dear hsavin18,
Thanks for joining the group and your interest in bones. this could be a lengthy
subject, and you might want to look through the archives as I think there's alot
of information on the subject, but I'll give you my two cents worth anyway. One
thing you might want to do is check out the Rhythm Bones Society web site,
www.rhythmbones.com , as you will find a number of bones makers listed there as
well as reviews of the various tutorials on how to play. The RBS is a non-profit
organization so don't be afraid of lots of commercials or people pushing into
things you don't want. Congratulations on your choice to play the bones, one of
the oldest instruments, and one with connections to music all over the world. I
always say the bones are much more fun to play than they are to listen to, and
you see that where ever the bones are played, people having an amazingly good
time. I would suggest getting together with some one who plays who can bring you
through the ropes and demonstrate how they are suppose to sound, next best is a
good dvd, insturctional tape such as Mel Mercier, Percy Danforth, or Tommy
Hayes. I will say that Aaron Plunketts dvd of the bones is my favorite for
taking the bones to another level, and comprehensiveness. But first things
first, where are you and do you know anyone who plays in your area? We (rbs)
have members litterally all over the world and I hope we are able to hook you up
with someone. Bones are made from wood, and animal bone. For woods the denser
the wood, the sharper and louder the sound. For bone they are typically made
from ribs and larger pieces of bone like the shin of the cow. Bone it's self has
an irrestible sound, and when cleaned can be polished and be quite beautiful. An
average size would be around 7" long, 1 inch wide, and about 1/4" inch thick of
both wood and bone, you can see variation of up to 8" long to 5 ", and widths
from 3/4" wide to 1 1/8" wide, depending on the maker and player's choice. You
have bones to play, I take it, so step one, look for someone who can play and
can answer your basic questions. The alternative would be a tape or dvd. Step 2
would be learn the basics- the tap, and rattle. Step 3 is practice, practice,
ptractice. Step 4 is listen listen listen both the music you intend to play and
to players of note: Mel Mercier, Tommy Hayes, Ringo McDonough, Cathy Jordan to
name a few of the Irish players, Brother Bones, Ted Goon, Percy Danforth, Russ
Myers to name a few of the older amercian players. You could accomplish alot of
listening by coming to the anual bones fest, held each year in some part of the
US. Video's are also available of past fests where you can see such amazing
players as Jerry Mescher, Bernie Worrell, Donnie DeCamp, Walt Watkins, Shorty
Boulet, Russ Myers, Tim Riley, Kenny Wohlin, and our own wunderkind Sky
Bartlett.INformationon Bones Fests and video's would be at the RBS web site. In
any event, have fun, keep playing, ask more questions, and thanks for joining,
Steve Brown
----- Original Message -----
From: hsavin18
To: rhythmbones@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tuesday, December 12, 2006 1:07 PM
Subject: [rhythm bones] Advice for a novice


I have just had a set of bones thrust into my hand and been given some
instruction. Had great fun attempting to accompany my friends playing
fiddle and concertina. I think the best part was they were loud
enough to cover up my rank amateur's efforts. Now what? I would like
to buy a set and could use advice on style and which wood. If it
matters, my hand is fairly large.

Any advice will be appreciated. Thanks.





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