Nautical Style Bones

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Matched pairs of fine-quality musical bones handcrafted in the British Isles.

Handcrafted in England from genuine ox shins.
Each pair matched to within 2 grams.
Grouped by weight so you know what you are getting.
No two bones are exactly alike. Your item may differ slightly from photos.
Priced per pair.

Torque:
Individual bones might torque (twist) significantly more or less than the other. This variation in shape is one factor that makes Nautical Bones quite charming. On the other hand, the extent of the difference might cause delight with some players but dismay in others. If you specify whether you prefer less torque or more torque, I will try to accommodate you.

Here's what you get:
One matched pair (2 individual bones, like in the photo). That's enough to rattle the bones in one hand.

Why shop here?

Nautical Style Musical Bones

Handcrafted in the British Isles at a rustic family-owned workshop where heritage and traditional skills have been the hallmark for more than two-hundred-and-fifty years.

Poor Man's "Whale Bones"
The bones are silky smooth to the touch and built to last. They look and feel like ivory, but are actually made from ox shins. The rugged instruments are literally bone solid and quite similar in shape and texture to antique musical bones in my private collection that were fashioned from the jaw bone of a whale.

Excellent Value
If you search long and hard enough, you will find at least one other retailer who sells rare musical bones just like these. But you don't have to waste your time searching for that store. Instead, just visit the Classic Styles page of the Resources section of my information website at rhythm-bones.com. There I mention how wonderful these bones are and provide a handy link where you can see them yourself in my worthy competitor's online catalog. Last time I checked, their bones cost thirty-one dollars per pair, plus ten dollars shipping, and are now an inch longer (8"). Not a bad price for rare, top quality musical bones. Over the past fifteen years I've bought several pairs myself.

But now you can get them here for just $27.97.

Four Weights
Compared with other natural 'bone bones,' these Nautical Style Musical Rhythm Bones are already remarkably consistent in composition, size, shape and weight. And at first glance you might even think they were molded from durable plastic. Even so, I carefully cull each newly arrived shipment and examine every bone closely with a highly discriminating eye - and a gram scale.

Look close and you will see where the weight of each bone is lightly marked in pencil. (Don't worry, it rubs right off.) I should tell you that the weight of individual bones in a previous shipment ranged from 39 to 63 grams (1.4 to 2.2 ounces). To be fair, these two figures represent the extreme ends of the spectrum. And the difference in weight between those two bones was less than 1 ounce, which is negligible.

Still, this means the heaviest bone was nearly twice the weight of the lightest. Between you and me, I'll admit that I like to mix & match bones of all kinds. (In fact, I've been known to play a pumpkin stem.) At the time of this writing, the inventory ranged from 39 to 58 grams (1.4 to 2.0 ounces) per bone. That's 78 to 116 grams (2.8 to 4.0 ounces) per pair.

The Weight Difference is Not Significant
The difference in weight between categories is not very significant. In fact, you will be hard pressed to tell one weight from the next. But at least you can choose from four different weight groups which does give you more control over what you get.

Weight per bone:

Light (35 to 39 grams, 1.23 to 1.38 ounces)
Medium (40 to 49 grams, 1.41 to 1.73 ounces)
Heavy (50 to 59 grams, 1.76 to 2.08 ounces)
Extra-heavy (60 to 69 grams, 2.12 to 2.43 ounces)

Matched Pairs
Yes, I like to mix and match. But like many other players, I also appreciate - and long for - matched pairs. Experienced players will tell you how difficult it is to find matched pairs of natural bones.

What are matched pairs? Matched pairs are two virtually identical bones. For two-handed players, matched sets of four bones are nirvana.

I understand how important it is for some players to find closely matched pairs of bones. So I am delighted to offer you pairs of bones matched to within just 2 grams (.07 ounce) of each other. However, if you prefer to mix and match or want to specify exact weights, just let me know the weights you want, and I will do my best to accommodate you.

Bottom Line:
This is a marvelous opportunity for two-handed players to acquire rare sets of closely matched pairs of Nautical Style musical rhythm bones - while they last (available weights vary) - at a bargain price.

