Folk Fiddle
Making, Crafting and Decorating
Emma Hardy
Build a fiddle with a character and voice all its own, with this step-by-step guide to practical fiddle making
Folk Fiddle – Making, Crafting and Decorating is a richly illustrated guide for makers who want to step beyond classical violin conventions and create instruments that celebrate the artistry, storytelling and freedom of folk music. Drawing on years of hands-on experience, luthier Emma Hardy takes you through each stage of the process, from choosing timber and designing body shapes to carving scrolls, decoration, crafting and applying distinctive varnishes. With detailed photographs, clear step-by-step instructions and insights grounded in real projects, this book shows you not just how to build a fiddle, but why each choice matters.
ISBN: 9780719846724
Width: 215mm
Height: 260mm
Pages: 144
Published: July 28, 2026
Format: Paperback
About the author
Emma Hardy is a violin maker based in Sheffield, and specialises in creating instruments for folk musicians, drawing inspiration from nature, history and traditional craft. Emma is an active member of the British Violin Making Association, serving on its committee, editing the quarterly magazine, and helping coordinate the annual Makers’ Day in London. Through Hardy Violins, she builds, repairs, and restores instruments for players across the folk and classical worlds.
