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Whamdiddle Mahogany Bones with Traditional Swiss Style Floral Design
Inlaid with natural Chrysocolla
The floral design on these Mahogany bones is handcarved by master luthier Rick Fogel. This design is the same "Fern with Berries" signature image seen on Rick's Whamdiddle dulcimers. He carves the image using a special method known as kerbschnitzen, which is Swiss for engraving carving.
Fine woodcrafters call the technique "chip carving." Rick takes chip carving one step further by inlaying the design with Chrysocolla, a hard bright blue turquoise-like mineral.
What is Chrysocolla?
Chrysocolla occurs in the oxidized zone of copper deposits, mainly in arid climates. The mineral appears widely in the Southwest U.S.
According to Wikipedia, "the name comes from the Greek chrysos, 'gold,' and kolla, 'glue,' in allusion to the name of the material used to solder gold." The term "was first used by Theophrastus in 315 BCE."
How the Inlay is Made
To create the inlay, Rick first grinds small nuggets of the mineral into powder using a "hammel." Next, he mixes the pulverized mineral with epoxy to form a flowable medium. Then he fills the chip carving with the Chrysocolla and epoxy compound.
After the inlay hardens, the instrument surface is belt-sanded with 120 grit sandpaper. But we are not done yet. Rick carefully re-sands the surface by hand (also using 120 grit sandpaper) to eliminate any minor imperfections or blemishes. He creates a fine-quality old-world finish by placing the bones under a bright light and scraping the instrument surface the traditional way - by hand, using a "really sharp" hunting knife. Finally, Rick rubs marine spar varnish into the wood which protects your inlaid instruments from moisture and sunlight.
Mahogany is a Rare Exotic Lighter-weight Wood that Delivers a Rich Warm Medium Tone.
Mahogany varies considerably in color. It may be yellowish, reddish, pinkish, or salmon colored when freshly cut, maturing into a deep rich red or brown color with age. Exposure to strong sunlight may cause some fading.
The wide variability in color has enabled many look-alike species to be marketed as mahogany. The interlocked grain usually produces a striped or roey figure on quartersawn surfaces. Swirl and crotch figures are also common. Irregularities in the grain often produce highly attractive figures such as, fiddleback, blister, stripe or roe, and mottle.
Figures are approximate (but pretty darn close)--
Width: 1" to 1-1/4"
Specific Gravity: .59 (approx)
Density: 36 pcf (approx)
Hardness: 800 Janka (approx)
Whamdiddle Styles
Figures are approximate (but pretty darn close)--
- Inlay: Chrysocolla and epoxy compound
- Design image: Swiss-style fern with berries
- Average Length: 8"
- Width: 1" to 1-1/4
- Thickness: 1/4 to 3/8"
- Composition: Domestic cherry hardwood
- Camber (arc): 28 degrees
- Average Weight: 1.8 oz
- Color: Medium brown
- Specific Gravity (approx): .59
- Density (approx): 36 pcf
- Hardness (approx): 800 Janka
Handcrafted By a Master Luthier with a Graduate Degree in Physics
Whamdiddle bones are magnificent instruments. They are handcrafted from
domestic and exotic hardwoods by Rick Fogel. Rick is a master luthier
in Seattle, Washington who holds a master of science degree in Physics. This
winning combination of top-grade material, brilliant artistry, and
scientific expertise explains why Whamdiddle bones sound as good as they look.
Great Looks, Solid Design, Superior Tone
Take a close look at the marvelous color and fascinating wood grain of these Whamdiddle bones. They are less oval than minstrel style bones. And the "flat" shape fits especially comfortable in your hands. But the first thing you notice when you grab a pair is their substantial heft. Even the lightweight bones feel full in your grip. Best of all, Whamdiddle bones deliver a full rich range of tones when you rattle them.
Crafted From Quartersawn Lumber, the Prime Working Stock for Quality Musical Instruments
Why do Whamdiddle bones reveal spectacular grain patterns,
warp less, and generate better tone? "Because," Rick explains, "they are made from
quartersawn lumber."
Rick
described the technique to me but it is a bit complex. So I looked up
the term in a technical report from the U.S. Forest Service. They
indeed confirm that quartersawn lumber "shrinks and swells less...splits less...and figure patterns and wavy grain are brought out more conspicuously." Another source reports that quartersawn wood "helps prevent warping and also provides the best vibration patterns acoustically." And yet another source tells us "quartersawn wood helps ensure that an instrument's sound remains as invariable as possible."
So
yes, musical bones made from quartersawn lumber are decidedly prime
quality instruments. But the ultimate test, of course, is to try them
yourself.
Largest Selection of Whamdiddle Bones on the Internet
...plus those Famous Laminated Bones!
On this website is the largest selection of Whamdiddle bones on the internet. No other store offers you a larger choice of Whamdiddle bones that you can view and purchase by simply clicking a button.
Please note that each carefully matched pair is expertly hand-crafted, but no two pairs are exactly alike. (i.e. Some pairs might vary slightly from another in width and thickness.)
Where does Rick find the exotic, rare, and domestic species of wood for
these gorgeous bones? "It's scrap wood left over from the dulcimers I
make," he says. So if you see something you really like, get it now.
Because when a species of Whamdiddle bones get sold out, they might be gone forever.
Can't Decide Which Bones to Choose?
Check out this handy guide: Bone FAQs
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Features
- Solid Mahogany Hardwood: Excellent for musical bones.
- Chrysocolla Inlay: Alluring turquoise-like mineral.
- Smooth Hand Scraped Surface: Quality old-world finish.
- Proven Shape: Designed by master luthier.
- Quarter-sawn Lumber: Creates stable tone, won't warp or crack.
- Marine Spar Varnish: Protects against harsh elements.
- Includes Instructions: Shows how to hold and play bones.
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