original source book for fiddling, published in 1985
Reviews:
American Library Association -"This informative and highly readable book is an excellent
sourcebook for all would-be fiddle players and a source of further information and
reference for players who wish to increase their knowledge and repertoire."
Tennessee Folklore Society -"This attractive and useful book is long overdue...While there
is a wealth for fiddlers of all levels, this book should be a godsend for the beginner who
usually can be seen rushing around in all directions desperately seeking sources of
information ranging from tips to beginners to sources for records and instruction books."
Bluegrass Unlimited - "Thomson is at his best when he's sharing information about the
"nuts and bolts" of fiddling: how to buy a fiddle and get your money's worth; how to learn
fiddling by ear and from printed music; how to make the most of practice time; how to
find other musicians to play with."
American Musical Instrument Society - "The Fiddler's Almanac is a compendium of
everything you ever wanted to know, but were afraid to ask about fiddling."
Sweet Potato - "The Fiddler's Almanac is just loaded with an incredible potpourri of stuff
surrounding the instrument.There are playing tips for the novice, suggestions on buying an
instrument, and dozens of anecdotes about fiddles and their players. But most of all it's a
sourcebook with over 800 listings of organizations, recordings and source materials nicely
categorized within a sea of wonderful illustrations....This book is a necessity for the fiddle
aficionado."
Frets - "Its the kind of book loaded with so many tasty, obscure facts that even a casual
skim will always turn up something to hold your interest."
Kschier Brothers - " It's terrific. Very entertaining, informative and even inspiring. You've
done an excellent job from cover to cover."
The Hornpipe - " Where else are you going to find 10 Swedish fiddle tunes, an article on
Nicole Paganini and the general rules of the National Old time Fiddler's Contest in Weiser,
Idaho, all between the same two book covers? Nowhere. Those little gems are the sorts of
information that make this a fascinating compilation of fiddle lore.... If you're not a
fiddler, this book probably will make you want to become one."
Rambles, Cultural Arts Magazine - " Parts of The Fiddler's Almanac are fun just to sit back
and read. Thomson has a pleasant, conversational style of imparting facts, often quoting
famous and obscure fiddlers in the field to make points and add color. Other sections are
intended more for reference only; they don't make good browsing, but they're handy to
have when you need the facts. If you're a fiddler or just a fan who wants to know more
than the basic "draw the bow across the strings to make sound," this is an excellent
resource to keep on your shelf."
Description of The Fiddler's Almanac
This book was written by Ryan J. Thomson, 138 pages, 8.5" by 11", This collectors edition is
hard bound with a red colored premium library grade cover and a gold stamped spine. Also
included is the CD Saturday Night Fiddler, a collection of solo fiddle tunes by Ryan
Thomson.
From happy customers:
I'm retired, and I enjoy music as a student. I must say that I really enjoyed your book,
"Fiddler's Almanac.......I was amazed how jam packed with facts, stories, varied articles
and down right good info."
J.G.
Aston, PA
Ryan,
I received the Fiddler's Almanac in today's mail. I got so engrossed in it that I am just now
getting this acknowledgement off to you. I am enjoying the heck out of the wide variety
of
information you have compiled and the anecdotal stories are great fun! By the way, a
personal
friend of mine is mentioned several times in your book. His name is Byron Berline.
T.W.
Oklahoma
Howdy Captain Fiddle! - I recently got the high bid on a copy of your fiddler's almanac.
Anyhow..... I just finished reading your fine book and just wanted to tell you how much I
enjoyed every page. I'm 28 years old and just started playing the fiddle this year and I can't
believe how happy it has made me. Your book has even managed to make me even more
excited about fiddle music! I've played guitar and mandolin for years (and made a few too)
and I can tell that the fiddle will continue to be a bigger and bigger part of my life. My
fears of beginning the instrument too late in life have been happily subdued with every
practice session, every perusal of your book, and every time I listen to the music. Thanks
for sharing all your information and putting it all
together so nicely. I don't mean to ramble on - just thought you'd like to know that your
book did its job. You made a fellow fiddler very happy.
Thanks again and take care,
M.P.
The price for both book and CD is: $29.95
