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What the Heck is a "DIDDLEY BOW" !?!?
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Back when the Blues was young, many musicians either couldn't afford or couldn't find a guitar or piano to play their music. Instead, they had to make due with whatever they could find or make themselves. One of these traditional instruments is known as the Diddley Bow.
A Diddley bow was usually made by unravelling the wire that fastens the straw to a broom and stretching it across a wall or barn door. The player would then take a knife, a bottle or pipe (slide) and ride it up and down the "string" while plucking with the other hand. This action changes the pitch of the note and makes the music. It is a very simple Instrument to play and is great fun.
The ones that I make are alot easier to carry around than a barn door!
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I have developed a few different styles of hand held diddley bows. Basically a one string guitar, they are easy to play and can really improve the playing of any person, young or old, professional musician or novice. When I play them at festivals, people can't believe how much music can be gotten by just one string! They always provoke questions and interest.
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This is the "Minstrel" model. As you see, I have them pre-made in four different colors. If you'd like one They are $75 plus shipping. I can also make them in custom shapes and colors. The Guy in the picture above had never played a guitar before, but I taught him some blues in no time at all. Just look at the smile!
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I am currently developing more designs that I will include on this page ASAP. All of these designs and I am currently taking orders. I offer short scale sizes for kids, too. Proceeds from the sales will be used to defer fuel and travel expenses to music events. If you would like one or know someone who may, please send me an e-mail.
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Some of the greatest Blues players of all time have gotten their start or played music on a Diddley Bow. You are probably thinking Bo Diddley. Although I know that it does sounds logical, in fact there is no connection at all between the two. I was both Honored and Embarassed when Mr. Elias McDaniel himself, AKA "Bo Diddley", contacted me to tell me," I have never played the diddley bow, or any form of slide guitar. My fingers are too big to fit any slide or bottleneck. Please correct your info, and Thanks, I enjoyed the rest of your site..."
Here's a partial list of others, though....
Robert Johnson Roy Buchanan Jimmy Reed
Elmore James John Lee Hooker Luther Allison
Muddy Waters Son House Lonnie Pitchford
Pinetop Perkins Big Bill Broonzy Jesse Mae Hemphil
Lightnin' Hopkins Mississippi John Hurt Albert King
B.B. King Rusty Barkley Scott Ainslee......
Charlie Patton John O'Gorman And scores of others
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Recently my good friend Carol Smith, an avid Allman Brothers fan, commissioned me to make a special Mushroom shaped Diddley Bow for slide guitarist, Derek Trucks. It turned out great and he loves it. I've heard he plays it on the bus and all the guys are taking turns with it! This photo was taken back stage at the Visualite Theater on June 9th where | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||