Oklahoma State Musical Instrument

Fiddle

Adopted on May 14, 1984.

The Fiddle was adopted as Oklahoma's State Musical Instrument on May 14, 1984. The drum is also a musical symbol of Oklahoma.

The instrument was adaptable to many forms of music, could be played without extensive formal training and was light and easy to carry. For generations, the local fiddle player was the sole source of entertainment in many communities and held a position of great respect in the region.

Primitive bowed instruments of many types exist around the world and some are still widely used, but the modern Violin first appeared in Italy in the early 16th century. Well known early fiddle makers include Guarneri, Amati and Stradivari. The modern classical violin has a longer neck and fingerboard, and a greater neck angle than the original baroque design, in order to provide more volume. Many early violins were modified in the early 1800s to match the requirements of the new design, and can be identified by the grafting on of a new neck.

Oklahoma State Musical Instrument: Fiddle

The violin top and back are carved out from solid wood. The top is spruce and the back, sides and neck are generally from sycamore. The bassbar is an integral and tonally important part of the top. The soundpost is fitted about 1/4" behind the treble foot of the bridge and connects the front and back of the instrument acoustically in a way that shapes the sound considerably. The most popular type of sycamore used in violins has a curl in the grain which shows up as a flame effect. The edges of the body are almost always inlaid with a band of purfling. Copies and originals of the Italian maker Maggini will have two separate purflings

Oklahoma Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 25

A Concurrent Resolution designated the fiddle as the official state musical instrument; and directing distribution.

WHEREAS, the State of Oklahoma has no official state musical instrument at this time; and

WHEREAS, the fiddle is a symbol of the exceptional musical heritage of this state and enjoyed by its citizens.

Now, Therefore, be it resolved by the Senate of the 2nd Session of the 39th Oklahoma Legislature, the House of Representatives concurring therein:

THAT the fiddle is hereby designated and adopted as the official musical instrument of the State of Oklahoma.

THAT a copy of this resolution shall be dispatched to the Governor of the State of Oklahoma and the Executive Director of the Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department.

Adopted by the Senate the 9th day of February, 1984.
Adopted by the House of Representatives the 10th day of May, 1984.
Filed with the Secretary of State May 14, 1984.