Just for my own amusement, I've compiled this list of left-handed fiddlers I've heard either in-person or on recordings or just heard of. Interestingly, I have seen no young people learning to play left-handed. Perhaps the standardizing influence of teachers and the general discouragement of left-handed play in the violin world will mean that someday there will be no left-handers at all.
As for technique, all those listed below played standard fiddles "over the bass" as it were. One of them, Ted Welch, converted from right-handed play after shooting off his left hand right below the wrist in a hunting accident. He even went so far as devise a rig for holding the blow with the remaining stump on the left hand. A No. 3 cream corn can with a small screw clamp for holding the bow...
Thanks-----Charlie Walden
| Cyril Stinnett, Oregon, MO |
| Dwight Lamb, Onawa, IA |
| Ted Welch, Palmyra, MO |
| Lloyd Wanzer, ID |
| Jake Hockemeyer, Mokane, MO |
| Cecil Goforth, Rolla, MO |
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