Welcome to the Fiddlers Website!
HOWDY!!
Glad you took the time to stop in and visit with me. In Texas, we sit a spell and get to know one another. My name is Roy Thackerson and everyone
calls me "The Fingerless Fiddler." Thanks for your interest in my website and music! Hope you enjoy your visit
here and if you did please recommend my site to your family and friends.
Roy
| The Fingerless Fiddler |
|
| Roy Thackerson |
Roy Thackerson is not
only amazing but is "incredible" when you realize the obstacles he has overcome and the many adjustments he has
made in his life to become such a talented musician.
We are proud to support
Old Time Traditional Fiddle
&
Bluegrass
Music
|
|
| Roy's Left Hand |
At the age of 6, Roy lost the sight in his left eye and fingers on his left
hand to a dynamite cap explosion. As a result of these childhood injuries, Roy
is unable to hold and chord any stringed instrument in the ususal fashion.
Roy is not only an amazing fiddler, but also an accomplished guitar picker. Several guitar selections are featured on Pickin' North of the Red River CD.
|
|
| Gut Strap |
|
|
| Final Masterpiece |
With the help from family and friends, Roy devised a contraption he calls the "GUT STRAP." He
wears the gut strap similiar to a belt. Instead of holding up his pants, the gut strap holds up the fiddle!
Using a belt, Roy fastens the 'Gut Strap' around his waist. The
cushioned arm holds the fiddle in place as he plays/frets over the top. A large rubber
band is fastened over the scroll of the fiddle to keep it from 'floating' when pressure is applied as he frets 'over the top'
of the fiddle.
A very unique device for a very unique fiddler!
Sam Herring designed the original "gut strap" which was later
tweeked by my nephew, Billy Troy Thackerson. The final masterpiece, shown above, was custom made by James
Rushing of Ranger, Texas.
