The Jew’s harp is a small musical instrument with a twangy, vibrating sound that is instantly recognizable. The bow is held between the teeth or lips, and the lone stem is plucked with the fingers. The Jew’s harp, which can be found all over the world, is thought to be one of the world’s oldest musical instruments. Many people now find the term “Jew’s harp” offensive, especially because the instrument has no special connection to Jews or Judaism. Jaw harp, mouth harp, Ozark harp, and trump harp are some of the other names given to it.
The Jew’s harp, which is usually made of metal, belongs to the lamellophone family of instruments, which produce sound by strumming a plate or reed that is attached at one end but dangles freely at the other. The reed’s strumming creates vibrations. By shifting the instrument’s position in the mouth and controlling his or her breathing, the player of the Jew’s harp can produce a variety of notes.
The frame is an oval piece that fits into the player’s mouth. The arms are two parallel bars that protrude from the player’s mouth at one end of the frame. The tongue is a metal piece that runs from one side of the instrument to the other, ending in a long, curved piece known as the trigger at the end of the arms. A small loop sits atop the trigger. The instrument’s distinctive twang is produced by the player plucking the trigger.
The musician must keep the instrument in his or her mouth while playing it so that the trigger does not snap outward and hit him or her in the face. Otherwise, the instrument can cause unpleasant vibrations in the mouth if the frame is not held tightly between the teeth or lips. It’s not uncommon for beginners to drool while playing the instrument because it’s held in the mouth.
The Jew’s harp is thought to have been invented around 300 B.C. It was first used in China, and as trade routes expanded across Asia and Europe in the following centuries, the instrument gradually spread across Asia and Europe. From the German maultrommel to the Brazilian harpa de boca to the Balinese gegongg, the instrument has gone by many names over the years. Because of its simplicity, relative cheapness, and distinct sound, the Jew’s harp can now be found in a wide range of musical genres around the world.