When it comes to musical instruments, the Jew’s Harp is an instrument that has been around for hundreds of years.
While the exact timeline is not yet known, some believe that a Chinese drawing from the 3rd Century BC may be the first depiction of a Jew’s harp.
Meanwhile, back in 1636 when Marin Mersenne of Harmonie Universelle” describe the instrument as a “trump” and how many people played it to make a harmony.
Now, while the instrument is called a Jew’s Harp or Jaw Harp but also as an Ozark harp, galician harp, trump, khomus, guimbard, etc. Back in 1596, the instrument was described by Walter Raleigh in “Discouerie Guiana” as a “lewe’s harp”. While the French called it a “Jeu-trompe” (toy trumpete).
In my review, I am going to review the Altay Jew’s Harp for Beginners: P.Potkin’s Komus with “Burkhan” Case.
This Komuses Jew’s Harp is from famous Altay (republic in Russia) master Pavel Potkin in a protective case wooden case with a symbol (or a face, depending on how you look at it).
How it works is you hold the Jew’s Harp and put it towards the front of your teeth and the goal is to hold it by the frame and with your lips pursed and the harp towards your teeth, you strum the loop (attached to a trigger) in the end.
There are many videos online with instructions, just know that it has to be against your teeth (not biting on the frame), and strumming and learning not to hit your teeth and it takes time. A beginner’s Jews’ Harp really gets one prepared to take the step for more elaborate harps.
It’s a good entry Jew’s Harp and I like the way it looks and this is more of a good starting point for a low price. And if you enjoy the instrument, you can move into a much more expensive.
It’s important to note that the stainless steel reeds can corrode, so wipe them off with each use and use coconut oil (or other oils) to clean it off.
But overall, Altay Jew’s Harp for Beginners: P.Potkin’s Komus with “Burkhan” Case and how well it’s made for its $24 pricepoint. Recommended!
