Topic: Bone slides

[Ignatznochops]

Has anybody found a source for bone slides, either stock or custom made?

Thanks.

[Slack]

I've never heard of bone slides -- seems like the friction of wound steel strings would make them wear?

[Ignatznochops]

Several good players, including Roy Bookbinder and Michael Messer, use them along with those made of more "standard" materials. Bone has to be highly polished for this use. They are reputed to impart a bit more friction than glass or metal but in some applications this could be useful. Tone is supposed to be great for playing with wood-topped instruments, but not so good for resonator instruments.

[Slack]

Interesting, learn something every day.  Why not make your own?

Cheers,

[uncle bud]

Why not make your own?

Just don't breathe!

[GhostRider]

Mr. Slack:

Gayle Dean Wardlow reported the King Soloman Hill (Joe Holmes) used a bone slide on all his records. Gives them an almost muted, distinctive sound.

Probably wouldn't wear so bad on the unwound strings.

Alex

[Slack]

Thanks for the info Mr. Alex - completely unaware of this.

So was this like a rib bone that was held "knife style" -- or some kind of rounded leg bone in whcih you could insert a finger?

Cheers,
slack

[Richard]

I'm meeting with MM on Friday and I'll ask him what he knows