Diddly-Bo
In the 1800s. especially in the South, instruments were sometimes difficult to come by. Money was scarce and times were hard. Thus came the popularity of the Diddly-Bo. Easy to make and play, the Diddly-Bo was affordable, though not very portable. Two nails were put into the side of the barn or holes, vertically, about three feet apart. A wire was then stretched between the two nails. A bridge, consisting of a a simple stone, a piece of hardwood or other hard surface was placed under each end of the wire string. Sounds were made by picking the string while sliding a glass bottle or pocket knife up and down the strng, picking out the melody or plucking a rhythmic back-up. The tones produced are reminiscent of the dobro or steel guitar, but on a single string. The wall of the house or barn became the sound board of the instrument!
This is a hand made, solid wood, portable version of the Diddly-Bo. Bridges are bone and the single string is a loop end banjo, mandolin, or dulcimer string. A geared tuner is at the top end of the instrument. The Diddly Bow can be played on a table or lap like a mountain dulcimer. Overall length - 27 3/4", Width - 5 1/2, Depth - 3"
Great for Music Programs, Historical Presentations, or just Makin' Music!
Instrument Only - $50 plus shipping
Unusual Antique African Instrument
Nile Monitor Lizard skin stretched and tacked onto a gourd, much like the forerunner of the "banjar" as the slaves called it. This instrument is at least 40 plus years old and personally purchased in Kitale Kenya, East Africa out of a museum collection. This is a great collectors piece, wall hanging, and an instrument of historical and cultural value.
Instrument is 34" tall, and the skin head is approximately 10"-11" in an oval diameter. Selling for $75 or best reasonable offer, plus shipping. This may be an instrument I post on Ebay simply because it is more of cultural interest as well, but wanted to offer it here first.
5- String Banjo - Our National Instrumentanjo
I play a Wildwood Soloist, a custom built banjo, handcrafted in Bend, Oregon. It is custom in that I had the neck hand-shaved down for a slightly thinner neck as well as abalone inlay around the resonator and on the binding of the neck. The neck and resonator are highly figured maple and the detail and intricacy of the mother of pearl and abalone inlay is amazing! The vine or stem of the "tree of life" inlay is mother of pearl. The leaves are green abalone and the flowers are of red abalone. The pictures do not do this instrument justice but its the best I could do. The sound is loud and the bass strings have a real "growl" to them! I've owned several banjos but I love this one!
Courting Dulcimer
In the 1800's dating or courting was a whole lot different than it is today! Couples usually dated sitting under the watchful eyes of parents. Young couples were usually forbidden to go off by themselves. The courting dulcimer was in a sense, a musical chaperone. The couple would be permitted to sit in the parlor or on the front porch and play the courting dulcimer. The couple held the dulcimer facing each other and if they were fortunate their knees might touch. As long as dulcimer music was heard, the couple would be left alone. If the music stopped the parents would come a running. It is said that some couples became very good at playing as they learned to play and kiss at the same time!
This instrument is 42" in overall length with a 27" fretboard. Its 10" at its width and 2" deep. It has abalone markers at the 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 10th fret. The top is solid and I believe its cedar while the back and sides are cherry. This particular instrument has a very clean and clear sound and plays nicely. It is in new condition and only played and used during historical music presentations. It comes with a padded, forest green codora gig bag. The crafsmanship is excellent! Courting Dulcimer and case: $575 plus shipping!
