A Home Made Bamboo Jaw Harp

I made about 20 different bamboo jaw harps and approximately the third one I made sounded the best and I still haven't figured out why . . .
Recording made during 2010.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• jaw
• harp
• bamboo
• instrument
• vibration

[bluetongueboy]

I forgot to mention, I first peeled away a piece of bamboo (of the right thickness) from the culm using a chisel and a mallet and my hands. I didn't use the best methods nor did I use heat tempered bamboo.

I always had a problem with my jaw harps not being springy enough-- I think I should have used heat tempered bamboo as it would be springier and make a better jaw harp.

You can search "bamboocraft,net" for "heat tempering bamboo" to find a nice page about this topic.

[bluetongueboy]

Basically, you need very strong and springy bamboo without cracks. (Large air dried phyllostachy culms might work best) Next step is to carve the proper shape WITHOUT cracking or weakening the bamboo piece. (difficult) I used an exacto knife . . .

Two dangers: the exacto is extremely sharp, and bamboo has very a small saw-like structure in it's fibers, so it can give some very nasty deep cuts if your 'e not careful.

I copied the shape from a bamboo jaw harp from the Philippines.

[sujithtv]

Really cool. how long do you season the bamboo before making the harp?

[bluetongueboy]

@sujithtv

I have little idea how old the bamboo is. It was bought from an old furniture shop that is now closed down. The bamboo seemed pretty old.

[rexman92]

sounds like a hyper kid bouncing up and down lol

[InTheAnarchy]

srry "make"



[InTheAnarchy]

how do u male 1?

[martix81]

0:50 TECHNO!!!!

[wilkabianca]

Iria bombar nas baladas eletronicas kkkkkkkkk

[Massmurderer21]

can you make a video on how to make one?

[patangpatangpatang]

Very good!!!