A juice harp is a type of musical instrument that is played by using a lever to press down on different parts of the instrument, which then produces a note. The notes are produced by juice flowing through the harp and vibrating the strings.
How to play the Jews harp?
How to Play the Jews Harp 1 Holding the Jews Harp. Start out by holding the Jews harp with the "L" curved part facing away from you. ... 2 Positioning Your Mouth. Place your top teeth on the upper half of the top bar and your bottom teeth on the lower half of the bottom bar. 3 Changing the Tone. ... 4 Did you make this project? ...
How do you put a harp in your mouth?
If your harp is rounder than your grip, use your middle finger and index finger to grip the shaft. Then hold the frame secure by using your thumb. Position it in your mouth. Open your teeth about ⅜” apart and insert the arms of the harp against your teeth.
How many strings can you get on a harp?
You can get a “harp” with as few as 10 strings, though it’s basically a toy. Harps also come with as few as 22 or even 19 strings, but there’s not much you can play on them. We make a 27 string harp simply because that’s a harp with a decent range-there is plenty of music that you can play on a 27 string harp.
Why is it so hard to play the jaw harp?
Because the jaw harp is a metal instrument that you are putting against your teeth and it’s very good to be very cautious. If you would like to know more technique pointers to avoid damaging your teeth check out my post, here. Make sure there’s a large enough gap between your teeth for the reed to pass safely.
Step 1: Holding the Jews Harp
Start out by holding the Jews harp with the "L" curved part facing away from you. This works best if you point it at a small dog or cat or even another person. Now, grip the edge of the rounded end firmly with your index finger and your thumb like in the second picture.
Step 2: Positioning Your Mouth
Place your top teeth on the upper half of the top bar and your bottom teeth on the lower half of the bottom bar.
Step 3: Changing the Tone
Now pluck the middle part and shape the inside of your mouth like your saying "Oh". Once you get that, pluck it again and change your mouth like your saying "Eee". You can make "Boing" sounds be changing between "Oh" and "Eee" quickly. Now try Breathing in and out through your mouth in rhythm to your strumming and it will change the sound a little. Now experiment and have fun!!.
Step 4
You can purchase a Jews Harp from http://www.instrumentalsavings.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=Jaw+Harp&Click=26914&gclid=COmLgNr_r5sCFR0NDQodCn6tBQ
How to use a Jew's Harp?
Again, position the harp so the reed’s trigger is facing away from your face. The key is to rest the beveled edge of the harp firmly against your teeth. Do not put your teeth on top of the beveled edge. Press the Jew’s harp firmly against your teeth. It is essential, for the sake of your teeth, that you use firm pressure.
How to get a good sound out of a harp?
To get a good sound out of the harp, the harp must be touching your teeth. The opening must be clear for the reed to produce tones. Curl your lips slightly over your teeth and onto the frame. Be sure to keep the pathway of the trigger clear.
How to pluck a tooth?
Practice plucking. Use your dominate hand to pluck the trigger lightly. It is essential that you do not use a powerful pluck in the beginning. This is when you’re the most susceptible to chipping a tooth. To avoid damaging your teeth, keep a firm pressure between the harp and your teeth. Pluck the trigger inwards or outwards depending on your preference.
What is an inward pluck?
An inward pluck is when the trigger is plucked in the direction of your mouth. An outer pluck is when the trigger is plucked away from your mouth. Find a comfortable pluck. Some Jew’s harpist use their index finger to pluck while others use their whole hands. Figure out what is comfortable for you.
How to grip a harp?
Grip the harp. Use a light grip with your thumb and index finger around the frame. Make sure that the trigger is facing away from your face. The trigger is the part of the harp that protrudes from the reed in the center. If your harp is rounder than your grip, use your middle finger and index finger to grip the shaft.
What is a harp made of?
The harp is composed of a circular frame and two long arms that secure the reed.
How to make a Jew's harp sound?
Move your tongue. Your tongue also plays a part in altering the sound of a Jew’s harp. Experiment with different positions for your tongue. Try flickering your tongue to the back of your throat for a nice effect .
How many pedals does a harp have?
Lever harps have sharping levers at the top to change the notes. Pedal harps have seven pedals that can make notes flat, natural, or sharp. There are also wire-strung harps, double-strung harps, triple harps, Aeolian harps and other less common styles. ...
How to play harp with a harp?
1. Sit close enough to the harp to comfortably pluck the strings. Sit down in a comfortable, yet solid chair. You should be seated so that your arms are a little below 90 degrees angle with your body. You need to be able to easily play the middle of the harp-strings.
How much does a pedal harp cost?
