Broke it doing a bend??? Rick, it's the string you're trying to bend, not the neck! I suppose every guitar player comes to realize how you can cause yourself undue pain without being aware you're doing it at the time. Still, a break? Awesome.

There is a wonderful fiddler near Kahoka, Mo. named Delbert Spray. He was a good friend of Monroe's and runs his own very popular festival each August. He and his wife Irma are the backbone of the Tri-State Bluegrass Association. Delbert is also a farmer, work that can be rather dangerous. Sure enough, Delbert fell victim to an accident and lost most of the index finger on his left (noting) hand. He was devastated but recovered emotionly and decided he would play anyway. He is still one of my favorite old-time fiddle players and now plays just fine using the three remaining fingers.

      - Mark