This Is The Midwest's Most Bizarre Musical Instrument

🎉 Prepare to be amazed by the Stumpf Fiddle, the Midwest’s most eccentric musical instrument. Learn its history and how to make your own! 🎶 #WisconsinNews #SheboyganWI #ArtsAndEntertainment

SHEBOYGAN, WI – Here in the mighty (goofy) Midwest, a curious musical instrument has been captivating audiences for decades. The Stumpf Fiddle, a unique combination of percussion and stringed elements, has become a beloved part of the region’s rich musical heritage. The instrument – with roots in ancient Europe – has close ties to Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Let’s explore its fascinating history!

Collection of Stumpf Fiddles — *What a racket! Just imagine the combined musical force of these playing in harmony all at once!*

🎶 The Anatomy of a Stumpf Fiddle

At its core, a Stumpf Fiddle consists of a long wooden pole or handle, often adorned with a spring at the bottom. A key component is the resonator, typically a pie tin or tambourine, which is attached to the pole.

Baling wire is stretched from the top to the bottom of the instrument, crossing the resonator to create a unique sound. Makers often add an array of noisemakers, such as bells, horns, or woodblocks, to give their Stumpf Fiddle a distinctive character.

Photo gallery of the Stumpf Fiddle — *Midwesterners know how to party, don’t cha know?!*

🌽 From Rhythm Sticks to Stumpf Fiddles: A Journey Through Time

The origins of the Stumpf Fiddle can be traced back to the rhythm sticks of Central Europe, which made their way to the United States in the early 20th century. As the instrument evolved, it took on various names, such as the pogo cello, devil’s stick (or devil’s fiddle), bumbass, hum strum, or the Amish stomp fiddle (that’s what my hubby Jack calls his).

However, it was in the 1970s when brothers Charlie and Bob Cronin, along with Bill Schwartz – all from Sheboygan, Wisconsin – began marketing their version of the instrument, dubbing it the “Stumpf Fiddle” after a mythical character named Harry Stumpf. They claimed Stumpf had a pegleg which he had jazzed up with all sorts of bells, buzzers and horns which provided them for the inspiration for their instrument.

Several years before their instrument building business, the Cronin brothers had first met Schwartz at a Packers game in Green Bay.

Ironically, the modern Sheboygan-made Stumpf Fiddle soon started to appear in the stands of area football games as it proved to be exceptional at making a racket in support of the Green Bay Packers.

🍺 Sheboyan, Wisconsin’s Claim to Fame

The instrument became so popular that by 1979, the town of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, was officially named the “Stumpf Fiddle Capital of the World”. How’s that for an honor?

So why is the Stumpf Fiddle so popular in Wisconsin? Well, a good rule of thumb is that the more you drink, the better the Stumpf Fiddle will sound. So…um, yeah.

And here’s a fun tidbit: folks here in our home state of Minnesota also love jamming on the Stumpf Fiddle, but us Gophers have created a “sister instrument” called the German Fiddle. It trades the pie tin for an old coffee can and doesn’t have a woodblock or a ball at the bottom.

Get ready to be enchanted by the Kashubian community's music and their most spellbinding instrument—the Devil's Fiddle! — *In our home town of **Winona, Minnesota** there is a large population of Kashubians, who brought the ancient “Devil’s Fiddle” over from Poland. **Read more about it now**.*

🎊 Stumpf Fiddles in Action: Festivals and Contests

Across the Midwest, Stumpf Fiddles have become a staple at various events and celebrations. In Wisconsin, brat fries and Stumpf Fiddle contests are annual traditions, showcasing the instrument’s popularity and the creativity of its makers. The Stumpf Fiddle has also found its way into various musical genres, from bluegrass and polka to country and folk.

🌟 Notable Stumpf Fiddlers and Bands

While the Stumpf Fiddle is primarily a folk instrument, it has been embraced by several notable musicians and bands. Ali Gilkeson of the Rend Collective Experiment, an instrumental group with Northern Irish roots, has showcased the Stumpf Fiddle’s potential on stage.

