One of the oldest instruments with which to make rhythm is the Bones. In the past there were not many music instruments on board ships so sailors improvised and made them themselves, of wood or bone. Particularly on the whaling fleets, there was always enough material around to carve the bones.

Below is an overview of different types of Bones, their characteristics and their sound:

Bones made of Wenge wood from tropical East Africa:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Samba Bones:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Special effect bones:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bones of stainless steel:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bones of myrtle wood:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bones of cow bone:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Irish model:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Extra narrow Bones:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hans’ first pair of bones: the favorite:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

U.S.A. cow bones:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bones with thicker part: to avoid them flying away:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aluminum Jingle bones:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Abony Bones: “anti fly away” style: