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Dirty-South Blues Harp forum: wail on! >
OT: Speaking of Nat. Resonance - Jaw Harp
OT: Speaking of Nat. Resonance - Jaw Harp
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mlefree
114 posts
Jul 27, 2013
10:29 AM
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I'm baaaack... :^)
Coincidentally just after my little thread on natural resonance, I ran onto this cool little (13 minute) TEDx video about Jaw (or Jew's) harp. I'm a big fan of lots of "rootsy," small acoustic instruments, Jaw Harps among them. I have a set of terrific tuned Jaw Harps from Hungary and others from different locations in Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia. They are a gas to play (as long as they are in the correct key... ;), and can be another effective tool in your bag at acoustic jams and such. They add a down-homey flavor and can play either a rhythm or solo roles. Jaw Harps, played well, are exciting and mysterious as just like the harmonica the "action" is invisible, inside the mouth.
And, guess what, the seasoned player uses his/her oral cavity, tongue, jaw height, yawn muscles and airways to produce the resonance required to play a given note. It's all well described with some dialog and catchy playing by these two Russian gents. They do a nice job of weaving some nice playing into their story of the Jew's Harp. Along the way they also mention harmonicas and other free-reed instruments.
If you think Jaw Harps are toys, you won't anymore after watching this video. And if you want to check some great playing, catch up to Madcat some day.
If you want to learn more about serious Jaw Harp, this site is a good start. (Click the "Eng" button to translate; you might have to "fish" around a bit). Aron Szilagyi is a Hungarian Master and his father makes some of the world's finest. He has lots of Youtube videos, many of which are fine tutorials.
Aron Silagyi Youtube Channel
For another treat, QuangHai Tran is a Vietnamese Master who also does a lot of throat singing. Fascinating fellow!
QuangHai Tran Youtube Channel
Finally, if you want to get serious about purchasing a jaw harp or twelve, I have found this German store to be a great one for all kinds of Jaw Harps (and other rootsy instruments) from all over the world. They are great guys to deal with and have probably the finest selection out there.
Dan Moi World Instruments
Yes, I am a Natural Resonating kind of gal... :^)
Thanks again for indulging me,
Michelle
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SilverWingLeather.com
email: mlefree@silverwingleather.com
Last Edited by mlefree on Jul 27, 2013 10:34 AM
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fred_gomez
137 posts
Jul 27, 2013
11:27 AM
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mlefree
116 posts
Jul 27, 2013
12:33 PM
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Thanks for that, Fred. I had not heard of Nadishana. I found his web site. Interesting multi-instrumentalist, worth checking out!
Michelle
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SilverWingLeather.com
email: mlefree@silverwingleather.com
Last Edited by mlefree on Jul 27, 2013 12:34 PM
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SuperBee
1334 posts
Jul 28, 2013
12:38 AM
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I like them in terms of how they sound, but I can't hold them in my teeth. Just looks like dentist chair time. Am I doing it wrong?
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jbone
1313 posts
Jul 28, 2013
4:42 AM
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I used to play them and you don't bite them, it's more holding them slightly against the front of the teeth. Like with harmonica you only hold it on your mouth lightly.
Somewhere along the line I gave up all the little things l;ike this and had to totally focus on harp.
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http://www.reverbnation.com/jawboneandjolene
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wa7La7yYYeE
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mlefree
117 posts
Jul 28, 2013
12:25 PM
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Yes, some folks can't deal with holding a jaw harp against your teeth. Western Jaw harps do require that, but Asian ones don't. One of my favorite jaw harps comes from Vietnam, where they are called, "Dan Moi." It has triple reeds and lets you make a variety of cool sounds and rhythms. One thing people learn when playing jaw harps is that not only the size of your resonant cavity but your breath in and out that evokes all the sonic possibilities form a jaw harp. This jaw harp is exceptionally easy to play, is placed on the lips not the teeth, and is inexpensive. A win-win. Mine is tuned to a perfect middle C; not to guarantee yours will be too. Comes in a nice magnetic closure wooden box.
Triple-tined Vietnamese Dan Moi on Ebay
Thanks,
Michelle
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SilverWingLeather.com
email: mlefree@silverwingleather.com
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