O.O.Henderson

Oral O. Henderson, fiddle maker, Elkview, WV

O.O. "Double Ought" Henderson was a fiddle maker from Kanawha County, WV. His instruments are highly prized for both their beauty and their rich sound, particularly in the lower registers. O.O. Henderson built about 75 fiddles and passed away in 1995. Henderson fiddles are difficult to appraise, though it's clear that he sold them for much less than they were worth.

violins

top - Cheat Mtn Spruce, a.k.a. Yew Pine
back & sides - WV Maple
tailpiece & chinrest - WV Maple
mother-of-pearl, diamond shaped inlay in center of fingerboard
top & back plate single purfling
inscribed in center of right bout - a double circle with "MADE BY O.O.HENDERSON" between and "1993" across the center circle

violin #62, 1993

back plate is one piece, slab sawn

violin #61, 1993

back plate is two piece, quarter sawn

violin stand - WV Cherry