Other artists, such as Mojo Nixon and Redd Foxx, have also incorporated the instrument into their performances. The Stumpf Fiddle also is a favorite with skiffle bands in England and jug bands in America.

A man with a tater tot for a head is eating a slice of pizza in a cabin in Minnesota. — *The only reason you are seeing this cartoon is so we can tell you that we have awesome **jokes about drinking beer** (hello, Wisconsin!) and **jokes about eating pizza** (hello, Heaven!).*

🤪 Delightfully Goofy…Just Like the Midwest!

The Stumpf Fiddle’s enduring popularity across the Midwest and its growing recognition in other regions highlight the unwavering ingenuity and inventiveness that characterize American folk music traditions.

This unique instrument embodies the resourcefulness and playfulness of musicians who seek to create engaging and memorable experiences for their audiences, ensuring that the Stumpf Fiddle will continue to delight and inspire for generations to come.

Whether you’re a seasoned musician or simply looking for a unique way to join in the revelry, the Stumpf Fiddle offers an accessible and entertaining avenue to explore the rich culture of Midwestern musical traditions.

How to Make Your Own Stumpf Fiddle by Jack and Kitty — *We found this amazing photo online and it was credited to Rachel Lukas. It’s incredible!*

🛠️ How To Make a Stumpf Fiddle: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating your own Stumpf Fiddle is a fun and rewarding experience that allows you to customize your instrument to your liking. With a few simple materials and a bit of creativity, you’ll be playing your very own Stumpf Fiddle in no time.

Just remember: there are no “rules” for making a Stumpf Fiddle, and the building process is greatly aided by several beers (at least). With that in mind, here’s what you’ll need:

🌳 1. The Foundation: Begin with a sturdy wooden stick, such as an old shovel handle or a broomstick. This will serve as the backbone of your Stumpf Fiddle.

🪵 2. Woodblock: Don’t forget to add a woodblock to your Stumpf Fiddle! This simple yet effective percussion element will add a satisfying ‘clunk’ to your instrument’s unique sound.

🔔 3. Bells and Whistles: Now it’s time to get creative! Attach a wood block, a cowbell, a bike bell, and even a bike horn to your Stumpf Fiddle. The more noisemakers you add, the more distinctive your instrument will be.

🎻 4. “Strings” and Springs: Stretch two door springs across the pie tins or beer tray. These will act as your Stumpf Fiddle’s “strings,” adding a unique twang to your instrument’s sound.

🥧 5. The Resonator: Next, attach two pie tins to the stick, one on each side. For an extra percussive effect, fill the tins with a handful of unpopped popcorn kernels or dried beans. Alternatively, you can use a beer tray for a different sound.

🥁 6. The Beat Stick: Finally, find a suitable drumstick or dowel to use as your beat stick. This will be your trusty tool for striking the various parts of your Stumpf Fiddle and keeping the rhythm flowing.

🎄 7. Jingle All the Way: For an extra festive touch, consider adding some sleigh bells to your Stumpf Fiddle. They’ll provide a cheerful jingle and jangle as you play.

🎾 8. Bounce and Rhythm: Attach a rubber ball or tennis ball to the base of the stick. This will give your Stumpf Fiddle a bit of bounce and help you keep the rhythm as you play.

With your Stumpf Fiddle assembled, it’s time to let your creativity run wild. Experiment with different combinations of strikes, bounces, and jingles to create your own unique sound.

Whether you’re jamming with friends or performing for an audience, your homemade Stumpf Fiddle is sure to be a conversation starter and a source of endless musical fun. Happy (and noisy) travels!

By the way, you can give the official Stumpf Fiddle website a look-see here. And check out the Fish Creek Winter Fest on Facebook here (where we saw that cool photo at the top of this article).

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🗣 Have you ever seen a Stumpf Fiddle before? Are you inspired to build your own? Tell us your favorite wacky thing about life in the Midwest and maybe we’ll feature it on our blog! We’d LOVE to hear from you in the comments section below. ⬇️