Although I like the delicacy of the original Jakutic A1, I like the authority of the stiffer new version much more. This new type represents an interesting addition to a small but useful range of top quality jaw-harps and I wait with interest to see how the lowest tones are achieved.
The most likely and compelling theory of the beginnings of the instrument suggests an Asian origin, though there is no evidence to support the hypothesis. Bamboo examples are played throughout Asia and Polynesia, but, because of the basic structure of the single reed concept, it is possible that the instruments evolved in various ways independently rather than from one single source. The Polynesian types, for instance, require the player to find an optimum part of the reed, which is then tapped or bounced upon a bony part of his wrist or knuckle, allowing the reed to vibrate through the frame. Filipinos and North Vietnamese, on the other hand, have instruments that are plucked with the thumb or finger. A common method, however, that is found from Bali to Siberia, Japan to Nepal, is a string-pull (Fig. 9). It is this type that was found in Inner Mongolia dated circa 4 BCE (date unsubstantiated).
EDIT: I gave this a favourable review when I just got it, but I have to rephrase this today. The durability of this instrument is very bad. I bought one as a gift for a friend and one for myself. Both are now broken. I played mine about 5 to 10 times and it is beyond repair.
The jaw harp is considered to be one of the oldest musical instruments in the world, originating in Asia. Despite its common English name, it has no particular connection with Jews or Judaism. Harman, Wayland. How to Play a Steel Jew’s Harp.” Apr. 1999. The Jew’s Harp Guild Home Page. Online. Internet. Available HTTP: (3 Nov. 1999).
Students will need an instrument, or instruments, to practice on. Guidance is givem for choosing the right ones for you. 14. Dance tune. This tune was recorded in expedition at Kursk region by B. Efremov. Originally it was played on shepherd horn, but amazingly suitable for jew’s harp also.
Although I am not a journalist I could not resist the temptation to make this interview with my father who has not opened up to the media for a very long time. When it comes to Jew’s harps I am a kind of an expert, not to mention the strong family ties with my interviewee, therefore this little question and answer session will hopefully have a lot to offer. I visited him in his workshop in Kecskemét where we talked about how it all began, how it was to be a rebel during the socialist era, the spiritual value of musical instruments and quantum physics.
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The Journaling of Waller 347 