My dad was quite well known for playing the bones and teaching bones workshops in the UK. He died last year. There is a previous thread on him, 'Len Davies the Bonesman' which includes some tips on bones playing, Paul.

What he did recommend was use bones made from wood as they sound better, and play with two fingers (middle finger and the one next to the thumb) between the bones, rather than one. Quite a radical departure I know, but there are good reasons. Firstly it creates 'a sound box' of your hand and it improves the sound you make, and secondly, it enables you to twist the bone between thumb and forefinger to get a different 'pitch' by the bones hitting each other at different angles.

I still play double handed as my father taught me, and if anyone wants to learn his method and will be at any UK festivals and I'd be happy to meet you to give you a few pointers, in my father's memory.

Finally, I have never heard the expression 'boners' to describe a bones player and agree that is awful!

Louisa