Lebron Batey.
A little about Lebron...
In the shop behind his Sylvania, Alabama home, Lebron
Batey works patiently on his next masterful instrument.
Batey began his craft more than 8 years ago, working
under Ider, AL master fiddle maker Gene Ivey. After a
nine-month internship, Ivey and Batey discovered a
hidden talent in the new craftsman. Once he completed
his first fiddles and one mandolin, Batey so loved the art,
he built his metal shop to allow him to further concentrate
on fiddle making.
Creating these masterpieces is no easy task and Batey
takes every care to ensure the utmost quality of each
piece. Combining the intricate work of hand carving and
Batey works patiently on his next masterful instrument.
Batey began his craft more than 8 years ago, working
under Ider, AL master fiddle maker Gene Ivey. After a
nine-month internship, Ivey and Batey discovered a
hidden talent in the new craftsman. Once he completed
his first fiddles and one mandolin, Batey so loved the art,
he built his metal shop to allow him to further concentrate
on fiddle making.
Creating these masterpieces is no easy task and Batey
takes every care to ensure the utmost quality of each
piece. Combining the intricate work of hand carving and
more accurate machines, Batey perfects each fiddle with the eye and skill of a true
craftsman. Using only the highest quality parts-Batey makes his fiddles out of wood
aged 10-150 years. "The older the better," says Batey. Each fiddle requires
approximately 100 man-hours spread over a couple of months.
Balancing a full time-second shift job, spending time with his family, being an active
member of his church-New Home Baptist Church (Pisgah, AL), and still being able to
create such time consuming works of art might seem too much for some. Yet, Batey
keeps a healthy balance on all these and sees fiddle making as a form of stress relief.
All his hard work has not been in vein. Batey's talents have caught the attention of
several notable musicians throughout the bluegrass and country music world. Names
such as Doyle Lawson, Jackie Miller with Ronnie Reno and the Reno Tradition, Danny
Roberts of the Grascals, Jeff Tolbert of the Primitive Quartet, and others have all sought
out his work.
His friendship with mandolinist Danny Roberts brought about a rare opportunity for
Batey. The Gibson Company in Nashville, TN was looking for upscale fiddles to sale.
The company chose Batey's. The first year of sales saw 6 fiddles pass through Gibson.
Last year 13 were purchased. For more information on Lebron Batey or to ask about
purchasing a fiddle please contact Lebron by mail, e-mail, or phone.
craftsman. Using only the highest quality parts-Batey makes his fiddles out of wood
aged 10-150 years. "The older the better," says Batey. Each fiddle requires
approximately 100 man-hours spread over a couple of months.
Balancing a full time-second shift job, spending time with his family, being an active
member of his church-New Home Baptist Church (Pisgah, AL), and still being able to
create such time consuming works of art might seem too much for some. Yet, Batey
keeps a healthy balance on all these and sees fiddle making as a form of stress relief.
All his hard work has not been in vein. Batey's talents have caught the attention of
several notable musicians throughout the bluegrass and country music world. Names
such as Doyle Lawson, Jackie Miller with Ronnie Reno and the Reno Tradition, Danny
Roberts of the Grascals, Jeff Tolbert of the Primitive Quartet, and others have all sought
out his work.
His friendship with mandolinist Danny Roberts brought about a rare opportunity for
Batey. The Gibson Company in Nashville, TN was looking for upscale fiddles to sale.
The company chose Batey's. The first year of sales saw 6 fiddles pass through Gibson.
Last year 13 were purchased. For more information on Lebron Batey or to ask about
purchasing a fiddle please contact Lebron by mail, e-mail, or phone.
Lebron Batey Fiddles
WELCOME
 | |  | |  | |  |
