A Conversation for Unusual Musical Instruments
Jaw Harp
Vestboy Started conversation Apr 18, 2012
I play one and I don't change the tone with my cheeks, but with my tongue movement. Say "Aah" with the tip of your tongue low down behind your teeth. Keep it there and change the position of the rest of your tongue the note changes. It's the same with the Jaw harp.
The smaller the harp the higher the notes.
Breathing through it while playing increases the volume.
If you can try and "ventriloquise" while playing you can get a robotic voice which sounds like the 1960's Robert the Robot from Fireball XL5 one of the early sci-fi puppet shows (from the same school as Thundrbirds, I think) on TV.
Used by The Who and in several western movies.
Jaw Harp
You can call me TC Posted Apr 20, 2012
Isn't this instrument used for the opening bars of the Sesame Street theme? At least in the German version I think it is.
Jaw Harp
Vestboy Posted Apr 20, 2012
I've just listened to it on Youtube http://youtu.be/LXqMzmFSX_4 and I think the instrument at the beginning is a harmonica.
http://youtu.be/_HDMCCLlGl4 Join Together by The Who definitely has one and you can see Roger Daltry playing it.
Jaw Harp
You can call me TC Posted Apr 21, 2012
This is the German Sesame street theme tune.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTKDM8UzOhA
Jaw Harp
You can call me TC Posted Apr 21, 2012
Sorry, the Who link is blocked in Germany, but I'll try and find a recording elsewhere.
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Jaw Harp
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