American Folk Instruments and Music Books

American Folk Instruments

American folk instruments have played an integral part in

the cultural development of America; they have helped in defining

who we are as a country and what it means to be an American.

The history of our music is truly rich and diverse.

Colonial settlers brought ballads and instruments with them

from England. Later, ships from Africa brought a strangely

different mix of rhythm and instruments. Many other songs

and instruments came to America with the Canadian, Dutch,

German and Irish settlers.

Homestead Folk Toys, Games, Crafts and Instruments has

assembled a variety of inexpensive folk instruments that truly

represent this rich heritage of American folk music. Our quality

instruments are easy to learn, safe, and most importantly, fun

fun to play.

Made in USA

#835 AMERICAN FOLK HARP~ Ours exclusively. Quality 6-note, 6-string lap harp, designed so that anyone can make music. Slide the song sheet under the strings OR play by reading music. A fine instrument to play all the songs in the "Ballad of America" song book., Includes pick, tuning key and directions.

#834 'BALLAD OF AMERICA' SONGBOOK~ Lyrical history of the United States as reflected in the songs, stories and music of more than 36 American folk songs. Features such favorites as "Simple Gifts", " Buffalo Gals" and many more.

#819 EIGHT-NOTE XYLOPHONE~ Easy-to-play and learn, children's-sized wooden xylophone. Includes two mallets, directions and sample songs. Approximately 6 1/2" long.

#819-J JAW HARP~ Centuries-old folk instrument. Played by holding to the mouth and striking the 'tongue.' Complete playing instructions and history included. Always a favorite.

#819-LBP LITTLE BLACK PENNYWHISTLE~ Also known as a 'tin whistle', this instrument was common in early American households. Pitched in the key of D and includes a complete playing instructions and fingering chart. Available in black or red.

#819-MO MINI-OCARINA~ This easy-to-play musical instrument has been around for decades. Made of abs plastic, with 5 finger holes. Range is one octave plus one note. Colors will vary. Includes basic playing instructions and sample songs.

#819-PR PLASTIC RECORDER~ Most popular children's musical instrument in the world. Our recorder is pitched in C and includes basic playing instructions and fingering chart.

#819-TA TAMBOURINE~ Excellent sound and quality solid wood construction. Features calfskin head and double jingles. Sold loose.

#816 ALL-AMERICAN KAZOO~ Popular folk instrument that anyone can play! Made today of metal, as they were in the mid-1800'S. Complete playing instructions included.

#817 LARGE BAMBOO FLUTE~ Genuine bamboo flute, played like a recorder. Each bamboo flute is unique as no two pieces of bamboo are alike. Features a pleasing and mellow sound. History and fingering chart included. Imported from India. 12" long.

#817-B SMALL BAMBOO FLUTE~ Smaller genuine bamboo flute, played like a recorder. The bamboo flute is a fun instrument to play. History and fingering chart included. Imported from India. 9" long.

#818 BEGINNER'S HARMONICA~ Excellent quality 10 hole (20 note) harmonica in the key of C, perfect for the beginning player. Includes history, basic instructions and simple tunes.

#812 CLAVES~ Quality solid hardwood claves, great for fun or historical rhythm activities. Includes easy-to-understand rhythmic pattern sheet and instructions. 6 1/2" long.

#813 TOY DRUMSTICKS~ Set of wooden toy drumsticks, for for play-pretend or for reenacting. Ours exclusively. Available in three packagings: #813 Toy Drumsticks or #814 Civil War Drumsticks or #815 Revolutionary War Drumsticks.

#831 FINGER CYMBALS~ Popular rhythm instrument . Finger cymbals have been used to accompany singing or instrumental ensemble work ever since the middle ages. Packaged with history card.

#1004 PLASTIC FIFE~ Popular instrument in early American households. The Plastic Fife is pitched in the key of C and is made of abs plastic for durability. Our fife is packaged with a cotton drawstring bag , fingering chart and history.

***Please check back as we continue to add more percussion instruments, historical melodic musical instruments, music books and other accessories. Also see music books listings on our

Historical Books page.

#001 HOMESTEAD MEMORIES CD~ Instrumental collection of American folk songs and melodies, as recorded by George Rice, our chief toy-maker. Features such songs as: "Long, Long Ago' "Simple Gifts" "The Ash Grove" and many more. Instrumentation : Piano and Heartwarming strings. Free promotional CD with purchase of 6 or more CDs. Click here to listen to sound samples.