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it is jew's harp
what you describe below is a Jew's harp. in some american and english
vernacular dialects it has transformed into "jaw harp" due to
sensitivities about the use of the term "Jew." so, while both terms are
in current use, its origin is "Jew's harp." go look it up (there must be
an OED online somewhere - anyone?). maybe this recurring discussion
should be on a faq devoted to arguments that always come up and are
constantly disputed in spite of the fact that if you open a book (remember
those), the info is readily available.
arthur
On Mon, 20 Nov 1995, Ken Tanguay wrote:
>
> Greetings Who-sters:
>
> There seemed top be some confusion regarding my reference
> to the jaw harp in Join Together:
>
> Lev Polinsky said: What's a jaw harp.
>
> Jim Jackson said: Isn't it called a "jew's harp".
>
> Having been an acoustic guitarist for 30+ years (I consider Pete
> one of my guitar role models (note: guitar - not lifestyle)), I'm
> well acquainted with the jaw harp and harmonica. Some do call it
> a jew's harp, but the actual name is a jaw harp. The jaw harp is
> a rather horse shoe - shaped piece of metal with a spring-steel
> piece running through the middle. They vary in size (bigger ones
> give a deeper tone) from about 2 1/2 to 3 /[11/2 inches long/wide.
>
> The jaw harp is played by resting the open horse shoe ends on
> the upper and lower teeth with the teeth slightly open. By
> plucking on the spring steel thing and moving one's toungue
> around in the mouth, an amazing variety of twangy sounds can
> be made. It's mainly used in bluegrass/hillbilly jug band music.
>
> It's not hard to learn how to play a jaw harp. You'll hit your
> teeth with the spring steel a few times at first (and it hurts).
> But, you'll be playing Join Together in no time at all. And,
> the jaw harp is as portable as the harmonica. Stop by any music
> store that has guitars and accessories to check one out. They
> only cost a couple of bucks and (best of all) you can amaze your
> friends. Imagine playing Join Together with a hormonica-playing
> friend.
>
> Happy twanging!!
>
> ".. the secret to me, it ain't flown on a flag. I wear it behind
> this bleedy littl' badge, what says .." Quad.
>