Harold Hayslett: Self-Taught Instrument Maker
When Harold Hayslett sees a tree or a slab of wood, he hears the music. Tapping on a piece of spruce or maple, he can detect depth, breadth and lightness – he can even distinguish individual notes.
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“There is a richness to Harold’s instruments, a tone as distinctive as that of a Stradivarius or Guarneri,” said Bobby Taylor, a fourth-generation West Virginia fiddler. “If I had to choose among them, I think I’d keep my Hayslett.”
A Lifelong Passion
Hayslett was raised on a family farm in Putnam County, West Virginia, the oldest of five children. He made his first instrument at the age of six – a simple banjo, made from a lard can lid nailed onto a board and strung with wire from his parents’ screen door. He started making violins at the age of 14.
After serving in World War II, Hayslett returned to West Virginia and eventually worked in maintenance at Union Carbide’s South Charleston plant. It wasn’t long before Hayslett began making instruments again. He established his workshop in 1954 in the basement of his South Charleston home, where he devoted much of his time to learning his craft. After a 33-year career at Union Carbide, Hayslett retired and turned his full attention to instrument making.
Hayslett now makes internationally recognized instruments from the trees of Appalachia. He has built 83 violins, 63 cellos, 13 violas, six bows, one bass fiddle and one mandolin. These instruments are cherished by musicians from around the world.
“Either it’s love at first sight or they date them for a while, playing them over and over until they’ve decided this is the one they want for life,” said Hayslett’s daughter Deborah.
Just Me and the Wood
Hayslett is dedicated to providing quality instruments for professional musicians and students. He also enjoys making instrument repairs for the community.
“My hearing isn’t the best these days,” said Hayslett, “but when it’s just me and the wood, I hear fine.”
Hayslett’s instruments have won numerous awards, including the Violin Society of America’s Gold Medal for tone and workmanship in 1980. He is also listed in the Violin Makers of the United States, had an article published in the Journal of the Violin Society of America and was featured in Reader’s Digest.
While Hayslett’s renown has spread, he has no interest in fame – he simply cherishes the sound of good wood. As he knocks on different cut boards and draws a bow across finished instruments, he shows how each instrument has its own sound, its own voice.
“Do you hear that?” he asks.
To learn more about Hayslett and his instruments, visit hayslettviolins.com.