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 MUARO “Skiff” Jew’s Harp – Russian Vargan by Glazyrin (Dmitry Glazyrin).
This Jew’s Harp is a soft sound Russian Vargan from Siberia and made of Stainless Steel and handcrafted by a Russian master.
I have used different types of Jew’s Harp but the main difference with this one is that there is no round head area with a larger hole/gap. This one is rather different and it produces a different sound. It’s part of the fun of owning a Jew’s Harp is seeing how various types do produce different sounds and while I prefer those with a bigger hole or gap near its head, this Jew’s Harp works well.
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, I recommend the MUARO “Skiff” Jew’s Harp – Russian Vargan by Glazyrin and how well it’s made for its pricepoint. A good beginner’s Jew’s Harp!
