Here, you'll find various mouth harps: a lamellophone instrument also known as the Jew's harp. The sound of a mouth harp is formed by using your mouth as a resonance chamber for a vibrating reed.
The History of the Mouth Harp
There is evidence that mouth harp-like instruments were around back in pre-historic times, with some sources suggesting that the instrument originates in Asia, or more specifically, China and India. Mouth harps have been part of the music of age-old Asian cultures like the Miao people in China, the Hmong in Vietnam and Laos, and the Buryats and Yakuts of Siberia for thousands of years. The instrument made its way to Europe in medieval times where it became widely popular in folk music, and has even been used in classical music. Also known as a Jew's harp due to its historic link with Jewish musicians, the mouth harp is still used as part of a variety of styles all over the world today.
How to Play the Mouth Harp
The mouth harp is played by plucking the reed with one finger while holding it between the lips, allowing the reed to resonate and, as a result, produce sound. To play it, you'll want to support the mouth harp with your non-dominant hand and ensure that the reed (the part that vibrates) is sticking out and is able to resonate freely. Next, use your other hand to flick the trigger, making sure that the reed is able to vibrate freely in response. Experiment with placing your tongue and lips in different positions to produce different notes. Once you get the hang of it, you'll be able to pull an enchanting sound out your Jew's harp that you can use it to shape droning rhythms and even melodies.
Sound and Music
Depending on their size, the material they're made of and the way they're played, mouth harps can produce various different sounds. Generally speaking, the instrument produces a bright and buzzing sound, and while it's relatively little-known among the masses, there are some well-known bands and artists that have used mouth harps in their music, including the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Golden Earring, Leonard Cohen, Black Sabbath, The Who, Ennio Morricone and Aphex Twin. Mouth harps even occasionally feature in classical pieces.
Mouth Harps at Bax Music
Our range of mouth harps includes models in different sizes and colours. Go ahead and pick out your favourite!
Frequently Asked Questions About the Mouth Harp
How do you play the mouth harp?
The mouth harp is played by plucking the reed with a finger while holding the body of the harp between your lips, allowing the reed to resonate and, as a result, produce sound.
Where does the mouth harp come from?
While its exact origins are unknown, the mouth harp has been around for thousands of years, with some sources suggesting that the instrument originates in Asia.
Depending on their size, the material they're made of and the way they're played, mouth harps can produce various different sounds. Generally speaking, the instrument produces a bright, buzzing sound.
Mouth harps feature a tiny reed that resonates when its trigger is plucked. The sound of a mouth harp is formed by this moving reed and the player using their mouth as a resonance chamber.