If you want Light or Heavy weight bones but they are out of stock, just order Medium with a note during checkout, and I will send you the lightest or heaviest medium weight bones available.

History
Musical bones carved from whale bone were popular among American and British seamen a century-and-a-half ago. This was during the golden age of whaling when great fleets of tall sailing ships dominated the North Atlantic and Arctic waters.

Did Ya Bring Yer Bones?
Those hardy sailors liked nothing better after a long day of chasing whales than to join with their fellow mates and lift a pint to ol' Moby Dick. Music was an integral part of seafaring life. And after a few mugs of ale, a bloke could not help but kick up his heels to the jaunty reels, jigs, polkas and other old-timey tunes we still enjoy today.

Sooner or later the fiddler would spot a familiar face in the crowd and flash his 'did ya bring yer bones?' sign. As the old tar nodded 'aye,' the fiddler smiled and beckoned him over to the group.

This particular shipmate was a Scotsman known throughout the fleet as a virtuoso player who could make 'them bones' really sing. The old salt took a position within the musician's circle and delicately unsheathed his prized set of musical bones. He gingerly rubbed the edge of each bone with a mysterious wee ball of amber (his secret blend of beeswax and rosin dust). Next he carefully positioned the instruments in his rugged yet agile sea-weathered hands. He then applied his expert grip, adjusted the bones just so, and stood ready. The band struck up a hot toe-tapping reel. When the moment was right, and to the delight of his mates, the bone master nimbly tapped out a lively beat. The band tightened up instantly and the music soared. The room overflowed with an awesome sound that intrigued and enchanted the entire crew...they were absolutely spellbound.

Tonality
Bones that produce a bright sharp tone like these are hard to find and among my favorites. Bone players who remember those ubiquitous ox shin 'bone bones' from days gone by, will find these a perfect match.

What Makes These Bones So Special?

1.	Solid ox bone looks and feels like ivory: Produces sharp clear resonant tone. I can't tell these bones from ivory, but maybe you can. That pencil mark, "50" grams, rubs right off.
2.	Proper size, shape, and balance: Makes it easier to strike the 'sweet spot' and adjust your grip for outstanding resonance, timbre, and volume. Basically, folks really like the shape.
3.	28 degree camber: Regarded by top musical bone makers as the perfect arc for optimal performance and effect. But don't believe me. Go see for yourself. Just compare these side-by-side with other quality bones.
4.	Rounded edges and ends: Resists chipping, improves your playing technique. Quality, as you know, is in the details.
5.	Double convex faces (like natural rib bones): The world's oldest musical instrument has not changed much over the millennia. Your Nautical Style Musical Rhythm Bones are shaped like the rib bones our cave-dwelling pre-historic ancestors rattled. Seafaring whalers played bones like these too. Musical bones shaped like rib bones are age-old favorites.
6.	Natural bone-white finish: Ages gracefully over the years into a warm golden patina. I suppose this is true of all genuine bone products.
7.	Professionally buffed and polished finish: Feels silky smooth and provides a comfortable grip. The impeccably handsome surface is simply a result of fine workmanship.
8.	Rail curvature follows natural symmetry of ox shin. (Looks like a rib bone with a slight torque.): The modest warp makes each instrument sound truly individual and unique - and quite fun to work with. Lest you think it's a flaw, experienced players value the subtle twist that distinguishes ox shin musical bones from the rest. This is another reason why no two are exactly alike. As your playing skills advance, you discover ways to take advantage of the difference.
9.	Skilled tradesmen 'crank out' these instruments one-at-a-time in a rustic family-owned workshop: The market for musical bones is too small to make mass production cost-effective. So bones-making is a cottage industry. That's why musical bones are so hard to find. Your purchase helps keep the ancient craft alive.
10.	Hand-crafted traditional product from England: As the owner of a culturally authentic historical artifact, you are maintaining a tradition of excellence descended from the maritime heritage of a great seafaring people. You can take pride knowing that your Nautical Style Musical Rhythm Bones resemble antique whale bone bones in my personal collection that I bought from the U.K.
11.	Heirloom quality musical instrument: These Nautical Style Musical Rhythm Bones are built to exacting professional standards and are destined to remain a family treasure for generations. They will pretty much last forever if you don't drop them on the sidewalk.

