Lyle Reedy

Long-time Transylvania County resident Lyle Reedy first became interested in building fiddles when he moved to North Carolina nearly a quarter century ago. He learned by self-instruction, trial and error, and the advice of local instrument-makers. “Most of the wood I use is local, much of it grown in this county and obtained from a friend who has a small sawmill. All of the carving is done by hand, with power tools used minimally for a few operations, such as drilling peg holes. Many of my tools are home-made, for both economy and functionality.”

Reedy was actively involved in the local and regional craft activities, as well as the area’s traditional music. He was listed in HandMade in America’s artist registry, and was a founding member of the Transylvania County Heritage Center

He demonstrated “several times a year, presently including at the Mt. Airy Fiddlers’ Convention, Elk Creek in Virginia, Johnson Farm Festival in Henderson County, Forest Festival Day at the Cradle of Forestry in Pisgah National Forest and the old time music contest at Halloweenfest in Brevard.” He also did “one-time events, and nearly all within North Carolina. I enjoy showing what I do and how, which seems to be unusual among instrument makers.”

Lyle Reed passed away June 27, 2023 at the age of eighty-one.