Even a used pedal harp will cost about $15,000. While it is best to be able to play an instrument before purchase, harps can be ordered from reputable harp dealers on the internet. Be wary, however, of some of the inexpensive ($300-$400) harps.
What do you think of a harp?
When most people think of a harp, they either picture a large, golden pedal harp in an orchestra, or some type of harp being played by angels on a Christmas card. There are several types of harps, and they come in a variety of forms.
What kind of harp do you play at Renaissance Fairs?
People who perform at Renaissance Fairs may choose a high-headed "Gothic" harp. Some may choose cross-strung, double-strung, or even triple-strung harp if they like to play more unusual music. It’s great to experiment, but it’s best to start with a pedal or lever harp if you’re a beginner.
What key do you tune a lever harp to?
If you have a lever harp, be sure all levers are disengaged. With your lever harp, you will probably first tune to the key of C Major.
How to balance a harp?
Tilt the body of the harp between your legs. Tilt it and lean the harp onto your right shoulder. It shouldn't feel too heavy if it is balanced correctly. The harp doesn't have to be straight in front of you. You can turn it sideways a bit so that you can see the strings.
How many strings does a harp have?
You can get a “harp” with as few as 10 strings, though it’s basically a toy. Harps also come with as few as 22 or even 19 strings, but there’s not much you can play on them. We make a 27 string harp simply because that’s a harp with a decent range-there is plenty of music that you can play on a 27 string harp.
How much does a harp cost?
You know best your own budget and how serious a harp you want to take on-companies like Salvi, Teifi and Morley harps have “beginners” or “student” harps that start at around £1500-£2000. At the other end of the scale, you can buy a Pakistani-made harp for around £400. These do have a bit of a ropey reputation, so do your research and buyer beware (don’t just take my word for it, I am, after all, competing with them). We make a harp in the UK, the Morwenna Rose 27 string, for £ 650.00 (without levers). This harp was designed with beginners in mind, being light enough to take to lessons/folk club with a sound that stands up against much more expensive competition.
Why can't you hit a note that sounds bad on an unlevered harp?
You can’t hit a note that sounds bad on an unlevered harp because all the strings will be in the right key!
What is a harpist?
A harper is usually someone that plays by ear or memory, often without written music, and is more inclined to play folk and traditional music. Reading music, playing classical and jazz on a pedal concert harp are generally the traits of a harpist.
What are the pros and cons of group lessons?
Pros: They are a usually affordable, sociable, fun way to learn. Cons: You’ll get less time from the teacher, and if you are shy about playing in front of others you might find group lessons stressful.
What grade do you need to learn to play the harp?
If it’s something you’d like to study professionally, you’ll need your grade 8. All U.K. based music conservatories only admit applicants with a grade 8.
Is the harp an instrument?
The harp is first and foremost an instrument of the people. From fancy orchestras to medieval Celtic peasants, the harp has a long history of suiting anyone with the motivation to practice it. Small therapy harps are even designed for people who are bedridden. If you have the desire to pursue a harp, you should try it.
How to make jaw harp clink?
Focus on pushing the trigger exactly between the two bars of the inner frame: If you pluck the trigger at an angle, the reed will strike the bars of the jaw harp and make that *clink* once again. This takes some practice so don’t worry if this takes a while to get the hang of.
What happens if you touch a reed on a harp?
If your finger is touching the reed, the reed won’t vibrate and you won’t make a (meaningful) sound
How to play a jaw harp?
The jaw harp can be safely played by placing the two parallel bars against the top and bottom teeth with a gap wide enough for the reed of the jaw harp to pass between . Also, the player should apply the correct pressure to avoid excessive vibration and should strike the reed towards themselves.
What grip do you use on a jaw harp?
Pinch Grip. If you’re new to the jaw harp, I recommend trying to use the pinch grip first as it is most likely to work for your harp and provides excellent stabilization. Pinch-Grip regular sized jaw harp (my favorite beginners harp, the Pavel Potkin) For this size of harp, I find a pinch grip works well.
Why is my jaw harp so loud?
The way the jaw harp makes sound is that your mouth is being used as a resonance chamber for the vibration of the reed between the parallel bars of the inner frame . If your mouth is not making a good enough seal, you won’t play as loud because your mouth isn’t resonating as much as it could be.
How much of your mouth is covered by a jaw harp?
But lightly enough so that you are not causing strain on your jaw. Place the jaw harp so around 50-75% of your mouth is covered by the jaw harp and let the right side of your mouth be open. My mouth is open for demonstration, we’ll close it up in the next picture. And… sorry for all the close-ups.
What happens if the gaps between the reed and the inner frame are too large?
If the gaps between the reed and the inner frame are too large, the sound will not be as full or resonant.
