Jew's Harp
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The Jew's Harp consists of a flexible metal blade, or tongue, set in an iron frame. The blade is twanged rhythmically by hand, while the frame is held against the mouth. The notes produced by changing the mouth-shape as though pronouncing different vowels, can be quite distinct, suitable for playing tunes accompanied by a buzzing, rhythmic drone.
| Family |
| Percussions |
| Pitch range |
| Variable. |
| Material |
| Metal blade in an iron frame. |
| Size |
| 1.5-4 in (3.8-10 cm) long. |
| Origins |
| Examples of an instrument similar to the jew's harp have been found, dating from the days of the Roman Empire (27 B.C.-A.D. 476). |
| Classification |
| Idiophone: an instrument that produces its sound through the use of the material from which it is made, without needing strings or a stretched skin. |
| And also... |
| Jew's harps from the 5th century were found buried with their owners, indicating that they were considered precious possessions. |