Nautical Style Bones demo video. Musical segment features Child Grove from On the Road Again.

Price per pair--

Item#	Item Name	Our Price	Qty	Add
121-3	Nautical Style Bones, Light	$27.97
121-4	Nautical Style Bones, Medium	$27.97
121-5	Nautical Style Bones, Heavy	$27.97	(Out of Stock)
121-6	Nautical Style Bones, Extra-heavy	$27.97	(Out of Stock)
Check the items you wish to purchase, then click

Features:

Solid ox bone looks and feels like ivory: Produces sharp clear resonant tone.
Proper size, shape, and balance: Makes it easier to strike the 'sweet spot' and adjust your grip for outstanding resonance, timbre, and volume.
Rounded edges and ends: Resists chipping, improves your playing technique.
Double convex faces (like natural rib bones): The world's oldest musical instrument has not changed much over the millennia.
Handcrafted one-at-a-time in a rustic family-owned workshop: Your purchase helps keep the ancient craft alive.
Natural bone-white finish: Ages gracefully over the years into a warm golden patina.
Professionally buffed and polished finish: Feels silky smooth and provides a comfortable grip.
Rail curvature follows natural symmetry of ox shin: The modest warp makes each instrument sound truly individual and unique - and quite fun to work with.
Heirloom quality musical instrument: Destined to remain a family treasure for generations. They will pretty much last forever if you don't drop them on the sidewalk.

Technical Specs:

Figures are approximate (but pretty darn close)--

Length: 7-1/4 inches
Width: 7/8 to 1-1/4 inch
Thickness: 1/8 to 1/4 inch
Weight: 35 to 69 grams (1.23 to 2.43 oz) per bone
Composition: Ox (cow) shin bone
Camber (arc): 28 degrees
Color: Natural bone
Country of Origin: Fabricated in England from bone acquired in China.
Four Weights: 1. Light (35 to 39 grams), 2. Medium (40 to 49 grams), 3. Heavy (50 to 59 grams), 4. Extra-heavy (60 to 69 grams)

Average Customer Review: Based on 3 reviewsWrite a review.

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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

Elegant looking, yet wonderfully funky	September 25, 2010
Reviewer: Ellen Collison from Reedsville, PA United States

They're handsome, beautifully crafted - fit in the hand like a dream.

But don't let their sleek exterior fool you. These bones are for gettin' down! The natural torque of each individual bone allows for an incredibly wide range of tonal possibilities and distinct notes. (They sound pretty good edge to edge, too.)

One of the best investments I've made - will be coming back for a 2nd pair soon.

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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

Nautical Style Bones	November 12, 2009
Reviewer: James Meehan from Orangeburg, SC United States

I have been messing with bones for 10 yrs and I have real and wooden. I just received my Nautical Style Bones and I feel as though these are the cream of the crop. They are superbly BEAUTIFUL. You need look no further. These are flawless. Thanks a million Scott.

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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

Nautical Style Bones	September 12, 2009
Reviewer: Michelle LeFree from Montrose, CO United States

These Nautical Style Bones are things of beauty. Perfectly uniform bone-white, they are finely crafted and finished to a nice polish. They do resemble ivory. I like polished bones because I feel that they don't slip around in my grip unless my hands are "bone dry." 8^)
My pair is 7 1/4" long and a shade under 1" wide and they weigh 53 grams, as I prefer a heavier pair of bones. There is about a 5 degree twist along their length.
I was a bit distracted by this twist at first until I realized that you can markedly change their tone by switching their position end to end. You can get a nice distinct "clack" or a more resonant tone that way. One thing to be aware of is that because of the twist, the bones are asymmetric. As a result my pair sounds much more resonant in my left hand than my right. That's OK, I just play them in my left hand when I want that sweet resonant tone.
These NSB's are an economical way to add a very nice pair of real bone bones to your collection.

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