American Civil War Musical Instruments!

Rope Tension Drums

    A selection of historical American Civil War rope tension drums (snare drums and bass drums), drum sticks, beaters and drum accessories are shown. 

Fifes

    We offer a selection of historical fifes in 6 and 10 hole styles, some come in both one or two piece construction. They are made from a variety of woods, including: Rosewood, Cocobolo, Grenadilla  or Persimmon. There is also a beginners instructional fife made from plastic that comes with an instruction book, music and fife history.

Bugles

    We have a variety of bugles available, including the U.S. Civil War Infantry Bugle, U.S. Civil War Cavalry Bugle, C.S. Civil War Bugle and  U.S. Indian Wars Cavalry Bugle / Trumpet.

     These harmonicas are either authentic reproductions or have not changed since the earliest time period listed. They may date back further than we currently have them dated, but the date listed is the earliest date we have documented.

M1896 Marine Band	Diatonic Single Reed Models (1896 on, Possibly earlier): These include some of the most popular harmonicas and are used in Blues, Folk, Country, and Rock. All feature reeds which are tuned to produce the natural notes of the scale without any additional sharps and flats. Most are ten hole instruments with the four middle holes comprising a complete eight note octave, and the holes an either side extending the scale and permitting chord playing. These models are capable of producing the expressive effects of bending and over-blowing.
Big River Model
Tremolo Echo 64	Tremolo Harmonica (turn of the 19th century on): Tremolo harmonicas are Diatonic models constructed with double holes, each containing two reeds tuned to the same note, one tuned slightly higher than the other. Since both reeds are either blow or draw, when played both will sound together—the slight difference in tuning creating a beautiful vibrating or tremolo effect. Tremolo models are popular for ballads and gospel music, as well as for Latin, Asian, European and other international folk styles.
Big River Model	Chromatica (1920's on. Possibly earlier): These models incorporate the full chromatic scale and allow the player to play in any key using one harmonica. Chromatic models provide the complete 12 note octave with all sharps and flats. Each hole contains four reeds: two are for natural notes and two for chromatic notes. The reeds for chromatic notes are brought into operation by pushing a slide button on the side of the harmonica. This closes off the air flow from one set or reeds and permits the other set to vibrate freely. The preferred instrument for Jazz and Classical, chromatic harmonicas are also used for Blues and Popular Music.

    We have a selection of stringed instruments, but have not verified them for authenticity for any historic periods. At this time I can not list how early they could be used or how they could be modified for use. I do know that many of the would require little modification to make the authentically correct for the 19th century. As soon as I get the time I will verify the usable period and any necessary modifications that should / could be done.

    We are currently also looking for a sources of 19th century authentic stringed instruments.

    We are currently looking for a source for 19th century over-the-shoulder brass instruments.

    There is information about a web site that offers Harpsichords, Spinets, Clavichords and Virginals.

    The Hohner concertina is available on our musical instruments page.

    We have a variety of other historical instruments available that can be used for the American Civil War, Victorian, Indian War, Old West, Edwardian and other periods of United States history.