The information in this biography was published in 2015, based on interviews prior to that date. Later events and accomplishments may not be included.
Neil MacCannell
Image
Name
MacCannell, Neil
Pronunciation Guide
Last two syllables rhyme with "panel"
Dates
1919-2002
Where Raised
Residence
Occupation
salesman, luthier
Role
Luthier
Neil MacCannell took up fiddling, violin repair, and violin making in the mid-1970s at the age of about 55. By the early 1990s, he was one of the most trusted luthiers on PEI, and fiddlers from all over the Island came to his basement workshop in Charlottetown with their instruments to be repaired and bows to be rehaired.
According to MacCannell, most of the instruments and bows he encountered on the Island were of relatively poor quality (many had in fact been massed produced and originally purchased for a few dollars from Eaton's Catalog). This makes the lively, powerful, singing tone that Island fiddlers bring out of their instruments all the more remarkable.
When Neil was growing up he was an avid participant at fiddle dances in and around his native Lorne Valley, and notes that his very favorite fiddler was Jack Webster of Cardigan. He offers a vivid description of the house parties in his youth, including how step-dancing fit into the proceedings, and what kinds of treats might be served by the host family.
Both Neil and his son Don (whom he had also brought into his luthier business) were founding members of the Prince Edward Island Fiddlers' Society.
Images
Neil MacCannell (left) and son Don MacCannell with two violins that they crafted
Oral histories
| Treats served at house parties | "Lunch" (the after hours meal provided at house parties) | info and transcript |
| House parties around Lorne Valley | Very vivid description of house parties in his youth | info and transcript |
| Step-dancing at house parties | Stepdancing at house parties; each requested their own special tune; "Lord MacDonald's Reel" was most popular | info and transcript |