I just finished reading about how fiddler's of the Appalachian area used to put rattlesnake rattles (tail) inside their fiddles (through the f-hole). It is said that because rattlers live when it is dry, their rattles absorb the water out of the air and it is believed that it will also take any water/humidity out of the violin as well.

I also read that this has been done in Texas as well. Folks in Texas often left their fiddles hanging on the wall. The rattlers were used to keep out the mice who might otherwise make their home there. The rattles keep out spiders too.

The resulting swooshing sound is said to enhance the sound of the fiddle as well.

Anybody ever heard of this before or tried it?

Michelle