Rediscovery of the Gourd-A-Horn

[Jerry B.]

On our recent trip to Arizona we visited a market and stumbled on a group of Gourd-A-Horn phonograph horns. Inside one of the horns I found a crumpled piece of paper promoting the then new Gourd-A-Horn phonograph horns. I don't know if it was a flier given to prospective buyers or something to secure investor money. It reads:

"The human voice is the ideal and perfect musical instrument. Unfortunately the nuances of an excellent recording are lost or distorted by the unnatural horns currently offered to the public. We believe the Gourd-A-Horn is the perfect and natural solution to this issue. Indian tribes in the arid west used hollowed out gourds to project the human voice over vast distances for many generations. It is a natural progression to use this gift from Mother Nature to create the perfect horn to deliver the music we love. Like a snowflake, no two Gourd-A-Horn instruments are identical and come in many shapes and sizes. Because each horn is unique some of our horns lend their sound qualities to the new lively tunes while others are perfect for sentimental ballads. Still others are better suited to band or orchestra recordings. Because each horn is unique, the Gourd-A-Horn Company has gone, at great expense, to pre-test each horn for its best individual use. The Gourd-A-Horn company is enjoying many unsolicited endorsements promoting our product. Cal Stewart, of Uncle Josh fame, said "The Gourd-A-Horn is a darn gourd idea." We think it's a good idea as well. Order yours today!"

The following a photos of the horns I brought back to Oregon.

Jerry Blais

[dzavracky]

That is insanely cool!!! how do they sound? can you post a video?

[VanEpsFan1914]

Warning: purple martin nests may void warranty.

[Curt A]

Gourd for you, Jerry,
I'm sure you have the largest premier collection of these strange horns in the country and probably the world...
Who knew they were out there, just waiting to be found?

One question... how do you just happen to find them? Did you stop at a vegetable stand and inquire?

Curt

[clarphon]

Jerry,
Great job with kokopelli decal or painting. I wonder if that was with the originals which usually were advertised with a dog. By the way, how was your Breath when you made these?? As you can see in the advertisement, it's difficult to tell if there is the kokopelli symbol on the unseen side of the horn. Stan

[Curt A]

I did a GOOGLE search for the Gourd-A-Horn company and came up with the results below, which leads me to believe that it was founded by Eldridge Johnson's younger brother, Gourdon (Gourdie) Johnson, who felt somewhat diminished in light of his older brother's success.

[Jerry B.]

founded by Eldridge Johnson's younger brother, Gourdon (Gourdie) Johnson, who felt somewhat diminished in light of his older brother's success.

Toooooo Funny! The horns actually sound good to me. But I'm listening with aged ears. Jerry

[gramophone-georg]

[NEFaurora]

Now I've seen everything...lol


Thanks for that Jerry!

Tony K.


Edison Collector/Restorer

[AZ*]

Gosh Jerry!

You are obviously out of your gourd -- again!

I never ran across these all those years I was in Arizona.