CYRIL STINNETT

Cyril Stinnett (1912–1986) was a legendary left-handed old-time fiddler from northwest Missouri, specifically from Holt County. He is widely regarded as one of the finest and most technically proficient fiddlers of his time, known for his clean, intricate bowing and exceptional precision. Stinnett played in the Missouri Valley style, which has strong roots in Midwestern and Canadian fiddling traditions.
Key Aspects of Cyril Stinnett's Fiddling:
- Left-Handed but Played a Right-Handed Fiddle: Unlike most left-handed fiddlers who either re-string the instrument or play "over the bass" (upside down), Stinnett played a standard right-handed fiddle, meaning he bowed with his left hand but kept the strings in standard order. This contributed to his uniquely smooth yet complex style.
- Champion Fiddler: He won numerous contests throughout Missouri and the Midwest, and his playing set a high bar for technical skill in old-time fiddling.
- Legendary Repertoire: Stinnett had an extensive collection of rare and intricate tunes, many of which he learned from earlier Missouri fiddlers like Casey Jones and Lyman Enloe. His repertoire included hornpipes, reels, breakdowns, and waltzes, often featuring complex bowing patterns and melodic variations.
- Influence: He influenced many fiddlers both during his lifetime and after, especially within the Missouri Valley and Midwest fiddling communities. His recordings are still studied by serious old-time and contest fiddlers today.
Recordings and Legacy: Stinnett did not record commercially as much as some of his contemporaries, but there are home recordings and contest recordings that capture his incredible playing. His playing style continues to inspire fiddlers who appreciate the Missouri Valley tradition.

Cyril Winfield Stinnett (1912-1986) lived his whole life in the northwest corner of Missouri in a small house on the prarielands near the Nebraska and Iowa state lines. He was recorded playing over 300 tunes and legend has it he knew as many again. He picked them up at dances and contests, off records and radio, and from friends. He played an ordinary strung fiddle left-handed ('over the bar') yet there's not a hint of awkwardness in his frequent excursions into third position. He was as happy in Bb or F as G or D, could pick up an out of tune fiddle and play in perfect pitch by finger compensation, and could turn in an immaculate performance. He was an impressive contest fiddler with a string of prizes but never went professional and was always willing to share tunes, fiddling tricks and advice with whoever asked. Cyril's 'edge' came from total dedication to the instrument. "Play as much as you can" he said "you can't get too much practice". Though he lived on q farm up to his death and looked after his parents into old age, he never worked particularly hard at anything other than playing the fiddle and he never married, so avoiding the major distraction of raising a family. Let's leave the last word to Bluegrass maestro Kenny Baker - when asked the ultimate leading question 'who's the best fiddler' he allegedly replied "I don't know, but I don't know anybody can beat that old man up in northwest Missouri.” (https://www.fiddlehangout.com/archive/2938)